Galaxy Ultra’s marijuana, or what the company calls “cushioning” design, has dripped into the new Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. At Samsung’s unpacked event in New York City, the two new wear-resistant smartwatches were announced along with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 Foldables, the first wristband wearable to ship with Google’s Gemini AI assistant. Yes, it landed on the Samsung smartwatch before Google’s own Pixel Watch 3.
Check out Galaxy Watch8 on Samsung.com
Check out Galaxy Watch8 Classic on Samsung.com
Before unpacking, Samsung lets the media try the Watch 8, the tech company’s thinnest smartwatch to date. The watch 8 comes with a 1.34-inch round screen, available in two sizes (40mm or 44mm), as well as silver or graphite. The 40mm for the Bluetooth model alone is priced at $350, while the LTE version is priced at $400. I don’t think I like the two-shaped design, but once I put it on my wrist, I quickly became thinner. I don’t have anything to do with bigger, sturdy smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Apple Watch Ultra for a larger screen and a long-lasting battery, but I prefer my smartwatches that almost feel them on my wrist and never grab the cuffs of my shirt.
The new design makes Samsung’s wearables look more unique. For the OnePlus Watch 3 or Pixel Watch 3, there is no mistake. Samsung extends beyond its surface – you can still browse the One UI 8 watch software with your fingers rotating the touch-sensitive bezel. I’ve always loved this feature and I’m really glad that Samsung didn’t take it apart on the watch 8. The 40mm and 44mm models have 325mAh and 435mAh respectively.
With a slight increase of $500 (Bluetooth) or $550 (LTE), you can join the Watch 8 Classic. It only has a 46mm size and has a 1.34-inch display. The box is made of better stainless steel material. The chipset and RAM are the same as the Watch 8 and come with twice the storage space (64GB) and a larger 445mAh battery. Apart from these features, the only difference is the bezel – just like the “classic” Samsung smartwatch of the past, it can be rotated with satisfying clicks to control the software. This does mean that the Watch 8 classic is more bulky than the Watch 8, but if you wear gloves, it’s worth a compromise. Troubles are also very interesting.
Check out Galaxy Watch8 on Samsung.com
Check out Galaxy Watch8 Classic on Samsung.com
Both smartwatches have redesigned lugs and strap fixing mechanisms that allow them to be close to your wrist for more accurate sensor tracking. You definitely need this because Samsung does tend to be healthier tracking features in Watch 8 and watch 8 classics. Broadly speaking, the smartwatch has more detailed sleep tracking, with sleep coaching and bedtime guidance as the spotlight. Other health and fitness features (to name only) include vascular load to detect stress levels during sleep, antioxidant index tracking can “measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds,” and running coaches can create personalized training programs with “real-time coaching and motivational insights.” All new health and fitness tracking features provide more data that you can take action. The sensors gather more information, but it is worth reminding that the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are not meant to replace healthcare professionals; they are still primarily for preventive care and a healthy lifestyle.
As I pointed out, these are the first smartwatches pre-installed with Google Gemini. I can’t try out AI chatbots with all its ad features in a brief hands-on operation with the device, but I’m excited about the possibility of 1) and 1) the smart AI assistant can provide answers only when I ask questions, and 2) Gemini’s proxy experience for me to perform multi-step tasks. Samsung provides examples of what Demini can do in the Watch 8 series, such as starting a playlist while starting a certain distance, or setting up an exact timer when telling the AI, such as Fettuccini, such as Fettuccini. Another example Samsung offers is if you’re late to meet someone, use Gemini to write an apology text.
I need to spend more time watching the 8 Classic on the watch 8 before I can tell the new health and fitness features, and Gemini is worth it. What I can say is that the Watch 8 Classic’s 50% brighter screen and a larger battery than the Watch 8 are probably the best position without having to jump to the high-end Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra hasn’t received a hardware refresh in addition to the new “Titanium Blue” colorway, which is twice the model released last year (64GB). It will get Gemini and some new health and fitness tracking features with future software updates. It costs $650.
The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are available for pre-order starting today and will be available on July 25.
Check out Galaxy Watch8 on Samsung.com
Check out Galaxy Watch8 Classic on Samsung.com
