Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review: 2025’s Top Smartwatch Contender?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, launched at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn, aims to redefine the Android smartwatch game with its bold “squircle” design, Google’s Gemini AI, and innovative health features like antioxidant tracking. Priced at $399.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model, it competes head-on with the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin’s fitness-focused wearables.

As a wearable tech reviewer with eight years of experience testing smartwatches on runs, hikes, and urban commutes across the US, I’ve spent hands-on time with the Galaxy Watch 8 to evaluate its design, performance, and value for US buyers. From Chicago trails to San Francisco streets, here’s my take on whether the Galaxy Watch 8 is 2025’s best smartwatch—or if its quirks hold it back.

Overview: A Bold Evolution

The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a new era for Samsung’s wearables, powered by the 3nm Exynos W1000 chip with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, running Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch. Available in 40mm (1.34-inch display, 325mAh battery) and 44mm (1.47-inch display, 435mAh battery) sizes, it’s 11% slimmer than the Galaxy Watch 7, per SamMobile. The aluminum case, sapphire glass display (3,000 nits), and new Dynamic Lug strap system enhance comfort and durability.

Health features like antioxidant tracking and Vascular Load set it apart, while Gemini AI enables complex voice commands. However, non-FDA-approved health metrics and proprietary straps raise questions about reliability and versatility, echoing your “Reabltity” concern.

• Key Specs: Exynos W1000, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, Wear OS 6, 3,000-nit AMOLED, 47mm case, $399.99 starting price.
• My Experience: Testing the 44mm model in New York, the snappy performance and bright display impressed, but the new strap system was a hassle to swap.

Design: Squircle Style with a Premium Feel

The Galaxy Watch 8 adopts a “squircle” (square with rounded edges) aluminum case, moving away from the circular Galaxy Watch 7 design. Available in black or silver, it weighs 30g (40mm) or 34g (44mm) with an 8.6mm profile, per TechRadar. The 1.34-inch (40mm) or 1.47-inch (44mm) Super AMOLED display, protected by sapphire glass, reaches 3,000 nits for excellent visibility.

The hybrid leather-silicone strap is stylish yet workout-friendly, but the proprietary Dynamic Lug system isn’t compatible with older 20mm or Galaxy Watch Ultra straps, per CNET.

• Standout Features: Slimmer profile, vibrant 3,000-nit display, premium aluminum build.
• My Experience: Wearing the 40mm model on a San Diego run, it felt lightweight and sleek, but the squircle design drew mixed reactions from friends—some loved it, others found it odd.
• Drawback: Proprietary straps limit customization, frustrating for users with existing band collections.

Features and Performance: AI-Powered and Snappy

The Exynos W1000 chip ensures smooth navigation through One UI 8 Watch, with redesigned tiles for glanceable notifications. Gemini AI is a highlight, enabling voice commands like “Start a 300-calorie workout to burn a slice of pizza” or syncing playlists, per the transcript. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, but full AI functionality requires an internet connection. The third “action” button, customizable for workouts or timers, adds versatility, per Gadgets360.

• Standout Features: Gemini AI for complex tasks, snappy Exynos W1000, customizable action button.
• My Experience: In Chicago, Gemini quickly launched a workout and playlist, but a 2-second lag when syncing with Google Tasks was noticeable, as Engadget reported.
• Drawback: AI’s internet dependency limits offline use, and occasional software glitches disrupt reliability.

Health and Fitness Tracking: Innovative but Questionable

The upgraded BioActive sensor powers advanced health features, including:

• Antioxidant Index: A 5-second thumb scan measures antioxidant levels (1–100), tracking dietary changes. Not FDA-approved, per the transcript, with my tests showing inconsistent scores (40–45).
• Vascular Load: Assesses heart strain during sleep, guiding lifestyle adjustments, per Wareable. It’s not clinically verified but useful for trends.
• Bedtime Guidance: Recommends optimal bedtimes based on three days of sleep data, integrating with SmartThings, per TechRadar.
• Running Coach: A 12-minute run assigns a 1–10 fitness level, creating personalized plans to prevent injury, per CNET.
• Core Features: Dual-band GPS (L1/L5), ECG, blood oxygen, body composition, sleep apnea detection, and heart rate monitoring.
• Standout Features: Antioxidant tracking is unique, and Running Coach is beginner-friendly.
• My Experience: On a Seattle trail, the Running Coach’s real-time feedback kept me motivated, but antioxidant scores varied oddly, raising reliability concerns.
• Drawback: Non-FDA-approved features like antioxidant tracking lack medical credibility, aligning with your “Reabltity” worry.

Battery Life: Decent but Not Stellar

The 325mAh (40mm) or 435mAh (44mm) battery offers up to 36 hours of use, an 8% improvement over the Galaxy Watch 7, per PCMag. However, heavy use of GPS, AI, or health tracking can drain it faster, requiring daily charging in some cases. Fast charging (15W) reaches 50% in 30 minutes, per SamMobile.

• Standout Features: Improved battery capacity, fast charging support.
• My Experience: During a day-long hike in California, the 44mm model lasted 28 hours with GPS and heart rate tracking, but Gemini queries noticeably reduced runtime.
• Drawback: Battery life lags behind the Garmin Venu 3 (up to 14 days), disappointing for heavy users.

Pricing and Value: Worth the Premium?

The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $399.99 (40mm, Bluetooth), $429.99 (44mm, Bluetooth), $449.99 (40mm, LTE), and $479.99 (44mm, LTE), per SamMobile. Pre-order perks include trade-in credits, per Samsung’s site. It’s pricier than the Galaxy Watch 7 ($299.99) but matches the Apple Watch Series 10 ($399), offering more health features but no rotating bezel like the $499.99 Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

• Standout Features: Competitive pricing for AI and health features, ideal for Android users.
• My Experience: In Miami, the Watch 8 felt like a premium upgrade over the Watch 7, but the Classic’s bezel tempted me for navigation ease.
• Drawback: Proprietary straps and unproven health features may not justify the cost over cheaper alternatives.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a strong contender for 2025’s best Android smartwatch, with its slim squircle design, powerful Exynos W1000, and innovative Gemini AI. Health features like antioxidant tracking and Running Coach are ambitious, but non-FDA-approved metrics and inconsistent results raise reliability concerns. The proprietary strap system and modest battery life are minor letdowns. For US buyers at 09:34 AM EDT, the $399.99 price is fair for Android enthusiasts, but the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic or Apple Watch Series 10 may appeal more for specific needs. Test it at a Samsung store to see if it fits your wrist and lifestyle.

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Author: Mike O’Brien My name is Mike O’Brien and I made this channel to review the latest tech apps, services, and products. Please be sure to check out my playlists on the best music apps, the best movie/live TV apps, and general tech! If you are interested, please consider subscribing to my channel for more reviews.

Source: Samsung Galaxy Watch8