The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn, sets a new standard for Android smartwatches with its bold squircle design, Google’s Gemini AI, and cutting-edge health features like antioxidant tracking. Starting at $349.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model, it’s a formidable rival to the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin’s fitness trackers. This blog highlights the top 10 reasons to buy the Galaxy Watch 8, making it a compelling choice for US buyers in 2025, based on hands-on insights and industry expertise.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

1. Innovative Squircle Design

The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a squircle (square with rounded edges) aluminum case, inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and is 11% thinner than the Watch 7 at 8.6mm, per Samsung Newsroom. Available in 40mm (30g) and 44mm (34g) sizes, it boasts a premium, shiny finish in Graphite or Silver. The design not only modernizes the aesthetic but also adds durability by protecting the display’s edges, addressing past vulnerabilities in older Galaxy watches.

• Slimmer 8.6mm profile ensures all-day comfort and lightweight wear.
• Extra aluminum around the display reduces risk of edge damage.
• Graphite and Silver finishes offer a sleek, professional look.
• Squircle shape aligns with Samsung’s cohesive 2025 wearable lineup.

2. Vibrant 3,000-Nit AMOLED Display

The Super AMOLED display, safeguarded by enhanced sapphire crystal, achieves 3,000 nits—50% brighter than the Watch 7’s 2,000 nits, per Android Central. The 1.34-inch (40mm) or 1.47-inch (44mm) screen delivers crisp visuals at 327ppi, ensuring readability in any lighting condition. This upgrade makes the Galaxy Watch 8 ideal for outdoor activities, from running to hiking, without compromising on display quality.

• 3,000-nit brightness ensures visibility in direct sunlight.
• Stronger sapphire crystal resists scratches and scuffs.
• 327ppi resolution delivers sharp watch faces and app interfaces.
• AMOLED technology offers vibrant colors and deep blacks.

3. Gemini AI for Smart Functionality

The Galaxy Watch 8 is the first smartwatch to integrate Google’s Gemini AI, enabling complex voice commands like “Start a 300-calorie run and play my YouTube Music playlist,” per the transcript. Unlike Bixby or Google Assistant, Gemini streamlines tasks by interacting with Samsung Health and apps, minimizing the need to navigate the small screen, which enhances usability during workouts or multitasking.

• Hands-free voice control for workouts, timers, and music playback.
• Outperforms Bixby with multi-step task execution.
• Integrates with Samsung Health for personalized health queries.
• Reduces screen interaction, ideal for on-the-go use.

4. Unique Antioxidant Index Tracking

The BioActive sensor measures carotenoid levels in five seconds, scoring 1–100 to monitor dietary health, per XDA Developers. Though not FDA-approved, this feature encourages healthier eating by tracking fruit and vegetable intake. It’s a pioneering addition to smartwatches, despite reliability concerns, offering users a novel way to assess their diet’s impact on wellness over time.

• First smartwatch to track antioxidant levels via skin.
• Promotes dietary improvements with actionable insights.
• Five-second scan is quick and user-friendly.
• Tracks changes over weeks, though FDA approval is pending.

5. Personalized Running Coach

The Running Coach analyzes a 12-minute run, measuring VO2 Max, heart rate, and stride to assign a 1–10 fitness level and generate tailored three-to-five-week plans, per Samsung Newsroom. It provides real-time feedback to prevent injuries, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned runners aiming to improve performance safely and effectively.

• Custom plans cater to all runner skill levels.
• Real-time feedback minimizes injury risks during runs.
• Uses VO2 Max and heart rate for precise fitness assessment.
• Three-to-five-week programs ensure consistent progress.

6. Vascular Load for Heart Health

Vascular Load monitors heart strain during sleep, offering a low-to-high scale to evaluate lifestyle factors like sodium intake, per the transcript. Following trends set by Whoop and Oura, it provides deeper insights than basic step tracking, helping users make informed decisions about diet and stress to support long-term heart health.

• Tracks heart strain beyond standard heart rate metrics.
• Guides lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular stress.
• Aligns with industry shift toward holistic health monitoring.
• Complements sleep and fitness data for comprehensive wellness.

7. Bedtime Guidance for Sleep Optimization

Bedtime Guidance analyzes three days of sleep data to recommend optimal bedtimes, enhancing deep sleep through circadian rhythm insights, per TechRadar. It syncs with SmartThings to adjust environmental factors like bedroom temperature, promoting better rest and recovery for users seeking to improve sleep quality.

• Recommends bedtimes for consistent sleep schedules.
• Enhances deep sleep with circadian rhythm alignment.
• Integrates with SmartThings for environmental tweaks.
• Supports recovery by prioritizing sleep consistency.

8. High-Performance Exynos W1000 Chip

The 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, powers Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch, delivering seamless multitasking and AI performance, per NotebookCheck. It’s the fastest smartwatch chip, ensuring lag-free operation for apps, notifications, and Gemini AI, setting a new benchmark for Android wearables.

• Fastest chip ensures smooth app and AI performance.
• 2GB RAM supports multitasking without slowdowns.
• 32GB storage accommodates music and offline maps.
• Wear OS 6 enhances user interface and app ecosystem.

9. Accurate Dual-Band GPS

Dual-band L1/L5 GPS provides precise location tracking for runners and hikers, even in urban canyons, per the transcript. It enables reliable, phone-free navigation, matching the accuracy of premium fitness trackers and ensuring users can trust their route data during outdoor activities.

• Precise tracking in dense urban or rural environments.
• Supports phone-free navigation for workouts.
• Matches accuracy of leading fitness trackers.
• Enhances reliability for running and hiking routes.

10. Affordable Pricing with Pre-Order Perks

Starting at $349.99 (40mm, Bluetooth), $379.99 (44mm, Bluetooth), $399.99 (40mm, LTE), and $429.99 (44mm, LTE), the Watch 8 is more affordable than the Watch 8 Classic ($499.99) or Ultra ($649.99), per 9to5Google. Pre-order deals include trade-in credits and free bands, offering significant value for premium features.

• Competitive pricing undercuts Apple Watch Series 10 ($399).
• Pre-order perks like trade-in credits reduce costs.
• Four pricing tiers cater to different connectivity needs.
• Offers premium features at a mid-range price point.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a standout Android smartwatch in 2025, blending a stylish squircle design, a 3,000-nit AMOLED display, and innovative features like Gemini AI, Antioxidant Index, and Running Coach. Despite drawbacks like the proprietary strap system and non-FDA-approved health metrics, its $349.99 starting price and robust performance make it an excellent choice for US buyers seeking a versatile, feature-packed wearable.

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.

Sources

• YouTube Transcript: “NEW Samsung Galaxy Watch8 – A Major Redesign!
• Android Central: Display and chip performance details
• XDA Developers: Antioxidant tracking insights
• Samsung Newsroom: Official specs and release details
• TechRadar: Sleep and health feature analysis
• NotebookCheck: Exynos W1000 performance
• 9to5Google: Pricing and pre-order information
• CNET: Design and GPS accuracy