Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 in 2025

Smart Watch Review

4 min read

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, launched at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn, promises a squircle redesign, Gemini AI, and health features like antioxidant tracking. Starting at $349.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model, it aims to compete with the Apple Watch Series 10. However, drawbacks like modest battery life, unproven health metrics, and a polarizing design make it a risky buy for some US consumers. Here are the top 5 reasons to avoid the Galaxy Watch 8, based on hands-on insights and industry analysis.

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

1. Controversial Squircle Design

The Galaxy Watch 8’s squircle case, inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra, replaces the classic round design, but it’s divisive. Android Police notes it feels “experimental” and less elegant than the Watch 7’s aesthetic, with thicker bezels wasting space around the 1.34-inch (40mm) or 1.47-inch (44mm) AMOLED display. X users, like @DalgleishGX, call it a “bust,” criticizing its bulky look. The new Dynamic Lug strap system isn’t backward-compatible, forcing users to buy new bands.

Squircle design alienates fans of Samsung’s round watches.
Thicker bezels reduce usable screen space compared to rivals.
Non-compatible straps increase accessory costs for upgrades.
Mixed reactions suggest it lacks universal appeal.

2. Modest Battery Life

Despite an 8% battery increase (325mAh for 40mm, 435mAh for 44mm), the Watch 8 lasts only 30 hours with always-on display enabled, per PCMag. This falls short of competitors like the Google Pixel Watch 3 (40 hours) or Garmin’s multi-day endurance. The 3,000-nit display and Gemini AI drain power quickly, and slow charging (85–90 minutes for a full charge) frustrates users needing quick top-ups, per Android Police.

30-hour battery life lags behind Pixel Watch 3 and Garmin.
Bright display and AI features accelerate battery drain.
Slow charging takes nearly 90 minutes for full capacity.
Fails to deliver consistent all-day performance for heavy users.

3. Non-FDA-Approved Health Features

The Watch 8’s Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load features, while innovative, lack FDA approval, raising reliability concerns, per Tom’s Guide. The carotenoid scan, which measures dietary health in five seconds, may give inconsistent results due to skin texture variations, per Samsung Newsroom. Unlike heart rate or sleep tracking, these metrics aren’t medically validated, echoing your reliability worries about unproven tech in devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Antioxidant Index lacks FDA backing, risking inaccurate data.
Vascular Load’s sleep-based heart strain metrics are unproven.
Inconsistent carotenoid scans undermine dietary insights.
Non-validated features may mislead health-conscious users.

4. Minimal Upgrades Over Galaxy Watch 7

The Watch 8 uses the same Exynos W1000 chip, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage as the Watch 7, offering little performance gain, per PhoneArena. The main differences—squircle design, brighter display, and Gemini AI—don’t justify the $50 price hike ($349.99 vs. $299.99 for Watch 7). With Watch 7 discounts post-launch, per Reddit’s r/GalaxyWatch, upgrading feels unnecessary for current owners, especially with similar health sensors.

Same chip and specs as Watch 7 limit performance improvements.
$50 price increase doesn’t match modest feature additions.
Watch 7 discounts make it a better value post-launch.
Lacks compelling reasons for Watch 7 owners to upgrade.

5. Ecosystem Lock-In and Compatibility Issues

The Galaxy Watch 8’s advanced features, like Gemini AI and Samsung Health integration, work best with Galaxy phones, limiting functionality for non-Samsung Android users, per PhoneArena. Apple ecosystem users face even greater incompatibility, as key features require Android 12 or later. The proprietary strap system and lack of Wireless PowerShare (removed due to sensor design, per Android Police) further tie users to Samsung’s ecosystem, reducing flexibility.

Full features require a Galaxy phone, limiting Android compatibility.
No support for Apple ecosystem users switching to Android.
Proprietary straps lock users into Samsung’s accessory market.
Loss of Wireless PowerShare reduces charging convenience.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8’s squircle design, Gemini AI, and health features are bold but flawed. Its modest battery life, non-FDA-approved metrics, minimal upgrades, and ecosystem lock-in make it a tough sell at $349.99. For US buyers, the discounted Galaxy Watch 7 or competitors like the Pixel Watch 3 offer better value. Consider waiting for the Watch 9 or deeper discounts.

Why is the Galaxy Watch 8’s battery life disappointing?

The Watch 8 lasts 30 hours with an always-on display, drained by its 3,000-nit screen and AI. It lags behind the Pixel Watch 3’s 40 hours.

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.