Samsung Galaxy Watch8: A watch that feels like progress

The new Samsung Galaxy Watch8 starts at ₹32,999 in India for the 40mm model, while the 44mm costs ₹35,999. On paper, the pricing places it in the premium but still accessible category for smartwatches. After weeks of using it daily, I feel this is more than just another minor update in Samsung’s lineup. The Watch8 manages to strike a balance between design improvements, brighter display, and smarter software. Most importantly, it brings meaningful gains in battery life, an area where smartwatches often fall short. While it doesn’t yet match sports-focused watches that last a week, this one feels like a genuine leap forward for everyday users. Let’s dive into what makes it stand out — and where it still leaves room for improvement.

Refined design, lighter feel

On the wrist, the Galaxy Watch8 instantly feels lighter and thinner than its predecessor. Samsung has introduced a cushion-shaped case inspired by the Ultra model, but without the bulk. The result is a design that wears naturally and comfortably all day. The Armor Aluminum frame ensures durability while keeping weight in check.

The watch uses Samsung’s new Dynamic Lug system, which helps it sit securely on the wrist. Strap swaps are possible, though slightly fiddly. The standard Watch8 skips the physical bezel, while the Classic variant keeps the rotating bezel and adds an extra action button for quicker control. Both versions feel polished but the base model looks sleeker and more minimalist.

Samsung has ensured that the Watch8 is not just for office wear. With 5ATM water resistance, IP68 dust rating, and MIL-STD-810H toughness, it can handle pool swims, dusty trails, and accidental bumps. Safety features such as fall detection and SOS alerts bring peace of mind for commuters and runners alike. It feels like a watch built to survive more than just desk duty.

Display

The Galaxy Watch8’s display is one of its strongest upgrades. The 40mm model gets a 1.3-inch screen, while the 44mm offers a 1.5-inch panel. Both now reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making them much easier to read under direct sunlight. That’s a thousand nits more than the Galaxy Watch7 and equal to Samsung’s Ultra series.

Colors look vivid, the bezels appear slimmer, and the AMOLED panel makes every notification and workout stat crisp. Touch response is smooth and paired with subtle haptics, the watch feels more responsive in daily use. Replying to messages directly from the wrist is not only possible but also practical.

Software gets smarter with AI

The Watch8 runs on One UI Watch 6 with Wear OS, and the changes feel meaningful. A new feature called the Now Bar shows ongoing tasks like workouts or timers right on the watch face. Tapping it expands into a detailed view without extra steps. Navigation across apps is also cleaner and faster.

Google Gemini makes its debut on the watch. While I didn’t rely on it for everything, it proved helpful for quick tasks like starting a run, finding nearby gyms, or sending short messages. This hints at a future where watches become more hands-free, though it still feels like a first step rather than a fully polished experience.

Hardware and GPS accuracy

Inside, the Galaxy Watch8 packs the Exynos W1000 processor with 2 GB RAM and 32 GB storage. App launches are instant, and multitasking feels fluid. Storage is enough for offline playlists, maps, and apps.

Samsung has also added L1+L5 dual-frequency GPS, making tracking more precise, especially in cities where tall buildings often cause signal drops. Paired with the faster chip, the watch performs with little lag, whether you’re starting workouts or checking directions.

Health tracking: More tools, mixed reliability

Health and fitness are at the heart of the Watch8. Samsung has introduced a Running Coach that designs a personalized plan after a short test run. This feels genuinely useful for runners who want structured training. Sleep apnea detection has also been added, making sleep insights more comprehensive.

One unusual feature is the antioxidant index, which measures carotenoids in your body through your thumb. It’s interesting, though its usefulness is still debatable. Standard features like heart rate, body composition, automatic workout detection, and energy scores remain strong.

However, features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring require a Samsung phone to work. This limits their accessibility, especially for users with non-Samsung smartphones. And while the health data is informative, it should not be treated as medical proof without clinical tests.

Battery finally offers breathing room

Battery life has long been a weak spot for premium smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch8 improves things with a 325 mAh battery, delivering around 30 hours with Always-On Display enabled. In my mixed-use testing — workouts, sleep tracking, and notifications — I managed nearly two full days.

Charging, however, is slower than ideal. It takes about 90 minutes for a full charge. This makes overnight top-ups tricky, especially for those using sleep tracking. Still, the extra endurance compared to past Galaxy Watches is a welcome upgrade.

Verdict: Should you buy it?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 feels like a proper refresh in a category often dominated by minor updates. It is lighter, smarter, and noticeably more refined. The brighter display, cleaner software, and improved endurance make it a smartwatch that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

That said, there are still areas for improvement. Charging speed lags behind rivals, and Samsung should make health features like ECG more accessible across devices. The antioxidant measurement feels gimmicky, while serious athletes may still prefer week-long running watches.

But for most users, this watch strikes the right balance. It’s reliable, stylish, and packed with useful features that make daily life easier. If you’re coming from an older Galaxy Watch, the upgrade feels worth it. For new buyers in the ₹32,999–₹35,999 range, it is one of the strongest smartwatch options available today.