The Galaxy Watch 8 is here, and like the Fold 7 and Flip 7 revealed at Samsung’s Unpacked event, it also gets a noticeably slimmer chassis. But does it offer enough upgrades over the Galaxy Watch 7? Should you upgrade? Let’s find out the answers to all the questions.

Price & Availability

The Galaxy Watch 8 is now available for pre-order on the official website and is set to hit stores on July 25, 2025. The 40mm Wi-Fi and LTE variants are priced at $349.99 and $399.99, respectively. The 44mm Wi-Fi and LTE variants have price tags of $379.99 and $429.99, respectively.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 7 40mm Wi-Fi and LTE variants are currently available for $209.99 and $259.99, respectively. The 44mm Wi-Fi and LTE variants will cost $239.99 and $289.99, respectively.

Galaxy Watch 8 Adapts the Squircle Design

First and foremost, the Galaxy Watch 8 adopts a squircle design (inspired by Samsung’s Watch Ultra). Its outer chassis is in the shape of a square (with rounded edges), but the screen remains circular. This is a diversion from the clean, seamless look of the Galaxy Watch 7, which features symmetrical bezels on all sides of its circular screen. Both watches have one button on the right side.

Similar to the Galaxy Watch 7, the Galaxy Watch 8 is available in two sizes: 40mm (30g vs. 28.9g) and 44mm (34g vs. 33.8g). While the newer version weighs slightly higher on paper (a negligible difference on the wrist), it is significantly thinner than its predecessor.

Despite featuring larger batteries (which we’ll discuss later), both Watch 8 models have a side profile of 8.6mm, making them approximately 11% slimmer. This should also reflect in the smartwatch’s actual thickness on the wrist (which is 13mm for the Watch 7).

Both the smartwatches boast an aluminum frame and sapphire crystal glass; no changes there. Their IP68 rating, 5ATM water resistance, and MIL-STD-810H compliance are similar, indicating that the Galaxy Watch 8 is as durable as the Galaxy Watch 7.

While the Watch 8 is available in graphite and silver colorways, the Watch 7 is available in cream, silver, and green colors. To summarize, the Galaxy Watch 8 is Samsung’s slimmest smartwatch ever, but it doesn’t compromise on durability. However, if you ask me personally, I like the perfectly circular chassis on the Watch 7 better.

Samsung Galaxy Watch: Which Model Is Best For You?

There are so many Galaxy Watches. Make sure you buy the right one

Similar Screen Size, Brighter on the Eyes

The Galaxy Watch 8 is available in two screen sizes: the 40mm version has a 1.34-inch screen (438 x 438 pixels), while the 44mm variant has a 1.47-inch screen (480 x 480 pixels). Both of them feature a Super AMOLED panel with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a resolution of 327 ppi.

From what it appears, the underlying panel, screen size, and resolution of the Watch 8 remain unchanged when compared to its predecessor. However, the peak brightness has increased by 50% (from 2,000 nits to 3,000 nits), which is exciting considering the improvement in visibility under direct sunlight.

The Watch 8, like its older version, retains the touch-based bezel functionality.

Both Smartwatches Feature the Exynos W1000 Chip

Last year, Samsung unveiled the W1000 (3nm) wearable chip a few days before the Galaxy Unpacked July event on July 10, 2024. As that didn’t happen this year, I had already made peace with the fact that the Galaxy Watch 8 might feature the same chip, and that’s exactly what happened.

So, the Watch 8 shares its chipset with the Watch 7, along with the available memory (2GB) and onboard storage (32GB). Now, what’s new? You might ask.

One UI Watch 8 Introduces New Health-Tracking Features

Well, Samsung has introduced new health-tracking features with One UI Watch 8 (based on Wear OS 6); they utilize the existing set of sensors (including PPG, ECG, and BIA).

However, before that, One UI Watch 8 offers some new features, including the Now Bar (first introduced with the Galaxy S25 series) and new multi-info tiles, which enable easy access to crucial information from selected apps. The Watch 8 is also the first smartwatch to get the Gemini AI voice assistant, which understands natural voice commands.

The Watch 8 can now help you build good sleeping habits with Bedtime Guidance. The feature analyzes three days of sleep data and generates a personalized sleep schedule that includes your optimal bedtime (in addition to the insights already provided by the Watch 7).

Then there’s a new Running Coach feature that identifies your running proficiency (on a scale of 1 to 10) based on a 12-minute run assessment and creates a three- to five-week training program to help you improve upon it.

Another important addition is the Vascular Load measurement, which tracks your sleep for over three nights to determine the baseline stress on your vascular system and then monitors the relative measurements over time, and provides helpful guidance when needed. There’s a High Stress Alert that helps you manage stress levels.

Last but not least, the Galaxy Watch 8 also estimates your antioxidant level by measuring the carotenoid levels in the skin (using the BioActive Sensor). Then, the smartwatch shows the readings in the form of an index, suggesting how healthy (or unhealthy) your current diet and lifestyle are.

All these features are in addition to the blood oxygen sensor, sleep apnea detection (introduced with the Watch 7), advanced glycation end products (AGEs) index, Energy Score, and Wellness Tips, along with general activity tracking. Both smartwatches also feature built-in GPS, crash detection, and emergency calling capabilities.

Samsung Quietly Ditched One of the Galaxy Watch’s Best Features

End of an era.

Galaxy Watch 8 Features Larger Batteries

The 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 features a 325 mAh battery, while the 44mm variant features a 435 mAh battery. The rated capacities are a minor improvement over the 40mm (300 mAh) and 44mm (425 mAh) Watch 7 variants.

While the Watch 7 was rated to last for up to 30 hours with always-on display and 40 hours without the feature, the Watch 8 should last longer between charges (at least in theory).

However, I suspect that the higher peak brightness will equalize the tiny bump in the battery capacity and offer a similar battery life as the Watch 7.

Which Is the Right Smartwatch for You?

The Galaxy Watch 8 features several enhancements, including a slimmer design, a brighter display, and new health-tracking capabilities.

The Watch 7, on the other hand, stands its ground as a perfectly circular smartwatch (for those who prefer it), with the same chipset, and will most likely receive the new health-tracking features with the One UI Watch 8 update.

Hence, if you already have the Watch 7, I don’t recommend upgrading to the Watch 8. If you’re confused about which smartwatch to choose, opt for the one that fits your budget. With some effort, you can find the Watch 7 at an excellent discount, making it a no-brainer.

• 

  Brand

  Samsung

  Operating System

  Wear OS

  CPU

  Exynos W1000 (5 Core , 3nm)

  RAM

  2GB

  Storage

  32GB

  Dimensions

  43.7 x 46.0 x 8.6t

  Now thinner and more comfortable, the Galaxy Watch 8 adds new health-tracking features like sleep apnea detection and antioxidant readings.

  
  

• 

  Heart Rate Monitor

  Yes

  Operating System

  One UI 6 Watch, Wear OS 5

  Onboard GPS

  Yes

  Display Size

  1.3/1.5 inches

  Case Material

  Aluminum

  Display

  Super AMOLED, Sapphire crystal

  The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is Samsung’s entry-level smartwatch for 2024. It resembles the Galaxy Watch 6 but features an enhanced Exynos W1000 chipset, promising significantly improved battery life and performance.