Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic First Take: Refreshed Design with Gemini AI Integration and Health Intelligence

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Jul 11, 2025

•    The new Galaxy Watch 8 series features a ‘squircle’ design with a round display and square frame. The device offers the slimmest profile ever seen in the series, measuring just 8.6 mm.
•    This is the world’s first smartwatch that comes with Google Gemini AI and is powered by Wear OS 6.
•    The lineup places a strong emphasis on health and fitness, featuring innovations like the Antioxidant Index, Vascular Load monitoring, Running Coach and Bedtime Guidance

A row of watches on displayAI-generated content may be incorrect.
Samsung unveiled its latest smartwatches – Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic – along with the updated Galaxy Watch Ultra at the ‘Galaxy Unpacked’ event in New York on July 9. These smartwatches feature notable upgrades, both at the hardware and software levels, including design enhancements and the introduction of One UI 8 with Wear OS 6. The cost is $50 higher than the previous iteration, with the Galaxy Watch 8 starting at $349 and the Watch 8 Classic starting at $499. However, the updated Galaxy Watch Ultra has been launched at $649, similar to the previous version.

Samsung Galaxy Watch8, Watch8 Classic, Watch Ultra.
Source: Samsung Unpacked

Bold new ‘squircle’ design

Samsung has revamped the Galaxy 8 series design with a fresh aesthetic inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The design features a circular display framed by distinctive square-edged bezels for a more refined, modern look. The thickness has been cut to 8.6 mm, which is 11% thinner than the previous iteration.

The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in 40 mm and 44 mm variants and features an aluminum body with a silicone strap, which gives it a sporty look. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic comes only in a 46 mm variant with a stainless-steel body and a hybrid leather-silicon strap. The stainless-steel base makes the watch weigh around 63.5 gm. The Watch 8 Classic also features the rotating bezel, which is a unique feature in the classic variants.

In terms of display, the Galaxy Watch 8 comes with a super AMOLED panel in two sizes – 1.34 inches with a 40 mm dial and 1.47 inches with a 44 mm dial. Interestingly, the 46 mm Galaxy Watch 8 Classic also features only a 1.34-inch super AMOLED display. The small display size is because of the incorporation of the rotating bezel. In addition, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic includes the action button that was introduced in the Galaxy Watch Ultra last year.

The smartwatches now come with a dynamic lug system to attach or remove the strap. The new system makes the older straps unusable for the new watch series.

The standard Galaxy Watch 8 features a sleek, lightweight and sporty aesthetic ideal for fitness-focused users who prioritize tracking of their health and workouts. In contrast, the Watch 8 Classic adopts a more traditional watch design, appealing to users who seek versatility for both everyday wear and active use. The inclusion of a silicone inner strap ensures that the Watch 8 Classic remains suitable for workouts as well.

Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic features
Source: Samsung Unpacked

Gemini AI powers Galaxy Watch

With the integration of Google’s Gemini, the Watch 8 series has become the world’s first to integrate Gemini AI in smartwatches, replacing Google Assistant. This strategic move not only enhances the utility of Wear OS 6 but also positions Samsung at the forefront of AI-powered wristwear. LTE-enabled Galaxy Watch 8 models can access Gemini independently, while Bluetooth variants require a connected smartphone nearby to utilize their full capabilities. The users can now use voice commands for even more complex tasks. Gemini manages real-time internet access and coordinates seamlessly across multiple apps. It is capable of executing complex, multi-layered tasks. The integration of Gemini AI is poised to attract tech-savvy users who seek to maximize their devices’ capabilities across a wide range of tasks and interactions.

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Google Gemini feature
Source: Samsung Unpacked

Health intelligence reimagined in Galaxy Watch 8 series

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 series brings a holistic approach to sleep and recovery, combining advanced sensor technology with intelligent insights to elevate wellness tracking. The watch incorporates various health tools, like Antioxidant Index, Bedtime Guidance, Running Coach and Vascular Load monitoring.

  • Antioxidant Index uses a light-based bioactive sensor to measure carotenoid levels stored in the skin and deliver results in just five seconds. By simply placing their thumb on the sensor located at the back of the watch, users receive a quantified score and visual scale representing their antioxidant status. If levels fall short, the watch proactively suggests nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables to help improve dietary balance and support cellular health.

  • Bedtime Guidance measures the user’s circadian rhythm for three days and suggests the ideal time to sleep to manage physical stress while providing users with a clearer view of their biological cycles and rest needs. Features like the Energy Score and Sleep Apnea Detection provide an additional layer of health screening.

  • Vascular Load monitoring serves as a new health metric designed to assess the stress placed on the cardiovascular system during sleep using the watch’s advanced bioactive sensor and AI-powered analytics.

  • Running Coach analyzes the user’s fitness level with an initial 12-minute run and then provides real-time feedback and a tailor-made fitness routine as per the fitness level and the user’s goal.

Samsung's 'Galaxy Unpacked' event in New York on July 9th
Source: Samsung

Other highlights

All the watches in the series have a 50% brighter display with a peak brightness of 3000 nits, along with dual GPS for better location tracking. The watches are powered by Samsung’s very own Exynos W1000 processor, which is the first and only 3nm processor to be used in smartwatches.

A screen shot of a deviceAI-generated content may be incorrect.
Talking about the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the hardware is the same. A new Titanium Blue variant with 64GB memory has been introduced, which is 2x compared to last year’s Watch Ultra. Another positive feature of this year’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is the new One UI 8 incorporation, which has not yet been introduced in the older variants. For existing Watch Ultra 2024 users, the upgrade may not be essential unless storage or color options are a priority, as the health-related sensors are almost the same. However, for new buyers or those seeking the most rugged and feature-rich Galaxy wearable, the 2025 model remains Samsung’s top-tier offering.

Galaxy Watch Ultra features
Source: Samsung Unpacked

Initial thoughts

Amid declining smartwatch sales, Samsung is leveraging health innovation and AI to re-engage consumers and defend its position against industry players. Here are our quick thoughts on the new release:

  • Samsung deepens its commitment to preventive wellness with features like Antioxidant Index, Vascular Load and Sleep Apnea Detection, signalling a shift from fitness tracking to real-time health insights. In the next iteration, many users and industry watchers would like to see the inclusion of non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, a long-awaited feature that could significantly enhance the smartwatch's role in proactive health management.

  • With FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, Samsung signals its intent to pursue clinical-grade validation to boost credibility and long-term trust. Major players, including Apple and Huawei, are actively pursuing regulatory approvals (like for blood pressure and sleep apnea detection), pushing smartwatches toward clinical-grade monitoring. These features open doors for collaborations with insurers, wellness platforms and healthcare providers, integrating wearables into broader care ecosystems.

  • The integration of Gemini AI transforms the watch into a proactive assistant, enhancing user engagement and positioning Samsung at the forefront of on-device AI innovation in wearables. Gemini’s integration also strengthens Samsung’s ecosystem narrative, linking Galaxy phones, watches and foldables under a unified AI experience.

  • The overall form factor remains consistent with its predecessor, retaining its titanium frame and sapphire glass. This confirms Samsung’s approach of having a strategic refinement rather than a radical redesign.

  • The integration of Samsung’s 3nm Exynos W1000 chip sets a new benchmark for the silicon players, pushing competitors to accelerate their chip advancements to deliver faster performance and a smoother app experience.

Summary

Published

Jul 11, 2025

Author

Balbir Singh

Balbir Singh is a Global Smartwatch analyst and consultant, specialized in the evaluation and assessment of leading market players' performance, market trends, and strategies. Leveraging his extensive expertise in trend analysis, he delivers in-depth insights, strategic analysis and industry forecasts. Before joining Counterpoint, Balbir served as a Knowledge Management Associate in ZS Associates.