Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 Classic introduces new features and improvements, including the return of the rotating bezel and integration of Gemini AI.
Why it matters: The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic represents a significant upgrade over previous models, offering enhanced navigation, AI capabilities, and health tracking features.
The details:
- The rotating bezel makes navigating the user interface easier, eliminating the need for swiping on the display.
- Gemini AI replaces Google Assistant, providing better natural speech understanding and fluid interactions for tasks like asking for directions, composing messages, and starting workouts.
- Battery life appears solid, with the reviewer experiencing no issues despite a busy weekend that included traveling.
- The watch offers an abundance of software features, including fitness tracking options like antioxidant level tracking and Running Coach, as well as customizable watch faces and tiles.
The reviewer also notes that the Watch 8 Classic survived being in the pool, and recommends using a comfortable Fabric band or an Alpine Loop band inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra.
A full review of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is forthcoming, and readers are encouraged to ask questions about the watch.
The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a sleek redesign, advanced health metrics, and improved battery life, making it Samsung’s best smartwatch in years.
Why it matters: The Galaxy Watch 8 addresses previous criticisms and delivers a well-rounded device that meets the demands of modern smartwatch users.
The details:
- The watch features a circular glass display set atop an aluminum case, resembling high-end timepieces.
- The redesigned Sport band curves to meet the width of the case, creating a smooth and refined look.
- The Watch 8 is one of the most comfortable watches the reviewer has tested, suitable for all-day wear and even while sleeping.
- New health metrics include antioxidant levels, which are measured through a brief interaction with the sensor node.
The Galaxy Watch 8 is the first smartwatch to ship with Google’s Wear OS 6, enhanced by Samsung’s own One UI interface. The seamless integration with Google’s Gemini AI efficiently handles tasks like setting reminders, finding local points of interest, and general inquiries.
The other side: The raised glass display is more susceptible to damage, requiring the use of a screen protector. The AI running coach could also benefit from more personalization.
What’s next: The Galaxy Watch 8 represents a significant upgrade and stands out as Samsung’s best smartwatch in years, delivering both style and substance.
The Galaxy Watch 8’s new Antioxidant Index feature, which estimates carotenoid levels in the skin, may not accurately reflect a user’s fruit and vegetable intake.
Why it matters: While the feature is intended to encourage healthier eating habits, its accuracy and effectiveness are questionable, as demonstrated by the author’s experiments.
The details:
- The author received low antioxidant scores despite consuming antioxidant-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, coffee, and green juice.
- Experiments with colored markers and various foods revealed inconsistencies in the sensor’s detection of carotenoids.
- A Cheez-It cracker, which contains carotenoids due to the cheddar cheese, scored a near-perfect 99 on the Antioxidant Index.
- The author suggests that the feature’s accuracy may be influenced by factors beyond just the presence of carotenoids in the skin.
The author emphasizes that the ultimate goal should be to include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in one’s diet, rather than obsessing over meeting an arbitrary standard set by the smartwatch.
The bottomline: Features like the Antioxidant Index should not be taken too seriously, and users should prioritize making healthier food choices rather than fixating on specific metrics that may cause undue stress or anxiety.
Recent from X
Huge fan of the design of the Galaxy Watch8 series
Software is smooth and fast, both are comfortable to use and I'm happy to see the rotating bezel is still great
Even though it has a smaller display the Classic is still very readable and usable, although for a 46mm watch I… pic.twitter.com/i2Dm3fssoQ
— Anthony (@TheGalox_) July 28, 2025
Galaxy Watch8 and 8 Classic have arrived!
Surprised this year the box is shorter than previous models pic.twitter.com/XO2KPIO61J
— Anthony (@TheGalox_) July 28, 2025
Something that I appreciate from the Galaxy Watch8 Classic after 3 years of using the Watch5 Pro is how smooth this watch is.
I don't know if it's because of the Exynos W1000 chip or One UI 8 Watch, but the smoothness is just on another league here. pic.twitter.com/pBFKbXQxHo
— Alvin (@sondesix) July 29, 2025
