Technology

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Samsung’s freshly launched Galaxy Watch 8 is being positioned as an affordable yet feature-rich addition to its smartwatch lineup, combining refined aesthetics with intelligent fitness capabilities. Revealed in July 2025, this latest model builds on a legacy of wellness-focused wearables by offering a thinner, lighter frame that still packs powerful health-monitoring and AI assistance into its compact form. 

A cornerstone of the Watch 8’s appeal lies in its revamped “cushion” design paired with the Dynamic Lug System, which ensures a snug, comfortable fit and improves sensor contact for more accurate health readings. The watch is Samsung’s thinnest to date, yet still durable thanks to its Armor Aluminum casing.  Its display is exceptionally bright—boasting up to 3,000 nits—ensuring easy visibility even under bright sunlight. 

Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch 8 brings enhanced performance through a fast new processor, extended battery life, and responsive Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch on top. Samsung users can enjoy features like the “Now Bar,” depthless notifications, and multitile widgets that surface key information at a glance.  Voice assistance is bolstered by Google's Gemini AI assistant—the first smartwatch equipped with it out of the box—allowing seamless, hands-free interactions. 

On the health front, Samsung has integrated a broad suite of AI-driven wellness tools. Sleep coaching now uses your circadian rhythm data to suggest ideal bedtimes, while the Antioxidant Index enables quick measurement of skin carotenoid levels to inform dietary adjustments. Added tools such as vascular load monitoring, stress alerts, mindfulness tracking, and energy scoring help users manage overall well-being. For running enthusiasts, the Running Coach feature crafts personalized training plans based on a brief initial assessment. 

Early reviews underscore the Watch 8’s strengths. News18 portrays it as an “affordable version” that keeps most of the premium features of its higher-end siblings. Tech observers echo that sentiment, praising its display, build quality, and AI-fitness integration. Moreover, customization and usability stand out thanks to the new Tiles system in One UI 8 Watch, which groups related app content—like health and fitness—into compact, scroll-friendly clusters, reducing clutter and boosting usability. 

Notably, some fitness users have tested the AI Running Coach under real-world pressure, and reports suggest it adapts training plans effectively while helping prevent overexertion—a major plus for runners training under tight schedules. 

Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch 8 series—including Classic and Ultra variants—across India starting July 25, 2025, through both online platforms and offline retailers, often bundled with promotional offers.  Collectively, experts and tech outlets now identify the Watch 8 as Samsung’s top overall smartwatch option, particularly for those who prioritize health tools, battery life, design, and AI integration. 

The Galaxy Watch 8 marks a substantial evolution in Samsung’s wearable strategy—merging minimalist design, intelligent health coaching, and accessible pricing. With its advanced sensors, Gemini integration, and wearable comfort, it’s crafted to appeal to both fitness-focused users and style-conscious tech enthusiasts alike.