Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series Review: Time to upgrade?

Samsung has settled into a comfortable rhythm with its smartwatches. Each year, we don’t get dramatic overhauls but rather careful refinements—brighter screens, smarter software, slightly better health tracking. The Galaxy Watch 8 series, which includes the regular Watch 8 and the fancier Watch 8 Classic, continues this trend.

On paper, it might look like an incremental update, but after a week of testing both models, I can confidently say this is one of the best smartwatch packages around. The question, though, isn’t whether it’s good — it’s whether it’s good for you.

5 Reasons to Buy

1. The rotating bezel is back (and better than ever)

Let’s start with the Classic, because honestly, this is where the fun is. The rotating bezel has been a fan-favorite feature since the Galaxy Watch days, and Samsung wisely brought it back here.

It’s not just nostalgia — it genuinely makes navigating the watch faster, more precise, and oddly satisfying. There’s something tactile about scrolling through menus with a gentle click that taps and swipes simply can’t replicate.

Beyond function, it also gives the Classic a distinct “watch-like” feel. It looks and feels closer to a traditional timepiece, which makes it a better fit for people who want their smartwatch to blend in at the office or a formal dinner.

If you’ve been waiting for Samsung to bring this feature back, this alone might justify going for the Classic.

2. Brighter, sharper displays you can see anywhere

Samsung has always nailed displays, and the Watch 8 series continues the streak. Both models pack AMOLED panels that hit up to 3,000 nits of brightness—a huge jump over last year.

What does that mean in practice? No more squinting when you check your stats during a run at noon. No more shading your wrist to read a WhatsApp notification. Even under direct sunlight, the display remains sharp, colorful, and readable.

Add smooth animations, deep blacks, and vivid colors, and this is hands down one of the best smartwatch displays on the market. For outdoor runners, cyclists, or anyone who just hates dim screens, this alone is a killer upgrade.

3. Smarter software with Gemini AI and better Tiles

The software experience is where Samsung has done the most polishing. The Watch 8 runs Wear OS 6 with One UI Watch 8, and it feels fluid, organized, and genuinely helpful.

The standout change is the new tiles. Instead of forcing you to cycle endlessly through individual widgets, you can now stack multiple apps within a single Tile. Think weather, calendar, and music controls all in one swipe. It’s intuitive, efficient, and makes better use of the screen.

Samsung has also integrated Google’s Gemini AI assistant, and unlike the clunky Bixby days, this feels promising. You can ask contextual questions, set reminders, or control smart home devices.

4. Health tracking that goes beyond basics

Samsung continues to push health tracking beyond step counts and calories. The Watch 8 series comes with a suite of sensors that handle the usual suspects — heart rate, SpO2, sleep tracking, ECG, and blood pressure — but this year brings some new, geeky additions.

The Antioxidant Index is a first-of-its-kind metric, designed to give you an idea of your body’s oxidative stress levels. Is it medically groundbreaking? Maybe not, but it does nudge you to consider your diet and lifestyle. In my case, it was the little push I needed to add more greens to my plate.

The Vascular Load feature estimates strain on your arteries during workouts, helping you balance cardio intensity. Add improved sleep tracking with smarter bedtime coaching, and you get a watch that’s less about raw data and more about actionable nudges.

For fitness enthusiasts, this could make the difference between random workouts and a healthier, more structured routine.

5. Premium design options for different tastes

The Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are clearly designed for two different audiences, and that’s a good thing.

The regular Watch 8 is slim, lightweight, and minimal. It slips under sleeves, doesn’t weigh you down during runs, and looks understated enough for casual wear.

The Classic, on the other hand, leans premium. It swaps aluminium for stainless steel, adds a beefier rotating bezel, and has engraved minute markings that make it look closer to a luxury analogue watch.

Both watches now use Samsung’s new quick-release strap system, making it super easy to swap bands. You can dress it up with leather or keep it sporty with silicone, and you don’t need a special tool to do it.

2 reasons to think twice

1. Battery life still isn’t great

This is the Achilles’ heel of Samsung’s wearables, and unfortunately, the Watch 8 series hasn’t solved it.

On the regular Watch 8, you’re looking at about 30–36 hours with moderate use. Turn on always-on display and do a couple of tracked workouts, and you’ll be reaching for the charger almost daily.

The Classic fares slightly better, thanks to its larger battery, but even then, you’re maxing out in under 24 hours.

For comparison, something like the Garmin Venu 3 or Amazfit GTR 4 will last a week or more. Then there is the Garmin Enduro 3, which can last you 80 days. If multi-day endurance is a priority, the Galaxy Watch 8 series might frustrate you.

2. The Classic comes at a steep premium

The regular Watch 8 is priced competitively, but the Classic costs about ₹11,000 more. That’s a big jump for features that, while nice, aren’t essential.

Yes, the rotating bezel is excellent. Yes, the Classic feels more luxurious on the wrist. But if you’re mostly after health tracking and notifications, the regular Watch 8 gives you 90% of the experience for much less.

Unless you really love the bezel or care about stainless steel, you may want to save your cash.

Verdict: Should you buy the Galaxy Watch 8 series?

The Galaxy Watch 8 series is not a radical rethink of Samsung’s smartwatch strategy. Instead, it’s a careful refinement of what already works — brighter displays, smarter software, and more polished health features.

The regular Watch 8 is the smarter buy for most people. It’s slim, powerful, and doesn’t break the bank. If you’re after a dependable, everyday smartwatch that handles fitness, notifications, and smart features gracefully, this is the one to get.

The Watch 8 Classic, meanwhile, is for enthusiasts. If you want your smartwatch to feel like a true statement piece—and you can’t resist the rotating bezel — it’s worth the extra cash.

For everyone else? The regular Watch 8 is one of the best Wear OS watches you can buy right now.