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Tom's Guide
09-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Forget the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — the ‘Classic' model is the real star of the lineup
Samsung's new lineup of Galaxy smartwatches has officially been unveiled for 2025 as part of the Unpacked July 2025 event. While there's no Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — we did get a new 'Titanium Blue' color option — Samsung did announce not one, not two, but six Galaxy Watch 8 configurations. The most petite Galaxy Watch 8 model is 40mm and comes with or without LTE connectivity. A larger 44mm also offers optional LTE for a little extra cash. Then there's the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, the largest of the series at 46mm (with or without LTE). Despite also being the priciest of the bunch, it's easily the star of the new Galaxy Watch 8 lineup (which my colleague Kate Kozuch just went hands-on with). Here are the five biggest reasons why the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the standout smartwatch from Unpacked. First and foremost, the most obvious reason the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is superior to the non-classic options is the bi-directional 'clicky' bezel around the screen. This physical feature, a blend of classic horology design and modern convenience, allows you to easily browse/navigate the device without using the touchscreen or buttons. It's also a lot of fun to play around with. Speaking of buttons, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic sports three along the side of the case — just like the flagship Galaxy Watch Ultra — compared to two on the standard Watch 8 models. The third button, located near the three o'clock position, can be customized to launch a small but useful selection of features in an instant, like workout tracking or the flashlight. Depending on your connectivity configuration, the starting price for the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic model is $150 more than the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 and $120 more than the 44mm model. What does that extra cash spent get you outside of a fidget-friendly bezel and added button? Extra storage, baby. The Classic boasts 64GB of storage, the same as all new Galaxy Watch Ultra models that you can buy going forward. (The Ultra initially launched with 32GB of storage, but that's changed as of today.) By comparison, the standard Watch 8 series offers 32GB. Greater onboard capacity means more room for your favorite apps, music, conversations, memes — you name it. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as the largest model in the series, also boasts slightly greater battery capacity than its siblings. While the smaller Galaxy Watch 8 sports a 325mAh battery and the larger 44mm model has a 433mAh capacity battery, the Classic bests both with 445mAh of battery capacity. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean a longer-lasting smartwatch, but given the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features the same 1.34-inch screen size as the smaller, 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 — the 44mm features a 1.47-inch display — there's a good chance it will offer an advantage in the longevity department. For what it's worth, Samsung says that all versions of the Galaxy Watch 8 should last between 30 hours (with the always-on display) and 40 hours (in low power mode). Then again, Google made similar claims about the Pixel Watch 3 last year. However, in my testing, the new larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3 model ended up lasting twice as long as its smaller 41mm sibling. Finally, greater heft aside, I'd argue that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offers a superior design to the standard Galaxy Watch 8 models in two key areas. First, the Classic sports a comparably more durable stainless steel case design. The standard Watch 8 models, in contrast, are aluminum. Second, the Galaxy Watch 8 makes far better use of the series's updated cushion case — borrowed from the Ultra line — thanks to the inclusion of the aftformentioend bezel. Without it, the standard Watch 8 looks oddly chunky at the corners where the screen meets the case, giving the impression of wated space. What are your thoughts on the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series? Is the Classic the model to get? Is the standard cushion case, sans-bezel, actually gorgeous? Let me know in the comments below.
Tom's Guide
09-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Meet the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 — the first Android smartwatch with Gemini AI built in
The new Samsung Galaxy Watch is the world's first smartwatch with Gemini AI built in, with no need for a paired phone to take advantage of it. All you need is a Wi-Fi or LTE connection. The new watch comes in two styles: a standard edition and a "Classic' edition, which means, yes, everyone's favorite smartwatch clicky bezel is back. The Galaxy Watch 8 also represents a full-on embrace of the cushion case design, first introduced on the Galaxy Watch Ultra a year ago. Speaking of that model, there is no new Galaxy Watch Ultra update for 2025, but there is a new color option. More on that below. The Watch 8 series ships with a plethora of new fitness and wellness tools built in, including a personalized digital running coach, Bedtime Reminders to help you optimize sleep, and improved heart health monitoring. Now for the bad news: Samsung is raising the starting price for the Galaxy Watch 8 to $349, an increase of $50 over the Galaxy Watch 7. That makes it the same starting cost as the Google Pixel Watch 3, but still $50 less than the Apple Watch Series 10. The new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $349 for the 40mm Bluetooth version and $379 for the larger 44mm Bluetooth edition. Meanwhile, the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 with LTE is $399, while the 44mm LTE model is $429. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic comes in a single 46mm size, and you'll pay $499 for the Bluetooth version or $549 for the LTE edition. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. All versions of the Galaxy Watch 8 will be available for preorder starting today (July 9), with units expected to ship out before July 25. Those who preorder the Galaxy Watch 8 are eligible for $50 in savings. In addition to the new Galaxy Watch 8 models, Samsung also announced a new 'Titanium Blue' edition of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra with double the storage of the standard model (64GB instead of 32GB) for the same price: $649. It's also available for preorder today and expected to ship before July 25. It also sounds like Samsung will be doubling the storage for all Galaxy Watch Ultra versions (Silver, Grey and White) going forward — again, at no added cost. The standard version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 comes in your choice of Silver or Graphite, regardless of which size you choose, 40mm or 44mm. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is only available in 46mm in either stealthy Black or flashy White. Samsung is kissing the circular watch face goodbye. Love it or hate it, the 'cushion" case introduced with the original Galaxy Watch Ultra has now been fully absorbed into the main Galaxy Watch line. The purpose of this, according to Samsung, is to give the Galaxy line a 'unique identity.' The Galaxy Watch 8 is the thinnest Galaxy Watch ever at 8.6mm thick; that's an 11% slimmer profile than the Galaxy Watch 7. However, my colleague Kate Kozuch reports that the new cushion case IRL gives the appearance of wasted space on the non-Classics versions. In addition to a case redesign, Samsung reengineered the internal aluminum frame for better durability. While the standard Galaxy Watch 8 is made of aluminum, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a more durable stainless steel case material. That said, all versions of the Galaxy Watch 8 boast scratch and shatter-resistant sapphire screens. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has three physical buttons on the case, compared to two on the standard model. The 'Quick Button' at the 3:00 position on the Classic can be customized to open a supported app of your choosing, similar to Apple's Action Button. All Galaxy Watch 8 models offer a maximum screen brightness of 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the Galaxy Watch 7 and the same brightness as the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This will mean easy visibility even in the brightest of conditions. This spec increase also gives the Galaxy Watch 8 lineup a notable advantage over its nearest competitor, the Google Pixel Watch 3, which maxes out at 2,000 nits. The days of Samsung Galaxy Watches working with standard watch straps are sadly over. The new 'Dynamic Lug System' promises better comfort and a more streamlined look/smaller gap, but to me, it seems more like an Apple-esque cash grab than anything else. The new strap apparently results in 11% more accurate heart rate tracking, though. Samsung is also working with third-party strap makers, and additional options to those launched by Samsung with the Galaxy Watch 8 will be available shortly after the device's release. The latest One UI 8 software should make the Galaxy Watch 8 a more helpful digital companion and capable multitasker. Multi-Info Tiles allow users to access their six favorite apps from the homescreen, a function I eagerly welcome. You'll also be able to view pertinent app information at a glance, like upcoming events or flight delays, via the new "Now Bar," located at the bottom of the homescreen. Samsung says the Galaxy Watch 8 is the first smartwatch with a Gemini AI voice assistant built in, but how useful is it? The feature requires an internet connection, either Wi-Fi or LTE, but not through a paired smartphone. Gemini should be able to handle basic inquiries like, 'What was my most recent running pace?' or "When's my next haircut?" as well as simple tasks like setting a timer, starting a playlist or dictating a message. The AI voice assistant should even be able to execute multi-step tasks, like turning on fitness tracking and a specific pump-up playlist at the same time, Samsung says. Of course, reliability and latency will play a huge factor in Gemini's success on board the Galaxy Watch. However, if the Gemini assistant works as intended, it could make Samsung the smartwatch brand to beat when it comes to AI. The Galaxy Watch 8 sports the same holistic sensor array as its predecessor but introduces a bunch of new wellness and fitness features, some of which are inherited by the Galaxy Watch 7, while others are not (as noted below). Bedtime Reminders are based on two user factors: Cicadian rhythm and 'Sleep Pressure,' your growing need for sleep throughout the day. Users will receive a Bedtime Reminder — which isn't a specific time but a window — roughly two hours ahead of time. The Galaxy Watch 7, 8 and Ultra all support this feature. Designed to help you train for an upcoming running event, this free feature asks users to participate in a 12-minute trial run to analyze their ability on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being 'marathon-ready.' Depending on your goals and skill level, you'll be presented with a custom four to six-week training program. Users get guidance, motivational messages, insights and real-time feedback. Like Bedtime Reminders, Running Coach is supported on the Galaxy Watch 8, as well as the Watch 7 and Ultra via a firmware update. This new holistic feature keeps tabs on how much stress your cardio system is taking on. The watch measures this while you sleep over a three-night period. If your Carido Load is determined to be too high, you'll receive a notification with suggestions for ways to bring it down. This feature will only be available on the Galaxy Watch 8 and Ultra series, not the Galaxy Watch 7 or earlier. This new holistic feature uses the existing photosynthetic light sensor to measure a user's antioxidant levels through the skin. If those levels are low, users will receive recommendations on how to improve and start healthier habits. Similar to Cardio Load, this feature is also for the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 8 series. The Galaxy Watch 8 sports a larger capacity battery than the Galaxy Watch 7; however, Samsung is keeping battery life expectations for the devices the same as the previous generation— 30 hours when the always-on display is active and 40 hours when it's not. The Galaxy Watch 8 in 40mm now sports a 325mAh battery compared to a 300mAh battery on the Watch 7 in 40mm. The larger Galaxy Watch 8 has a 435mAh battery versus a 430mAh battery on the 44mm Galaxy Watch 7. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a 445mAh battery, the biggest of the bunch; however, battery life is rated the same as the other models. I'm not excited to see Samsung hiking the starting price of the Galaxy Watch 8 series by $50, making it a match with the Google Pixel Watch 3. However, if Google ends up similarly hiking its starting price later this year for the rumored Pixel Watch 4, Samsung will go back to being the more budget-friendly, full-featured, Android-compatible smartwatch brand. I'm not sold on the cushion case. On the standard Galaxy Watch 8, it gives the illusion of wasted case space around the corners. Visually, I think the case design works a lot better with the bezel-sporting Classic model. The new holistic and fitness features sound promising, specifically, Bedtime Reminders, Running Coach, and Cardio Load, if, of course, they work as advertised. I'm less impressed by what I've seen from the Antioxidant Index screening feature after my colleague Kate Kozuch tested it in a demo. The watch's advice? Eat a carrot. Of the rumored Galaxy Watch 8 upgrades I was most excited for, the only one that didn't largely come to fruition is improved battery life. That said, last year's Pixel Watch 3 wasn't advertised as having vastly better battery than the Pixel Watch 2, but in testing, the larger model ended up humming along for a full 48 hours (double Google's estimates). Here's hoping the same is the case for the Galaxy Watch 8. Stay tuned for my full review.
Tom's Guide
08-07-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
I've tested dozens of fitness trackers, but I'd still snap up this Oura Ring Prime Day deal in a heartbeat
I've tested dozens of fitness trackers over the years, but the Oura Ring is still one I'd recommend if you want something small, comfortable, and packed with smart health insights. Right now the new Oura Ring 4 is 15% off for Prime Day at Amazon, which is pretty rare since these rings don't often drop in price outside of big sales like Prime Day or Black Friday. When you buy the Oura Ring 4, you get a sleek smart ring that tracks your sleep, heart rate, and readiness, plus period predictions if you want them. The most affordable Oura Ring 4 deal right now is the black version, which still looks sleek and has the same thin, comfortable design. Other colors like gold or silver are also available but the price can vary. I've tested the original Oura Ring and appreciated how it offers a much gentler and less obtrusive way to track fitness and health compared to some of the more hardcore sports tracking watches out there. So when my colleague Kate Kozuch tested the Oura Ring 4 and called it 'the new gold standard for smart rings", I knew I had to keep an eye out for it going on sale. She highlights in her review of the ring its all-titanium design and recessed sensors that make it comfortable enough to wear day and night. Kate also points out the expanded size range and multiple finishes that help you find the right fit. One important thing to know is that the Oura membership, which costs $5.99 a month, unlocks the full range of insights, including daily readiness scores, sleep and stress tracking, and period predictions. But with this Prime Day deal, the $52 savings on the black Oura Ring 4 could cover nearly nine months of membership. Be sure to visit our Prime Day live blog for top deals and discover all the free stuff available on Amazon this Prime Day.
Tom's Guide
02-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
There's no way! You can get Sony's flagship OLED TV for $500 off on Amazon
Prime Day is just a few days away, but that doesn't mean the sales aren't already ongoing. There's loads of early Prime Day deals to sink your teeth into, which even includes 2025 OLED TVs. Right now you can get the 55-inch Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV for $2,498 at Amazon. That's $500 off one of the coolest TVs of year and a surprising hit in the OLED landscape. But this deal won't last for long! Launched in 2025, the Sony Bravia 8 II takes up after the Sony A95L OLED TV, one of the most beloved OLED TVs from three years passed. The Bravia 8 II takes up several upgrades, like increased contrasts and improved motion handling. It's also set to have some of the widest color coverage in OLEDs of the year, which is a stellar get for an already incredible display. 65" for $2,998 Sony's Bravia 8 II OLED TV is here to steal the limelight as the new king of OLEDs. its predecessor, the Sony Bravia XR A95L, has long lived among the best OLED TVs, so it would come as no surprise that this new entry will be a sweet new entry. Sony's kitted this new model with some incredible improvements. Color is a big highlight and it shows in its 100% coverage of the UHDA-P3 color gamut, which pertains to HDR performance. This means you'll get glorious vibrancy and skin tones in your favorite HDR content. It helps that the Bravia 8 Ii runs the gamut of HDR certifications, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10. It might only be rated with a 120Hz refresh rate, but it's still set to be one of the best gaming TVs thanks to its exclusive PS5 features. The Bravia 8 II is also kitted with incredible audio, something that most TVs tend to skimp on. Managing editor Kate Kozuch got to see the Bravia 8 II in action in Japan eelier this year and was blown away by its performance. Of course, it's set back largely by only having two sizes right now, including a 55-inch and 65-inch model, but at least they're both sliced by $500 in these early Prime Day savings. If it's not quite what you're looking for, Prime Day deals are almost here and there's tons of awesome discounts across a variety of verticals.
Tom's Guide
25-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
The Apple Watch Series 10 is $100 off for Memorial Day — grab one today
The Apple Watch Series 10 is, without question, one of the best smartwatches you can buy. It has every feature you could ever want from a wearable. It's not a cheap smartwatch, though. Fortunately, we're deep amid the best Memorial Day deals, and you can save $100 on the Apple Watch Series 10 42mm and the Apple Watch Series 10 46mm. The current version of the Apple Watch Series 10 is the current Apple Watch model, and saving $100 is a great deal. Whether you want the health tracking features, fitness data or anything else the Apple Watch offers — as noted in our Apple Watch Series 10 review — you can get it at a discount. The same $100 discount on the 42mm version of the Apple Watch is available on the larger version. Yes, it's $30 more than the smaller version, but that's because there's a bit more screen real estate than the smaller one for those with larger wrists. Our Kate Kozuch loved the Apple Watch Series 10 and gave it a 4.5 rating. She said it's "What to expect from Apple's flagship smartwatch," and that's based on the full price of $399/$429. With the $100 discount, it's an even better buy. "The watch is more comfortable, you can see more of the screen, and you can see the screen better off-angle. The optimized watchOS 11 experience and faster charging are certainly worthwhile, making this the best Apple Watch to get for most people," Kate said. Of course, if you're an extreme outdoor person, you might want to consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is $60 off at Amazon right now. It's much pricier, but the extra features it offers might make it worth getting for some people. For the rest of us, the $100 discount on the Apple Watch Series 10 makes it the perfect smartwatch to get.
