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Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Review: Bezel Dazzle
Samsung releases new smartwatches every summer, but its most beloved ones with a "Classic" design and a rotating bezel only come out once every two years. Well, 2025, is the year when we get the new one — the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. It brings the familiar elevated style and the addictive click of the physical rotating bezel. Previous Classic editions of the Galaxy Watch came in two sizes, but this year, we only have one, a 46mm version, a bit on the larger side and probably a bit too big for smaller wrists (sorry, ladies). As far as functionality goes, it's the same as the regular Watch 8 model, meaning you get Wear OS 6 with the wonderful addition of the Gemini smart assistant. There are also some new health features like Bedtime Guidance, Running Coach and for the first time on any smartwatch - an antioxidant index. After using it for a few days, we can say that Galaxy Watch 8 Classic feels more refined than ever. Let us explain. $250 off (38%) Samsung announced its latest Galaxy Watch Ultra model, offering improved durability, a better-looking display, and more features. Right now, you can buy the smartwatch for up to $250 off at the Samsung Store. You must provide an eligible trade-in to take advantage. Buy at Samsung $250 off (45%) The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is also available at the Samsung Store at a pretty steep discount, provided you trade in an eligible device in good condition. Right now, you can save up to $250 with trade-ins. Buy at Samsung $200 off (47%) The Galaxy Watch 8 is here, packing more features and a modern-looking design. The smartwatch is already available at the Samsung Store, and right now, you can save up to $200 with eligible trade-ins. Buy at Samsung Exynos W1000 processor (same as Galaxy Watch 7) 64GB storage Gemini on board Same BioActive sensor as Watch 7 New health metrics like bedtime guidance and antioxidant index New fitness metrics like running coach Same battery life and charging speeds Comes in only one size (46mm) Pricier, now from $500 Table of Contents: Design and Sizes Bands Software Battery and Charging Models and Prices Summary Design & Sizes Last time we got a Galaxy Watch with a rotating bezel it was the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, and that looked stunning. This new Watch 8 Classic keeps the appeal, but changes the design style. Instead of a round watch, we now get a squircle base with a round watchface above it. The rotating bezel is also a bit thinner, with bigger indentations. We were a bit worried about that new "squircle" shape, but it has grown on us, and honestly, it feels more comfortable wearing the new design and it seems to wobble a bit less on the wrist. Great for runners and cyclists. We already mentioned that it comes in just one, big-gish size: 46mm. The 6 Classic came in a 43mm and 47mm flavors, so the smaller model is missing. This is a good place to also mention the non-Classic Watch 8 model. With no need for a rotating bezel on that model, it's significantly thinner and lighter, so for those who are not absolutely certain they need the bezel, it's worth taking a look at the vanilla version. The benefits of a light-weight watch are under-rated! Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. The Watch 8 Classic also get a neat upgrade in peak brightness — it can now hit 3,000 nits outdoors in the sun, up from 2,000 nits on previous models. This is on par with the best watches out there and makes seeing the screen on a sunny day much easier. We also get an IP68 rating and 5ATM rating. What does this mean? You can swim with the watch, but diving is not advised. For that, you'd need to go to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which is even tougher (but heavier too). The Galaxy Watch 7 inherits the band-latch mechanism from the previous model. You have a button that you press to release the strap and then reattach it again. It's simple enough, but if you've trimmed your nails a bit more you might have trouble pressing that button. Good news is that you can still use standard 20mm straps with spring bars. The Watch 7 comes with a selection of new, colorful Ripple bands. We like the attention to detail and loved the provided sporty strap. The green color was nice and not boring with the stitching on the side, plus it seems extra durable. Software & Features Galaxy Watches have been running Wear OS for a while now, but, of course, Samsung couldn't resist adding its own seasoning. Enter One UI Watch, the company's glossy skin on top. Think of it as Wear OS dressed for a night out — slicker and here looks nice, animations are smooth, and the software mostly stays out of your using the Pixel Watch and a few others, we have to mention just how wonderful it is that the Samsung Health app is completely free to use. No asterisks, no monthly subscriptions. Compare that to Google's Fitbit app, which has taken to paywalling useful the real star this year? Gemini. Yes, that Gemini. On your wrist. It's as cool as it sounds, but keep in mind that it will work when your watch is connected to Wi-Fi or LTE. Otherwise, you'll need to drag your phone along for the what can you actually do with Gemini from your wrist? You can ask it questions, anything from "How far to Mars?" to 'What's the best pizza in Philadelphia?' and it will answer right on that lovely round screen you have. One thing to know: it will not whip up custom training plans for you just yet. It's smart, but it has not yet transformed into a personal coach. The Watch 8 Classic has not gotten a new sensor this year (not a surprise), but thanks to the new cushion-y design that hugs your wrist snugly, the data it collects is a little more trustworthy. Better fit, better readings. Who knew?In our tests (consisting of sweaty runs and the occasional brisk walk), heart rate accuracy was solid. Meaning, it was mostly in line with readings we get from an Apple Watch or Garmin's there's the automatic workout detection, which might just be the best we've ever seen on a smartwatch. You start walking and boom — the Watch 8 knows. Hop on a bike, look at your wrist and the workout is already going. It's almost eerie, in a good GPS is still here, as it should be. If you live in a city full of tall signal-scrambling buildings, this is the feature you need. Route accuracy was spot-on in our testing. And let's take a moment to applaud Samsung's workout summaries. All your stats are cleanly laid out, explained like someone actually wanted you to understand them. Nice! The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has taken up a new hobby: looking into your vascular health while you snooze. It's a feature called vascular load tracking, the idea being to assess the pressure on your arteries over time. With three nights of data it can start sliding your results along a scale based on you, not just some generic average. I consistently landed in the calming green zone, which was reassuring, but a little opaque. It would have been helpful to see a comparison to others experiencing the same kind of mid-life crisis in their early 40s, but real star, though, is Galaxy AI and its new tricks. This year, it brings the coaching tips for sleep. In case you need a replacement for your grandparent reminding you should not scroll until be fair, Samsung's been on its sleep game for a while. Previous models could already track your REM, SpO2, temperature, even snoring (with your phone on the night stand). And from the Watch 7 onward, there's sleep apnea detection too. Sleep reports are in-depth without being overwhelming: sleep stages, apnea red flags and now (most usefulle!) a suggested bedtime window based on your recent patterns. As someone having troubles falling asleep lately, I appreciated this. Samsung, being the innovator it likes to be, has decided that this year it will become your nutritionist by providing you... an antioxidant index. However, it needs your participation. For this test, you need to remove the watch, press your thumb to the sensor, and hold for a few seconds. It's a bit of a comes the result. It slots you into one of three vague categories. But here's the twist: out of five testers, everyone landed in "low." Either we're all woefully lacking in spinach, or the scale's a bit... off. Worse still, try it twice in a row and you might get two different post-scan advice is where I started losing faith in this feature. Basically, you need to check your phone for dietary suggestions, which, amounted to: "eat more veggies." Don't we all know that already? With such vague advice, I doubt many people would bother measuring their antioxidant levels also admits this antioxidant reading hasn't been clinically validated, so think of it less as a diagnosis and more like a nudge from a this rings a bell, it's because Samsung used the same playbook for last year's AGEs index, another flashy acronym aimed to help you understand your biological aging based on lifestyle choices. What it actually measures? Still a bit of a mystery (and do let me know if you know someone who actually measures this regularly). The Watch 8 Classic still keeps the old faithfuls around: ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and the rest. Blood pressure is still a no-show on the competition like Apple Watches, but honestly, if you're serious about tracking it, an actual cuff is still your best bet. The battery in the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is a bit bigger than before. It's a 445 mAh battery, up from a 425 mAh one on the Watch 6 Classic 47mm. Should we really care about a 5% increase in battery size? It's nice to have, but it does not change the equation in any meaningful way. Compared to the Watch 6 Classic, though, here you get a new and more efficient Samsung W1000 chip, so that should help a bit with efficiency. The battery numbers by Samsung, however, remain unchanged. Both the new and older classic models get the same 30 hours battery life estimate with the always-on option enabled and 40 hours if you turn it off. In other words, you have to charge the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic every single day (okay, day and a half). There are no changes to charging speeds either, which is disappointing considering that the Apple Watch and Pixel Watch both charge faster. And don't even mention the OnePlus Watch 3 series which is lightning fast to charge. In this chapter we have to once again say that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic only comes in one large 46mm size. There is no small version of this watch (like there used to be for the Watch 6 Classic). Sadly, Samsung has also bumped the price by $100, which is quite a bit for a smartwatch: Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm): $500 Wi-Fi only; $550 for Wi-Fi + Cellular So what exactly did Samsung change with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic? Apart from a few niche health features, this is mostly about refreshing the design and style, and we think this new design is mostly a success. What we don't quite get is what has justified the steep $100 price increase, bringing the starting price of the Watch 8 Classic to $500. The other annoying detail is the never-changing battery situation on Galaxy smartwatched (really, on most major smartwatches). Having to charge this watch daily is a chore. We could occasionally squeeze a day and a half of use, but two days would be a stretch. We do like the additional third button, we like the style and fit, and we like how smooth and refined Wear OS now feels. And the Watch 8 Classic remains the only watch with such elegance and the convenience of a rotating bezel. You should absolutely get if that's what you're after, we are just not so sure owners of previous Classic watches have much reason to upgrade.
Android Authority
22-07-2025
- Android Authority
Galaxy Watch Ultra users rejoice: Wear OS 6 rolls out ahead of schedule!
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority TL;DR The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) is receiving the One UI 8 update with Wear OS 6 earlier than expected. The rollout has started for T-Mobile, AT&T, and Google Fi models in the US, as well as in some overseas markets. New features include better notifications, new gestures, improved health tracking, and more personalization options. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra (2025) are the first smartwatches to get Wear OS 6 update as they shipped with One UI 8 Watch right out of the box. Since there aren't any real spec differences between the older Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) and the newer Watch Ultra (2025), it was expected that the older Watch Ultra would also get Wear OS 6 very soon. Samsung dampened expectations by giving itself a wide timeline for stable release, and in a healthy surprise, One UI 8 Watch is already here for older Watch Ultra! Reddit users confirm that their older Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) is receiving its One UI 8 Watch update based on Wear OS 6. This 1.9GB update has been reported on Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) on T-Mobile, AT&T, and even Google Fi. Outside the US, Reddit users have confirmed receiving the update in Thailand, but nothing yet for regions like the UK. There's a good chance that it's a staged rollout, so more regions and more users should be receiving the update gradually over the week. At Galaxy Unpacked when the Watch Ultra (2025) was being launched, Samsung was asked when the One UI 8 Watch update would arrive for the Watch Ultra (2024). The company mentioned that the older smartwatch is slated to get the Wear OS 6 update either later this year or early next year. It's a happy surprise to see the update roll out in the same month as the launch and release of the Watch Ultra (2025), as otherwise it was nothing but artificial exclusivity to sell the newer version. The company has yet to provide a timeline for when the stable update will be available for older Galaxy Watch models, such as the Galaxy Watch 7 series and earlier. A beta program is already underway for the Galaxy Watch 7, so we're crossing our fingers to see the update soon. Here's the full One UI 8 Watch changelog highlighting all the changes you can look forward to with the update: Get things done: Stay on top of important tasks with the Now bar: Check the information you need right now and start essential features straight from your watch face. Ongoing tasks will appear in the Now bar at the bottom of your watch face so you can check key information quickly. Do more with double pinch: Just pinch your thumb and index finger together twice to scroll through notifications, control music, take pictures, and more. You can also customize what happens when you double pinch on the watch face, music controller, as well as alarm, calendar, and reminder alerts. Choose the actions you need most in each situation. Mark reminders as important: Mark reminders as important by tapping the Star icon. Important reminders will appear at the top of your reminder list to make sure you notice them. New charging effects: When your watch is charging, the new screen layout and animations make it easier to check the current battery level and remaining charging time. Stay connected: Easily respond to notifications and alerts: Use gestures to quickly respond to notifications and alerts. When a notification appears, you can double pinch to view the details or send a reply. You can also shake your wrist to return to the watch face. Enhanced notification view: Notifications on your watch are now easier to use with an attractive new design. Notifications from the same app are stacked vertically, allowing you to view more notifications with fewer swipes. Smarter notification settings: It's now easier to decide how to receive notifications from your phone on your watch. If you choose Smart device selection, notifications will appear on your phone only when you're using it and on your watch when you're not using your phone. If you choose Always show on both, notifications will always appear on both your phone and watch. Upgrade your health: Bedtime guidance: Get to sleep at the right time so you wake up feeling refreshed. The new Bedtime guidance feature analyzes your sleep data and recommends the best time to go to sleep each night. Mindfulness: Manage stress and anxiety in your daily life with the new Mindfulness feature in Samsung Health. You can keep track of your moods and emotions and practice breathing exercises to reduce stress. Tailored to you: Find the perfect watch face: It's now easier to find the watch face that's right for you. Just choose a few keywords such as your preferred style, color, and information to show. The best matches will be suggested from our collection of more than 300 watch faces. Recommended watch faces: Discover new watch faces that you might like. Watch faces with colors, style, or information similar to your current watch face will be recommended on the watch face selection screen. Create your own tiles: Create your own custom tiles that show the information you need. You can even combine information from different apps into a single tile. You can include weather information, calendar events, reminders, and more. Personalized Apps screen: Featured apps now appear at the top of your Apps screen to give you quick access to the apps you need the most. Apps will be featured based on how often you use them and other usage patterns. You can also view your apps as a list with names instead of only icons. Choose calendars to show on your watch: You can now choose which calendars to show in the Calendar app on your watch. You can show all of the same calendars that are on your phone or customize to show only the calendars you need. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Bloomberg
21-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review: AI Everywhere in a Polarizing Design
Samsung Electronics Co. isn't having an easy time in the smartwatch space. Apple Inc., despite seeing declining sales, dominates the category with its namesake device. And while the overall market is expanding, the South Korean tech giant's share isn't growing much either. With its $350 Galaxy Watch 8, available July 25, Samsung is leaning heavily on artificial intelligence and a divisive design to stand out. The company is also rolling out a $500 Galaxy Watch 8 classic — and both smartwatches are the first to hit the market with Google's Wear OS 6 operating system, which has the search giant's Gemini AI chatbot built in. This allows you to do things like ask for the name of the new coffee shop your friend recommended without needing to pull out your phone.
Android Authority
16-07-2025
- Android Authority
New Pixel Watch 4 leak details even more hardware upgrades ahead of next month's launch
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority TL;DR The Pixel Watch 4 is said to feature a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chip. Both models are expected to have a new co-processor called the M55. For the first time, the smartwatch may feature side charging. Google confirmed today that it will hold its hardware event on August 20. The showcase should include its Pixel phones, watches, earbuds, and more. Coincidentally, a new leak about the Pixel Watch 4 also arrived today. This leak reveals what could be the specs for both the 41mm and 45mm models. Just in time for Google's announcement, Android Headlines has shared the specs for the Pixel Watch 4. According to the report, Google's next smartwatch will have the same processor as its predecessor — the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1. While the chip is staying the same, the company is at least upgrading the battery (which we mentioned in our own report) and making the display brighter. Additionally, it's said to have a new co-processor that Google calls M55. The outlet mentions that the M55 will allow the Pixel Watch 4 to handle five times the 'AI workload at a fraction of the power.' Pixel Watch 4 (41mm) Display: 3,000nits peak brightness, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, 1-60Hz 3,000nits peak brightness, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, 1-60Hz Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Co-processor: M55 M55 RAM: 2GB SDRAM 2GB SDRAM Storage: 32GB eMMC flash 32GB eMMC flash Battery: 325mAh 325mAh Software: Wear OS 6 Pixel Watch 4 (45mm) Display: 3,000nits peak brightness, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, 1-60Hz 3,000nits peak brightness, 320 ppi AMOLED LTPO, 1-60Hz Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 Co-processor: M55 M55 RAM: 2GB SDRAM 2GB SDRAM Storage: 32GB eMMC flash 32GB eMMC flash Battery: 455mAh 455mAh Software: Wear OS 6 The larger battery Google has fit into the 41mm model is said to provide 30 hours of battery life with always-on display turned on. If you turn on battery saver, it looks like you'll get 48 hours. Meanwhile, the 45mm model offers 40 hours with always-on display, and 72 hours in battery saver mode. While the co-processor is a new addition, it won't be the only new thing coming to the Pixel Watch line. The report mentions that the smartwatch will feature side charging, which is something that has been absent on previous models. So you'll be able to charge your device while it's on its side. Like any smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4 will have a range of sensors. These sensors will reportedly include: Compass Red and infrared sensors for SpO2 monitoring Multipurpose electrical sensors (compatible with ECG app) Multi-path optical heart rate sensor Altimeter Gyroscope 3-axis accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Magnatometer Ultrawideband When the Pixel Watch 4 launches next month, it's expected to be available in five colors. An earlier leak revealed that these colors could be Black/Obsidian, Gold/Lemon, Moonstone, Silver/Iris, and Silver/Porcelain. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Phone Arena
16-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Running an early Android build can cause a significant headache for new Galaxy Watch 8 users
Samsung recently announced the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, both running One UI Watch 8 based on Wear OS 6. These are the first smartwatches to launch with the new version of Google's wearable platform, and while the updates are promising, some users may face issues if they're also using beta software on their OS 6 brings a redesigned interface with vertically stacked tiles and smoother performance. The new layout makes it easier to navigate, and the upgraded chip inside the Watch 8 series adds to the overall speed. But there's a known problem affecting users who are on the Android 16 QPR1 reports suggest that the Watch 8 series doesn't pair properly with devices running this beta, especially Pixel phones. When trying to set up the watch, the Galaxy Wearable app fails to install a required plugin. This causes the app to crash and restart, leading to an endless loop where the watch needs to be rebooted and pairing fails was first noticed when pairing a Watch 8 to a Pixel 8a using Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1. However, according to some Redditors, this is also happening when using a Galaxy Watch 8 Classic with a Pixel 9 Pro Fold on the same build. The pairing bug appears to be caused by the beta Android software, not the watch itself. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. | Image credit — PhoneArena If you're using a stable version of Android, this issue doesn't occur. The Galaxy Watch 8 pairs normally and works without major problems. However, do keep in mind that you might still lose access to some Samsung-specific features if your phone isn't a Galaxy model. The Watch 8 series offers solid improvements in design and performance, although some people may not be fans of the new cushion-shaped casing. But for now, if you're planning to buy one and are running Android 16 QPR1 beta, it's best to wait or use another device to complete the pairing. Considering Google's close relationship with Samsung, I believe this problem will likely be resolved in a future update as Android 16 gets closer to a public release. Until then, beta testers may need to use a backup phone or switch to the stable Android build for full compatibility. This is par for the course when running beta, and although an inconvenience, it's part of the deal with signing up for the Public Beta program. Let's hope it doesn't take too long for Google and Samsung to work together to address the issue. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
