Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch 8 on July 9, 2025, featuring a renewed design and advanced health features, while maintaining the hardware of its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 7. The new smartwatch, with a “squircle” format and brighter screen, integrates the Gemini assistant and seeks to consolidate the brand in the wearables market. Este launch, which also included the Classic and Ultra versions, reflects Samsung’s strategy of unifying the aesthetics of its line of smart devices, offering consumers an alternative with specific innovations and a focus on user experience.
The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces significant visual changes, while the Watch 7 preserves the previous generation’s identity. The South Korean company sought innovations that can attract both new users and those who already own the previous model, setting a new standard for the category.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 – Foto: Divulgação/ Samsung
Galaxy Watch 7 40mm – Foto: Divulgação
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The main characteristics that distinguish the two models include aspects that are crucial for the consumer’s decision:
Design: The Watch 8 adopts a “squircle” shape (almost square with rounded corners), differentiating itself from the more circular lines of the Watch 7.
Screen: Ambos have an
Health: Novos sensors on the Watch 8 allow monitoring of stress, vascular load and antioxidant levels.
System: Integration with Gemini and the One UI 8 Watch are exclusive to Watch 8, optimizing interaction.
Innovative design and improved finish
The aesthetics of the Galaxy Watch 8 mark a new direction for the Samsung smartwatch lineup. Inspirado in the Galaxy Watch Ultra of 2024, the model adopts a “squircle” design, characterized by rounded corners and a circular dial, seeking a unique visual identity in the wearables market.
The bezel of the Watch 8 features a brushed finish, giving it a more sophisticated feel compared to the smooth aluminum of the Watch 7.
Advanced display and outdoor visibility
One of the biggest highlights of Galaxy Watch 8 is the significant improvement in its screen, a crucial factor for the user experience. Embora Both models utilize Super AMOLED panels with sapphire crystal protection, the Watch 8 achieves an impressive peak brightness of 3,000 nits, a notable jump from the 2,000 nits of the Watch 7. Intense sunlight is essential for tracking data and notifications. Para put it into perspective, the Galaxy S25, Samsung’s flagship smartphone in 2025, has a peak of 2,600 nits, which underlines the priority given to the quality of the new smartwatch’s display. The resolution and size of the 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch displays remain consistent, and the Always On Display functionality is present, with the Watch 8 promising greater energy efficiency.
Unchanged performance and hardware
With regard to internal performance, Samsung chose to maintain the same hardware configuration as the Galaxy Watch 7 in the new Watch 8. GB and 32 GB of internal storage have also been preserved, allowing users to install multiple apps, customize with different watch faces and store music for offline listening.
Connectivity is another aspect that maintains continuity between models. Ambos smartwatches support dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), which ensures improved accuracy in locating and tracking outdoor fitness activities. Connection options include versions with Bluetooth and LTE, the latter being ideal for those looking for greater independence from their smartphone. The Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi and NFC complete the suite, ensuring fluid integration with other devices in the Galaxy ecosystem and facilitating contactless payments.
Expanded healthcare functions with artificial intelligence
The Galaxy Watch 8 distinguishes itself from its predecessor with innovations in health monitoring, even using the same 13-LED BioActive sensors. The new model introduces features that expand well-being analysis, highlighting:
High stress alert: Monitora daily stress and notifies high levels, suggesting relaxation techniques.
Vascular load: Avalia sleep quality and offers personalized recommendations for improvement.
Antioxidant index: Mede carotenoid levels in the skin, providing insights into overall health.
Running Coach: Personalizes Cria plans and offers real-time tips to optimize performance.
These advanced features tap into Galaxy AI’s artificial intelligence to process data with greater precision and deliver actionable insights for preventative healthcare. The Watch 7 already offered monitoring of sleep apnea, heart rate, electrocardiogram and blood pressure, but does not have the exclusive functions of the Watch 8, reinforcing the positioning of the new model.
Battery autonomy and charging
The battery capacity was slightly increased in the Galaxy Watch 8, with the 40 mm version now having 325 mAh (compared to 300 mAh in the Watch 7) and the 44 mm version, 435 mAh (compared to 425 mAh). Apesar of the increase, the Samsung projects an autonomy of around 30 hours with the Always On Display activated, a similar time to the previous model.
Fast charging via the Qi base remains a benefit, allowing a full charge in approximately one hour. Contudo, Watch 8 is not compatible with Wireless PowerShare, a feature that allowed charging the watch using the back of Samsung smartphones in previous models, which may be an absence noticed by some users looking for greater convenience.
Operating system with Gemini integration
The Galaxy Watch 8 is the pioneer of the Samsung to integrate the Gemini assistant, a technology developed by the Google. Essa inclusion allows for more natural and efficient voice interactions, facilitating tasks such as starting workouts, locating points of interest or sending messages without the need to touch the screen.
The One UI 8 Watch, which is based on Wear OS 5, introduces significant improvements both visually and functionally, enhancing the user experience. Entre new features include the Now Bar, which displays real-time activities in a more accessible way, and the Multi-Info Tiles, which groups health, weather and appointment data into a single widget.
Furthermore, the system offers intelligent responses that suggest automatic options for messages, synchronizing with the user’s smartphone. The Watch 7, although it operates with the One UI 6 Watch and Wear OS 5, does not have the native integration of the
Prices and market availability
The Galaxy Watch 8 is now available for pre-order at Brasil, with the first deliveries scheduled for August 8, 2025. The manufacturer’s suggested prices are:
40 mm (Bluetooth): R$ 2,499
40 mm (LTE): R$ 2,799
44 mm (Bluetooth): R$ 2,699
44 mm (LTE): R$ 2,999
In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 7, launched in 2024, can be found on the market in 2025 with more competitive prices, starting at R$1,376.55 in promotional offers. The Essa difference in values reflects the innovations introduced in the Watch 8, but positions the Watch 7 as an attractive alternative for consumers looking for good value for money.
The Classic version and its differences
In addition to the standard model, Samsung launched the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, which marks the return of the physical rotating ring, a feature valued by fans of the line. The Este model stands out for its 64 GB storage, double that of the standard Watch 8 and the Watch 7, and for its stainless steel construction, more robust than aluminum, offering a more traditional look and different tactile interaction.
Smartwatch competitive landscape
In the competitive smartwatch market, the Galaxy Watch 8 is positioned to face strong rivals, such as the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Huawei Watch Ultimate. The Samsung seeks to stand out through innovations in screen brightness and advanced health monitoring features, crucial elements in consumers’ purchasing decisions.
However, the battery life of the Galaxy Watch 8, which remains around one day of use with the Always On Display activated, still represents a point to be observed. The Este aspect puts it at a disadvantage compared to competitors like the Huawei Watch, which promises significantly longer battery life, reaching up to 14 days in some configurations.
The Apple Watch, in turn, offers superior integration within the iOS ecosystem, making it the preferred choice for iPhone users. However, its incompatibility with Android devices gives the Galaxy Watch 8 a strategic advantage for consumers using Samsung smartphones or other brands with the Android operating system.
The diversity of options on the market requires each manufacturer to invest in differentiators that justify the consumer’s investment. The Watch 8 focuses on combining design, screen and health features, seeking a balance between innovation and familiarity for its user base.
Usage and customization perspectives
The combination of a thinner design, a higher brightness screen and new health features positions the Galaxy Watch 8 as a significant, albeit incremental, evolution over its predecessor. Integration with the Gemini and the One UI 8 Watch promises a more intuitive and fluid experience, especially for those already familiar with the Galaxy and Samsung ecosystem.
Both models offer a variety of adjustable straps with different designs, but the Watch 8 introduces a new pattern with reliefs and colored details, differentiating itself from the plainer straps on the Watch 7. The Samsung also offers a wide range of watch faces, many optimized for the high brightness of the life.