Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic: smartwatches on Wear OS 6

In July, Samsung introduced its new smartwatches Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic, and in addition — Galaxy Watch Ultra in a new color. The company chose an interesting strategy: the Classic model missed the previous 7 series, but returned in 8. And this is the only model among the current Galaxy Watch with a rotating bezel. Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic received an updated design, an updated Exynos processor, more memory, a new version of Wear OS with the One UI shell and Galaxy AI integration. Today we will tell you in detail about the new Samsung smartwatches.

Specifications

Package contents

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic come in identical white cardboard boxes with an image of the respective model.

The box includes a strap in one size, a magnetic charger with a USB Type-C connector, and documentation.

Design and materials

Previous Galaxy Watch models had a rather minimalistic, round design. The company decided to refresh the appearance with the release of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic continue this idea, so we have a square-shaped case with very rounded corners, into which a round screen with a frame is inscribed. In the Classic version, this is a stylized chronograph and a rotating bezel with teeth on the outside. The Classic really looks like a classic watch, especially if you choose the appropriate dial. Samsung traditionally offers interesting options for its models with different functionality, which visually look very harmonious with the case.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 looks more minimalistic and futuristic due to the lack of a physical bezel. As in previous models, it is replaced by a sensor around the perimeter of the screen. The standard version is more compact and has a corresponding appearance, it can be called universal. The Classic is more massive and will still look more appropriate on a man's hand.

The screens of the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic are protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass. The Classic has a slightly recessed screen, which provides additional protection against accidental bumps. The standard version has the glass flush with the round screen frame.

All three current models of watches have cases made of different materials. The flagship Galaxy Watch Ultra is made of titanium. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic have cases made of Armor Aluminum and stainless steel, respectively. The standard version is available in graphite and silver colors. The Classic is available in white and black. Although the main part is actually silver in any case, the color of only a few elements and the complete strap differs.

On the right side of the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic there are now three buttons, like the older Ultra. To the standard "Home" and "Back" has been added "Action". By default, it launches the list of workouts. It is round in shape with an orange ring. on the sides - two standard buttons. All three buttons are located on a kind of black plastic insert. A little lower - a microphone hole.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 has something increasingly familiar: two metal buttons, between which is a microphone hole.

On the opposite side, both models have the same thing: two speaker slots, one of which also houses the atmospheric pressure sensor.

The main part of the back panel is made of matte black plastic. In the middle is the so-called Samsung BioActive Sensor for determining the main indicators of the body's condition with an optical heart rate sensor. A little closer is an infrared temperature sensor. Although it does not directly determine body temperature, but changes in skin temperature and is also used to determine certain health indicators. Another small hole on the back panel is designed to reduce pressure.

In the new Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic models, the company decided to use a new Dynamic Lug strap mount. According to the manufacturer, it allows you to place the watch more tightly to the hand, which has a good effect on the accuracy of measurements. But it seems that third-party straps will appear a little later. There are buttons to remove the strap.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 comes with a standard silicone strap with a hole-type clasp. The Galaxy Watch8 Classic comes with a combination strap. The outer part is made of something similar to artificial leather. The inner part is silicone. Both options are quite comfortable to use.

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is available in two sizes: 40 and 44 mm. The smaller version has dimensions of 42.7x40.4x8.6 mm and weighs 30 g. The larger one is 46x43.7x8.6 mm, 34 g respectively. The Watch8 Classic model is available in one size of 46 mm. 46.4x46x10.6 mm, the weight is significantly greater than that of the base model of 63.5 g. Both models have MIL-STD-810H certification and IP68 protection. But, unlike the Ultra, they withstand only 5 ATM and immersion up to 50 m. The flagship has these indicators of 10 ATM and 100 m respectively.

Display and hardware platform

The 40mm version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 has a 1.34-inch screen with a resolution of 438×438 pixels and a pixel density of 327 ppi. The 44mm has a diagonal of 1.47 inches and a resolution of 480x480 pixels, which gives a similar pixel density of 327 ppi. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic has a 1.34-inch screen with a resolution of 438×438 pixels and a pixel density of 327 ppi. In all cases, these are round SuperAMOLED panels with a claimed peak brightness of 3000 cd/m².

Always on Display is supported, as well as night mode, in which colors become warmer to reduce eye strain. This feature first appeared in Ultra and is supported only in certain watch faces. Excellent quality screens with rich colors and maximum viewing angles. The brightness margin is sufficient so that the picture does not fade in the bright summer sun. All information remains clear in any conditions.

Hardware Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic are close to the flagship model Ultra and have the same proprietary processor Samsung Exynos W1000. This is a specially designed for smart watches 3-nanometer 5-core chip with a frequency of up to 1.6 GHz and Mali-G68 graphics. RAM 2 GB, built-in - 32 GB in the basic version and 64 GB in the Classic. The interface works quickly and smoothly, like any applications. Which is especially pleasing, given the not the easiest Wear OS at the heart of the interface.

Wireless interfaces include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for contactless payment. Dual-band GPS (L1+L5), as well as GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS are provided for determining location. Both models are available in versions with and without LTE. eSIMs of Ukrainian operators are supported. So, LTE versions can be used fully without a smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic have a set of sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor, electrical heart sensor, geomagnetic sensor, infrared temperature sensor, light sensor, and optical heart rate sensor. So, in fact, there are all the modern sensors for monitoring the state of the body and training.

Smart watches run on the new Android Wear OS 6 with the proprietary One UI 8 Watch shell. The general logic of the interface has not changed. The home screen is the watch face. It can display quick access buttons for the current workout or multimedia control. A swipe from top to bottom opens the quick settings curtain. From left to right is a list of notifications. They are grouped by applications, and you can respond to messages either using the on-screen keyboard or using voice input.

A swipe from the bottom up opens a menu of all installed applications. At the top are the 6 most used ones. Even higher is the active application manager. The application menu can be displayed either as a grid of round icons or as a list. Thanks to Wear OS, it is possible to install additional applications. Starting from maps and Google Keep or Gmail and ending with Spitify or Strava. A swipe from right to left from the dial opens widgets. They come in different sizes: small or full screen. They can be grouped in a vertical list. For example, collect widgets of all the main health indicators.

As mentioned above, the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 has two physical buttons (which are also used as electrodes for measuring body composition), as well as a touch bezel. By default, the lower button goes back one level, and the upper one goes home. You can configure additional actions for a double press. For example, launching Google Pay. The Watch8 Classic also has a physical rotating bezel, which is much more convenient than the touch one and allows you to limit contact with the screen. And an additional "Action" button between the two main ones. By default, this is the launch of sports tracking in Samsung Health, but it can also be reconfigured.

In addition to the above-mentioned ways of interacting with smart watches, there are also gestures. The main three are: connecting the index finger and thumb on the hand, rotating movements and tapping. These gestures can be configured to perform actions in various scenarios. For example, go to active applications, answer calls, reject alarms, launch programs, control the music player, etc. When you activate this option, a gesture icon appears on the watch screen, prompting you when you can use it. In general, it works, but the gesture of connecting the index finger and thumb takes a little getting used to.

Among the innovations, it is worth mentioning the integration with the Gemini AI assistant. You can make voice requests and receive answers directly on the watch.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic use the Samsung Wearable app to connect and sync with your smartphone, and Samsung Health to track your sports stats and record your workouts. The watch works with any Android smartphone, but full functionality is only available on Samsung models. The Samsung Health Monitor app for ECG and blood pressure measurement is only available to Samsung users.

Sports, health and sleep tracking

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic have extensive functionality related to sports and health monitoring. There are standard indicators of steps, calories burned, and activity time. These are basic indicators. They can be viewed in the form of filling hearts. Traditionally, there are a huge number of training programs for every taste, including auto-tracking of basic ones. Some programs collect detailed information, such as running or swimming. Some only basic information. Among the innovations is the so-called running coach, which is still in the Beta stage. To begin with, the watch determines the user's "potential" based on training, and then offers appropriate loads with a gradual increase.

The watch measures the pulse during use, there are options for continuous measurement, periodic every 10 minutes, or manual measurement. The heart rate monitors in Samsung smartwatches are quite accurate, the error is minimal. There is a measurement of blood oxygen levels in manual mode and during sleep. The accuracy of these measurements is difficult to assess, because a professional device is needed for comparison. Another feature of the BioActive Sensor, which has already been present in several generations of Samsung watches, is bioelectrical impedance analysis, which allows you to measure body composition and determine metabolic rate.

One of the more exotic indicators is the definition of "Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)". This is an indicator that determines the degree of aging of the body and the risk of developing degenerative diseases. The indicator is determined based on a bunch of different data that the watch collects. This indicator appeared in the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it is difficult to say how accurately it is determined.

And another experimental indicator that appeared specifically with the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic is the antioxidant index, which shows how well and properly the user eats. To measure, you need to press your thumb tightly against the watch sensor.

The watch can track sleep quality, determining its duration, time of falling asleep, waking up and phases. In addition, sensors measure blood oxygen levels, skin temperature and monitor breathing rate. The latter indicator is important for detecting sleep apnea - temporary cessation of breathing.

The sleep quality tracking section also includes snoring detection. Both the watch and the smartphone are used to operate the feature. The smartphone must be connected to power. The feature not only tracks when and for how long the user snores, but also records 30-second audio tracks on a voice recorder, which can then be listened to in the Samsung Health app.

All of the above indicators are collected in the Samsung Health application, where it is convenient to view them and generally study your own statistics. There are additional functions such as breathing exercises and tips for improving sleep. There is support for some third-party sports applications, such as Strava. The watch can also measure blood pressure and do an ECG. The manufacturer emphasizes that this is not medically accurate measurements, but it can be used for basic understanding.

There is a separate Samsung Health Monitor application for these indicators. The device must be approved by the Ministry of Health of the country to measure these indicators, so the application requires an active connection to the mobile network to determine the country of use. To measure ECG, only a watch is needed. But to measure pressure, initial calibration is required with certain models of tonometers.

So overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic have health and fitness tracking capabilities that will be enough for the vast majority of users. But it's worth remembering that this is not a professional device and all results should be treated accordingly.

Battery life

The 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is equipped with a 325 mAh battery, the 44mm with a 435 mAh battery. The Samsung Watch8 Classic has a 445 mAh battery. Samsung promises 30 hours of operation for all three models with the AOD function active. But this time depends a lot on usage scenarios, measurement modes, etc. In general, battery life is a weak point of smartwatches on Wear OS. And this applies to the heroes of the review.

If you activate everything that is possible: constant heart rate monitoring, AOD, GPS, exercise recognition, etc., the watch works on a single charge for a day. Maybe a little longer. Moreover, the battery life of both models is approximately the same. So you will have to charge it every day. Of course, without AOD and a number of other functions, it is possible to reach 2 days, but I want to use the functionality of the watch to the maximum. On the other hand, it was enough for me to put the watch on charge while washing dishes and taking a shower so as not to worry that it would sit down at an inopportune moment. The watch supports 10 W charging, and it takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge.