Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: what's new in the last generation

At its latest Unpacked event in New York, together with the Fold 7 and Flip 7 Samsung officially revealed the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series, showcasing two refreshed models that focus on refinement, wearability, and deeper health integration.

Available in two distinct versions — the standard Galaxy Watch 8 and the more premium Galaxy Watch 8 Classic — the new wearables mark a step forward both aesthetically and functionally.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: a sleeker design

One of the most noticeable upgrades is the thinner and lighter design. Both models are now more comfortable on the wrist, with a cleaner look. The standard Watch 8 features a sleek, round display housed in a slightly ovoid case, giving it a modern and elegant touch. In contrast, the Watch 8 Classic retains the beloved rotating bezel, now redesigned for improved tactility and also serving as an input tool.

Unlike the standard version which has two buttons, the Classic model sports three physical buttons, offering enhanced control and quicker access to features — ideal for those who like a more “traditional” smartwatch interface.

Performance Boost with 3nm Processor

Under the hood, both watches are powered by a new 3nm processor, a first for Galaxy wearables. This advancement brings faster performance and improved energy efficiency, which, coupled with a larger battery, should translate into significantly better battery life — one of the areas Samsung was often criticized for in the past.

While Samsung hasn’t shared exact endurance figures yet, the combination of hardware efficiency and optimized software gives hope for multi-day usage on a single charge.

New Quick-Release Strap System

One major change is in the watch strap mechanism. The Galaxy Watch 8 Series introduces a quick-release system, similar to what we’ve seen on premium competitors like the Apple Watch Ultra. With a simple push of a button, users can now quickly swap out bands — though it’s worth noting that this system is no longer compatible with standard watch straps. Only Samsung’s new dedicated straps will fit, a move that may be inconvenient for some but ultimately improves the user experience in terms of speed and security.

Health and wellness are still a big focus. The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces an upgraded BioActive Sensor that enhances the accuracy of sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, ECG (electrocardiogram), and SpO2 (blood oxygen) levels.

But perhaps the most intriguing new feature is a skin antioxidant sensor. While Samsung hasn’t gone into deep detail on how it works, the idea is to measure the antioxidant levels in the skin — potentially offering a new metric for overall wellness and oxidative stress. It’s still early to judge how useful or accurate this function will be, but it opens up exciting possibilities in the future of health tech.

As always, the watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, maintaining the same durability rating as previous models.

Enhanced AI Integration with Gemini

On the software side, Samsung is doubling down on AI integration, offering tighter, more seamless access to Google Gemini, Google’s advanced AI assistant. Expect more intuitive voice commands, personalized suggestions, and on-device intelligence designed to make the watch a smarter everyday companion.

The GPS module has also been upgraded, promising better signal acquisition and accuracy, especially in urban environments or during outdoor workouts. This is a welcome addition for athletes, runners, and explorers alike.