New Galaxy Watch 8, Samsung brings AI to the wrist
NEW YORK – In addition to the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 foldables, Samsung also brought the new generation of its smartwatches to the stage at Galaxy Unpacked in Brooklyn.
There are two protagonists: the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic . Both models borrow the style of the Watch Ultra, launched a year ago, but with very distinct choices.
The Watch 8 is available in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, and is made of Armor Aluminum, a reinforced aluminum alloy. The Watch 8 Classic , on the other hand, comes in a single 46mm size and is made of stainless steel, with a more traditional aesthetic marked by a rotating bezel, one of the most appreciated features of the older “Classic” models.
The model that struck us the most, in its simplicity, is the Watch 8, which focuses on a minimalist and futuristic design, visually very clean and, in person, extremely elegant. The Classic, on the other hand, is aimed at those seeking a look closer to that of mechanical chronographs.
The Watch 8 is 11% thinner than the previous generation, resulting in greater comfort on the wrist for everyday use.
The strap system has been completely revised: the Dynamic Lug System launched with the Watch Ultra also arrives here.
The straps now release with a simple click, thanks to a small button located on the case. This solution, adopted for both the Watch 8 and the Classic, dramatically simplifies customization.
But the innovations don't stop at aesthetics. The new watches are powered by the new 3nm Exynos W1000 processor, designed specifically for wearable devices, which promises improved performance and lower power consumption.
Improved battery and GPSThe battery has received an upgrade with an 8% increased capacity, while the new displays reach a brightness of 3000 nits , optimal for outdoor use.
All models feature dual-band GPS (L1 + L5), which offers significantly improved accuracy during physical activities or travel.
The Watch 8 isn’t just a fitness tracker: it’s an advanced health monitoring tool.
The new BioActive Sensor , which is located behind the case and rests directly on the wrist, integrates a suite of detections that range from sleep tracking (with REM, deep, light sleep and final score) to sleep apnea detection.
After monitoring three nights of sleep, the system is able to suggest the ideal time to go to sleep, thanks to a predictive model based on artificial intelligence.
Perhaps the most significant new feature is that the Watch 8 can now measure the antioxidant levels in your skin . Simply remove your watch and place your finger on the BioActive sensor: in just a few moments, you'll get a reading that helps you understand how protected your skin is from aging.
This index varies based on diet and stress, and Samsung provides suggestions on how to improve it.
The sensor also analyzes vascular load during sleep, completing an already rich picture of heart health tools: blood pressure, heart rate and ECG all remain integrated.
A new personal coach for runningFor those who run, walk or work out, a new feature arrives that transforms the Watch 8 into a smart wrist coach.
It starts with a 12-minute running test, at the end of which the wearer's fitness level is determined. You can then set a goal—for example, preparing for a marathon—and the Watch will develop a personalized training plan, with daily or weekly sessions, audio feedback, and continuous progress monitoring.
Even AI ends up on the wristGemini, Google's artificial intelligence, also lands on the new Watch 8.
Assistant can now be summoned to send a message, set a timer, or ask for directions while your hands are full or you're running.
Gemini communicates with both Google and Samsung apps, and thanks to its ability to interact with multiple applications, it can be used to ask, for example: “ Gemini, find the place that Giulio sent me via email and send it to Sara on WhatsApp ”.
It's all powered by Wear OS with One UI 8 , optimized for smoother navigation and easier-to-read notifications.
Samsung hasn't forgotten about the Watch Ultra, which is back in Brooklyn in a new variant: Titanium Blue , less flashy than the first bright orange model.
It's not just the look that's changed: the internal memory of the watch designed for the most demanding and "extreme" physical activity has doubled, going from 32 to 64 GB.
The Watch Ultra remains the most durable model in the lineup: titanium body , resistance up to 10 ATM (100 meters) and compatibility with salt water.
The new Watches integrate seamlessly with the Samsung ecosystem and are compatible with almost all Android phones. The only exceptions are the ECG and blood pressure functions, which require the Samsung Health Monitor app, available only on Samsung smartphones. As always, there is no support for iPhone or iOS.
The 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 with Bluetooth connectivity is priced at €379, while the 44mm version costs €409. The respective LTE versions are priced at €429 for the 40mm model and €459 for the 44mm.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, available only in the 46mm size, is sold for 529 euros in the Bluetooth version and 579 euros in the LTE version.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025, available only in the 47mm size and only in the LTE version, is priced at 629 euros.
A detail not to be underestimated: the LTE versions can use Gemini even without a direct connection to the smartphone, making the AI experience even more free and useful.
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