Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review: Solid but Unexciting

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is the latest addition to Samsung’s smartwatch lineup, offering an array of features and improvements over its predecessors. This new wearable boasts a comfortable design, a bright display, excellent fitness and health tracking capabilities, smooth performance, and a user-friendly interface. However, it still falls short in some aspects, such as battery life and the need to use multiple apps for set-up.

Design & Build:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 features a new, chunkier chassis reminiscent of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, offering a slimmer build for a more comfortable fit. The Dynamic Lug system can be a bit finicky but helps close the gap between the wrist and the strap connection. The design is divisive but offers a fresh look and comfortable wearability.

Screen & Audio:
With two size options, the Galaxy Watch 8 boasts the brightest display of any standard Galaxy Watch, making text easy to read even on the smaller 40mm model. The audio playback is good but not as loud as some competitors. The improved screen brightness enhances the visual experience, especially outdoors, and the built-in speakers provide quality sound for music and calls.

Software & Features:
The Galaxy Watch 8 runs Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch overlay, offering a seamless and enjoyable user experience. The inclusion of Google Gemini AI enhances the watch’s functionality, providing quick and accurate responses to queries. The digital rotating bezel is responsive and elegant, offering easy navigation through menus. However, the set-up process can be cumbersome with the need to download multiple apps.

Fitness & Health Tracking:
Samsung excels in fitness tracking with the Galaxy Watch 8, offering a range of workout options and data tracking features. The Running Coach and Rest & Recovery features provide guidance for beginners and experienced users alike. The watch also includes new features like the Antioxidant Index and Vascular Load tracker for comprehensive health monitoring.

Battery Life & Charging:
Despite a slight increase in battery size, the Galaxy Watch 8 still offers just one-day battery life, with the option to extend it slightly by disabling the always-on display. Charging is quick and efficient, with a 30-minute top-up providing a significant boost in battery percentage.

Price & Availability:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is competitively priced, with options ranging from £319/$349.99 to £399/$429.99 based on size and connectivity preferences. While the watch offers a range of features and improvements, the price increase over its predecessor may deter budget-conscious consumers.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a solid smartwatch with a comfortable design, bright display, and advanced fitness tracking capabilities. However, it falls short in areas like battery life and set-up convenience, making it a better fit for Samsung users who prioritize software features and design aesthetics. For those seeking longer battery life and simpler set-up, alternative options like the OnePlus Watch 3 may be more appealing.