Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) is a refined evolution of its smartwatch lineup, blending intelligent features, premium design, and robust health tracking into a wearable that feels both futuristic and familiar. With a cushion-shaped frame, blazing-bright AMOLED display, and the new Exynos W1000 chipset, this watch is more than just a fitness tracker or notification hub—it’s a lifestyle companion that adapts to your needs throughout the day.
Design and Display: A Bold New Look with Practical Elegance
The Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a fresh design language that borrows cues from the Galaxy Watch Ultra, featuring a squircle aluminum frame that houses a circular display. This cushion-shaped silhouette is a departure from the traditional round watch face, offering a modern aesthetic that feels premium without being flashy. At 44mm, the watch strikes a balance between screen size and wrist comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
Weighing just 34 grams, the Watch 8 is impressively lightweight. It sits flush against the wrist, making it comfortable for all-day wear, including sleep tracking and workouts. The Dynamic Lug system allows for quick strap changes with a simple button press, although it does mean older Galaxy Watch bands are no longer compatible.
The 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display is a standout feature. With a peak brightness of 3000 nits, it remains legible even under direct sunlight. Colors are vivid, blacks are deep, and touch responsiveness is excellent. The always-on display mode is smooth and customizable, and while the physical rotating bezel is absent, the virtual bezel offers intuitive navigation with haptic feedback.
Performance and Software: Fast, Fluid, and Intelligently Responsive
Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch 8 is powered by the Exynos W1000 chipset, built on a 3nm process. This translates to faster app launches, smoother animations, and improved battery efficiency. The watch handles multitasking with ease, whether you’re tracking a workout, responding to messages, or using voice commands.
Running on Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI Watch 8 overlay, the software experience is polished and user-friendly. Tiles are customizable, notifications are actionable, and the app ecosystem is robust thanks to Google Play Store integration. The interface supports stacking widgets, organizing apps, and tailoring the layout to suit your preferences.
Voice control is a major highlight. Users can choose between Samsung’s Bixby and Google’s Gemini assistant, both of which offer reliable hands-free functionality. Whether you’re setting reminders, checking the weather, or controlling smart home devices, the voice assistants respond quickly and accurately.
Health and Fitness Tracking: Smarter Insights, Deeper Data
Samsung has doubled down on health tracking with the Galaxy Watch 8. The BioActive sensor suite includes heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, skin temperature measurement, ECG, and blood pressure monitoring (region-dependent). These sensors work together to provide a comprehensive view of your wellness, with real-time feedback and actionable insights.
Sleep tracking has seen notable improvements. The watch now offers detailed breakdowns of sleep stages, snoring detection, and blood oxygen levels during sleep. The AI-powered sleep coach provides personalized tips to improve rest quality, making it more than just a passive tracker.
Stress monitoring uses heart rate variability to estimate stress levels and suggests breathing exercises when needed. The watch also tracks menstrual cycles, hydration, and daily activity goals, offering a holistic approach to health.
Workout tracking is automatic and accurate. The watch supports over 100 activity modes, including walking, running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and strength training. Heart rate zones and VO2 max estimates help users train more effectively, while GPS ensures accurate route mapping during outdoor activities.
Battery Life and Charging: Efficient but Still a Daily Affair
Battery life on the Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) is solid but not groundbreaking. With typical usage, including notifications, health tracking, and occasional workouts, the watch lasts around 26 hours. Heavy use of LTE, GPS, and always-on display will reduce that figure, but fast charging helps mitigate the inconvenience.
The included magnetic charging puck is compact and efficient, topping up the battery in under two hours. While users may wish for multi-day endurance, the performance and feature set justify the daily charge cycle for most.
Connectivity and Smart Features: Seamless Integration Across Devices
Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, and optional LTE. The LTE variant allows users to make calls, stream music, and receive notifications without a phone nearby. Call quality is clear in quiet environments, and the built-in speaker and microphone are adequate for quick conversations.
Samsung Pay and Google Wallet are supported, enabling contactless payments directly from the wrist. The watch also integrates with SmartThings, allowing users to control smart home devices with ease. Camera control, music playback, and remote find-my-phone features round out the smart functionality.
The Galaxy Watch 8 pairs best with Samsung smartphones, unlocking features like camera shutter control and deeper ecosystem integration. However, it remains compatible with other Android devices, offering a consistent experience across brands.
Build Quality and Durability: Ready for Everyday Adventures
The aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass DX+ display offer solid protection against scratches and minor impacts. The watch is IP68-rated and 5ATM water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming, showering, and exposure to dust and rain.
The included silicone strap is soft, breathable, and skin-friendly, ideal for workouts and sleep. Users can choose from a variety of official and third-party bands to personalize their look.
Verdict: A Refined, Intelligent Wearable for Modern Living
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm) is a thoughtfully designed smartwatch that delivers on performance, health tracking, and smart features. It’s sleek, lightweight, and packed with tools that make daily life easier and more informed. While battery life could be better, and the new strap system may frustrate longtime users, the overall experience is polished and intuitive.
For Android users seeking a premium smartwatch that balances style, substance, and intelligence, the Galaxy Watch 8 is a top-tier choice. It’s not just a fitness tracker or notification hub—it’s a personal assistant, wellness coach, and stylish accessory rolled into one.
FAQ: Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm)
Q: What is the display size and brightness of the Galaxy Watch 8?
It features a 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display with up to 3000 nits peak brightness.
Q: Which processor powers the watch?
The watch runs on the Exynos W1000 chipset built on a 3nm process.
Q: How long does the battery last?
Typical usage yields around 26 hours, with fast charging support included.
Q: Does it support LTE and NFC?
Yes, the watch offers optional LTE and built-in NFC for payments and connectivity.
Q: What health sensors are included?
Heart rate, SpO2, ECG, blood pressure (region-dependent), skin temperature, and sleep tracking.
Q: Can it track workouts automatically?
Yes, it supports auto workout detection and over 100 activity modes.
Q: Is it water-resistant?
Yes, it has IP68 and 5ATM ratings, suitable for swimming and daily wear.
Q: Which voice assistants are available?
Users can choose between Samsung Bixby and Google Gemini for voice control.
Q: Is it compatible with non-Samsung phones?
Yes, it works with other Android devices, though some features are exclusive to Samsung phones.
Q: Can I change the straps easily?
Yes, it features a Dynamic Lug system for quick strap swaps, but older bands are not compatible.
