Samsung Galaxy Watch8

Blending sleek design with enhanced health and fitness tracking, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 represents the latest evolution in Samsung’s smartwatch lineup. Officially released in Australia on 31 July 2024, the new wearable starts at an RRP of $649 for the 40mm Bluetooth model, with the LTE version priced higher. Available in two sizes—40mm and 44mm—it caters to different preferences and wrist sizes, all while maintaining a modern, minimalist aesthetic that complements both casual and professional settings.

One of the standout features this year is the upgraded BioActive Sensor, which promises more accurate and detailed insights into heart rate, sleep quality, and stress levels. Sleep tracking has received particular attention, with the watch offering tailored Sleep Coaching based on nightly patterns. It not only monitors your time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep stages but also provides personalised tips to help improve rest over time. Heart health remains a focus too, with the watch’s ability to track irregular heart rhythms and even notify users of potential concerns through its integrated ECG function. Blood oxygen levels and skin temperature are also continuously monitored, adding an extra layer of health insight.

The device runs on Samsung’s latest Wear OS powered by Samsung, offering smooth navigation through a refined One UI 6 Watch interface. Performance is snappy thanks to the Exynos W1000 chipset, which brings notable speed improvements compared to earlier models. Everyday tasks such as checking notifications, responding to messages, or streaming music via popular apps are handled effortlessly. With Google services baked in, including Maps and Google Wallet, it operates seamlessly as an extension of your smartphone.

Durability is another key strength. The Galaxy Watch 8 is built with Sapphire Crystal glass and Armour Aluminium casing, making it more resilient against scratches and everyday knocks. It’s also rated IP68 and 5ATM for water resistance, so it can handle a swim or a sudden downpour without worry. Despite these robust materials, the watch remains lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day and night, which is particularly useful for round-the-clock fitness and health tracking.

Battery life is respectable, lasting up to 40 hours on a single charge in typical usage, and with fast charging support, it can reach 45% in just 30 minutes. This makes it easier to top up quickly between busy schedules without the anxiety of constant recharging. The Super AMOLED always-on display remains crisp and vivid, even under direct sunlight, ensuring that key information is visible at a glance.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the expanded suite of exercise tracking, including automatic workout detection for common activities like walking, running, and cycling. More advanced training metrics, such as personalised heart rate zones and VO2 max estimation, help users push their performance further. Integration with third-party fitness apps is smooth, and the watch’s GPS accuracy has been improved for those who rely on outdoor tracking.

Safety features also see an upgrade, with Fall Detection and Emergency SOS functionality designed to provide peace of mind for users and their loved ones. These additions continue to position the Galaxy Watch not just as a fitness companion but as a versatile daily assistant that prioritises wellbeing.

Designed to work seamlessly with Samsung Galaxy smartphones but compatible with most Android devices, the Galaxy Watch 8 builds on the solid foundation of its predecessors while refining the experience in meaningful ways. It’s a polished, capable smartwatch that aims to support a healthier, more connected lifestyle without compromising on style or practicality.

This description was last updated July 2025.