As previously rumored, Samsung updated its wearable devices at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event. In addition to launching the upgraded Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic, it also added new color options for the previously launched Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Maintaining the same processor and sensor components as the previous generation, new features are added through algorithm upgrades
However, the upgrades to the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic are mainly in the appearance, thickness and weight of the watch body. They include built-in data that can measure more specific blood vessels and blood concentration status through ultraviolet light.
BioActive sensor components and Samsung's 3nm GAA processExynos W1000 processorThey all remain the same as the previous generation models, mainly adding more body data measurement functions through algorithm upgrades, thereby providing a new user experience such as sleep quality tracking and running suggestions.
Although the sensor components and built-in processors maintainPrevious generation modelSimilarly, Samsung said that the new feature will only be available on the Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic, and the existing Galaxy Watch Ultra (the upgrade will be available on the day of global sales).
As to whether other models can also be upgraded through subsequent software updates, it cannot be confirmed at the moment. It is obviously to make clear product differentiation in the early stage.
Differences from the previous model: The appearance design and strap fastening method are different from the previous generation model
The Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic adopt a design that is closer to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, that is, the existing arc curve design is added with some square visual effects, making the watch body slightly oval in appearance. At the same time, the thickness of the watch body is reduced by about 11%, and the weight is further reduced. The screen protected by sapphire glass is also 7% brighter than the Galaxy Watch50, with a maximum brightness of 3000nits.
The battery capacity has also been increased, so the battery life is longer than previous models. The body supports IP68 and 5ATM waterproof specifications and meets the MIL-STD 810 US military durability standard.
Among them, Galaxy Watch8 is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, with battery capacities of 325mAh and 435mAh respectively. The watch body is made of aluminum alloy and is available in two colors: Graphite and Silver.
The Galaxy Watch8 Classic features a classic control bezel design and is only available in a single 46mm size. It has a battery capacity of 445mAh and the body is made of stainless steel. It is available in two colors: Obsidian Black and Cloud White.
Both watches use a new instant-buckle strap system, which is claimed to fit the wrist better and improve wearing comfort. However, the design of the interchangeable strap buckle means that the Galaxy Watch8 cannot be used interchangeably with the straps of previous models.
In addition, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic also has a quick start button design, which allows users to quickly start, pause, restart, and end exercise, as well as set up emergency siren call functions.
In terms of other hardware specifications, both the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic use 2GB of memory, while the former has 32GB of storage capacity, while the latter has 64GB of storage capacity like the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Maintaining Google's Wear OS 6 operating system, adding One UI 8 interface and Gemini features
Both the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic use the Wear OS 6 operating system developed by Samsung and Google, and are equipped with OneUI 8 designed for watches. They also integrate Google's Gemini artificial intelligence digital assistant service.
Functional upgrades in health applications include a new "Bedtime Recommendations" function that can provide data analysis after wearing the watch to record sleep data for three consecutive days. By assessing sleep pressure and biological clock, it can calculate the wearer's optimal sleep time.
In addition, the newly added "vascular load" function can measure the pressure that the vascular system can withstand during sleep, and combine it with data analysis such as sleep quality, exercise and stress to determine the wearer's body's vascular load capacity.
As for the system that was previously able to detect the body's AGE index by irradiating the blood vessels under the skin with ultraviolet light, this time it has been added with the ability to measure the proportion of carotenoids under the skin within 5 seconds, thereby increasing the accuracy of judging the degree of body aging.
As for the "Running Coach" function added to the fitness program, after running for about 8 minutes while wearing the Galaxy Watch12, the system can analyze the exercise data performance and allow the wearer to choose a recommended training plan.
Samsung said that the health application functions in the Galaxy Watch8 are currently mainly operated by Samsung's own artificial intelligence technology, and the Gemini artificial intelligence digital assistant service in cooperation with Google is mainly used to perform multi-tasking and complex tasks across apps, or to conduct interactive operations in a natural questioning manner.
The new OneUI 8 interface adds more personalized operations, including automatic display of content, grouping of notification content, or setting of frequently used apps. In addition, a "Now Bar" function interface is added to make it easier for wearers to see important information at a glance.
Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic Release Information
Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic are expected to be available in the United States and other select countries and regions on July 7, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra will also be launched in a new titanium night blue color scheme at the same time.
In the US, the Galaxy Watch8 40mm will be priced at $349.99 USD, while the 44mm will be priced at $379.99 USD. Available in gray, black, and silver, respectively. The Galaxy Watch8 Classic will be available in a single 46mm size at $499.99 USD, in black or white.
As for the updated blue Galaxy Watch Ultra, the suggested retail price in the US market is US$649.99. It is also available for pre-order from now on and is expected to go on sale on July 7.
