The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is Samsung’s 2025 everyday Wear OS smartwatch, sold in 40mm and 44mm sizes and succeeded by the Galaxy Watch 9 in August 2026.
| Manufacturer | Samsung |
|---|---|
| Type | GPS smartwatch, Wear OS |
| Series | Galaxy Watch |
| Released | 25 July 2025 (announced 9 July 2025, Galaxy Unpacked) |
| Price at launch | From £319 UK, $349.99 US, €379.99 Europe (40mm Bluetooth) |
| Predecessor | Galaxy Watch 7 (2024) |
| Successor | Galaxy Watch 9 (2026) |
| Sizes | 40mm (small), 44mm (large) |
| Variants | Bluetooth, or Bluetooth and LTE |
| Colours | Graphite, Silver |
Specifications and features as at launch.
Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Comparisons | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Who it suits: Best for everyday smartwatch users and health-conscious fitness enthusiasts who want a lightweight design, detailed health monitoring, sleep coaching and smart features without a rugged outdoor-watch build.
The Galaxy Watch 8 runs Wear OS 6 with Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch interface, integrating Google Gemini, Google Maps, Google Wallet, downloadable apps, notifications, calls and Samsung Health tracking. Its health software includes sleep coaching, sleep-apnoea risk detection, ECG, body-composition measurements, vascular-load tracking and an antioxidant index, although some features require a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone and availability varies by region. Running Coach provides personalised training guidance, while GPS-based activity tracking and dual-frequency L1/L5 satellite positioning support outdoor workouts. The watch uses the Exynos W1000 processor, 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, with a 40mm or 44mm aluminium case, a sapphire-crystal Super AMOLED display rated at up to 3,000 nits, Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC and optional LTE. Battery capacities are 325mAh and 435mAh respectively, with actual endurance depending on display settings, GPS use and cellular activity; daily charging may be necessary for intensive use. The 5ATM and IP68 ratings and MIL-STD-810H testing provide water and environmental protection, but do not make the watch indestructible. Independent testing has found that heart-rate accuracy during exercise can depend on a sufficiently snug fit.
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Feature-packed and running Wear OS 6 to track your health, fitness, and sleep in a thin, comfortable design.
RRP from $349.99
£319 at launch
- use code:
Get it nowOrder now – Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Also sold direct byWhat’s new versus the Galaxy Watch 7
Hardware
- Cushion design, the rounded-square case shape first used on the Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Dynamic Lug System, for a closer fit and quicker strap changes
- 8.6mm thick on both sizes, down from 9.7mm
- Display brightness up to 3,000 nits
- 325mAh battery on the 40mm, up from 300mAh, and 435mAh on the 44mm, up from 425mAh
- Exynos W1000 processor, 2GB of memory and 32GB of storage carry over
Software
- One UI 8 Watch on Wear OS 6
- Google Gemini as the default assistant
- Running Coach, which sets a running level from 1 to 10 and builds a three to five week plan, available on the Galaxy Watch 8 series and later
- Vascular Load, measured overnight, a Labs feature
- Antioxidant index, measured through the BioActive sensor
- Bedtime guidance, based on three days of sleep data
- Now bar and multi-info tiles
Specifications
Where a specification differs between the two sizes, the 40mm value is given first.
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Type | Super AMOLED, always-on |
| Size | 1.34in (40mm), 1.47in (44mm) |
| Resolution | 438 x 438 (40mm), 480 x 480 (44mm) |
| Brightness | Up to 3,000 nits |
| Cover | Sapphire crystal |
| Physical | |
| Case sizes | 40mm (small), 44mm (large) |
| Dimensions | 42.7 x 40.4 x 8.6mm (40mm), 46.0 x 43.7 x 8.6mm (44mm) |
| Weight | 30g (40mm), 34g (44mm) |
| Case material | Aluminium |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM |
| Dust | IP68 |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| Heart rate | Optical heart rate sensor, electrical heart sensor for ECG |
| Body composition | Bioelectrical impedance analysis |
| Other sensors | Accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic, light, temperature |
| GNSS | Dual-frequency GPS, L1 and L5 |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos W1000, 3nm, five cores at 1.6GHz and 1.5GHz |
| Memory and storage | 2GB and 32GB |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz and 5GHz |
| Cellular | LTE on the LTE variant, eSIM, availability varies by country and carrier |
| NFC | Yes |
| Operating system | Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch |
| Phone compatibility | Android 12 or above with at least 1.5GB of memory. The Galaxy Wearable app does not support iPhone |
Battery life
Samsung quotes up to 30 hours with the always-on display enabled on both sizes, the same figure it gave for the Galaxy Watch 7. It publishes no GPS recording figure. Both sizes charge wirelessly and fast charge with the Fast Wireless Charger in the box, reaching up to 45 per cent in 30 minutes according to AT&T’s listing. The Galaxy Watch 9 that replaced it does not fast charge.
| Capacity, 40mm | 325mAh typical |
|---|---|
| Capacity, 44mm | 435mAh typical |
| Normal use, always-on display enabled | Up to 30 hours |
| Charging | WPC wireless, fast charging supported, up to 45 per cent in 30 minutes |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Features
Feature availability depends on the Samsung Health app version, on the country and on the phone. Blood pressure, ECG and sleep apnoea detection need a Samsung Galaxy phone.
Training
- Running Coach with a running level test and a three to five week guided plan
- Personalised heart rate zones
- VO2 max estimate
- Advanced running metrics
- Fall detection and Emergency SOS
Health and recovery
- Energy Score, a daily readiness rating from sleep, heart signals and activity
- Sleep tracking with stages, sleep score and Sleep Coaching
- Bedtime guidance from three days of sleep data
- Vascular Load, measured overnight after three nights’ wear within 14 days, a Labs feature
- Sleep apnoea risk detection, limited to selected countries and to users aged 22 and over
- Blood pressure, requiring calibration against a cuff every four weeks, with availability limited by country
- ECG and irregular heart rhythm notification through the Samsung Health Monitor app
- Antioxidant index, measured through the BioActive sensor
- AGEs index, measured overnight
- Body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis
- Guided breathing, meditation and stress tracking
Smartwatch and platform
- Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch and the Google Play Store
- Google Gemini voice assistant
- Now bar and multi-info tiles
- NFC payments with Samsung Pay
Activity profiles
The following are the exercise types predefined in Samsung Health, the platform the Galaxy Watch 8 runs on. The selectable set on any given watch depends on the model, the region and the software version.
Walking and running
- Walking
- Running
Ball and team sports
- Baseball
- Softball
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Rugby
- Basketball
- Football (soccer)
- Handball
- American football
- Volleyball
- Beach volleyball
Golf and bowling
- Golf
- Bowling
Racket sports
- Squash
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Table tennis
- Racquetball
Combat sports
- Boxing
- Martial arts
Dance
- Ballet
- Dancing
- Ballroom dancing
Mind and body
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Stretching
Strength and conditioning
- Jump rope
- Hula-hooping
- Push-ups
- Pull-ups
- Sit-ups
- Circuit training
- Mountain climbers
- Jumping jacks
- Burpee
- Bench press
- Squats
- Lunges
- Leg presses
- Leg extensions
- Leg curls
- Back extensions
- Lat pull-downs
- Deadlifts
- Shoulder presses
- Front raises
- Lateral raises
- Crunches
- Leg raises
- Plank
- Arm curls
- Arm extensions
Outdoor and adventure
- Cycling
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Rock climbing
- Orienteering
- Horseback riding
- Archery
- Hang gliding
- Flying disc
- Inline skating
- Roller skating
- Aerobics
Water sports
- Swimming
- Aquarobics
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Sailing
- Yachting
- Windsurfing
- Kitesurfing
- Water skiing
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
Gym machines
- Treadmill
- Exercise bike
- Elliptical trainer
- Rowing machine
- Step machine
- Weight machine
Winter sports
- Alpine skiing
- Skiing (downhill)
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Ice dancing
- Ice hockey
Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Feature-packed and running Wear OS 6 to track your health, fitness, and sleep in a thin, comfortable design.
RRP from $349.99
£319 at launch
- use code:
Get it nowOrder now – Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Also sold direct byComparisons and upgrade guides
- Galaxy Watch 9 vs Galaxy Watch 8, what changed
- Galaxy Watch upgrade guide, Watch 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8
- Galaxy Watch vs Apple Watch charging speed, who is ahead
Quick answers
When was the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 released?
Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch 8 on 9 July 2025 at Galaxy Unpacked, and it was released on 25 July 2025. Prices started at GBP 319 or USD 349.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model.
Is the Galaxy Watch 8 waterproof?
Galaxy Watch 8 has a 5 ATM water rating, an IP68 dust rating and MIL-STD-810H durability.
What sizes does the Galaxy Watch 8 come in?
Galaxy Watch 8 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, both 8.6mm thick. The 40mm weighs 30g with a 1.34 inch display, and the 44mm weighs 34g with a 1.47 inch display.
What is the Galaxy Watch 8 battery life?
Samsung quotes up to 30 hours with the always-on display enabled on both sizes, and publishes no GPS recording figure. Both sizes support fast wireless charging, reaching up to 45 per cent in 30 minutes.
Does the Galaxy Watch 8 have LTE?
Yes, Galaxy Watch 8 is sold in Bluetooth and Bluetooth with LTE versions, and the LTE model uses an eSIM. Availability varies by country and carrier.
Does the Galaxy Watch 8 work with iPhone?
No, the Galaxy Wearable app does not support iPhone. Galaxy Watch 8 needs an Android 12 or above phone with at least 1.5GB of memory.
Further reading
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: everything you need to know
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic
- Samsung watch specifications
- Release Radar
Related watches
The Galaxy Watch 9 replaced the Watch 8 in August 2026, with the Snapdragon Wear Elite processor and a 20 per cent larger battery on the 40mm size.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
Everyday health and fitness smartwatch
RRP from $379.99
£349, €409
- use code:
Get it nowOrder now – Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 Also sold direct bySmall things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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