Throughout Samsung’s annual Unpacked occasion in New York Wednesday, everybody I do know rushed to take a look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the corporate’s highest-end foldable cellphone priced at $2,000, because it wrapped up. Nonetheless, I used to be extra excited concerning the Galaxy Watch 8 Basic, Samsung’s latest smartwatch.
Though I’m not often a smartwatch particular person, I’ve been making a aware effort to get more healthy over the previous few days. It’s a way of life selection I’ve made as somebody of their 30s. I do have an Apple Watch, however the mannequin I personal is getting older, and it doesn’t assist the most recent well being options I’m on the lookout for. So, it was time for a change.
Seeing what Samsung is bringing, particularly on the well being and software program aspect, together with the basic design, has piqued my curiosity. From the little time I spent with the Galaxy Watch 8 Basic, it definitely didn’t really feel boring. And for a change, it doesn’t appear to be each different smartwatch in the marketplace.
A detailed-up of the Galaxy Watch 8 Basic, showcasing its premium construct, rotating bezel, and analog-inspired design. (Picture: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Categorical)
Nonetheless, it’s well being that made me rethink smartwatches as a complete, and I’m glad I selected well being above every part else.
Appears like a conventional watch
The Watch 8 Basic has the texture of a conventional analogue watch, despite the fact that it’s a digital smartwatch. That is largely because of the rotating bezel, which makes the Basic stand out and really feel distinctive. I additionally seen that the brand new Watch 8 Basic borrows some parts from Samsung’s high-end Watch Extremely, equivalent to a customisable fast button that doubles as a crown, positioned between the 2 navigation buttons.
The smartwatch departs from the normal round watch face, opting as a substitute for a “cushion” design, that includes a spherical display set inside a “squircle” body (a sq. with rounded edges). Once I wore the watch, I discovered the design to be polarising; some folks might like it, whereas others might not. However that’s a very good factor, contemplating how comparable most smartwatches are likely to feel and look today.
The Watch 8 Basic options automated exercise detection and a brand new Working Coach for personalised health steerage. (Picture: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Categorical)
The watch felt snug on my wrist, and was noticeably lighter. One other notable change is the brand new lug system for swapping straps. Samsung mentioned this new mechanism reduces the hole between the watch and your wrist, enhancing the general match.
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The Watch 8 Basic sits cosy on the wrist, with a slimmer match because of Samsung’s redesigned strap system. (Picture: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Categorical)
Measurement-wise, the Basic is simply accessible in a 46 mm model, which does really feel fairly massive and provides it a extra masculine look. That being mentioned, Samsung additionally provides the baseline Watch 8, which includes a unisex design that appeals to a wider viewers.
There aren’t any new sensors within the Galaxy Watch 8 Sequence. The processor is precisely the identical, and the supplies stay unchanged in comparison with the previous-generation watches. Nonetheless, the Watch 8 Basic’s 50 per cent brighter display and bigger battery put it in a candy spot between the baseline Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch Extremely.
Considerate well being options
What piqued my curiosity within the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Sequence is the brand new set of well being options I discussed earlier. This time, I’ve a really completely different perspective on what I need from a smartwatch. Well being and well-being take priority over every part else.
The common well being options, equivalent to ECG, SpO₂ or quick for peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, and sleep monitoring, amongst others, are already current on the Galaxy Watch 8 Sequence. Nonetheless, Samsung is taking well being monitoring even additional.
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For instance, there’s the brand new Antioxidant Index, which measures carotene (a kind of antioxidant) ranges in your pores and skin with a easy five-second press of your thumb on the sensor—no needle required. Antioxidants assist clear toxins from the physique, which is what I discovered throughout a demo of how the sensor works, and if you realize the degrees, the insights do assist enhance your well being.
The Galaxy Watch 8 pairs with the Samsung Well being app to show your Antioxidant Index, mine was low through the demo. (Picture: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Categorical)
Primarily, the watch charges your antioxidant ranges on a scale from low to excessive after which provides suggestions through the Samsung Well being app on the right way to enhance them if they’re on the decrease aspect. I bought to strive the characteristic, and my Antioxidant Index was on the decrease finish. I used to be informed it may take a minimum of two weeks to see any adjustments within the Index.
An indication at Samsung’s Unpacked occasion explains how the Galaxy Watch 8 measures your Antioxidant Index in simply 5 seconds.(Picture: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Categorical)
Take note, this metric isn’t clinically verified and due to this fact doesn’t change a medical-grade take a look at. That mentioned, even when the characteristic is simply half as helpful as Samsung claims, it nonetheless encourages you to make optimistic life-style adjustments, equivalent to consuming more healthy and incorporating extra fruit and veggies into your weight loss plan.
Samsung can be introducing a brand new characteristic known as Vascular Load, a metric that measures the pressure in your coronary heart throughout sleep. These readings are translated right into a low-to-high scale that can assist you perceive how sure behaviours, equivalent to sodium or alcohol consumption, could also be contributing to your long-term threat of coronary heart illness. I couldn’t strive the characteristic myself.
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The brand new Galaxy Watch 8 Sequence additionally comes with Working Coach, which assesses your skill based mostly on a 12-minute operating take a look at after which generates a personalised coaching plan. It’s aimed toward learners and intermediate-level runners. There’s additionally a brand new Bedtime Steering characteristic that estimates your circadian rhythm to recommend an optimum bedtime.
At Samsung Unpacked, the corporate launched its new Working Coach characteristic, aimed toward serving to customers practice smarter. (Picture: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Categorical)
Gemini on the watch opens new potentialities
Model new to the Galaxy Watch 8 Sequence is a refreshed consumer interface within the type of One UI 8, which makes every part simpler to navigate. Some options stand out, for instance, notifications at the moment are separated by app, and also you get prompt entry to your six most regularly used apps. The watches additionally introduce a brand new “Now Bar” on the backside of the display, which permits fast entry to lively apps, equivalent to timers or media controls. This characteristic was first launched on the Galaxy S25 Sequence earlier this yr.
Maybe, essentially the most vital software program replace is the launch of Google Gemini AI on each the Watch 8 Basic, and the Watch 8. And I’ve to say – it’s truly helpful, bringing contextual understanding and the flexibility to deal with extra advanced instructions proper in your wrist. The truth is, you are able to do rather a lot with Gemini on the Watch 8 Sequence, like beginning a playlist on the identical time you provoke a sure distance run, or setting a timer whereas making ready a wholesome dish based mostly on a recipe saved in your notes.
Early impressions
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I have to spend extra time with the Watch 8 Basic earlier than I can provide my verdict on the brand new well being and health options, and whether or not Gemini on the watch is as helpful as marketed. Nonetheless, I need to say that the Watch 8 Basic already seems like a significantly better smartwatch than I had anticipated. The Watch 8 Basic has a beginning worth of $499.99, and will likely be that can be purchased on July 25 within the US and choose international locations.