Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series: Everything You Need to Know Before Launch

Samsung is gearing up to unveil its next-generation smartwatches at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10, 2025, and expectations are high. The company isn’t holding back this year, with not just one or two, but three new smartwatches ready to make their debut: the Galaxy Watch 8, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and the Watch Ultra. While Samsung’s previous generations of wearables have already established themselves among the best in the market, this new lineup is set to push the boundaries of design, storage, health-tracking capabilities, and software. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Price Breakdown: Slight Increases, But Still Competitive

One of the first questions users ask with a new release is: How much will it cost? Thanks to leaks from trusted sources, we now have a clear idea. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will start at $499, which is a $50 increase over the Watch 6 Classic from two years ago. Similarly, the standard Galaxy Watch 8 will also see a $50 price bump across both size variants. On the other hand, the Watch Ultra holds steady at $650, despite earlier rumors that Samsung might lower its price following Apple’s recent pricing adjustments. This means Samsung is sticking to a confident pricing strategy, likely backed by meaningful upgrades that justify the cost.

To ease the price increase, Samsung has introduced a pre-order reservation bonus. Users who register their name and email before the official launch can claim $50 in Samsung credit, usable toward accessories or as a discount on their purchase. Additionally, one lucky participant will win $5,000, with no purchase or commitment required. It’s a smart marketing push that could help drive early interest while softening the blow of the new pricing.

Storage Boost Across the Board: 64GB Standard

One of the most practical yet underrated upgrades this year is the doubling of internal storage. All three new models will ship with 64GB of onboard memory, a significant jump from the 32GB available on the Galaxy Watch 7. While not every user will need this much space on a wearable, it does open up flexibility, especially for fitness users or travelers. You’ll now be able to store more offline music, apps, health data, and third-party software without worrying about hitting storage limits. It’s particularly useful for those who want to leave their phones at home while running or working out.

BioActive Sensor Upgrades: Smarter Health Monitoring

Samsung is also updating its internal hardware with the latest version of its BioActive Sensor—the tech responsible for the brand’s advanced health tracking. This new sensor, available on all three models, promises more accurate readings and deeper insights into your body’s performance. From basic vitals to more complex metrics like body composition and sleep quality, the upgraded sensor positions the Galaxy Watch 8 series as a serious tool for fitness, recovery, and long-term health management. While full real-world testing will tell us just how much better the readings are, the promise of increased accuracy is a welcome one.

Design Changes: Slimmer, Sleeker, but with Trade-Offs

In terms of design, Samsung has opted for refinement over reinvention, though there are still noticeable changes. Leaked renders from Evan Blass reveal the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in a refined white variant, which looks cleaner and more modern than previous models. The Classic will only be available in a single 46mm size, and while it’s noticeably slimmer than the Watch Ultra, that streamlined profile comes with a trade-off: reduced battery space. Thinner devices tend to house smaller batteries, so users may need to compromise on battery life compared to the beefier Ultra model.

The regular Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, shown in graphite, sticks to a more minimalist aesthetic. It’s sleek and professional, but depending on personal taste, some users might find it a bit too subtle, especially compared to the bolder design language of the Watch 7. Meanwhile, the Watch Ultra introduces a new deep blue color, but its exterior is otherwise unchanged. Internally, however, it benefits from all the same upgrades: more storage, the improved BioActive sensor, and the new software experience.

One UI 8 Watch: Health and Intelligence in Focus

Samsung is launching these smartwatches with One UI 8 Watch, a substantial software update that introduces new health tools, design tweaks, and intelligent training features. One of the most helpful additions is Bedtime Guidance, which analyzes sleep cycles and recommends the best times to sleep to feel refreshed the next day. For those focused on cardiovascular health, Vascular Load monitors the strain placed on your blood vessels during rest, providing actionable insights into how your body is handling stress and recovery.

Another major addition is the Running Coach, which adapts training plans to your fitness level and offers real-time feedback during workouts. These features go beyond step counting and calorie tracking—they represent Samsung’s push into the territory of proactive health monitoring.

Perhaps the most futuristic tool of all is the Antioxidant Index. This feature estimates the carotenoid levels in your skin using onboard sensors. It’s effectively a snapshot of how many fruits and vegetables you’re consuming and how well your body is handling oxidative stress. Originally tested on the Watch Ultra, this tool is now expected to appear on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 as well, making it one of the series’ most innovative exclusives.

Cardiovascular Load Tracking: Exclusive or Incoming for All?

One feature that may remain exclusive to the Watch Ultra (at least at launch) is Cardiovascular Load tracking. This tool measures how much strain your daily activity—and especially your sleep—is putting on your heart. While Samsung has officially tied this feature to the Watch Ultra and Galaxy S25 smartphone, it’s likely to trickle down to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 over time, given the similar hardware capabilities across the lineup.

Visual Refinement: A More Unified UI

Visually, One UI 8 Watch adopts pill-shaped tiles, matching the design language of One UI 7 on smartphones. Whether this feels like a useful upgrade or just a cosmetic change remains to be seen, but it does create a more unified experience for those already using Samsung’s ecosystem. It might not impact functionality much, but from a branding perspective, it brings consistency across devices, which matters to many users.

Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Lineup With Purposeful Upgrades

This year’s Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 lineup is shaping up to be one of Samsung’s most thoughtful releases yet. From increased storage and improved sensors to deeper health insights and a more polished design, each model in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 family serves a purpose. The Watch 8 will likely appeal to casual users and those entering the wearable market. The Watch 8 Classic brings the traditional rotating bezel and a slightly more premium build for long-time fans. And the Watch Ultra remains Samsung’s powerhouse wearable, built for athletes and tech-savvy users who want everything the company can offer.

Release Date and Price Recap

All three watches—the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra—will be officially unveiled on July 10, 2025, at the Galaxy Unpacked event. Prices are as follows:

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: starting at $399

Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: starting at $499

Galaxy Watch Ultra: holding at $650

With strong hardware upgrades, smarter software, and meaningful health innovations, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series is poised to continue Samsung’s leadership in the wearable space.

Last update on 2025-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API