Samsung Unveils Galaxy Watch8 Series with AI and Classic Twist

At UNPACED, Samsung debuted its Galaxy Watch8 series, showcasing innovative designs, AI-powered software, and the return of a beloved feature. The new watches aim to blend minimalist elegance with enhanced functionality.

Sleek Design, Powerful Performance

The Galaxy Watch8 sports a thinner profile reminiscent of the Watch Ultra, featuring rounded square edges and a fully circular screen. Available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, it introduces a Dynamic Lug System for band changes, prioritizing comfort. Powering the device is the Exynos W1000 chipset on a 3nm process, promising improved battery life and performance. The OLED screen boasts an impressive 3,000 nits brightness, exceeding the previous generation by 50 percent.

Classic Version Returns with Physical Wheel

Addressing user demand, Samsung reintroduced the Watch 8 Classic, bringing back the physical rotating bezel for intuitive navigation. This model also includes a customizable button, similar to the Watch Ultra. The Watch 8 Classic, available in a 46mm size, offers a more traditional aesthetic in black or white.

AI Integration and Enhanced Features

Both models run One UI 8 over Wear OS 6, offering fluid interfaces, improved health and sleep tracking, and Galaxy AI integration. These watches are the first wearables to feature Gemini and functions like Now Bar, bringing AI capabilities to the wrist. According to a recent study by Gartner, AI integration in wearables is expected to increase by 40% in the next year (Gartner 2024).

Watch Ultra Receives Minor Updates

The Watch Ultra receives modest updates, including doubled storage and a new version with blue accents. Retaining its 47mm size, the Watch Ultra maintains its existing features.