Alongside the new foldables, Samsung also launched its Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and a refreshed Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Expanding on the cushion design introduced with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, this latest series features Samsung’s thinnest and most comfortable watch yet, while expanding health monitoring functionality.

The recognizable cushion design, which debuted with Galaxy Watch Ultra, now characterizes the entire range. The company explained that achieving the slimmest profile to date required a complete internal redesign, while the inclusion of the Dynamic Lug system ensures that the watch adapts to the wrist’s movement, resulting in enhanced comfort, stability, and accuracy of health tracking.

The streamlined profile is complemented by elevated specifications: the display is 50% brighter, reaching a peak of 3,000 nits for optimal visibility even under direct sunlight, and Samsung asserted that the new watches boast improved battery life, while dual-frequency GPS delivers more accurate location data, while the advanced 3nm processor enhances speed and energy efficiency.

With Samsung’s wearbale focus remaining firmly focused on enhaving health, it touted its BioActive Sensor, promising that it provides deeper, more precise health analytics, offering users a holistic perspective on their health.

Personalized Motivations for Sustainable Health

Recognizing the significance of sleep as a vital indicator of overall health, the new watches also boast deeper sleep-tracking capabilities. For example, the Galaxy Watch8 series offers tailored sleep coaching, environment optimization tools, and detection of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

Features such as Bedtime Guidance leverage circadian rhythm assessments to recommend optimal sleep schedules, while Vascular Load monitors stress on the vascular system during rest, delivering comprehensive wellness feedback.

The introduction of the Antioxidant Index marks a first for smartwatches, enabling five-second carotenoid level readings that reflect how lifestyle choices impact aging. In other words, if you needed another source encouraging you to eat your fruits and vegetables, here it is.

For fitness enthusiasts at any level, and particularly runners, Running Coach evaluates users’ fitness levels and generates customized training programs with real-time feedback. The upgraded Together feature encourages friendly competition and collaborative motivation. Stress management is supported through High Stress Alert notifications and the Mindfulness Tracker, which provide mood monitoring and guided breathing exercises directly from the watch.

Additionally, the AI-powered Energy Score synthesizes physical and mental metrics to give users an integrated view of daily vitality.

AI within reach

Even as a lot of the features highlighted were dedicated to fitness tracking and running friendly features, the new addition that most caught my attention was the inclusion of Gemini on their latest watch. That, I think, could be a gamechanger.

Gemini is surprisingly fantastic, and the one bugbear I have is that my phone isn't always within reach when I want to start a dialogue with it. When cooking, for example, or walking my dogs. But having it right there on my wrist? That is a feature I think really elevates the new watches above the previous generation and also fires a shot across Apple's bow (Siri is still nowhere near the sophistication of Gemini, at least not yet).

Admittedly, while I probably wouldn’t rush to take advantage of Running Coach, the same doesn’t hold true of having an AI assistant within even easier reach. And it greatly extends what the watch can do – with just some examples given including seamlessly accessing Galaxy Watch applications such as Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder, and Clock, or instructing Gemini to locate a nearby café and send a meeting invitation, or initiate workouts with a single voice command.

Additionally, the new One UI 8 Watch delivers a user interface optimized for varying watch face dimensions. Multi-Info Tiles allow quick access to essential metrics, weather, and events, while the redesigned Now Bar and streamlined notifications ensure important activities remain easily accessible.

So how do you choose between the three? Samsung clarified that the Galaxy Watch8 is designed for everyday wellness, featuring a sleek and minimalist design, and is available in 44mm or 40mm sizes and in Graphite or Silver.

Galaxy Watch8 Classic though would likely be the one I would choose, namely because it is the only one here that sports a rotating bezel and a quick button for added convenience. It also sits between the Watch8 and the Ultra, not quite as thin as the former but with its own distinguished appearance. The Classic model measures 46mm and comes in Black and White and has also seen a bump in its capacity, up to 64 GB.

On the highest end of the lineup there is a refreshed Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025, which is once again billed as the most rugged and durable, and its main advantage is that it has the longest battery life of the three. It is available in three titanium finishes including Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver and the new Titanium Blue, and like the Classic, has an upgraded storage capacity from 32G to 64GB.If battery life and outdoor performance is top of your list, then this might be the right fit for you (pun intended).

“We remain dedicated to empowering individuals globally to enhance their well-being through cutting-edge technology,” stated TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By uniting thoughtful design with sophisticated sensor technology and an intuitive AI-driven interface, the Galaxy Watch8 series represents a significant step towards a healthier, more connected user experience, simplifying the pursuit of improved wellness,” he concluded.