Samsung Electronics launched the Galaxy Watch8 series (Watch8) in July, the Galaxy Watch series that has invested the most in healthcare features to date. The Watch8 focuses on prevention rather than 'post-care.' It adds features such as heart rate, body composition, and sleep apnea measurement, along with antioxidant index measurement and sleep coaching. For the first time in the watch series, it includes the artificial intelligence (AI) Google Gemini, which faithfully performs the role of a secretary, from basic message checks to calendar management. I wore the Watch8 (40mm model) for about two weeks.
◇ Taking care of slow aging and exercise habits with a smartwatch
The biggest difference from the previous model is that it comes with the 'antioxidant index measurement function.' The antioxidant index shows the level of accumulation of carotenoids, a pigment found in fruits and vegetables. A higher antioxidant index means a more active function to suppress inflammation. The core of this feature is the '3 in 1 bioactive sensor' attached to the back of the watch. Samsung Electronics developed the '3 in 1 bioactive sensor' by integrating optical heart rate sensors (PPG), electrocardiogram sensors (ECG), and bioelectrical impedance analysis sensors (BIA) into one.
I flipped the Watch8 and pressed my thumb firmly on the center-mounted sensor. After about 5 to 10 seconds, the device vibrated. When I checked the screen, the user's 'antioxidant index' was displayed. On days when I consumed a lot of meat and drank heavily, the antioxidant index appeared low. When it showed 'very low,' the watch advised that I should eat more vegetables and fruits.
The enhanced sleep function is also notable. By wearing the Watch8 for three days and measuring sleep records, I received guidance on appropriate bedtime. It measures deep sleep, REM sleep, sleep quality, and the time taken to fall asleep, showing the actual sleep time. Based on this index, it calculates a sleep score. The average sleep duration of 6 hours resulted in a sleep score of around 70, which corresponds to 'average to good.' The Samsung Health application provided advice to prevent sleep deprivation, such as 'It's best to sleep by 11 p.m. tonight' based on the day's condition.
The degree of vascular stress during sleep is measured in five intervals. On days I worked late and went to bed late, my vascular stress was measured in the second-highest interval of 'slightly high.' The Samsung Electronics Health app displayed guidance stating, 'Focus on getting enough sleep and physical activity, and make more efforts to maintain a heart-healthy diet.'
The Galaxy Watch8 seems to be a good choice for office workers who enjoy exercising. I wore the Galaxy Watch8 while running. It can check distance, exercise calories, pace, and heart rate segmented to monitor exercise status. The 'running detailed analysis' feature quantifies aspects such as left-right asymmetry during exercise and ground contact time, helping users maintain proper posture while running.
It also has waterproof features, allowing it to be worn while swimming. The device can automatically distinguish and measure strokes such as freestyle and breaststroke without the user needing to set the swimming style. Users who aim to improve their swimming skills appreciated being able to check stroke counts per interval and SWOLF (swimming efficiency measure: 25m record (seconds) + stroke count). However, it struggles against high water pressure, so it is only possible for indoor and outdoor swimming, not for underwater sports like diving in deep waters.
Through the first-ever integrated AI Gemini in the watch series, users can utilize related functions without using their fingers. When I asked Gemini about the current weather or nearby restaurants, the watch provided direct answers.
◇ Disappointment in battery performance and design… starting price from 419,000 won
The low battery performance and bulky design were disappointing. The watch indicates it can be used for four days on a full charge. However, in reality, it discharged in less than a day depending on the features used regularly. The previous model was also criticized for poor battery performance.
Due to its thick bezel, even the thin model (40mm) felt somewhat burdensome for adult women. Although it is thinner than the Galaxy Watch7, users with jobs that require frequent hand use may find wrist movement uncomfortable after wearing it. To use the sleep function, one must wear the watch while sleeping, which makes it difficult to wear it every night. The classic version, the 46mm model, felt natural when worn by men with thicker wrists but was heavy for women.
The Watch8 series is available in three sizes. The basic Watch8 comes in two sizes of 40 millimeters (mm) and 44mm. The Watch8 Classic is available in one size of 46mm. The weights are 30g, 34g, and 63.5g, respectively, depending on the size. There are Bluetooth models and Long Term Evolution (LTE) models based on communication methods. The starting price for Bluetooth models is ▲40mm 419,000 won, ▲44mm 459,000 won, and ▲46mm 569,000 won. The LTE models are priced at ▲40mm 449,900 won, ▲44mm 489,500 won, and ▲46mm 599,500 won.