Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 wishlist: All the features I want to see

[ad_1] <img class="e_Xg" decoding="async" loading="eager" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 in hand" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 in hand" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-in-hand.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

With one other launch season approaching, I’m centered on what could be coming down the pipeline. The Samsung Galaxy Watch line, specifically, has loads of room for enchancment this 12 months. Whereas the corporate’s smartwatches have been sturdy contenders within the Put on OS market over these previous few years, a number of key upgrades might actually assist the subsequent mannequin stand out. Right here’s what I hope to see within the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.

The return of the rotating bezel

<img class="e_Xg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Stretched Time" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled-1918w-1080h.jpg 1918w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="A Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic displays the Stretched Time watch face." src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-6-Classic-Stretched-Time-scaled.jpg"/> Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Like many followers, I’d wish to see Samsung deliver the rotating bezel again to the Galaxy Watch 8 collection. It’s certainly one of Samsung’s most distinctive {hardware} options, first launched on the Gear S2 and most just lately seen zipping by Put on OS tiles on the Galaxy Watch 6 Basic. The design provides an intuitive solution to navigate the interface with out relying solely on contact, which is very helpful after sweaty exercises.

In a market the place most smartwatches lean closely on swipe gestures and digital crowns, the rotating bezel helps Samsung stand out. Final 12 months, the corporate launched an Extremely mannequin as a substitute of a Basic, and to my despair, the dear new sibling skipped the long-lasting function. Bringing it again this season on a Basic variant would go a good distance in preserving Samsung’s signature smartwatch really feel alive.

Improved coronary heart fee monitoring

<img class="e_Xg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy Watch FE sensor" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy Watch FE sensor" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-sensor.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Higher coronary heart fee accuracy is close to the highest of my listing for the Galaxy Watch 8. Whereas the present sensor does positive for regular exercises like runs or walks, it nonetheless struggles throughout biking or any exercise with a variety of wrist motion. I’ve seen noticeable lag in readings, particularly when cadence picks up, which makes it arduous to belief the info for issues like interval coaching and even restoration insights. It’s not a dealbreaker, however for a watch that pitches itself as a critical health tracker, I’d like to see extra constant efficiency.

Extra importantly, Samsung must step up right here if it needs to maintain tempo with Google and Apple. The Pixel Watch 3 already delivers a number of the most correct coronary heart fee knowledge I’ve examined, and Apple’s Watch Collection 10 is very dependable. Each manufacturers are prone to launch equally highly effective next-gen fashions.

Higher battery life

<img class="e_Xg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy Watch FE buttons closed loop" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy Watch FE buttons closed loop" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-closed-loop.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

I sit up for the day I can write certainly one of these lists with out mentioning battery life, however that day isn't as we speak. Energy effectivity stays a serious speaking level for almost each smartwatch. Whereas I’ve discovered the Galaxy Watch 7 will final about two days with average use, its efficiency varies, particularly throughout GPS actions. In comparison with rivals just like the OnePlus Watch 3 with its dual-chip structure or the TicWatch Professional 5 with its dual-display know-how, the Galaxy Watch 7’s battery life is nice, however not nice. I need the 8 to final greater than 48 hours on a single cost, even with heavy utilization.

Due to sleuthing on South Korea’s product security platform by XpertPick, we have already got an concept of what we'd see on the subsequent mannequin. Listings reveal two batteries, EB-BL330ABY and EB-BL505ABY, that are doubtless tied to the usual Galaxy Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Basic, respectively. The EB-BL330ABY battery has a rated capability of 435mAh, which is barely bigger than that of the 44mm Galaxy Watch 7.

Extra dependable GPS accuracy

<img class="e_Xg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 running coach" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 running coach" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-running-coach.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Correct GPS monitoring is one other space the place I’m hoping Samsung will enhance the Galaxy Watch lineup. I used to be excited when the Galaxy Watch 7 launched dual-frequency GPS, which generally enhances reliability in difficult environments like city areas or trails with dense foliage. In actuality, although, the watch’s efficiency can nonetheless be inconsistent. In real-world checks, it’s recorded me in every single place from the mistaken aspect of the street to operating inside buildings.

Samsung’s largest Put on OS competitor, the Google Pixel Watch 3, additionally struggles greater than I had hoped, which solely makes it extra necessary for the Galaxy Watch 8 to enhance so it may possibly stand out. In the meantime, the Apple Watch delivers correct GPS monitoring, as do Garmin’s gadgets. For the Galaxy Watch 8 to turn into a viable possibility for critical endurance athletes, it wants to offer dependable and exact GPS monitoring.

Full entry for all customers

<img class="e_Xg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro Samsung Pay" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="A Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro displays a Samsung Pay prompt screen." src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Samsung-Galay-Watch-5-Pro-Samsung-Pay-scaled.jpg"/> Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Lastly, I hope the Galaxy Watch 8 provides full entry to all options for non-Samsung telephone customers. Whereas Samsung’s watches are full of nice performance, some premium options are locked behind a Samsung telephone. Options like Samsung Pay, superior well being monitoring together with blood stress detection, and even some customization choices are both restricted or unavailable for these of us utilizing telephones from different manufacturers. It appears like a little bit of a missed alternative, particularly when larger inclusivity would make the Galaxy Watch line a stronger Pixel Watch rival. Although unlikely, I’d like to see Samsung open the Galaxy Watch 8’s options to all, no matter telephone model, so customers can take full benefit of all the things the watch has to supply.

What do you need to see on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8? 33 votes

The return of the rotating bezel

15%

Improved coronary heart fee monitoring

15%

Higher battery life

58%

Extra dependable GPS monitoring

3%

Entry to superior options for all

6%

Different (tell us within the feedback)

3%

Will there be a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?

<img class="e_Xg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 rings" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 rings" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-7-rings.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Whereas Samsung has but to formally affirm the Galaxy Watch 8, regulatory filings recommend its imminent arrival. As talked about, batteries doubtless similar to the lineup have been licensed by SafetyKorea, suggesting customers will see each a regular Galaxy Watch 8 and a Watch 8 Basic. We’ve additionally seen entries within the GSMA’s system database, together with one reference tying mannequin quantity SM-L505U to a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Basic, as noticed by Smartprix. These certifications level to a summer season launch for the Watch 8 collection, which might make sense given the corporate’s launch schedule traditionally.

Galaxy Watch 5 collection — August 10, 2022 Galaxy Watch 6 collection — July 26, 2023 Galaxy Watch 7 collection — July 10, 2024

We'll almost definitely see the brand new era introduced and the corporate’s Summer season Unpacked occasion. My greatest guess is that this can happen in July, although I’ll preserve this hub up to date as we see extra leaks and rumors floor. We might additionally see a second Extremely mannequin land in addition to a sequel to the Galaxy Ring.

Do you have to look ahead to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?

<img class="e_Xg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="Samsung Galaxy Watch FE buttons from the side" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="Samsung Galaxy Watch FE buttons from the side" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Watch-FE-buttons-from-the-side.jpg"/> Ryan Haines / Android Authority

We’re now in that awkward window the place upcoming launches are simply months away, and shopping for an current mannequin feels a bit foolish. For those who’re at the moment eyeing the Galaxy Watch 7, I like to recommend holding off. With the Galaxy Watch 8 on the horizon, it’s price ready for the subsequent iteration, particularly contemplating the helpful upgrades it might deliver, like improved battery life, extra correct monitoring, and even new options. Plus, as soon as the brand new mannequin lands, you'll be able to anticipate the worth of the Galaxy Watch 7 to drop. In different phrases, it can save you money by merely ready a number of months.

That stated, if you'd like a watch in your wrist sooner moderately than later, the Galaxy Watch 7 ($299.99 at Amazon) is an efficient purchase for Samsung telephone customers. For a extra sturdy system and a bigger battery, Samsung additionally has the Extremely ($649.99 at Amazon) in its lineup. The Google Pixel Watch 3 ($349.99 at Amazon) is the most effective Put on OS smartwatch obtainable general, however the OnePlus Watch 3 ($329.99 at Amazon) provides the most effective battery life. After all, for those who’re an iPhone consumer, your greatest wager is the Apple Watch Collection 10 ($386 at Amazon).