(checked 2026-10-14)2,035 ratings. The listing appears to pool sizes and colors and possibly the Watch8 Classic: a 'Rotating Bezel' listing in search showed the same rating count.
Last year's Samsung, which Wirecutter says is still a great option with most of the Watch9's health and fitness features if you don't want to pay for the new model. Tom's Guide found its workout and heart-rate tracking accurate and its sleep reports among the most detailed, but the standard model lasts about 30 hours and moved to a new band system.
Common Samsung Galaxy Watch8 problems
- About a day and a bit per charge
Tom's Guide got about 30 hours from the standard 40 mm and 44 mm models with always-on display, the same as the Watch7 and Watch6. Only the 46 mm Watch8 Classic reached 40 hours.
- New band system and wasted space
Tom's Guide says the new Dynamic Lug System means you need new bands, didn't make it noticeably more comfortable, and the standard model's cushion case feels needlessly large around a screen that didn't grow.
- Small upgrade with hit-and-miss extras
Tom's Guide doesn't think Watch7 or Watch6 owners get enough new features, notes a price increase, found the Antioxidant Index always read 'very low', and calls the button customization needlessly limited.
What owners like
- Accurate workout tracking
Against an Apple Watch Series 10 and a Pixel Watch 3, Tom's Guide found its distance, elevation, pace and heart rate impressively accurate, and its Running Coach a useful motivator.
- Detailed sleep and recovery insights
Tom's Guide calls Samsung's sleep reports some of the most detailed and actionable, and found the new Vascular Load metric useful.
- Still most of the Watch9
Wirecutter says the Watch8 and Watch8 Classic have most of the Watch9's health and fitness features. Tom's Guide praises the 3,000-nit screen, the 8.6 mm case and built-in Gemini.
- You use an iPhone
- You want more than about a day per charge (the Classic lasts longer)
- You want to keep using older Galaxy Watch bands
- Android (especially Galaxy) owners who want most Watch9 features for less
- Detailed sleep insights
- A bright 3,000-nit screen
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): The competition (updated 2026-08-21): a former pick and still a great option if you don't want to spend as much on the Watch9; the Watch8 Classic has a bigger case, longer battery and rotating bezel.
- Tom's Guide (Galaxy Watch 8 review): Accurate tracking and excellent sleep insights, but recommends the Watch8 Classic over the standard model for its bezel and 40-hour battery. The cons include a price increase and a new proprietary strap system.