(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 265 ratings.
Wirecutter's pick for Samsung Galaxy phone owners: slim, comfortable and fast, with new AI health scores. Battery life is the recurring weak spot (about 24 hours in Wirecutter's test, with slow charging), it's little changed from the Watch8, and many health features need a Galaxy phone.
Top complaints
- Short battery and slow charging
Wirecutter got just over 24 hours against Samsung's 30-hour claim, and a full charge took about 1 hour 40 minutes. Pickr calls battery life weak, saying the 40 mm model struggles to reach two days. Amazon owners are mixed: some get 2-3 days, others charge daily. A 1-star review on Walmart's page (collected via Samsung) says the battery lasts about 8 hours with health features and always-on display on.
- Barely changed from the Watch8, at a higher price
Wirecutter says it costs $50 more than last year's model and doesn't recommend upgrading from a Watch8. Pickr says little has changed, and Tom's Guide says it has basically the same design and display as the Watch8 despite costing more.
- Galaxy-only features, charger and band quirks
Wirecutter lists ECG, Vitals, Heart Health Score and Energy Score among the features lost without a Galaxy phone. Low-star reviews on Walmart's page report that it won't charge on older Samsung chargers or via phone power share, that the included strap was too small, that the screen chipped within a week, and that it freezes. Amazon's summary calls fit and durability mixed.
What owners love
- Slim, comfortable and bright
Wirecutter says the squircle case and flat sensors sit comfortably for all-day and overnight wear, and both sizes reach 3,000 nits. Walmart's review summary highlights a sleek, lightweight design and a bright display.
- Fast and up to date
Wirecutter saw zero lag from the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip, and Samsung promises updates until 2031. Pickr also calls performance snappy.
Source: Wirecutter (Android guide), Pickr review - Health insights without a paywall
Tom's Guide says its holistic insights aren't paywalled, unlike some competitors. Wirecutter likes the new Heart Health Score, Vitals and Fitness Index.
- You use an iPhone or a non-Samsung Android phone
- You want more than a day per charge
- You own a Galaxy Watch8
- Samsung Galaxy phone owners
- People who want a slim, bright Wear OS watch
- Detailed health scores without a subscription
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for Samsung Galaxy owners (updated 2026-08-21). The flaws are subpar battery and slow charging, little change from the Watch8, and Galaxy-only features.
- Tom's Guide: 'Also consider': health insights aren't paywalled, but battery life isn't great and it's pricier than the near-identical Watch8.
- Pickr: 4/5, 'an utterly fine smartwatch' held back by weak battery life and little change from the previous model.