Top features of the Samsung Watch 8 for your health and fitness goals
Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 brings next-gen health tracking to your wrist.
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We’re on the ground at Samsung’s Unpacked event in Brooklyn, where the Galaxy Watch 8 series has just been launched. With features like sleep apnea detection, vascular load tracking, and real-time AI insights, it’s clear this isn’t just a fitness watch anymore.
More than just steps: this smartwatch knows your stress, sleep and cycle
Samsung’s newest wearable is the closest we’ve seen to having an assisted health coach, sleep tracker and cardiovascular stress whisperer on your wrist.
Welcome to the next phase of wearable wellness
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 Series has landed, and it’s no longer just about tracking steps. This is personalised health tech that actually feels personal, introducing world-first wellness features, including an Antioxidant Index, a smarter Running Coach, and Gemini AI, all on your wrist. Sleep apnoea detection is now built in, and bedtime guidance comes backed by AI.
"The Galaxy Watch 8 delivers our most advanced hardware yet in a sleek, minimalist form," explained Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables, Mobile eXperience, Samsung Electronics Australia.
“Suited to a range of diverse lifestyles, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic blends timeless design with enhanced functionality."
"The latest Samsung Health app features are designed to help Australians take control of their health and wellbeing – offering meaningful insights across sleep, nutrition and fitness."
Available for pre-order in Australia from July 10, the updated line-up, available from August 1, includes:
- Galaxy Watch 8 from $649 (Graphite, Silver)
- Galaxy Watch 8 Classic from $899 (Black, White)
- Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) from $1299 (new Titanium Blue)
Design that wears better, all day and night
All models now feature a refined cushion-style design, slimmer bezels and improved lugs for a better all-day fit - whether you’re on a run, at work or heading to bed.
Compared to last year’s model:
- Watch 8 is 11 per cent slimmer
- 8 per cent more stable on the wrist
- 12 per cent more comfortable thanks to a new dynamic lug system
There's also been changed under the hoood with Watch 8:
- It now delivers up to 3,000 nits of brightness for outdoor visibility
- Sports an 8 per cent larger battery
- Features dual-frequency GPS
- A new 3nm processor for faster, smoother performance
A smarter sleep coach and your first line of defence
Samsung’s sleep tracking has long been strong, but the Watch 8 takes it a step further, making it more proactive. With AI-guided Bedtime Guidance, the watch analyses your skin temperature, bedtime consistency and even room conditions (via SmartThings) after just three nights of wear.
You’ll then receive a personalised bedtime window to help reset routines - especially useful when recovering from jet lag or adjusting to night shifts.
Even more impressively, the Galaxy Watch 8 joins a select group of wearables, including the Apple Watch, in offering on-device detection of signs of obstructive sleep apnea—a common but underdiagnosed condition. By monitoring oxygen saturation and breathing patterns overnight, it can deliver early alerts and helpful context so you can act before symptoms worsen. It’s not a replacement for a clinical diagnosis, but it’s a major leap in accessible, preventative health tech.
Vascular Load: a clearer read on recovery
Sometimes your heart rate looks normal, but you still feel wiped out. That’s where the new Vascular Load metric comes in. It estimates how hard your cardiovascular system is working at rest, factoring in activity and recovery patterns to give a more holistic read on stress and fatigue.
It’s an especially helpful tool for anyone managing long training blocks, high-stress jobs or busy lives where recovery often takes a backseat.
Yes, your smartwatch can now tell you if you’ve been eating enough veggies
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 debuts the world’s first Antioxidant Index - a five-second test that uses your carotenoid levels to reflect the quality of your recent diet.
How it works: place your thumb on the back of the watch. You’ll get a personalised score without needing to log food, scan barcodes or take a blood test.
Why it matters: carotenoids come from colourful fruits and vegetables, and low levels suggest your diet could use some work. This is not a diagnostic tool, but it’s a smart nudge that supports better dietary awareness and reduced inflammation.
It also highlights the growing importance of tracking dietary markers like AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products), which are influenced by sugar intake and linked to chronic conditions.
Running Coach: your personal pace partner
Whether you’re new to running or building back up for a race, the upgraded Running Coach feature is designed to help.
What it offers:
- A 12-minute initial fitness analysis
- Real-time coaching on stride, cadence and intensity
- Personalised plans for 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances
- Smart goal tracking and post-run feedback
- Together mode, letting you compete with friends — no extra apps needed
As the official wearable sponsor of the Sydney Marathon, Samsung is clearly thinking about everyday athletes, not just elite runners.
Gemini on your wrist
The Galaxy Watch 8 Series is the first smartwatch to feature Gemini AI, bringing voice-based assistance right to your wrist.
You can say things like:
- How did I sleep last night, and should I train today
- What’s my antioxidant score this week
- Summarise my training over the past month
Plus, with the new One UI 8 Watch, you’ll get:
- A customisable Now Bar for quick access to your favourite tiles
- Smart app suggestions
- An overhauled notification layout for better visibility
- A programmable Action Button on the Classic models to launch workouts, SOS, or your preferred health tool or action
It knows your stress. It knows your cycle. And it adjusts accordingly.
Samsung Health continues to push ahead with features that go beyond activity tracking:
- Stress tracking with breathing guidance
- Menstrual cycle tracking and symptom prediction
- An Energy Score showing how much you should push today
- Body composition tools, including body fat percentage and skin temperature
All data syncs seamlessly across Galaxy devices, from phone to tablet, so your stats are always accessible, without being overwhelming.
Prefer something lighter? Try the Galaxy Ring
Don’t love wearing a watch to bed? Samsung’s existing Galaxy Ring gives you a minimal, discreet alternative for overnight tracking.
It records:
- Sleep stages
- Temperature trends
- Heart rate and movement
- Recovery and readiness
When paired with the Watch 8, the Galaxy Ring takes over tracking at night, while the Watch handles daytime insights, helping extend battery life on both and giving you more seamless results.
Top five reasons to upgrade to Galaxy Watch 8
- Sleep apnoea detection
- Real-time Running Coach
- Antioxidant Index
- Vascular Load recovery insight
- Built-in Gemini AI
Why this update matters
The Galaxy Watch 8 Series feels like the wearable you actually want to keep wearing. It gives you insights that are helpful, not overwhelming. It’s intuitive without being intrusive.
And from detecting sleep apnoea and tracking dietary health to coaching your workouts and adapting to your stress, it supports every stage of your day, not just your steps.
Getting started: Seamless setup for a smarter you
Download the Samsung Health app via Google Play or the Galaxy Store. Compatible with Galaxy smartphones and most Android devices running Android 10.0 or later.
To pair your Watch:
- Open Samsung Health
- Tap ‘More options’
- Go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Accessories’
- Select or scan for your Galaxy Watch
- Follow the prompts to complete setup
Once paired, Samsung Health tracks everything from workouts and sleep to menstrual cycles, stress, recovery and body composition.
Note: Samsung Health is a wellness tool only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your health or diet.
How to pre-order the Galaxy Watch 8 in Australia
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Watch 8 Series begin July 10 and can be made via Amazon Australia:
- Galaxy Watch 8: 20% off RRP
- Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: 20% off RRP
- Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025): 20% off RRP
These offers are available until August 1, 2025, while stocks last. Ensure you're signed in to your Amazon account to view the deals clearly listed at checkout.
The verdict
For anyone looking to upgrade their wellness routine with AI-powered insights, this is the smartest Galaxy Watch yet and one of the most exciting health wearable updates of the year.
This writer travelled as a guest of Samsung to attend its Galaxy Unpacked event in New York City.
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