The star of the wellness world from Samsung’s #GalaxyUnpacked event last July 9 was the Galaxy Watch8 Series. I know smartwatches aren’t new territory, but Samsung’s latest drop made it very clear: this is no longer just a gadget for step-counting. It’s a full-on wellness coach on your wrist and honestly, I’t got me hooked and impressed.
Sleeker. Smarter. More Sleep-Focused.
First impressions? The Watch8 is thin. We’re talking 11% thinner than before, and they’ve reworked the internals so the watch doesn’t just look good—it feels good, too. It’s using what they call a “Dynamic Lug system,” which basically means the strap and body adjust more naturally with your wrist movements. Whether you’re asleep, in a workout, or doomscrolling at midnight (no judgment), this thing sits comfortably.
I also appreciate that they’re not forgetting people who like a little flair—there’s still the Classic model with the rotating bezel (which is such a satisfying click, don’t lie). And for the outdoorsy types, the new Galaxy Watch Ultra is here to play hard. Titanium frame, 3-day battery life, rugged AF.
Sleep Gets the Glow-Up It Deserves
As someone who relies on melatonin to fall asleep, I genuinely perked up at the new sleep features. The Watch8 now tracks Vascular Load during sleep—aka how stressed your blood vessels are while you’re catching Zs. Why does this matter? Because your body might be going through stress you don’t even feel when awake. Creepy but cool.
There’s also Bedtime Guidance based on your circadian rhythm, and drumroll—sleep apnea detection. Yes, on a smartwatch. Samsung is not playing around with sleep science anymore.
Fitness + AI = Your New Workout BFF
I know everyone throws around “AI-powered” like confetti these days, but Samsung actually did something clever here. The Energy Score uses both physical and mental data to rate your daily energy levels. Think of it as a vibe check—but backed by your vitals.
For runners (aspiring or otherwise), the Running Coach now analyzes your performance and customizes training plans in real time. You can even challenge your friends to a run using the updated “Together” feature, because nothing motivates like friendly competition and bragging rights.
Oh, and this one’s a world first: the Antioxidant Index. Yep, the Watch8 can measure your carotenoid levels (in just five seconds) to help you track your inner aging process. Your skin and your arteries might just thank you.
Gemini on Your Wrist? Yes, Please.
Samsung also teamed up with Google to bake in Gemini, their AI assistant, straight out of the box. You can ask it to start your run, find a coffee shop, and text your friend—all without pulling out your phone. It’s giving productivity with a touch of sci-fi.
Price and Pre-Order Info
Here’s what you need to know:
- Galaxy Watch8 (Bluetooth, 40mm) – Php20,990
- Galaxy Watch8 (Bluetooth, 44mm) – Php22,990
- Galaxy Watch8 (LTE, 40mm) – Php23,990
- Galaxy Watch8 Classic (Bluetooth, 46mm) – Php29,990
- Galaxy Watch8 Classic (LTE, 46mm) – Php32,990
- Galaxy Watch Ultra (LTE, 47mm) – Php40,990
Pre-orders are now open until July 31, and general availability starts August 1.
Final Thoughts
I’ve seen a lot of wearables launch, but this one feels like a leap forward—especially in health tech. Samsung isn’t just tracking metrics anymore. They’re coaching, analyzing, and gently nudging us toward better habits (with style, no less).
So…am I adding this to cart? Let’s just say my current smartwatch suddenly feels very last season.
Recent Comments