The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series has arrived, showcasing a fresh design language that sets it apart from previous generations. However, this new lineup also introduces a significant change: the transition to a proprietary connector system reminiscent of the attachments found on the Pixel Watch and Apple Watch. This evolution first made its debut with last year's Galaxy Watch Ultra, featuring Samsung's innovative “dynamic lug” connector that offers a quick-release alternative to the traditional watch pins.
The dynamic lug connector is designed with user convenience in mind. It features a button on the watch hardware that allows for the quick release of any band or adapter connected to the watch. This new system completely replaces the traditional pin connection that has been a staple of the Galaxy Watch series for nearly a decade, dating back to the Gear S2 launched in 2015. Consequently, the Galaxy Watch 7 will be remembered as the last model to include the standard pins and lugs.
This change was somewhat anticipated, as most of Samsung's competitors, including Apple and Google, have already adopted their proprietary systems. Over the years, Samsung had gradually hinted at this shift: the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 7 series utilized a new band mechanism that released the grip on a pin but lacked a quick-release feature. The introduction of the dynamic lug system now eliminates the traditional band connectors entirely.
In practice, the dynamic lug holds the band securely, sometimes making it challenging to remove. Unlike the connectors used by Apple and Google, removing a Galaxy Watch band requires only a pulling motion, with bands reconnecting with an audible click for assurance. Samsung has curated a wide array of first-party bands compatible with this new system, which are interchangeable across the entire Galaxy Watch lineup.
There are specific sizes available: a “small” option for the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 and a “large” size for the 44mm Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and both generations of the Watch Ultra. Additionally, users can still utilize traditional bands with Samsung's lugs for leather and select other types, akin to how some first-party bands for the Pixel Watch can work with their adapters.
The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $349 and is available for pre-order starting today. Interested buyers can secure their orders through Samsung.com, where pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and the entire Galaxy Watch 8 series are now open. Samsung is offering up to $1,100 in trade-in values, plus an additional $50 in Samsung credit when orders are placed through specific links, though this offer is valid only if the checkout is completed within 30 minutes.
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Galaxy Z Fold 7 at Samsung.com Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Samsung.com Galaxy Watch 8 at Samsung.com Galaxy Watch 8 Classic at Samsung.comThe Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series not only introduces a sleek new design but also a transformative band attachment system that reflects the future of smartwatch technology. As Samsung continues to innovate, the Galaxy Watch 8 is poised to make a strong impact in the competitive smartwatch market. What are your thoughts on this new direction for the Galaxy Watch series?
