I received my Galaxy Watch 8 Classic last week, and apart from the necessity to charge it, this smartwatch has remained on my wrist. With plenty of features to explore and test, the latest model from Samsung is impressive, particularly due to the newest version of Wear OS and the integration of Gemini into the watch’s functionality.
Although I’m not even a full week into wearing this device, I feel compelled to share some initial impressions sooner rather than later. For starters, the return of the rotating bezel is a welcome addition. It simplifies navigating the user interface, allowing me to avoid swiping my fingers across the screen. The responsiveness of the bezel’s rotation is commendable, with minimal lag between the rotation and scrolling movements.
TL;DR Impressions: The rotating bezel is a fantastic feature, Gemini has proven to be an excellent assistant, and the battery life thus far appears solid.
I cannot express enough how relieved I am to see the end of Google Assistant, replaced by the much-improved Gemini. This shift has highlighted just how limited Assistant was in understanding natural language. With Gemini, I can converse more fluidly, asking questions and giving commands in a way that feels much more human. Whether I need directions, want to compose messages, or start workouts, Gemini handles it all seamlessly. Simply hold down the Home button and speak your command—it’s much more efficient than fumbling with my phone or navigating through menus on the watch's smaller display. The best part? It actually works!
I received the watch on Thursday evening, and as of Monday morning, I have only charged it twice. The initial out-of-the-box charge was about 60%, and despite a busy weekend filled with activities and a bit of travel, I have experienced zero battery issues. Since I have the WiFi-only model, I’m curious to see how a 4G connection might impact battery life, but my initial experience has been quite positive.
There is an abundance of software to explore on both the watch and the Wearables app. From fitness tracking features like Antioxidant level tracking and a Running Coach to options for creating custom tiles and personalizing watch faces, there’s so much to learn and experiment with. It took some time to set up the watch to my liking, and I still don’t feel finished. I’m also on the lookout for a watch face that resonates with me; despite the hundreds available, none have quite hit the mark. If anyone has suggestions from Google Play, I’d love to hear them!
During my weekend, I tested the watch in the pool, and I’m pleased to report that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic performed well. Given its IP rating, this isn’t particularly surprising, but it’s worth mentioning. Additionally, I ordered the Fabric band with the watch, and it’s both comfortable and stylish. However, after trying the Apple Watch Ultra, I find myself wanting an Alpine Loop band for all my watches. I’ve ordered a couple from Amazon, and they’ve proven to be excellent—highly recommended for my fellow Android watch enthusiasts.
A full review of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is on the horizon. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the watch, feel free to ask! I’ll do my best to provide helpful insights.
