Today marks the official shipping date for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, and I’m excited to share my initial thoughts after receiving the Watch 8 Classic model for review. While a comprehensive review will follow shortly, I want to highlight some of the key features I’ve enjoyed and a few aspects that have raised questions. As someone new to Galaxy Watches but with experience reviewing Pixel and Apple watches, as well as various Garmin and fitness trackers, I’m eager to dive into this smartwatch's capabilities.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is its rotating bezel, which enhances the user experience by allowing for intuitive scrolling. This bezel lets you navigate through notifications and tiles simply by rotating it. The motion is impressively smooth, complete with soft clicks that add to the tactile experience. However, I found it somewhat humorous when my son remarked that it essentially mimics the swiping gesture on the screen.
While the rotating bezel is a fun feature, it may not significantly enhance usability compared to simply swiping. Other brands, like Coros or Suunto, employ scroll wheels that can be more practical during physical activities. The Galaxy's scrolling feels less intuitive, especially given that it has a crown-shaped button on the side, which can be confusing due to its bumpers that hinder easy access.
The Galaxy Watch 8 stands out in displaying running dynamics, offering insights into metrics like ground time and stride bounce. I found the post-run summaries after my trail run particularly informative, clearly displaying relevant data and even providing real-time feedback on my stride's symmetry. This level of clarity is something I haven’t encountered in many other smartwatches, making it easier for users to understand their running performance.
Another impressive feature of the Galaxy Watch 8 is its ability to adapt heart rate zones based on individual metrics rather than relying on generic age-based formulas. Upon my initial run, I received a notification informing me that my maximum heart rate estimate had adjusted based on the data recorded during my activity. This proactive feature ensures that the heart rate zones are personalized and current, improving the watch's overall functionality.
As someone who appreciates aesthetics, I was thrilled to explore the diverse array of watch faces available on the Galaxy Watch 8. With numerous designs, including celestial-themed analog faces, I opted for a digital face that offered clear readability and ample room for data complications. Following my run, I received a prompt to switch to a run-focused watch face, highlighting my VO2 max estimate and recent run details. This level of customization is a notable advantage of the Galaxy Watch 8.
One of the more unique features of the Galaxy Watch 8 is the antioxidant index test, which claims to assess your diet based on the tone of your skin. Although the logic behind it is somewhat questionable, it’s intriguing to see how the watch attempts to gauge your vegetable intake. However, I experienced some skepticism when the sensor indicated a low antioxidant level, suggesting I need to consume more carrots. This feature adds a playful aspect to health tracking, even if its accuracy is debatable.
As I prepare for a more thorough review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, I’m particularly excited to test the integrated running coach, which will require a 12-minute run to assess my fitness level and recommend tailored workouts. Additionally, I’m keen to explore the treadmill feature, which has historically been a gap in many running watches. With the Samsung Galaxy Watch capable of syncing with gym treadmills, I’m eager to see how it compares to the Apple Watch in terms of data accessibility across various fitness applications.
