When Samsung launches a new generation of its Galaxy Watch, Android ecosystem fans — and especially those who value their health and wellbeing — ask the same question: is it really worth switching to the latest model? With the Galaxy Watch 8 comes a renewed offering packed with artificial intelligence, subtle battery improvements and a slimmer design. But its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 7, remains a powerful option, especially now that its price has dropped considerably.
Refined design and brighter display
Samsung has further refined its winning formula with the Galaxy Watch 8, betting on a body 11% thinner and a bezel in a square “cushion” style that not only modernizes its look but also improves wrist comfort thanks to a lug system inherited from the Watch Ultra. Both models remain true all-rounders, with 5ATM, IP68 and MIL-STD-810H certifications; in other words, more than enough resistance for both the gym and your extreme getaways.
As for the screen, the differences are noticeable — and how! Although sizes and resolutions are identical (1.5” and 480×480 pixels in the 44mm model and 1.3” and 432×432 pixels in the 40mm), the Watch 8 reaches a dazzling 3,000 nits of brightness, surpassing the previous model’s 2,000. Who doesn’t appreciate a hyper-bright display that looks perfect even under full summer sun?
Artificial intelligence and health: the big leap
If there’s one area where the Galaxy Watch 8 flexes its muscles, it’s handling health data boosted by AI. Samsung has taken the experience further than ever: the new watch not only measures your heart rate, sleep quality or SpO2 as the Watch 7 already did, but it also analyzes your antioxidant levels with a simple fingertip touch. We’re talking about metrics that normally require clinical analysis and are now available from your wrist. Mind-blowing, right?
It has also improved its sleep coach, which recognizes your circadian rhythms and recommends when to go to bed to optimize your rest. It also includes a running coach in the purest style of the Virtual Training Assistant from the Apple Watch, with stress tests and personalized plans for your fitness goals. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 7 retains its interesting daily energy score based on AI, although it doesn’t reach the same level of detail as the new model.
And that’s not all. The Galaxy Watch 8 also integrates Gemini, Google’s generative AI tool, which can answer questions, manage your reminders or even send messages using only your voice. Isn’t it Tony Stark’s Jarvis but in watch form?
Same engine, guaranteed performance
Interestingly, both the Galaxy Watch 8 and the 7 share the same Exynos W1000 processor, the same 2 GB of RAM and a generous 32 GB of storage. In other words, in terms of raw power they’re practically tied, and both run Google’s Wear OS, although the Watch 8 comes with version 6 and One UI 8 out of the box. The Watch 7 will receive these updates, though it will miss some of the AI-driven frills along the way.
Regarding battery, Samsung has slightly increased capacity: the larger Watch 8 model rises to 435mAh and the smaller to 325mAh. According to the brand, this translates into about 40 hours of autonomy without the always-on display and around 30 hours with it activated. The Watch 7 offered between 22 and 28 hours depending on configuration, so the difference, while noticeable, isn’t revolutionary.
And the price? This is where things get interesting. The Watch 8 starts at $349.99 (about $50 more than the Watch 7) and increases depending on size and LTE connectivity. But note that the Watch 7 is often on sale—even at half price during events like Amazon Prime Day!—which makes it an even juicier option in terms of value for money.
Conclusion: upgrade or not?
The big advantage of the Galaxy Watch 8 lies, without a doubt, in its deeper AI integration and its more ambitious focus on health and wellbeing. If you are addicted to data, love the latest advances and want to take control of your body to the highest tech level, the 8 is your watch. But if you have a Galaxy Watch 7 (or even one from a couple of generations back) that works well and you’re not that interested in AI, it might not be the time to jump yet.
Ultimately, Samsung has done what it does best: refine its flagship product and fill it with smart details that create subtle but powerful differences. Ready to let your new wrist coach guide you?
