Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic. While they may not seem dramatically different at first glance, they bring in several subtle but meaningful upgrades that you’ll likely appreciate. From improved comfort to advanced health tracking, these new models are designed with real-life needs in mind.
Thoughtful design with distinct personalities
The Galaxy Watch8 takes a minimalist approach. With a thinner profile and a new cushion-shaped back, it sits more naturally against your wrist. The 40mm version, in particular, feels so light and smooth that you might even forget you’re wearing it, especially when sleeping. It’s designed for those who want a wearable that quietly does its job without getting in the way.
If you prefer something more traditional and tactile, the Galaxy Watch8 Classic makes a bold return with its signature physical rotating bezel, which was removed from last year’s Watch7. This familiar feature not only gives the watch a more classic appearance but also adds a fun and practical element to navigation. The Classic version is chunkier and more solid on the wrist, which may appeal to you if you like a more substantial timepiece.
Both watches are powered by Samsung’s new Exynos W1000 chip, a 3nm processor with five cores. While this isn’t a full review just yet, initial impressions are promising. Animations look smooth, apps open quickly, and Samsung claims that the new 3,000-nit brighter display doesn’t come at the cost of battery life. You’ll get a better idea once you’ve spent some time with the watch, but the early signs suggest this is a well-optimised upgrade.
New health features bring real-world relevance
The most striking addition in this year’s Galaxy Watch8 series is the introduction of sleep apnoea detection. Officially certified by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority, this feature is not only new but also potentially life-changing. If you’ve ever suspected sleep-related issues or have been diagnosed with mild sleep apnoea, you’ll find this feature incredibly useful. It allows you to track your sleep quality without needing a separate device or a hospital test.
Another intriguing addition is the new Antioxidant Index, which aims to give you a snapshot of your body’s antioxidant levels. While the technology measures carotenoid levels and may sound a bit technical, the goal is simple — to help you understand how your lifestyle is affecting your health. It’s a feature likely to appeal to health-conscious users, especially in places like Singapore, where wellness is a serious concern.
Samsung has also refined some of its existing features. The AI-driven Energy Score blends your sleep data, activity, and heart rate variability to provide a quick summary of how prepared you are to face the day. While not everyone may need a watch to tell them how they feel, it could offer a helpful baseline or confirmation of their physical state. Additional tools, such as Vascular Load and Bedtime Guidance, are included to help you manage your rest and recovery more effectively.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) now features double the internal storage at 64GB. It also debuts a new Titanium Blue colour in Singapore, adding a fresh visual appeal to the high-end model.
Pricing, availability and launch offers
The Galaxy Watch8 series will be available for sale in Singapore from August 1. The Galaxy Watch8 starts at S$498, while the high-end Galaxy Watch Ultra is priced at S$988. You’ll be able to find them at major telcos including Singtel, StarHub, and M1, as well as through Samsung’s Online Store, Experience Stores, and its official shops on Shopee and Lazada.
If you’re planning to get one early, pre-orders began on July 9 at 10:00 PM and will run through July 31. Early buyers will receive price reductions, with savings of S$40 for the Galaxy Watch8, S$60 for the Watch8 Classic, and S$80 for the Watch Ultra. Additionally, those who pre-order through the Samsung Online Store or Samsung Shop App can receive enhanced trade-in values — up to S$100 depending on the model — making the upgrade even more worthwhile.
For full details on the pre-order promotions and trade-in options, you’re encouraged to visit Samsung’s official website or the designated trade-in page.
