The new generation of Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Ultra watches is here, along with its Classic and standard variants. This year, the company has gone all out with a redesign of the entire family, which now inherits the more angular and robust "squircle" aesthetic first seen last year on the Watch Ultra. Both the Ultra and the rest of the range feature a square case with softened corners , incorporating the classic circular watch face and premium finishes such as titanium or stainless steel.
For the first time, Samsung is launching three models simultaneously within the same generation , each targeted at a different type of user. The result is a collection that enhances the comfort, durability, and aesthetic consistency of its smartwatches, without sacrificing advanced customization, health, and fitness features.
A more robust and functional design
The Galaxy Watch8 Ultra retains the visual identity debuted in the previous generation but incorporates new finishes like titanium blue and refined details . It features a 47mm titanium case and sapphire crystal, maximizing protection against bumps, drops, and exposure to the elements. The 1,47-inch Super AMOLED display offers a resolution of 480x480 pixels and 3.000 nits of peak brightness , ensuring visibility even in direct sunlight.
The rest of the range also receives updated designs . The Classic version brings back Samsung's classic rotating bezel in a 46mm stainless steel case, while the standard model opts for minimalist elegance in 40mm and 44mm sizes. All watches are thinner than their predecessors (8,6mm thick), and the Dynamic Lug system allows the strap to adjust better to any wrist.
Innovations in health and sports
One of the main focuses of the new generation is much more advanced health tracking thanks to updated sensors and new algorithms . The entire series incorporates the latest version of Samsung's BioActive sensor, capable of measuring heart rate, stress, sleep quality, body composition, and temperature, in addition to exclusive features:
- Vascular load: Monitors vascular stress during sleep, providing relevant information on recovery and cardiovascular health.
- Antioxidant index: measures the presence of carotenoids in just a few seconds, useful for healthy aging.
- Personalized sleep cues which suggest the best time to go to bed and get up, after analyzing the circadian rhythm.
- AI-based energy scoring: combines physical and mental metrics to report your overall fitness level each day.
- Running coach with artificial intelligence, capable of evaluating your fitness level from 1 to 10 and generating customized routines.
- Stress alerts, breathing exercises, and an improved Together feature to gamify sports with friends and family.
The Galaxy Watch8 Ultra maintains the military-grade MIL-STD-810H resistance , adding 5ATM and IP68 protection, key details for athletes and demanding users.
Wear OS 6, Gemini, and smart experience
The arrival of Wear OS 6 and the native integration of Gemini are another major highlight. These watches are the first to allow users to access Google's Gemini AI assistant from their wrist , with natural language voice commands and the ability to perform chained actions (searching for places, sending messages, managing lists, etc.). The entire system runs on One UI 8 Watch, Samsung's own interface that makes better use of screen space and adds multi-information tiles, the Now Bar, and new contextual notifications.
The hardware is also top-notch: a 3nm Exynos W1000 five-core processor, 2GB of RAM , and 32GB of storage in the standard/Classic models, and 64GB in the Ultra . The Ultra model boasts the largest battery in the range at 590mAh , while fast wireless charging is available on all watches.
Connectivity is comprehensive, with Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 2,4+5 GHz, LTE (on selected variants), NFC and dual GPS that ensures accuracy in routes and maps, especially relevant for sports activities.
Prices, availability and versions
The Galaxy Watch8 Ultra, Classic, and standard models will be officially available starting July 25th , although they can already be pre-ordered in some European markets. Official pricing is as follows:
- Galaxy Watch8 Ultra: 699€ (Titanium blue, grey, white and silver; 590 mAh battery, 64 GB of storage).
- Galaxy Watch8 Classic: 529€ (46 mm, black or white stainless steel, with rotating bezel, 445 mAh battery, 64 GB).
- Galaxy Watch8: from €379 (40/44 mm, silver or graphite aluminium; 325/435 mAh battery, 32 GB).
The Watch8 Ultra is aimed at users seeking maximum durability and features for intense sports activities, while the Classic and Standard models cater to those who prefer a more traditional, elegant, or compact approach. All models are compatible with interchangeable straps and official accessories.
The Ultra's battery life lasts up to four days thanks to its larger battery, while the rest range from one to two days depending on the configuration and usage. However, fast wireless charging makes it easy to recharge in any situation.
