Latest news with #ExynosW1000
Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Phone Arena
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Review: Design that grows on you
And you can now talk to Gemini straight from your wrist. So is the squircle shape a good idea? And are the upgrades worth a $50 increase in price? Let's take a closer look. Thinner, new squircle shape Same Exynos W1000 processor as last year 32GB storage (same as on Watch 7) Gemini on Wear OS (new) Same BioActive sensor as before Antioxidant index Bedtime Guidance Running coach Same battery life, same charging speeds Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. We have the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8 and it's the perfect size for people with smaller wrists. Samsung also offers a bigger, 44mm model. Both are exceptionally lightweight and a bit thinner than before, but because of the new shape they feel significantly slimmer. We usually prefer the larger model, but this year, becuase of the new design, the smaller model seems easier to recommend, plus it's noticeably lighter too. The Watch 8 uses aluminum, while the Watch 8 Classic bets on a shiny stainless steel body. Despite the slimmer profile, Samsung has managed to cram in a slightly bigger battery, but emphasis on slightly (it's a tiny difference). Apparently using a squarish body frees up some space for battery. Unlike last year when we got a faster chip and more internal storage, there are no big hardware changes on the Watch 8. Below are the sizes for both Watch 8 sizes and how they compare to the last year's versions. 40 mm Watch 7 - 40.4 x 40.4 x 9.7 mm, 28.8g Watch 8 - 40 x 40.4 x 8.6 mm, 30g 44 mm Watch 7 - 44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm, 33.8g Watch 8 - 44.7 x 43.7 x 8.6mm, 34g The bezel around the circular watchface is touch-sensitive — so you can either tap and swipe to navigate, or slide your finger on the bezel. For a physical rotating bezel, Samsung has the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Screen sizes also haven't changed: you've got a 1.3 inch screen on the 40mm model and 1.5 inches for the 44mm one. Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos. We also get the usual IP68 rating/5ATM rating, meaning the Watch 8 will survive just fine in water up to 50 meters deep. However, be warned that this is not a diving watch. The 5ATM rating is still not good enough for the higher pressure in deeper water. The Galaxy Watch 8 uses a brand-new "Dynamic Lug" mechanism that makes swapping bands just a bit easier, but the bad news is that straps from previous Galaxy Watches are not compatible. Those of you who have a collection of bands sure would be disappointed. If you just want to use a traditional watch band with a spring loaded metal pin, we guess that third-party adapters would be all over Amazon soon. Back to these new bands, Samsung pairs the Watch 8 with a sport band, but you can also select one of the other types offered: the comfortable fabric one, the athleisure one and our favorite, the hybrid, which mimics a leather band. All of these, as you'd expect, are quite pricey. Software & Features Galaxy Watches have been running on Wear OS for a few years now. But this being Samsung, it's a custom version so the typical Wear OS has an extra skin on top, called One UI Watch. At launch, the Galaxy Watch 8 runs on One UI 8 Watch on top of Wear OS 6. Additionally, we ought to mention that the watch connects to the Samsung Health app, which is completely free to use. Compare this to Google's Fitbit app, which hides some features behind a subscription, and you can appreciate Samsung's approach with this. The big ticket software item this year is Google Gemini from your wrist. And it's just as good as you think it is. Sure, the functionality is a bit limited without the larger screen of something like a phone, but the smarts are not toned down and Gemini on the Watch 8 can be very useful. We don't think that Gemini on your wrist will replace Gemini on your phone, but it's nice to have the option (it will work on the watch when it is connected to Wi-Fi or LTE, otherwise you would need your phone). So what can you use Gemini for? Well, your typical knowledge questions work just fine, but don't expect to ask it for personalized training advice based on your training data (and this feels like a missed opportunity). The sensor on the Galaxy Watch 8 has not changed, but since you have a more snug fit with the new cushion design, you get more accurate readings as well. In our experience, the watch did better with heart rate accuracy than the previous model. We tested it with a few runs and it was in line with the usual heart rate readings we get with devices like an Apple Watch or Garmin watches. Automatic workout detection on the Galaxy Watch 8 is probably the best we've ever seen on a smartwatch (and we've tested a lot). It is just so quick to pick it up when you are walking or cycling, impressive. Last year, Samsung introduced 'dual-band GPS,' and of course, this feature is also present on the Watch 8. Dual-band GPS is particularly useful when you live in a city where single-band GPS can be spotty. In our experience focused on running, the GPS signal was quite good and we did not have any issues with accuracy. We mentioned this last year in our reviews as well, but Samsung does an excellent job presenting all of your workout data, with all the metrics and measurements properly explained. Garmin could definitely take some notes here. One of the most useful new additions is the personal running coach. This is a high-intensity workout where you run for 12 minutes to get an evaluation of your running level/condition. We imagine it will be particularly useful to novice runners. After the initial test, the watch then builds a plan to reach your running goals, whether it's a full marathon or just running a 5K. The suggestions all appear perfectly reasonable - a focus on slow runs with a sprinkle of tempo run efforts and intervals. Other watches have had such a feature for years, so it's not exactly new, but it's definitely a welcome addition. The biggest advantage of sleep tracking on the Galaxy Watch 8 is just how supremely comfortable it is to wear. It didn't cause any skin irritation or discomfort during extended wear. I found that sleep tracking was mostly accurate, with some occasional misses. The sleep data matches well with reality, and the only slight issue we have is with automatic sleep detection which does not kick in as fast as we'd like. However, I still wouldn't put too much trust in the specific numbers for each sleep stage, and just like on previous Galaxy Watches, we've seen a tendency to overcount awake time as sleep. Your sleep is also reflected in the Energy Score, one metric very similar to Garmin's body battery. Here is a reminder of what measurements it is calculated from: Sleep time average Sleep time consistency Bed/wake time consistency Sleep timing Previous day activity Sleeping HR Sleeping HRV Apart from the familiar metrics from previous Galaxy Watches, we have a brand new one on the Watch 8 — the antioxidant index. You need to take off your watch and press your thumb against the sensor for about 5 seconds to take this measurement. You get a number that falls in one of three categories, but out of five people who tried this, everyone got a number in the 'low' category. Worse yet, the results were not consistent between measurements, creating some doubt. After you take the measurement, the watch suggests you open your phone for diet recommendations. However, those were VERY generic. Eat a ¼ of a pair, Samsung advized me often. I guess that's fine, but come on, don't we all know we'd benefit from eating an apple a day? Most importantly, Samsung says this number has not been clinically validated and you should treat it as a lifestyle reference rather than a perfectly accurate, "out of the lab" number. Last year, Samsung introduced advanced glycation end products (AGEs) index on the Watch 7. That feature somehow measures biological aging based on dietary habits and lifestyle, but the mechanics are not entirely transparent and I have not seen many people make much use of that number either. You also have all the features from previous Galaxy Watches, such as ECG and Blood Pressure. Blood Pressure is still not available on an Apple Watch, but taking your blood pressure with a Galaxy Watch is probably still not the best way to go and measuring with a cuff would be far more reliable. The battery size on the Galaxy Watch 8 has increased a tiny bit. The Watch 8 40mm now comes with a 325 mAh battery (up 8% from 300 mAh on the Watch 7 40mm), while the Watch 8 44mm features a 435 mAh battery (up 2% from 425 mAh on the previous generation). The chip inside both watches is the same Exynos W1000 from the Watch 7 series, so don't count on any new battery efficiencies from it either. Real life use also confirms that the biggest weakness of the Watch 8 series remain their uninspiring battery life. You basically have to charge these watches every single day. In a world where you can get five days of use out of a OnePlus Watch 3 43mm and more than a week out of the bigger OnePlus Watch model, those numbers are just bad. The Watch 8 uses the same magnetic charger as previous models. Unfortunately, the company has the slowest charging speeds of eight major smartwatches we tested, falling behind the Apple Watch and Google Pixel watches. As you can see the OnePlus Watch 3 with its proprietary charging is just so much faster than the competition, but the Galaxy does not match up even with Apple Watch or Pixel Watch. The Galaxy is not too far behind, but it is not fast by any means. As before, the Galaxy Watch 8 comes in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm. You can also get a cellular version of the Watch 8, which seems even more useful now that you have Gemini on the watch. The bad news is that Samsung has hiked the prices for the Galaxy Watch 8 by $50 for each version. Here is the price breakdown : Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm): $350 Wi-Fi only; $400 for Wi-Fi + Cellular (40mm): $350 Wi-Fi only; $400 for Wi-Fi + Cellular Galaxy Watch 8 (44mm): $380 Wi-Fi only; $430 for Wi-Fi + Cellular The Galaxy Watch 8 shows once again that Samsung can lead the industry with design and originality. The cushion / squircle design may not look good in pictures, but it has proven stylish and durable in daily use. It has grown on us. But the rest are small changes and niche health metrics, so it's hard to see what justifies the higher price tag this year. Maybe it's just inflation after all. On the the list of disappointments, the biggest one is the one-day battery life. Users should not have to put up with this, especially now that we have alternatives like the OnePlus Watch 3 exist (with its one week battery life).
Gizmodo
17-07-2025
- Gizmodo
Amazon Shocks with 50% Off the Galaxy Watch 7, While Samsung's Official Site Holds Firm at Full Price
Samsung is Apple's true rival in the smartwatch world, and if you're a Galaxy phone user, there's really no better pairing than a Galaxy Watch. While the premium Watch Ultra series is popular, Samsung also offers affordable models that hit hard on performance and functionality. The Galaxy Watch 7 is a feature-packed device designed for everyday use and it is now available at an all-time low price on Amazon: With a discount of 47%, the 40mm Bluetooth version is currently just $159, a dramatic drop from its usual $299 list price. This is a fantastic chance to pick up the newest Galaxy watch for a fraction of the cost, especially since Samsung's official store isn't running any promotion. See at Amazon Galaxy Watch 7 is a combination of state-of-the-art technology and sleek design with a great approach to fitness and wellness. At its core is Samsung's new Exynos W1000 processor which is a 3-nanometer chip that runs on five cores, subjecting app loading to new standards and offering lightning-fast navigation from menu to menu and notification to notification. You've got 2GB RAM to help make multi-tasking silky-smooth and 32GB of storage within, so you've got ample space for apps and podcasts if you want to go for a run without your phone. It comes with the rugged aluminum case and 5ATM water resistance and IP68 rating, which means it will hold up to pool swimming, dust, and everyday life. The 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display is sharp, colorful and legible from any angle. It also has great health and fitness features powered by Galaxy AI: One of the highlight features is the Energy Score which is a daily reading that combines sleep quality, previous day activity and your vital signs to report back on your physical readiness. You get a morning checkup every day on how ready you are to battle a tough day, marrying ease of use with advanced AI analysis. Whether monitoring heart rate, tracking sleep or receiving personalized wellness guidance, the new BioActive sensor array is poised to deliver. The new generation of the array involves sensors that utilize 13 LEDs and this results in enhanced accuracy when monitoring heart rate and SpO2, especially during high-intensity exercise. You can count on that data to be correct, particularly if jogging, cycling, or HIIT training are your thing. For those into exercising, the Galaxy Watch 7 also boasts an incredible over 100 activities to monitor: That ranges from running and cycling to swimming, yoga, and strength training. The new dual-band GPS system stands out here and gives you more precise and consistent route data in outdoor sports. The onboard sensors give you instant performance analysis and you can even set testable goals by contrasting your existing workout with previous sessions. The health monitoring doesn't stop with fitness: The sleep monitoring features are comprehensive with the watch measuring not only the amount of sleep and quality, but also oxygen saturation and snore detection during sleep. Thanks to Galaxy AI, you're given tailored sleep coaching and, for the first time, FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection. This all-time low price won't last long given the strength of the deal compared to Samsung's official store, so there's every reason to snap up one before stocks run out. See at Amazon
GSM Arena
13-07-2025
- GSM Arena
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic in for review
Michail, 11 July 2025 The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic is the new middle ground in the Galaxy smartwatch series. It sits above the baseline Watch8 and borrows some features from the Galaxy Watch Ultra while still keeping its signature rotating bezel. There's nothing surprising inside the box, Samsung is giving you a magnetic wireless charging pad attached to a USB-C cable. Our review unit comes in Black, which has some contrasting stainless-steel elements, giving off a sharp and elegant look. It comes with the faux leather watch band, which is sadly proprietary, so you can't just swap out any old 20mm band like on the previous generations. Back to bezel. We definitely have a soft spot for physical control buttons and they just don't get better than a tactile knob like this. But there's more, Galaxy Watch8 Classic also borrows the Galaxy Watch Ultra's Quick button. It's remappable so you can assign it to all sorts of different features or shortcuts. Weirdly enough, the 46mm Watch8 Classic features a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen – the same size as the much smaller 40mm Galaxy Watch8. It's still protected by Sapphire Glass and maxes out at 3,000 nits which should be more than enough, even for bright outdoor use. Watch8 Classic gets the Exynos W1000 chip just like the vanilla and Ultra models, alongside 2GB RAM and 64GB storage. Samsung claims the 445mAh battery inside the Watch8 Classic should offer up to 40 hours with the Always-on Display (AoD) off and 30 hours with AoD on. We'll make sure to test these claims alongside the health and activity features in our detailed review. For now, you can check out our Galaxy Watch8 series hands-on for more coverage of Samsung's new smartwatches. Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic 64GB 2GB RAM € 529.00
GSM Arena
12-07-2025
- GSM Arena
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic in for review
The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic is the new middle ground in the Galaxy smartwatch series. It sits above the baseline Watch8 and borrows some features from the Galaxy Watch Ultra while still keeping its signature rotating bezel. There's nothing surprising inside the box, Samsung is giving you a magnetic wireless charging pad attached to a USB-C cable. Our review unit comes in Black, which has some contrasting stainless-steel elements, giving off a sharp and elegant look. It comes with the faux leather watch band, which is sadly proprietary, so you can't just swap out any old 20mm band like on the previous generations. Back to bezel. We definitely have a soft spot for physical control buttons and they just don't get better than a tactile knob like this. But there's more, Galaxy Watch8 Classic also borrows the Galaxy Watch Ultra's Quick button. It's remappable so you can assign it to all sorts of different features or shortcuts. Weirdly enough, the 46mm Watch8 Classic features a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen – the same size as the much smaller 40mm Galaxy Watch8. It's still protected by Sapphire Glass and maxes out at 3,000 nits which should be more than enough, even for bright outdoor use. Watch8 Classic gets the Exynos W1000 chip just like the vanilla and Ultra models, alongside 2GB RAM and 64GB storage. Samsung claims the 445mAh battery inside the Watch8 Classic should offer up to 40 hours with the Always-on Display (AoD) off and 30 hours with AoD on. We'll make sure to test these claims alongside the health and activity features in our detailed review. For now, you can check out our Galaxy Watch8 series hands-on for more coverage of Samsung's new smartwatches. Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic
GSM Arena
11-07-2025
- GSM Arena
Qualcomm is working on a much better chipset for smartwatches
According to a new rumor, Qualcomm is currently working on a new chipset for smartwatches, codenamed Aspen and bearing the model number SW6100. From that we can infer that it will be marketed as the Snapdragon Wear W6, as the W5 has the model number SW5100. Interestingly, the new chip isn't based on any existing Qualcomm product, unlike all of its predecessors. The Snapdragon Wear W6 is bespoke for wearable platforms, and its CPU will have one Cortex-A78 core and four Cortex-A55 cores, alongside support for LPDDR5X RAM. It will be built by TSMC. Google's Pixel Watch 3 uses the SW5100 The W5 was unveiled in 2022, and so it's definitely high time for a replacement from Qualcomm. The W6 seems to focus on performance with switching from four Cortex-A53 cores in its predecessor to four Cortex-A55 and a Cortex-A78 big core. If that configuration seems familiar, it's because Samsung's Exynos W1000 also uses it. It's unclear when Qualcomm will bring the new SoC to the market, but it might be announced in September at its annual Snapdragon summit, in which case we should see the first smartwatches using it appear in early 2026. Source
