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Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Samsung Launches Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Watch8 Series Globally Starting Today
Multimodal AI-powered foldables debut alongside ultra-comfortable smartwatches that deliver instant health insights — experience the latest devices at your nearby store Pre-orders for the latest Galaxy Z foldable smartphones have exceeded targets across Europe following their reveal at Galaxy Unpacked earlier in July SEOUL, Korea, July 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global availability of its latest foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, as well as its new Galaxy Watch8 series. The Galaxy Z series models are proving popular in Europe, with pre-order targets exceeded before the end of the pre-order period. The flagship Galaxy Z Fold7 accounts for over half of pre-orders, and has seen a more than 50% increase in pre-orders from European consumers compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models. The Z series has seen a higher year-on-year increase in pre-orders than the already successful S25 series, showing the increasing consumer interest in foldable handsets. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7: Ultra-Thin and Light With Intuitive Intelligence Refined by years of breakthrough engineering and elevated with advanced intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent the next leap in smartphone innovation. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are Samsung's thinnest, lightest and most advanced Z series devices yet. Powered by cutting-edge performance and seamlessly integrated Galaxy AI,1 they are intelligent, adaptive companions that anticipate and respond to user needs in real time. With expansive, flexible displays, pro-grade cameras and context-aware intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 open up new realms of ultra experience with productivity, creativity and connection. Galaxy Z Fold7 brings Galaxy advancements together and broadens their scope, delivering an ultra-level experience in the thinnest, lightest and most advanced Z series yet. It offers immersive, high-octane performance on an expansive screen, empowering users to game, stream, connect and create all at once. Galaxy's true AI companion experience has also been optimized for the foldable format, enabling fluid interactions across more apps and the larger screen. And with camera and screen sharing with Gemini Live2, users can talk naturally to Gemini about what they're viewing. They can simply share a picture of a local delicacy while they're exploring a new city and ask Gemini whether there is a nearby restaurant where they can try it. Plus, Galaxy Z Fold7's ultra-grade 200 MP high-resolution camera gives the freedom to shoot at flexible angles, putting professional-quality content creation at users' fingertips. For example, convenient editing features like Generative Edit3 now automatically detect passersby in the background of photos and proactively recommend what to remove, eliminating the need to make manual selections and edits. Apart from these features, Galaxy Z Fold7 brings familiarity and durability in a head-turning new design that unfolds into something extraordinary. As for Galaxy Z Flip7, it distills flagship power, intelligence and personality into a compact and iconic form. With its edge-to-edge FlexWindow, users can express themselves, access key features at a glance, and stay connected — all without opening the device. Built for dynamic lifestyles, Galaxy Z Flip7 transforms the way users capture and share content, from flawless selfies to cinematic video, all with the agility and creativity only Flip devices can offer. Now Bar4 delivers helpful information right on Galaxy Z Flip7's FlexWindow to help users stay in control of their day, such as what song is playing, workout progress and even rideshare ETAs at a glance. Gemini Live also allows users to share what they see through their camera and chat with Gemini in real time directly on FlexWindow. So, they can ask for travel tips while road tripping with their dog or outfit suggestions based on the day's weather. Users can also simply share the camera in Flex Mode and converse with Gemini hands-free. Galaxy Z Flip7's FlexCam makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect selfie. Real-time filters on the FlexWindow instantly enhance users FlexCam selfies, so that they can be ready to post or share without the need for any extra editing. And with fun new features like Portrait Studio5 for pets, users can instantly transform any snapped or downloaded pet photo into a work of art. They can choose from styles that resemble artistic paintings, 3D cartoons, fisheye lens photos or professional-quality portraits, and create frame-worthy masterpieces with one quick tap. Years of breakthrough engineering have led foldables to become flexible canvases for the new AI experience. As a new class of smartphones designed to fit in with and elevate user lives, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 represent this achievement. Familiar yet transformative, they blend power, portability, style and substance, whether users seek a revolutionary, ultra-level experience or an AI powerhouse that fits in their pocket. As form factors evolve to look and think differently, this generation of foldables represents the next leap in smartphone innovation. Galaxy Watch8 Series: Ultra-Comfort Meets Real-Time Health Motivation Completing the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch8 series — including Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic — brings the same spirit of re-engineering found in the new phones to the wrist. Galaxy Watch8 features advanced sensor technology and creates an intuitive AI-powered experience to help users fulfill a healthier, more connected life, while its ultra-thin cushion design and Dynamic Lug system flex naturally for all-day comfort and more precise sensor contact. Leveraging Samsung's BioActive Sensor for continuous health tracking, the watches deliver real-time insights and instant rewards or alerts across sleep, stress, nutrition and activity, turning healthy intentions into immediate, motivating feedback6. Plus, for the first time in a smartwatch, Galaxy Watch8 has introduced the Antioxidant Index7, enabling users to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds and make informed lifestyle choices for healthy aging. Hands-On With the Galaxy Z Series and the Watch8 Series at Galaxy Experience Spaces After Unpacked, Samsung opened its Galaxy Experience Spaces in major cities including Dubai, London, New York, Paris and Seoul. Designed to offer consumers an early, hands-on experience of the newest Galaxy devices, these spaces featured interactive zones that highlighted the devices' design, performance and Galaxy AI features. Samsung also partnered with local communities including running, photography, and skateboarding groups to host various sessions, teaching visitors how they can get the most out of their new devices. In addition, Samsung launched a new Experience Store locator feature on making it easier for users to find nearby stores and try the newest devices in person. Availability Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Watch8, and Galaxy Watch8 Classic will be available for purchase at and in stores across 49 markets starting July 25, before being made available in over 110 markets worldwide. Galaxy Z Fold7 is offered in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack8 and an online-exclusive Mint9. Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Jetblack, Blue Shadow, Coralred10 and an online-exclusive Mint.11 Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, which brings the foldable experience to a wider audience, is available in Black or White. So far, Blue Shadow has emerged as the most popular color globally for both Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, accounting for nearly 40% of pre-orders for both devices. Galaxy Watch8 is available in two sizes — 44 mm and 40 mm — and comes in Graphite or Silver. Galaxy Watch8 Classic comes in 46 mm with Black or White options, while the new Galaxy Watch Ultra is offered in four titanium finishes, including the new Titanium Blue. For greater peace of mind, Samsung Care+12 offers comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, repairs and replacements. Plus, for users who love having the latest technology, Samsung is introducing the New Galaxy Club. Users can get expanded access to Google AI Pro and 2 TB of cloud storage for 6 months at no cost with Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. For more information about the Galaxy Z series and Galaxy Watch8 series, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, and About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at 1 Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier. Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI service may be limited for minors in certain regions with age restrictions over AI usage. 2 Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Only available to users 18 years or older. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. 3 Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. 4 Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by country. Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login. 5 Portrait Studio feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Portrait Studio results in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. 6 Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The result is for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. 7 Antioxidant index available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.30 or above). Samsung account login required. To measure, place the center of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While Anti-oxidant index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate result. Repeat measurement due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results. Antioxidant index is for fitness and wellness only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult a medical professional for advice if you're concerned about your antioxidant level. This is a Labs feature that you can preview before its official launch. If you don't want to use this experimental feature, you can turn it off in Samsung Health settings. 8 Color availability may vary depending on market, country or carrier. 9 Online exclusive colors only available on 10 Color availability may vary depending on market, country or carrier. 11 Online exclusive colors only available on 12 Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefit, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit View source version on Contacts 登入存取你的投資組合
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Last chance to pre-order the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 series at epic discounts
Samsung's epic pre-order promos on its latest foldable phones are about to slip away! Pre-orders kicked off this July 9, right after the Galaxy Unpacked event, and you now have less than 48 hours left to act. If you still haven't secured your Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7 , or Z Flip 7 FE at a significantly lower price — this is your last sure how much you can actually save? Quite a bit. $1120 off (53%) Pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 7 at Samsung and grab a free storage upgrade on the 512GB model. On top of that, you can save an extra up to $1,000 with eligible device trade-ins. Alternatively, you can pre-order the phone with a $300 Samsung credit that must be used before completing your purchase. Pre-order at Samsung Free storage upgrade: Get the 512GB model for the price of the 256GB one — just $1,999.99. Up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-ins. Total savings: up to $1,120, bringing the $2,119.99 model down to $999.99. Reserved a unit earlier? In that case, you'll receive a $50 reservation credit, which can be used toward smartphone accessories or to complete your Galaxy ecosystem with a new pair of earbuds or a smartwatch at the time of pre-order. What if you don't have the right device to trade in? In that case, Samsung offers a $300 credit that you can redeem toward one of the new Galaxy watches, earbuds, cases, etc., during your pre-order. $720 off (59%) Pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Samsung and save $120 as a free storage upgrade on the 512GB variant. On top of that, you'll save up to $600 with eligible device trade-ins. Alternatively, you can get it with a $150 Samsung Instant Credit, which must be used before you complete your order. Pre-order at Samsung Get the 512GB variant at the price of the 256GB model: $120 off. Trade in an eligible device to unlock an extra discount of up to $600. Total savings of up to $720, which brings the $1,219.99 512GB model down to only $499.99. Again, users who have secured a unit during reservations will get a $50 reserve credit for accessory purchases during pre-orders. If you don't have an eligible trade-in, the Samsung Store gives you a $150 credit to save on other Galaxy products during pre-order. $560 off (58%) For the first time, Samsung launched a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE alongside the flagship flip phone. Pre-order the budget flip phone at the Samsung Store and save up to $500 with eligible trade-ins. On top of that, the 256GB model is $60 off before trade-ins. Alternatively, you can get a $100 Samsung credit (no trade-in required), which must be redeemed before you complete your purchase. Pre-order at Samsung Get the 256GB model with a $60 discount (free storage upgrade). Eligible trade-ins unlock an additional discount of up to $500. In total, you can save up to $560 on your Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE pre-order, which knocks the $959.99 flip phone to as low as $399.99. FE pre-order, which knocks the $959.99 flip phone to as low as $399.99. Reservations give you an extra $50 credit for accessory purchases. In case you don't have a trade-in, you'll receive a $100 Samsung credit to use at checkout. Just make sure to apply it before completing your pre-order. However you look at it, these are some pretty steep discounts. So, there's plenty of reason to jump on Samsung's pre-order offers. After all, we don't know whether these epic discounts will remain live once open sales begin — so grab your savings while you still can. Also see:
GSM Arena
3 days ago
- GSM Arena
One UI 8 Watch update now rolling out to the Galaxy Watch Ultra
Like their cousins in the Galaxy Z family, the new Galaxy Watch8 series introduced a new version of Samsung's bespoke interface – One UI 8 Watch. This same software is now rolling out to Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra owners and brings new training and health features, plus UI refinements that offer more at-a-glance info on a watch-sized display. Key tools for that are the Multi-Info Tiles. They are customizable, so you can pick the data that's most relevant to you – you can choose from anything from weather info to health metrics. The Now Bar, which you may be familiar with from Galaxy phones, displays a camera controller, media controller, stopwatch and timer and so on (you can customize it from the companion app). Speaking of health metrics, the watch can now calculate your Vascular Load and measure your Antioxidant Index. Vascular Load measures the stress on your circulatory system during sleep. The Antioxidant Index measures carotenoids (a kind of antioxidant) stored in your skin. New features coming to the Galaxy Watch Ultra with One UI 8 Watch Additionally, the Galaxy Watch Ultra gains support for the new Running Coach. It can build a detailed running plan for you given a specific goal – 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon. It starts by measuring your running performance with a 12-minute test. You can read more about the new features here. During the Galaxy Unpacked event earlier this month, Samsung refreshed the Galaxy Watch Ultra with a new Titanium Blue color option and doubled the storage to 64GB. This new version is launching globally this week, but it's a minor improvement over the original 2024 watch (it's not an 'Ultra 2'). Anyway, One UI 8 Watch will be released for older models too. Last week, we saw reports of a beta build for the Galaxy Watch5 and Watch5 Pro, for example. Source Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Samsung's new-gen foldables get an ‘ultra' boost
Samsung has officially introduced its seventh-generation foldable smartphones – the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 – at the annual Galaxy Unpacked event in New York. This year's upgrades push the envelope in design, camera capability, AI features, and durability, raising the stakes in a maturing foldables segment. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 launched: Samsung's latest foldables offer stunning upgrades With sleeker designs, upgraded hardware, and even deeper integration of Galaxy AI, both models are all-set to make a splash in the premium smartphone market, bringing together advanced technology with enhanced user functionality. What's even better? Those pre-booking and buying their new foldable smartphones early can avail of jaw-dropping offers to the tune of ₹12,000. Read on to know more. Galaxy Z Fold7: Slimmest and Lightest Samsung Fold with Ultra Fundamentals Form Factor: The Galaxy Z Fold7 is poised to be Samsung's most refined foldable yet. Notably slimmer and lighter than its predecessors, it measures just 8.9 mm when folded and weighs in at 215 grams, which is a technical feat of sorts for a dual-screen device. The company has prioritised portability without compromising on the immersive screen experience that has defined the Fold line. Performance: Samsung has continued its focus on high-performance internals, with the Galaxy Z Fold7 powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite for Galaxy chip, a processor optimised for enhanced efficiency and sustained performance under heavy workloads. This ensures a seamless and responsive user experience Camera: Photography on foldables often is low on priority compared to traditional flagships, but the Galaxy Z Fold7 seeks to close that gap with its Ultra Camera specs. The camera array now includes a 200 MP main sensor alongside an ultra-wide lens equipped with macro capabilities. There is also a 10 MP cover selfie camera with a 100° field of view, aided by ProVisual Engine enhancements that promise better colour accuracy, low-light performance, and AI-assisted framing. Display: The screen brightness now peaks 44% higher than the previous generation, aided by Vision Booster technology, allowing more vivid visuals even in direct sunlight. The display is further protected by Gorilla Glass Ceramic2, a new material touted for higher scratch resistance. Samsung also uses Advanced Armor Aluminum for the frame, which contributes to overall rigidity, lending it Ultra Durability. AI features: Another standout innovation is the live integration of Gemini on the Galaxy Z Fold7. AI integration via Galaxy AI is now more deeply embedded, offering live summarisation, smart reply features, and real-time interpreter tools signalling Samsung's intent to integrate AI as a core utility rather than a bolt-on. Galaxy Z Flip7: A Sleek AI Companion for the Creative Generation Form Factor: Galaxy Z Flip7 looks great – it is the slimmest and lightest Galaxy Flip ever, further enhancing its pocketability and stylish appeal. The Galaxy Z Flip7 maintains its charm as a pocketable fashion-forward smartphone, but the upgrades this year shift focus firmly toward functionality. Flex Window: The outer Infinity Flex Window has been upgraded for better visibility and interaction, now boasting a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring 2X smoother scrolling and usability in various lighting conditions. Camera: Creativity is a key focus area in this upgrade. The Galaxy Z Flip7 has been upgraded with a dual-camera setup, including a 50 MP wide and a 12 MP ultra-wide sensor. For social media-driven users, the FlexCam experience allows partial folding to stabilise the camera while shooting, and a new Zoom Rocker makes one-handed zooming more intuitive. Creativity: A standout addition is the ability to apply filters and settings directly from the cover screen letting users customise content before even unfolding the phone. Interpreter Mode, also accessible from the Flex Window, expands the real-world utility of the device beyond just aesthetic appeal. Durability: Like the Galaxy Z Fold7, the Galaxy Z Flip7 also features the new Armor Aluminum construction, making it Samsung's most durable Flip phone to date. It has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, in a body made from Armor Aluminium2. The smartphone houses the largest battery yet in the Flip series – 4,300 mAh – supported by a next-gen 3nm processor aimed at optimising battery efficiency for longer daily usage. Colours, Access and Availability The exciting new foldables have been introduced in two finishes – Shadow Blue and Mint – and are open for pre-booking via Samsung's official site. Early buyers can access benefits valued at ₹12,000, including memory upgrades and other bundled offers. If you are not on the Samsung ecosystem yet, you can test-drive features like Galaxy AI, interface customisation, and app continuity across screens through Samsung's 'Try Galaxy' app. This is a clear attempt at easing the transition from competing platforms. Final thoughts With the introduction of Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, Samsung continues to push the envelope in foldable smartphone innovation. Both the new devices offer substantial upgrades in terms of design, performance and AI functionality, making them two of the most compelling foldables of 2025. Note to the Reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times.
Engadget
7 days ago
- Engadget
Galaxy Watch 8: My first days with Samsung's smartwatch have been promising
Samsung announced its newest devices during its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9 . That happened to fall on the second day of Amazon's Prime Day event. Do big tech companies not know what the others are doing? Do they care? Do they like making the lives of tech reporters difficult? I didn't have time to consider. Only when I was done covering Amazon did I have time to begin properly testing Samsung's latest wearable. That means I've been living with the Galaxy Watch 8 for four days now. While that's not enough time to complete a comprehensive review and tally a fair score, I was able to gather a good amount of first impressions — and let me tell you, they are nearly all positive. I'll continue to evaluate the watch over the next few weeks or so and return for a final assessment. In the meantime, there's a lot to say about the experience so far. Samsung packed a lot of updates into its latest smartwatch, in terms of both hardware and software. But I put extra effort into testing one feature in particular — and it's one of the more interesting. The Galaxy Watch 8 has the same processor and sensors as the previous generation, but it's using those to detect a new metric: antioxidant levels. You have to take the watch off and hold your thumb on the sensor node for five seconds to get a reading and you'll need to refer to the Health app in your phone for detailed results. The first time I tested, I got a score of 60, which falls right in the middle of the 'low' segment of the scale. The only other results are 'very low' and 'adequate,' which will surely be a disappointment to the over-achievers out there. The Health app suggested I 'try eating one (100g) persimmon today.' When my grandmother was alive, she made persimmon cookies every Christmas and the last time she did so was also the last time I thought about that fruit. Considering South Korea is one of the world's largest persimmon producers , it might make sense that a Samsung device suggested them. The produce guy at my local grocery store said they only carry them around the holidays (no doubt because grandmas insist, plus that's when they're in season). Turns out persimmons are high in antioxidants such as Vitamin C and beta-carotine (Vitamin A). Cantaloupe also has those nutrients — plus it's orange like persimmons — so I bought one. In fact, I went hard on the antioxidants and did everything I could to see if I could get a better score. I ate a bunch of cherries and a little dark chocolate. For breakfast, I had half a cantaloupe instead of the very tasty-smelling breakfast hash my husband made, and I drank plain green tea instead of my usual oat matcha latte. I did yoga and went to my monthly medical massage appointment (stress is said to increase oxidant levels). I got eight hours of sleep and drank my weight in water. I felt ready. So I took the test again and my antioxidant levels were… two points lower. Sigh. I wasn't expecting overnight transformation, but I'd hoped for a little improvement. Next time, I'm eating the hash. Since its fourth generation , the Galaxy Watch has looked pretty much the same: a round glass screen set in a round metal case with large prongs popping out of the top and bottom to hold the band. While there was nothing wrong with sticking with a good design, giving a device a refreshed look lends the yearly update cycle some meaning — instead of feeling like an obligatory move to appease stockholders. With 3,000 nits of peak brightness, the watch is easy to read even in the bright Albuquerque sun. (Amy Skorheim for Engadget) This time around, the Galaxy Watch 8 looks markedly different thanks to a shape borrowed from last year's Ultra model . Samsung calls it a 'cushion design' — a circular glass display set atop an aluminum case that looks like a roundish square (or squircle as our own Cherlynn Low calls it). The Sport band on my review model curves to meet the width of the case, creating a smooth arch that I think is more refined than the clunkier pronged configuration. In fact, the entire look is classy — much more so than the Apple Watch, which looks like a miniaturized iPhone 11 glued to a silicone strap. The cushion design is great in one way, but also worrisome. Because the glass display stands proud of the case by at least two millimeters, my first thought was: 'I'm going to trash this screen.' Immediately after taking the watch out of the box, I ordered screen shields and, during the short course of this review, managed to crack one. That's possibly because I was cheap and ordered off-brand screen protectors, or perhaps the protruding glass cushion is simply begging for misfortune. However, the raised glass solves one complaint I had with the Galaxy Watch 7 . One way to scroll is by running your finger along the outer edge of the screen. In fact, on-screen cues suggest that gesture when there's more content to view. On the Watch 7, my finger was always getting in the way of the text I wanted to read. Now that the display is elevated, there's room for my finger to travel further out along the outer edge and stay out of the way. Appearance aside, my favorite hardware update is how much more comfortable the watch is. The Watch 7's underside had a sizable sensor node, and it took me a week to get used to the feel. Even then, I hated sleeping with it. The Watch 8, however, felt good the first time I put it on. The Galaxy Watch 8 is the first smartwatch to ship with Google's Wear OS 6, though Samsung overlays it with its own One UI interface. The headline feature for the new software is Gemini integration. Now, most things you can do with the Gemini app on your phone can be done through your watch. Just note that you'll need to have your Gemini-compatible phone nearby to use it. Amy Skorheim for Engadget Google's AI was pretty snappy at basic tasks like setting reminders and timers. Requests that required more 'thought' took only marginally longer (and completed more quickly when I was using my home Wi-Fi versus relying on cell signals out in the world). I asked for the best record stores in my city and a good place to eat lunch. I was pleasantly surprised to hear of a new-to-me answer for each category. The record store turned out to be two bins of LPs inside a book shop, but still, I hadn't heard of it before. I asked why my eight-year-old talked about lava chicken all the time and was correctly informed about Jack Black and A Minecraft Movie . The assistant displays answers in text form on the watch screen and also reads out every word. That can turn into a lot of talking, but tapping the screen stops the chatter if you prefer to read. Gemini can handle follow-up questions and tasks, but since it doesn't usually keep listening after it speaks, you have to tap the mic icon to make your next request. I've reached out to Samsung to see if there's a setting that will make Gemini keep listening and will update when I hear back. For now, after tapping, you can say stuff like, 'Add that to my Google Keep' or 'Remind me about that.' If it asks you a question, however, such as verifying a text it's about to send, it does keep listening for the answer. I requested some fairly specific tasks and didn't hit any snags. I asked it to text the address of a local restaurant to my husband and it verified which location I wanted then sent the message. I asked when the Albuquerque Isotopes were playing the Sacramento River Cats and it gave me the upcoming dates. I tapped the mic and said, 'add that to my calendar,' which it did. It only let me down twice. When I asked whether it was going to rain, it just read me the general weather forecast instead of answering the question. All the other assistants in my life (Alexa and Siri) can answer those questions — though technically that's a Gemini problem, not the watch's fault. The other disappointment is a matter of proper integration. I was out on a walk and I asked for directions to a nearby grocery store. Gemini told me the address and the distance, but pointed me to look at my phone for the actual directions. When I asked Siri the same thing on the same walk, directions simply showed up on my Apple Watch. (Yes, I've been wearing two watches and carrying around two activated phones like a double agent, just much less cool.) Tiles on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Amy Skorheim for Engadget) In addition to Gemini, Wear OS 6 introduces updated and larger tiles which organize and display information on your watch. By default, the tiles are separated into categories: Health, Fitness and Basic (weather, media playback, calendar) with each box displaying a bit of pertinent info — activity metrics, current temp, your next event and so on. If the limited info isn't enough, tapping a tile opens the respective app. You can categorize, rearrange, swap out and add as many pages of these cards as you want in the Wear app on your phone. I didn't have time to get the defaults tweaked exactly how I wanted, but it already feels like a much smarter way of interacting with a watch. Now you can glean key information from the apps that are important to you just by browsing your tiles. The Galaxy Watch 8 now comes with built-in, AI-fueled running guidance. This sounds a bit like the upcoming Workout Buddy that Apple announced for watchOS 26 , so it will be interesting to compare the two. Google Pixel watches and Fitbits currently have the option of an AI-powered running coach, but it's limited to Premium subscribers. Garmin offers an adaptive training program called Run Coach as well, so this isn't an entirely novel idea. Samsung's running coach begins with an assessment: Run as fast as you can maintain for twelve minutes. You'll then be awarded a performance level ranging from one to ten. Each level comes with a tailored, four-week plan with four workouts per week intended to get you ready to complete a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon. My 12-minute, 22-second per-mile pace put me at a level three. My plan was geared towards getting me to run a 5K at the end of four weeks. The first workout was low-intensity interval running with four segments of running hard, interspersed with cool-down walks. As I ran, the AI coach told me when and what to expect on the next segment and what my goals were for each. It spouted occasional words of encouragement and let me know when my pace started to lag. The guidance wasn't intrusive and I appreciated the preview of and expectations for the next segment. I tried it relying just on the watch's speakers, and I could hear OK as long as the streets were quiet, but I definitely recommend using earbuds. I found myself running faster than I would have without a 'coach' and now I'm honestly wondering whether I, a person my athlete sister describes as 'not an athlete,' could actually complete a 5K. Maybe there's some value in this concept after all. In any case, I find myself looking forward to taking it further. My next workout is a straight up, 30-minute jog. I've never continuously run for a half an hour in my life, so we'll see how that goes. The quick turnaround on this article means I didn't get to properly test some of the new features. Vascular load takes readings while you sleep to evaluate the health of your circulatory system, then tells you when your load is higher or lower than normal and offers recommendations. It requires three nights of data to set a baseline, but after the third night of wearing the watch to bed, it said I still needed one more. Three nights of sleep should also trigger a Bedtime Guidance feature, but I'm still waiting for a notification on that one as well. I've reached out to ask Samsung if there are more requirements around getting Bedtime Guidance to work and will update when I find out. One of the prior model's shortcomings was battery life. The always-on display (AOD) tanked the charge, so I kept it off. The Galaxy Watch 8 has a bigger 325mAh battery, compared to the 300mAh one on the Watch 7. Twenty-five milliamp hours isn't a huge jump, but bigger is always better. Because I was testing every possible feature (sleeping, running, workouts, antioxidants, Gemini and more), I was constantly dropping the watch on the charger for partial refills in between tests. That meant I didn't have the opportunity to methodically test the battery's runtime just yet. I did note what I could. The first day of testing, the battery was at 100 percent at 4PM. The next day at 4PM it still had 17 percent remaining. That 24-hour period included driving directions, three workouts, lots of Gemini requests, watch face changes and a full night of sleep. I'd toggled the AOD on and off throughout that time, but the results were still better than what I tracked on the Watch 7. I didn't have a ton of time to spend with the Classic version of the Watch 8, but it's obviously aimed at the luxury watch-hound crowd. The knurled spinning bezel, inset diving bezel replica and the default chronograph watch face gives off serious Rolex Daytona/Omega Speedmaster wannabe vibes. It ships with a stitched leather-look band and the steel case has the heft and stature of an automatic mechanical timepiece. The always-on display and chunky buttons only add to the effect. Amy Skorheim for Engadget For me, the main advantage it has over the standard Galaxy Watch 8 is the protection the spinning bezel offers the raised display. The glass is shielded at the edges and it's even inset slightly which will ward off scratches. It's a bit chonky for my taste, but it's surprisingly comfortable for its size and is extremely attractive. I could see this appealing to style enthusiasts who want a smartwatch but don't want to look like they're wearing a wrist gadget. Samsung added $50 to the price tag on the 40mm Galaxy Watch 8, bringing it to $350. The larger 44mm model is now $380 (versus $330 last year) and the Classic variant is $500 for the single 46mm size. For reference, there was no Galaxy Watch 7 Classic and the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic sold for $400 for the 43mm size and $430 for the 47mm. At $350, the base model Galaxy Watch 8 costs the same as Google's Pixel Watch 3 (though the Pixel Watch 4 is almost certainly on the way and could be more expensive.) The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399, but it went as low as $279 during Prime Day. And, of course, a new Apple wearable is likely coming this September with a potential price bump as well. So Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 could end up being the most affordable of the major smartwatch releases once the dust settles from 2025's launches. And if you're a Samsung smartphone user, it's easily your best bet. Amy Skorheim for Engadget The core functions of the Galaxy Watch 8 haven't changed all that much. We went in-depth on the fitness and health features for our review of the Galaxy Watch 6 and covered the notable perks of Samsung's wearable in our Galaxy Watch 7 review and our Galaxy Watch 5 review . So I'll just point out that the workout tracking is still accurate — and it's faster to suss out when I'm on a walk than my Apple Watch. The companion Health app, where you view all the data your watch gathers, is helpful and a delight to use with its common-sense suggestions and friendly animations. And the daily Energy Score is a useful indicator of how I'm doing with my sleep and movement goals. The Watch 8 covers the basics well, acting as an industrious accessory for a Galaxy phone. Although, as with the Watch 7, I wish the notifications were more intrusive as they're easy to miss. The double tap feature is great — a pinch gesture that dismisses or triggers actions without you having to touch the screen. I use it often and the watch almost always registers the motion. And finally, I love how customizable the watch faces are. When you combine all that with a substantially refreshed look, some capable Gemini integration, a few new health features and a more navigable interface, Samsung's latest wearable becomes a very capable wrist companion. I still need to live with it a while longer (with a new screen protector firmly in place) to assign a review score, but so far, I'm impressed.
