VerdictAI
#2 in Best Smartwatches

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Fitness Tracker, Sleep Coaching, Running Coach, Energy…

Best for

Best for Android

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.6(1,203)

Amazon aggregate — one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGreat
86/ 100

Current price

$345.00

Check price

Updated May 13, 2026 · 1 min read

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (2025) 40mm Bluetooth Smartwatch, Cushion Design, Fitness Tracker, Sleep Coaching, Running Coach, Energy…

Synthesis sources

Methodology →
13reviewers read0 trusted9 mixed

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the Galaxy Watch 8 is the consensus top Android smartwatch of 2025. CNET awarded it an Editors' Choice, writing that its 'lightweight, comfortable design and forward-looking features' carry it, even as their reviewer flagged the new running coach as 'a little brutal.' Engadget called it 'Samsung's best smartwatch in years,' citing longer battery life, a more comfortable fit, and useful Gemini integration. PCMag agreed the physical changes are minor but that the AI wellness features represent a meaningful step forward.

What reviewers liked

  • CNET Editors' Choice 2025 and Engadget 'best in years' verdict
  • Reviewers consistently praise the lighter, more comfortable redesigned case
  • Gemini AI and new health features (sleep apnea, energy score) called out positively
  • Strong Amazon signal (4.6 across 1,200+ reviews)

Where it falls short

  • At $345 it's the most expensive pick here, and Reddit owners question the premium over Watch 7
  • CNET flagged the new AI running coach as overly aggressive
  • Battery life still trails Garmin and Amazfit competitors significantly
  • Best features require pairing with a Samsung phone

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the Galaxy Watch 8 is the consensus top Android smartwatch of 2025. CNET awarded it an Editors' Choice, writing that its 'lightweight, comfortable design and forward-looking features' carry it, even as their reviewer flagged the new running coach as 'a little brutal.' Engadget called it 'Samsung's best smartwatch in years,' citing longer battery life, a more comfortable fit, and useful Gemini integration. PCMag agreed the physical changes are minor but that the AI wellness features represent a meaningful step forward.

On r/GalaxyWatch, owners repeatedly call out the redesigned 'squircle' case as more comfortable than the Watch 7, and several say it's noticeably thinner. Disagreement does exist: multiple Reddit threads question whether the Watch 8 is worth a 40–50% price premium over the still-excellent Watch 7, and CNET's reviewer noted the running coach can be punishingly aggressive. The watch is also functionally limited outside the Samsung/Android ecosystem.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Feature 1
WHY GALAXY WATCH8: Advanced health and sleep tracking features.* A lighter, more snug design for all day comfort.* Improved user interface.* Personal AI assistant for hands free help.⁴* 2-Year Warranty.
Feature 2
SLEEP SMARTER. LIVE BETTER: Energize your days with a great night’s rest using Advanced Sleep Coaching¹ - improved with even more ways to keep your nights on track. Plus, Bedtime Guidance² helps you find your optimal bedtime.
Feature 3
YOUR RUN, YOUR COACH: Step up your running routine with a Running Coach³ that analyzes your performance and gives you real-time feedback. Training for an event? Try specific programs built for 5Ks, marathons and more.
Feature 4
NEW DESIGN. LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL: Maximize your days with a minimalist design. The sleek, thinner-than-ever silhouette makes Galaxy Watch8 look as good as it functions. With a snug fit and sporty style, it gives you readings without getting in your way.
Feature 5
A PERSONAL ASSISTANT, RIGHT ON YOUR WRIST: Your Watch just became your personal assistant.⁴ Stay one step ahead of your day with a watch that helps you navigate your tasks and to-do lists.
Feature 6
SEE WHAT YOU NEED, AT A GLANCE: Get clear and concise updates throughout your day with the improved interface on Galaxy Watch8. Now it’s easier than ever to see sports scores, breaking news, weather and more at a glance.⁵
Feature 7
POWER THROUGH YOUR DAY: Don’t let the thinness fool you. The improved battery in Galaxy Watch8 makes it a reliable way to navigate your day. Track your steps, monitor your heart rate, receive notifications and more with a long-lasting charge.⁶
Feature 8
CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE: Keep track of your blood pressure⁷ conveniently with your Galaxy Watch8. Simply calibrate the Watch using a blood pressure cuff (sold separately) to measure your systolic and diastolic pressure. Then, use the readings on the Samsung Health Monitor app to help monitor your blood pressure as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Check for changes in your heart’s activity to make informed decisions, such as changing your diet or scheduling a visit to the doctor’s office.

What customers say

4 verified voices
Samsung's new health tools and voice assistant are next-level, but its running coach may have underestimated my running skills.
Mixed!via CNET
I'm too tired to write this review. Last week, I penned a work-in-progress version because I hadn't yet spent enough time to fully explore the new features Samsung packed into the Galaxy Watch 8. One of those features is the new AI-powered running guidance, which…
Mixedvia Engadget
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has only minor physical changes from its predecessor, but new AI abilities help it take a meaningful step forward as a wellness assistant.
Mixed!via PCMag
Congrats! I have my Galaxy Watch 8 for a week and I love it. I like the squircle design, it looks premium and fresh. It's fast and smooth.
Mixedvia r/GalaxyWatch

Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source — not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →

Video review

0 views

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Initial Review: The Good (and Bad!)” · YouTube

If the consensus convinced you

Check current price on Amazon

Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.