What to know

  • Samsung officially launches the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic with a redesigned look.
  • Both smartwatches feature Gemini AI integration for enhanced user experience.
  • Starting price is set at $349 for the base models.
  • Upgrades include new hardware, software, and health tracking features.

Samsung has just taken the wraps off its latest wearables, the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, bringing a fresh design and a host of new features to the table for 2025. If you've been waiting for a meaningful upgrade in the smartwatch space, these new models aim to deliver just that, starting at $349.

The headline change this year is the redesigned look. Both the standard and Classic versions sport a sleeker, more refined chassis, with subtle tweaks that make them feel more premium on the wrist. The Classic model retains its signature rotating bezel, but it's now slimmer and more responsive, making navigation even smoother.

One of the biggest talking points is the integration of Gemini AI. This new AI assistant is baked right into the watches, offering smarter notifications, proactive health tips, and context-aware suggestions throughout your day. Whether you're tracking a workout, managing your schedule, or just checking the weather, Gemini aims to make every interaction more intuitive and helpful.

Under the hood, both watches pack upgraded hardware for snappier performance and improved battery life. Samsung has also enhanced the health and fitness tracking suite, with more accurate sensors and expanded metrics for sleep, heart rate, and stress monitoring. The watches run the latest version of Wear OS, ensuring access to a wide range of apps and watch faces.

Pricing starts at $349 for the base models, making these watches competitive with other flagship wearables on the market. Samsung is offering a variety of band and case options at launch, so you can personalize your device to match your style.

With the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, Samsung is doubling down on both design and intelligence, aiming to set a new standard for what a smartwatch can do in 2025. If you're looking for a wearable that combines style, smarts, and substance, these new models are worth a close look.