The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch 8 are both high-performing smartwatches tailored for Android users, but the Watch 8 introduces several incremental upgrades that enhance its appeal. Launched in July 2024, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers reliable health and fitness tracking, a sleek circular design, and a bright AMOLED display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness. The Galaxy Watch 8, released in July 2025, builds on this with a thinner “cushion case” design inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra, a brighter 3,000-nit display, and exclusive health features like Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index tracking.
Both watches share the same Exynos W1000 processor, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage, but the Watch 8 has a slightly larger battery and runs on Wear OS 6 with One UI 8, integrating Google’s Gemini AI assistant. While the Watch 7 is often available at a lower price (starting at $299 vs. $349 for the Watch 8), the newer model’s design refinements and advanced health tools make it a compelling choice for those seeking the latest technology.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | July 2024 | July 2025 |
| Starting Price | $299 (40mm), $329 (44mm) | $349 (40mm), $379 (44mm) |
| Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | 40mm, 44mm, 46mm (Classic) |
| Display | Super AMOLED, 1.3″ (40mm), 1.5″ (44mm), 2,000 nits | Super AMOLED, 1.34″ (40mm), 1.47″ (44mm), 3,000 nits |
| Processor | Exynos W1000 (3 nm) | Exynos W1000 (3 nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 2GB/32GB | 2GB/32GB (40mm, 44mm), 64GB (Classic) |
| Battery | 300mAh (40mm), 425mAh (44mm) | 325mAh (40mm), 435mAh (44mm) |
| Battery Life (Tested) | Up to 28 hours (AOD off), 22 hours (AOD on) | Up to 40 hours (AOD off), 30 hours (AOD on) |
| OS | Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 6 | Wear OS 6, One UI Watch 8 |
| Health Features | Heart rate, SpO2, ECG, sleep apnea, Energy Score | Heart rate, SpO2, ECG, sleep apnea, Energy Score, Vascular Load, Antioxidant Index |
| Fitness Features | Auto workout detection, Energy Score | Auto workout detection, Energy Score, Running Coach |
| Design | Circular, Armor Aluminum, 9.7mm thick | Cushion case (squircle), Armor Aluminum, 8.6mm thick |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM, IP68 | 5ATM, IP68 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE (optional) | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE (optional) |
| Colors | Cream, Green, Silver | Graphite, Silver |
| Band System | Standard 20mm straps | Dynamic Lug System (incompatible with older bands) |
| AI Features | Slated for Gemini AI via update | Gemini AI pre-installed, enhanced AI health tracking |
Why Choose Galaxy Watch 8 Over Galaxy Watch 7?
- Brighter Display: The Watch 8’s Super AMOLED display reaches 3,000 nits compared to the Watch 7’s 2,000 nits, making it easier to read in direct sunlight, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Advanced Health Features: Exclusive features like Vascular Load monitoring (tracking cardiovascular health) and Antioxidant Index (measuring carotenoid levels) provide deeper wellness insights, appealing to health-conscious users.
- Improved Battery Life: With a slightly larger battery (325mAh/435mAh vs. 300mAh/425mAh), the Watch 8 lasts up to 40 hours (AOD off) compared to the Watch 7’s 28 hours, offering better endurance.
- Modern Design: The thinner (8.6mm vs. 9.7mm) cushion case design, inspired by the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and the return of the rotating bezel on the Classic model enhance aesthetics and usability.
- Latest Software: The Watch 8 ships with Wear OS 6 and One UI 8, featuring Google’s Gemini AI assistant and a redesigned interface with features like the Now Bar for quick access to timers and media controls.
- Exclusive Fitness Tools: The Running Coach feature, which offers personalized training plans and real-time feedback, is a significant upgrade for fitness enthusiasts, currently exclusive to the Watch 8.
FAQs
Q: Is the Galaxy Watch 8 worth the $50 price increase over the Watch 7?
A: The improved display brightness and health functionality of the Watch 8 (e.g., Vascular Load, Antioxidant Index), as well as battery duration, are worth the $50 increase if the most up-to-date features are important to the consumer. The Watch 7 is however regularly on sale (sometimes by even half its original price) and hence a more affordable option to buyers with a tight budget.
Q: Can the Galaxy Watch 7 get the same software features as the Watch 8?
A: Wear OS 6 and Gemini AI will be made available on the Watch 7 through a firmware update, though each comes with its own exclusive health function such as Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index being Watch 8-only.
Q: Are the bands interchangeable between the Watch 7 and Watch 8?
A: No, the Watch 8 uses a new Dynamic Lug System, making its bands incompatible with the Watch 7’s standard 20mm straps. This may require purchasing new bands for Watch 8 users.
Q: Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
A: The Watch 8 has an edge with its Running Coach feature and more accurate health sensors (e.g., Antioxidant Index), but both watches offer robust fitness tracking, including auto workout detection and Energy Score.
Q: Does the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic offer significant advantages?
A: The Watch 8 Classic (46mm) includes a rotating bezel for tactile navigation, an extra customizable button, and 64GB storage (vs. 32GB). It’s ideal for users who value these premium features, but it’s pricier.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 offers meaningful upgrades over the Galaxy Watch 7, including a brighter display, advanced health and fitness features, a sleeker design, and improved battery life, making it the better choice for those seeking cutting-edge technology and exclusive features like Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index tracking. However, the Watch 7 remains a strong contender, especially with frequent discounts and near-identical core specs (same processor, RAM, and storage). If budget is a concern or the new health features aren’t a priority, the Watch 7 is still an excellent option. For those who value the latest design, AI enhancements, and wellness tools, the Watch 8 is worth the investment, particularly the Classic model for its tactile bezel and premium feel