All the features I want to see

With one other launch season approaching, I’m targeted on what could be coming down the pipeline. The Samsung Galaxy Watch line, particularly, has loads of room for enchancment this 12 months. While the firm’s smartwatches have been sturdy contenders in the Wear OS market over these previous couple of years, just a few key upgrades might actually assist the subsequent mannequin stand out. Here’s what I hope to see in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.

Like many followers, I’d like to see Samsung convey the rotating bezel again to the Galaxy Watch 8 collection. It’s one among Samsung’s most distinctive {hardware} features, first launched on the Gear S2 and most not too long ago seen zipping by way of Wear OS tiles on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. The design provides an intuitive manner to navigate the interface with out relying solely on contact, which is very helpful after sweaty exercises.

In a market the place most smartwatches lean closely on swipe gestures and digital crowns, the rotating bezel helps Samsung stand out. Last 12 months, the firm launched an Ultra mannequin as a substitute of a Classic, and to my despair, the dear new sibling skipped the iconic characteristic. Bringing it again this season on a Classic variant would go a great distance in retaining Samsung’s signature smartwatch really feel alive.

Better coronary heart price accuracy is close to the prime of my record for the Galaxy Watch 8. While the present sensor does high quality for regular exercises like runs or walks, it nonetheless struggles throughout biking or any exercise with numerous wrist motion. I’ve seen noticeable lag in readings, particularly when cadence picks up, which makes it onerous to belief the information for issues like interval coaching and even restoration insights. It’s not a dealbreaker, however for a watch that pitches itself as a severe health tracker, I’d love to see extra constant efficiency.

More importantly, Samsung wants to step up right here if it desires to maintain tempo with Google and Apple. The Pixel Watch 3 already delivers a few of the most correct coronary heart price information I’ve examined, and Apple’s Watch Series 10 is extremely dependable. Both manufacturers are probably to launch equally highly effective next-gen fashions.

I look ahead to the day I can write one among these lists with out mentioning battery life, however that day shouldn’t be right now. Power effectivity stays a significant speaking level for practically each smartwatch. While I’ve discovered the Galaxy Watch 7 will final about two days with reasonable use, its efficiency varies, particularly throughout GPS actions. Compared to rivals like the OnePlus Watch 3 with its dual-chip structure or the TicWatch Pro 5 with its dual-display expertise, the Galaxy Watch 7’s battery life is sweet, however not nice. I want the 8 to final greater than 48 hours on a single cost, even with heavy utilization.

Thanks to sleuthing on South Korea’s product security platform by XpertPick, we have already got an thought of what we’d see on the subsequent mannequin. Listings reveal two batteries, EB-BL330ABY and EB-BL505ABY, that are probably tied to the normal Galaxy Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Classic, respectively. The EB-BL330ABY battery has a rated capability of 435mAh, which is barely bigger than that of the 44mm Galaxy Watch 7.

Accurate GPS monitoring is one other space the place I’m hoping Samsung will enhance the Galaxy Watch lineup. I was excited when the Galaxy Watch 7 launched dual-frequency GPS, which generally enhances reliability in difficult environments like city areas or trails with dense foliage. In actuality, although, the watch’s efficiency can nonetheless be inconsistent. In real-world assessments, it’s recorded me in all places from the unsuitable facet of the street to working inside buildings.

Samsung’s largest Wear OS competitor, the Google Pixel Watch 3, additionally struggles greater than I had hoped, which solely makes it extra vital for the Galaxy Watch 8 to enhance so it could possibly stand out. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch delivers correct GPS monitoring, as do Garmin’s units. For the Galaxy Watch 8 to change into a viable choice for severe endurance athletes, it wants to present dependable and exact GPS monitoring.

Finally, I hope the Galaxy Watch 8 provides full entry to all features for non-Samsung telephone customers. While Samsung’s watches are filled with nice performance, some premium features are locked behind a Samsung telephone. Features like Samsung Pay, superior well being monitoring together with blood strain detection, and even some customization choices are both restricted or unavailable for these of us utilizing telephones from different manufacturers. It seems like a little bit of a missed alternative, particularly when better inclusivity would make the Galaxy Watch line a stronger Pixel Watch rival. Though unlikely, I’d love to see Samsung open the Galaxy Watch 8’s features to all, no matter telephone model, so customers can take full benefit of all the things the watch has to provide.

While Samsung has but to formally verify the Galaxy Watch 8, regulatory filings recommend its imminent arrival. As talked about, batteries probably corresponding to the lineup have been licensed by SecurityKorea, suggesting customers will see each a typical Galaxy Watch 8 and a Watch 8 Classic. We’ve additionally seen entries in the GSMA’s system database, together with one reference tying mannequin quantity SM-L505U to a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as noticed by Smartprix. These certifications level to a summer time launch for the Watch 8 collection, which might make sense given the firm’s launch schedule traditionally.

• Galaxy Watch 5 collection — August 10, 2022
• Galaxy Watch 6 collection — July 26, 2023
• Galaxy Watch 7 collection — July 10, 2024

We will most probably see the new technology introduced and the firm’s Summer Unpacked occasion. My finest guess is that this may happen in July, although I’ll maintain this hub up to date as we see extra leaks and rumors floor. We might additionally see a second Ultra mannequin land in addition to a sequel to the Galaxy Ring.

We’re now in that awkward window the place upcoming launches are simply months away, and shopping for an current mannequin feels a bit foolish. If you’re at present eyeing the Galaxy Watch 7, I advocate holding off. With the Galaxy Watch 8 on the horizon, it’s value ready for the subsequent iteration, particularly contemplating the helpful upgrades it might convey, like improved battery life, extra correct monitoring, and even new features. Plus, as soon as the new mannequin lands, you’ll be able to anticipate the value of the Galaxy Watch 7 to drop. In different phrases, it can save you money by merely ready just a few months.

That mentioned, should you want a watch in your wrist sooner relatively than later, the Galaxy Watch 7 ($299.99 at Amazon) is an effective purchase for Samsung telephone customers. For a extra sturdy system and a bigger battery, Samsung additionally has the Ultra ($649.99 at Amazon) in its lineup. The Google Pixel Watch 3 ($349.99 at Amazon) is the finest Wear OS smartwatch out there general, however the OnePlus Watch 3 ($329.99 at Amazon) provides the finest battery life. Of course, should you’re an iPhone consumer, your finest wager is the Apple Watch Series 10 ($386 at Amazon).