Should one consider an upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 8? Factors to evaluate before deciding
The latest Galaxy Watch models, the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, have arrived boasting new health features. However, two of the most advanced metrics, Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index, are only available on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and later models.
Both the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic come equipped with a range of advanced health and fitness features. These include Bedtime Guidance, which uses circadian rhythm data to recommend ideal sleep times, Running Coach with personalized training plans, and advanced sleep tracking and coaching, including sleep stage monitoring, oxygen levels, and FDA-authorized sleep apnea risk detection. The watches also offer an Energy Score, aggregating heart rate and sleep data to give daily wellness insights, as well as some cardiovascular and fitness tracking features like heart rate, blood oxygen, and exercise tracking.
However, the Vascular Load feature, which monitors cardiovascular stress during sleep and integrates multiple wellness metrics for a holistic health view, is only available on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and later. Similarly, the Antioxidant Index, measuring carotene levels, is locked behind the Ultra and newer models.
It appears that Samsung's decision to limit these advanced health features is intentional, possibly to push customers toward Ultra models despite the Watch 8/8 Classic having compatible sensors. Running Coach is limited from Watch 6 and up, while Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index remain exclusive to Ultra or later models.
The table below summarizes the availability of these features across the Galaxy Watch models:
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 8 / 8 Classic | Galaxy Watch Ultra and later | |-----------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------| | Bedtime Guidance | Yes | Yes | | Running Coach | Yes | Yes | | Advanced Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes | | Energy Score | Yes | Yes | | Vascular Load | No | Yes | | Antioxidant Index | No | Yes | | Other cardio metrics (HR, SpO2, BP) | Yes | Yes |
For those looking to unlock the newest health features like Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index, the Galaxy Watch Ultra or later models are the way to go. The Watch 8 and 8 Classic still offer many advanced fitness and sleep tools, making them strong health wearables, but with some feature segmentation to distinguish Ultra models.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, in particular, comes with a number of upgrades, including an extra 1,000 nits of brightness, the Quick Button, 64GB of storage, and other Watch 8 upgrades. However, it does not offer an extra day of battery life compared to the Ultra. The Watch 8 Classic also has a smaller 1.34-inch display, with no 1.5-inch option available.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic will be available on July 25. The Watch 8 features major new health metrics, including carotene levels for the Antioxidant Index, heart health with Vascular Load, personalized training plans with Running Coach, and circadian rhythm for Bedtime Guidance.
For those switching from the Galaxy Watch 6 to the Watch 8, the upgrade offers a faster, more battery-efficient processor, dual-band GPS, more accurate health sensors with more data, doubled storage, and extra display brightness.
In terms of design, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has a design that differs from the Watch 8, with a zero-to-sixty scale border and a rotating bezel. The Watch 8 is 1.1mm skinnier than the Watch 7, or 2mm thinner than the Watch 8 Classic.
Some users may find the design of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic to be less appealing than the chic design of the Ultra, especially Galaxy Watch 6 Classic owners who may feel conflicted about the Watch 8 Classic look. The Watch 8 Classic has flat sides that may look bulky to some, calling attention to the fact that it's a smartwatch.
In conclusion, while the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic offer a range of advanced health and fitness features, some of the most advanced metrics are restricted to the Galaxy Watch Ultra and later models. These restrictions may push some users towards the Ultra models, despite the Watch 8/8 Classic having compatible sensors. The table above provides a clear overview of the availability of these features across the Galaxy Watch models.
- The Galaxy Watch Ultra and later models boast the innovative features of Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index, which are not accessible on the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic.
- To access the latest health features like Vascular Load and Antioxidant Index, users might need to consider upgrading to the Galaxy Watch Ultra or newer models, as these features are unavailable on the Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic.
