In the ever-evolving world of smartwatches, Samsung continues to push boundaries with its Galaxy Watch series. The Galaxy Watch 7, released in July 2024, set a high bar for health tracking and performance. Now, with the Galaxy Watch 8 launched in July 2025, consumers are eager to see if the upgrades justify the switch. Our Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs Galaxy Watch 8 comparison provides the answer.
This comprehensive comparison dives into key aspects like build and design, display, software, battery life, health and sports features, and price.
Whether you’re upgrading or buying your first Samsung smartwatch, this guide will help you decide between the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch 8.
We also have an article where we compare Galaxy Watch 7 with Huawei Watch GT5 for those interested in other markets.
Build and Design
The build and design of a smartwatch significantly impact comfort, durability, and style. The Galaxy Watch 7 sticks to a classic circular aesthetic, making it feel familiar and versatile for everyday wear.
In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 8 introduces a fresh “cushion” design, which blends square and round elements into a squircle shape, offering a modern twist that some users find more premium, though others prefer the traditional look.
Both models use high-quality Armor Aluminum for the frame, ensuring lightness without sacrificing strength. The Watch 8 is slimmer and slightly heavier in the smaller size but lighter in the larger one, potentially improving wearability during long sessions.
Straps are interchangeable with standard 20mm bands, but the Watch 8’s Dynamic Lug System enhances fit for better sensor accuracy.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 7 | Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 28.8g (40mm), 33.8g (44mm) | 30g (40mm), 34g (44mm) |
| Dimensions | 40.4 x 40.4 x 9.7mm (40mm), 44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7mm (44mm) | 40.4 x 42.7 x 8.6mm (40mm), 43.7 x 46 x 8.6mm (44mm) |
| Material | Armor Aluminum frame, Sapphire crystal front | Armor Aluminum frame, Sapphire crystal front |
| Shape | Circular | Cushion (Squircle) |
| Straps | Standard 20mm, various options (Sport, Fabric) | Standard 20mm with Dynamic Lug System, various options (Sport, Fabric) |
| Durability | IP68, 5ATM, MIL-STD-810H | IP68, 5ATM, MIL-STD-810H |
These differences in design make the Galaxy Watch 8 feel like a subtle evolution, with its slimmer profile (8.6mm vs. 9.7mm) allowing for better all-day comfort, especially for smaller wrists.
The squircle shape might appeal to those wanting a blend of Apple’s squared-off style and Samsung’s curves, but the Watch 7’s round design remains timeless.
Both are rugged enough for workouts or swims, but the Watch 8’s band system could provide a edge in precise health readings by reducing slippage.
Display
A vibrant, readable display is crucial for quick glances at notifications or fitness stats. The Galaxy Watch 7 already impressed with its bright Super AMOLED panel, but the Galaxy Watch 8 takes visibility to new heights with a peak brightness jump.
Both offer sharp resolutions and Always-On Display (AOD) support, ensuring crisp visuals. Pixel density remains similar, providing smooth icons and text.
The Watch 8’s enhanced brightness is particularly useful outdoors, reducing glare in direct sunlight.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 7 | Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1.3 inches (40mm), 1.5 inches (44mm) | 1.3 inches (40mm), 1.5 inches (44mm) |
| Resolution | 432 x 432 (40mm), 480 x 480 (44mm) | 432 x 432 (40mm), 480 x 480 (44mm) |
| PPI | ~330 (40mm), ~327 (44mm) | ~330 (40mm), ~327 (44mm) |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 3000 nits |
| Type/Protection | Super AMOLED, Sapphire crystal, Always-On | Super AMOLED, Sapphire crystal, Always-On |
The table underscores the Galaxy Watch 8’s superiority in brightness, making it ideal for active users in bright environments. While the sizes and resolutions are identical, this upgrade could mean fewer squints during runs or hikes.
However, if indoor use dominates your routine, the Watch 7’s display holds up well without the extra cost.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs Galaxy Watch 8 Software
Software defines the user experience, from smooth navigation to app integration. The Galaxy Watch 7 runs on Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 6, offering a polished interface with customizable watch faces and seamless Galaxy ecosystem sync.
The Galaxy Watch 8 steps up to Wear OS 6 and One UI 8, introducing AI enhancements like Google Gemini for voice-assisted tasks and a “Now Bar” for at-a-glance info.
Both use a 3nm penta-core processor (Exynos W1000 on Watch 8, similar on Watch 7), but the Watch 8 feels snappier with optimized performance.
RAM and storage are consistent at 2GB and 32GB, supporting ample apps and music.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 7 | Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| OS/UI | Wear OS 5, One UI Watch 6 | Wear OS 6, One UI 8 Watch |
| Processor | Exynos W1000 (3nm, penta-core) | Exynos W1000 (3nm, penta-core) |
| RAM/Storage | 2GB RAM, 32GB storage | 2GB RAM, 32GB storage |
| Key Features | Custom watch faces, Galaxy AI suggestions | Google Gemini AI, Now Bar, enhanced AI coaching |
With these specs, the Galaxy Watch 8 provides a more future-proof software experience, especially for AI enthusiasts.
The processor parity means day-to-day tasks are comparable, but One UI 8’s refinements, like fluid animations and better app responsiveness, give the newer model an edge.
Existing Watch 7 owners might get software updates, but the Watch 8 starts with the latest out of the box.
Battery Life Comparison
Battery longevity is a make-or-break for smartwatches, and both models aim for all-day use. The Galaxy Watch 7 offers solid endurance, lasting about 30 hours with AOD enabled.
The Watch 8 builds on this with slightly larger batteries and efficiency gains from its processor, pushing similar or marginally better times.
Both support 10W wireless charging, but real-world factors like GPS usage or notifications can vary results.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 7 | Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 300mAh (40mm), 425mAh (44mm) | 325mAh (40mm), 435mAh (44mm) |
| Estimated Life | Up to 30 hours (AOD on), 40 hours (AOD off) | Up to 30 hours (AOD on), 40 hours (AOD off) |
| Charging | 10W wireless | 10W wireless |
The minor capacity bump in the Galaxy Watch 8 could translate to an extra hour or two in mixed use, ideal for heavy trackers. However, both require nightly charging for most users, so the difference isn’t revolutionary.
If battery anxiety is your concern, opt for the larger 44mm variants on either model for better longevity.
Health and Sports Features
Samsung’s strength lies in health monitoring, and both watches excel here with advanced sensors. The Galaxy Watch 7 introduced features like AGEs index for metabolic health and AI-driven sleep apnea detection.
The Watch 8 refines these with enhanced AI coaching, including a running coach that analyzes form and provides real-time tips, plus an antioxidant index measuring skin carotenoids to gauge diet quality.
Both offer ECG, blood pressure, body composition via BIA, and cycle tracking. Sports modes cover running, cycling, and more, with dual-frequency GPS for accuracy.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 7 | Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Key Sensors | BioActive (HR, SpO2, temp), accelerometer, gyro | BioActive (HR, SpO2, temp), accelerometer, gyro |
| Health Tracking | Sleep apnea, Energy Score, AGEs index, ECG, BP | Sleep apnea, Energy Score, AGEs index, ECG, BP, antioxidant index |
| Sports Features | Auto workout detection, FTP for cycling, HR zones | AI running coach, auto detection, FTP, HR zones |
| Other | Body composition, stress tracking, meditation | Body composition, stress tracking, meditation, vascular load |
This section highlights the Galaxy Watch 8’s AI advancements, like the running coach for personalized training and antioxidant index for nutritional insights.
While the Watch 7 covers essentials effectively, the Watch 8’s extras make it better for athletes or health enthusiasts seeking data-driven improvements. Both are FDA-authorized for certain features, adding credibility.
Price
Pricing often seals the deal, and here the Galaxy Watch 8 commands a premium. Starting at $349 for the 40mm Bluetooth model (up to $429 for LTE), it’s $50 more than the Watch 7’s $299 base price.
Trade-ins and deals from Samsung can soften the blow, but budget buyers might favor the older model, now potentially discounted.
| Feature | Galaxy Watch 7 | Galaxy Watch 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $299 (40mm Bluetooth), $329 (44mm) | $349 (40mm Bluetooth), $379 (44mm) |
| LTE Add-On | +$50 | +$50 |
| Availability | Widely available, possible discounts | New release, full price |
The price gap reflects the Watch 8’s refinements, but for many, the Watch 7 offers excellent value. If brightness, AI, and design matter most, splurge on the 8; otherwise, save with the 7.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Watch 8 edges out the 7 with brighter display, sleeker design, and enhanced AI features, but the differences are iterative rather than transformative.
If you own a Watch 6 or older, upgrading to either is worthwhile, but Watch 7 users might wait. Ultimately, choose based on your priorities—both are top-tier smartwatches.
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