When the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 was unveiled last summer, my first thought was, “What happened to all the highly anticipated upgrades that never materialized?”
Well, dear reader, it’s time to revisit those Galaxy Watch 7 rumors and shift our focus to Samsung’s upcoming smartwatch: the Galaxy Watch 8. Slated for a summer 2025 release, there are three particularly intriguing features rumored for this next-generation Galaxy Watch — each more exciting than the last. Let’s dive into the details, followed by my personal wish list for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.
Micro-LED Display
It seems like every major smartwatch in development — including the rumored Apple Watch 11 and Ultra 3 — is tied to speculation about moving from OLED to Micro-LED displays. The Galaxy Watch 8 is no exception.
I’ve written extensively about the advantages of Micro-LED over OLED. The standout benefits include significantly improved energy efficiency, as well as enhancements in resolution, brightness, and color accuracy. This potential upgrade could set a new benchmark for smartwatch screens.
New Square(ish) Case Design
With the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Samsung introduced its first squarish case design in years. Now, rumors suggest that this angular design may not remain exclusive to the Ultra, as the Galaxy Watch 8 could adopt a similar aesthetic.
I have mixed feelings about this change. As someone who reviews smartwatches professionally, I don’t have a strong preference between square and round cases — I find both equally comfortable. However, square cases do make it more obvious that you’re wearing a miniature computer on your wrist, which might not appeal to everyone.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Much like the push toward Micro-LED, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is a feature nearly every smartwatch manufacturer is racing to perfect. This technology would be a game-changer for managing diabetes and overall health.
There’s reason to believe that Samsung could beat its competitors — including Apple — in bringing blood glucose monitoring to the smartwatch market. Initially, I predicted this groundbreaking feature might debut with the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Now, I’m cautiously optimistic it could finally make its debut with the Galaxy Watch 8.
My Galaxy Watch 8 Wish List
Now that we’ve covered the most notable Galaxy Watch 8 rumors, let’s talk about my hopes and dreams for Samsung’s upcoming wearable.
Having reviewed both the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Google Pixel Watch 3, one area where Google excels is battery life, particularly with the 45mm Pixel Watch 3, which lasts up to 48 hours on a single charge. My challenge to Samsung: match or surpass that benchmark with the XL version of the Galaxy Watch 8.
Speaking of size, I’d like to see Samsung increase the Galaxy Watch 8 from 44mm to 46mm. This would not only align with the Apple Watch 10 but also distinguish it from Google’s 45mm XL.
Finally, I’m calling on Samsung to bring back the beloved Classic-style clicky bezel. For those of us who enjoy tactile features, the rotating bezel is both functional and incredibly satisfying to use.
What Do You Want to See in the Galaxy Watch 8?
Now it’s your turn! What features are you hoping to see in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
