Samsung Galaxy Watch8 & Galaxy Watch8 Classic

A big upgrade over the Watch7 series thanks to the built-in Gemini Al assistant, but the Classic stands out

- DAN BRACAGLIA

We’ve tested nearly every Galaxy Watch since the original, and each one has looked and felt a lot like the last. The Galaxy Watch8, however, brings two innovations: it’s the first smartwatch to come with Google’s Gemini Al assistant built in. And there’s now a Classic variant that looks like a high-end mechanical timepiece with a 46mm face, a rotating bezel and a recessed “quick button” that resembles a regular crown - albeit for a premium £449.

If that’s too steep, the regular Watch8 starts at £319 with a 40mm face, or £349 for the 44mm version. Both models have a clean, plain design, although the chunky metal surround makes them look oversized. While the Classic is better proportioned, its thick, stainless-steel construction is bulkier, which is especially noticeable when you wear it to bed for sleep tracking.

The colour options are distinctly conservative – silver or graphite for the regular model, black or white for the Classic – but you can personalise your look with a range of bands using Samsung’s new “Dynamic Lug System”. This promises a better fit than the Galaxy Watch7, for improved comfort and more accurate heart-rate tracking. Personally, I didn’t notice any improvement over last year’s model – and the new fitting means that old straps won’t fit the new watch.

The screen is gloriously bright whichever model you choose, maxing out at 3,000cd/m². That’s the same as the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and it gives you excellent readability, even when jogging in the sun.