All of the options I need to see

With one other launch season approaching, I’m targeted on what is perhaps coming down the pipeline. The Samsung Galaxy Watch line, particularly, has loads of room for enchancment this 12 months. Whereas the corporate’s smartwatches have been robust contenders within the Put on OS market over these previous few years, just a few key upgrades may actually assist the subsequent mannequin stand out. Right here’s what I hope to see within the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.

Like many followers, I’d prefer to see Samsung convey the rotating bezel again to the Galaxy Watch 8 collection. It’s one in every of Samsung’s most distinctive {hardware} options, first launched on the Gear S2 and most not too long ago seen zipping via Put on OS tiles on the Galaxy Watch 6 Basic. The design gives an intuitive strategy to navigate the interface with out relying solely on contact, which is very useful 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. Final 12 months, the corporate launched an Extremely mannequin as a substitute of a Basic, and to my despair, the expensive new sibling skipped the enduring characteristic. Bringing it again this season on a Basic variant would go a good distance in holding Samsung’s signature smartwatch really feel alive.

Higher coronary heart charge accuracy is close to the highest of my checklist for the Galaxy Watch 8. Whereas the present sensor does advantageous for regular exercises like runs or walks, it nonetheless struggles throughout biking or any exercise with loads of wrist motion. I’ve seen noticeable lag in readings, particularly when cadence picks up, which makes it arduous to belief the info for issues like interval coaching and even restoration insights. It’s not a dealbreaker, however for a watch that pitches itself as a critical health tracker, I’d like to see extra constant efficiency.

Extra importantly, Samsung must step up right here if it desires to maintain tempo with Google and Apple. The Pixel Watch 3 already delivers a number of the most correct coronary heart charge information I’ve examined, and Apple’s Watch Sequence 10 is very dependable. Each manufacturers are prone to launch equally highly effective next-gen fashions.

I look ahead to the day I can write one in every of these lists with out mentioning battery life, however that day isn’t as we speak. Energy effectivity stays a significant speaking level for practically each smartwatch. Whereas I’ve discovered the Galaxy Watch 7 will final about two days with average use, its efficiency varies, particularly throughout GPS actions. In comparison with opponents just like the OnePlus Watch 3 with its dual-chip structure or the TicWatch Professional 5 with its dual-display expertise, the Galaxy Watch 7’s battery life is sweet, however not nice. I need the 8 to final greater than 48 hours on a single cost, even with heavy utilization.

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

Correct GPS monitoring is one other space the place I’m hoping Samsung will enhance the Galaxy Watch lineup. I used to be 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 checks, it’s recorded me in all places from the incorrect facet of the street to working inside buildings.

Samsung’s greatest Put on OS competitor, the Google Pixel Watch 3, additionally struggles greater than I had hoped, which solely makes it extra essential for the Galaxy Watch 8 to enhance so it may possibly stand out. In the meantime, the Apple Watch delivers correct GPS monitoring, as do Garmin’s gadgets. For the Galaxy Watch 8 to grow to be a viable possibility for critical endurance athletes, it wants to supply dependable and exact GPS monitoring.

Lastly, I hope the Galaxy Watch 8 gives full entry to all options for non-Samsung cellphone customers. Whereas Samsung’s watches are full of nice performance, some premium options are locked behind a Samsung cellphone. Options like Samsung Pay, superior well being monitoring together with blood stress detection, and even some customization choices are both restricted or unavailable for these of us utilizing telephones from different manufacturers. It appears like a little bit of a missed alternative, particularly when better inclusivity would make the Galaxy Watch line a stronger Pixel Watch rival. Although unlikely, I’d like to see Samsung open the Galaxy Watch 8’s options to all, no matter cellphone model, so customers can take full benefit of the whole lot the watch has to supply.

Whereas Samsung has but to formally verify the Galaxy Watch 8, regulatory filings recommend its imminent arrival. As talked about, batteries probably equivalent to the lineup have been licensed by SafetyKorea, suggesting buyers will see each a regular Galaxy Watch 8 and a Watch 8 Basic. We’ve additionally seen entries within the GSMA’s gadget database, together with one reference tying mannequin quantity SM-L505U to a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Basic, as noticed by Smartprix. These certifications level to a summer season launch for the Watch 8 collection, which might make sense given the corporate’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 are going to almost definitely see the brand new technology introduced and the corporate’s Summer season Unpacked occasion. My greatest guess is that this may happen in July, although I’ll hold this hub up to date as we see extra leaks and rumors floor. We may additionally see a second Extremely 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. When you’re at the moment eyeing the Galaxy Watch 7, I like to recommend holding off. With the Galaxy Watch 8 on the horizon, it’s value ready for the subsequent iteration, particularly contemplating the helpful upgrades it may convey, like improved battery life, extra correct monitoring, and even new options. Plus, as soon as the brand new mannequin lands, you possibly can 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, if you need a watch in your wrist sooner relatively than later, the Galaxy Watch 7 ($299.99 at Amazon) is an efficient purchase for Samsung cellphone customers. For a extra sturdy gadget and a bigger battery, Samsung additionally has the Extremely ($649.99 at Amazon) in its lineup. The Google Pixel Watch 3 ($349.99 at Amazon) is the most effective Put on OS smartwatch out there total, however the OnePlus Watch 3 ($329.99 at Amazon) gives the most effective battery life. In fact, if you happen to’re an iPhone person, your greatest wager is the Apple Watch Sequence 10 ($386 at Amazon).