All of the options I need to see

With one other launch season approaching, I’m centered on what may be coming down the pipeline. The Samsung Galaxy Watch line, particularly, has loads of room for enchancment this yr. Whereas the corporate’s smartwatches have been robust contenders within the Put on OS market over these previous few years, a couple of key upgrades might 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 carry the rotating bezel again to the Galaxy Watch 8 sequence. It’s one among Samsung’s most distinctive {hardware} options, first launched on the Gear S2 and most not too long ago seen zipping by Put on OS tiles on the Galaxy Watch 6 Traditional. The design gives an intuitive method to navigate the interface with out relying solely on contact, which is very helpful 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 yr, the corporate launched an Extremely mannequin as a substitute of a Traditional, and to my despair, the dear new sibling skipped the long-lasting characteristic. Bringing it again this season on a Traditional variant would go a great distance in holding Samsung’s signature smartwatch really feel alive.

Higher coronary heart fee accuracy is close to the highest of my listing for the Galaxy Watch 8. Whereas the present sensor does high-quality for regular exercises like runs or walks, it nonetheless struggles throughout biking or any exercise with a number 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 severe health tracker, I’d like to see extra constant efficiency.

Extra importantly, Samsung must step up right here if it needs to maintain tempo with Google and Apple. The Pixel Watch 3 already delivers among the most correct coronary heart fee knowledge I’ve examined, and Apple’s Watch Sequence 10 is extremely dependable. Each manufacturers are more likely to launch equally highly effective next-gen fashions.

I stay up for the day I can write one among these lists with out mentioning battery life, however that day shouldn’t be at the moment. Energy effectivity stays a serious speaking level for almost each smartwatch. Whereas I’ve discovered the Galaxy Watch 7 will final about two days with reasonable use, its efficiency varies, particularly throughout GPS actions. In comparison with rivals just like the OnePlus Watch 3 with its dual-chip structure or the TicWatch Professional 5 with its dual-display know-how, the Galaxy Watch 7’s battery life is sweet, however not nice. I would like 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 thought of what we’d see on the subsequent mannequin. Listings reveal two batteries, EB-BL330ABY and EB-BL505ABY, that are doubtless tied to the usual Galaxy Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Traditional, 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 usually 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 every single place from the fallacious aspect of the highway to operating inside buildings.

Samsung’s largest Put on OS competitor, the Google Pixel Watch 3, additionally struggles greater than I had hoped, which solely makes it extra necessary for the Galaxy Watch 8 to enhance so it will probably stand out. In the meantime, the Apple Watch delivers correct GPS monitoring, as do Garmin’s units. For the Galaxy Watch 8 to change into a viable possibility for severe endurance athletes, it wants to offer 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 filled with 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 seems 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 every little thing the watch has to supply.

Whereas Samsung has but to formally affirm the Galaxy Watch 8, regulatory filings recommend its imminent arrival. As talked about, batteries doubtless akin to the lineup have been licensed by SafetyKorea, suggesting buyers will see each a regular Galaxy Watch 8 and a Watch 8 Traditional. We’ve additionally seen entries within the GSMA’s machine database, together with one reference tying mannequin quantity SM-L505U to a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Traditional, as noticed by Smartprix. These certifications level to a summer time launch for the Watch 8 sequence, which might make sense given the corporate’s launch schedule traditionally.

• Galaxy Watch 5 sequence — August 10, 2022
• Galaxy Watch 6 sequence — July 26, 2023
• Galaxy Watch 7 sequence — July 10, 2024

We are going to almost definitely see the brand new technology introduced and the corporate’s Summer time Unpacked occasion. My finest guess is that this may happen in July, although I’ll maintain this hub up to date as we see extra leaks and rumors floor. We might 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. In the event you’re presently 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 might carry, like improved battery life, extra correct monitoring, and even new options. Plus, as soon as the brand new mannequin lands, you’ll be able to anticipate the worth of the Galaxy Watch 7 to drop. In different phrases, it can save you money by merely ready a couple of 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 effective purchase for Samsung cellphone customers. For a extra sturdy machine 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 one of the best Put on OS smartwatch out there total, however the OnePlus Watch 3 ($329.99 at Amazon) gives one of the best battery life. After all, if you happen to’re an iPhone consumer, your finest guess is the Apple Watch Sequence 10 ($386 at Amazon).