If you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, now might be the best time to pick one up. A wide range of Android wearables are on sale, including the latest Galaxy Watch 8 from Samsung, which is down to $259 from $349.
That’s $90 lower (26% off) than the usual price and only $10 shy of the record low we saw last year. The deal applies to the 40 mm GPS variant, with both graphite and silver colorways discounted. A similar reduction applies if you opt for the 44 mm, which is now going for $289.
Why Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 arrived in July along with the Watch 8 Classic. We consider it the best smartwatch for Samsung users, for good reasons.
First, it ships with a new squircle design, which stands out compared to the previous round form. The chassis has a squarish shape while the display remains round. The metal finish adds a premium touch. Not only does it look sleek, but it is also a sturdy timepiece. Samsung uses enhanced aluminum material, and the watch is rated at 5 ATM and MIL‑STD‑810H. This adds protection for water‑based activities like snorkeling and swimming.
The smartwatch is also thinner, giving a more comfortable fit on the wrist. Its display is slightly wider at 1.34 inches (40 mm) and notably brighter than before, ensuring legibility outdoors under direct sunlight.
The Galaxy Watch 8 is powered by the Exynos W1000 chipset, the same processor as the Galaxy Watch 7. However, the chip is a major upgrade, offering a penta‑core architecture. Performance feels snappy even when running and switching applications, while keeping the system efficient. Battery life in the Galaxy Watch 8 is rated at 40 hours, translating to about two days in smart mode.
For tracking, the Galaxy Watch 8 features an enhanced BioActive sensor for more accurate and reliable measurement of vitals like heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and sleep. It also debuts new tracking tools such as Antioxidant Index, Vascular Load, and sleep apnea detection. For athletes and active users, there are workout upgrades like AI coaching and expanded sports modes.
One major gripe with the Galaxy Watch 8 is that some core features are unavailable on non‑Samsung phones. But if you’re fine with that, are you upgrading? Tell us in the comments.
