All of the options I wish to see

With one other launch season approaching, I’m targeted on what could be coming down the pipeline. The Samsung Galaxy Watch line, specifically, has loads of room for enchancment this 12 months. Whereas the corporate’s smartwatches have been sturdy 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 deliver the rotating bezel again to the Galaxy Watch 8 sequence. It’s considered one of Samsung’s most distinctive {hardware} options, first launched on the Gear S2 and most not too long ago seen zipping by way of Put on OS tiles on the Galaxy Watch 6 Basic. The design provides an intuitive method to navigate the interface with out relying solely on contact, which is particularly 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 12 months, the corporate launched an Extremely mannequin as an alternative of a Basic, and to my despair, the expensive new sibling skipped the long-lasting function. Bringing it again this season on a Basic variant would go a good distance in conserving Samsung’s signature smartwatch really feel alive.

Higher heart rate accuracy is close to the highest of my record 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 a variety of wrist motion. I’ve seen noticeable lag in readings, particularly when cadence picks up, which makes it laborious 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 fitness 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 Collection 10 is very dependable. Each manufacturers are more likely to launch equally highly effective next-gen fashions.

I look ahead to the day I can write considered one of these lists with out mentioning battery life, however that day shouldn’t be at present. 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 opponents 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 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 thought of what we would see on the subsequent mannequin. Listings reveal two batteries, EB-BL330ABY and EB-BL505ABY, that are possible 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 all over the place from the improper aspect of the street 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 vital for the Galaxy Watch 8 to enhance so it could stand out. In the meantime, the Apple Watch delivers correct GPS monitoring, as do Garmin’s units. For the Galaxy Watch 8 to turn into a viable choice for severe endurance athletes, it wants to offer dependable and exact GPS monitoring.

Lastly, I hope the Galaxy Watch 8 provides 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 appears like a little bit of a missed alternative, particularly when larger 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 all the pieces the watch has to supply.

Whereas Samsung has but to formally affirm the Galaxy Watch 8, regulatory filings counsel its imminent arrival. As talked about, batteries possible equivalent to the lineup have been licensed by SafetyKorea, suggesting buyers will see each a typical 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 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 more than likely see the brand new technology introduced and the corporate’s Summer season Unpacked occasion. My greatest guess is that this can happen in July, although I’ll preserve this hub up to date as we see extra leaks and rumors floor. We may additionally see a second Ultra model 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 present mannequin feels a bit foolish. In the event 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 price ready for the subsequent iteration, particularly contemplating the helpful upgrades it may deliver, like improved battery life, extra correct monitoring, and even new options. Plus, as soon as the brand new mannequin lands, you may count on the worth 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’d like a watch in your wrist sooner moderately 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 perfect Put on OS smartwatch obtainable total, however the OnePlus Watch 3 ($329.99 at Amazon) provides the perfect battery life. In fact, if you happen to’re an iPhone person, your greatest wager is the Apple Watch Collection 10 ($386 at Amazon).