{"id":36389,"date":"2025-04-20T19:35:11","date_gmt":"2025-04-20T19:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/36389\/"},"modified":"2025-04-20T19:35:11","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T19:35:11","slug":"all-the-features-i-want-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/36389\/","title":{"rendered":"All the features I want to see"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

With another launch season approaching, I\u2019m focused on what might be coming down the pipeline. The\u00a0Samsung Galaxy Watch line, in particular, has plenty of room for improvement this year. While the company\u2019s smartwatches<\/a> have been strong contenders in the Wear OS market over these last few years, a few key upgrades could really help the next model stand out. Here\u2019s what I hope to see in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8.<\/p>\n

The return of the rotating bezel<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Kaitlyn Cimino \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Like many fans, I\u2019d like to see Samsung bring the rotating bezel back to the Galaxy Watch 8 series. It\u2019s one of Samsung\u2019s most distinctive hardware features, first introduced on the Gear S2 and most recently seen zipping through Wear OS tiles on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. The design offers an intuitive way to navigate the interface without relying solely on touch, which is especially handy after sweaty workouts.<\/p>\n

In a market where most smartwatches lean heavily on swipe gestures and digital crowns, the rotating bezel helps Samsung stand out. Last year, the company launched an Ultra model instead of a Classic, and to my despair, the pricey new sibling skipped the iconic feature. Bringing it back this season on a Classic variant would go a long way in keeping Samsung\u2019s signature smartwatch feel alive.<\/p>\n

Improved heart rate tracking<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Better heart rate<\/a> accuracy is near the top of my list for the Galaxy Watch 8. While the current sensor does fine for steady workouts like runs or walks, it still struggles during cycling or any activity with a lot of wrist movement. I\u2019ve seen noticeable lag in readings, especially when cadence picks up, which makes it hard to trust the data for things like interval training or even recovery insights. It\u2019s not a dealbreaker, but for a watch that pitches itself as a serious fitness tracker<\/a>, I\u2019d love to see more consistent performance.<\/p>\n

More importantly, Samsung needs to step up here if it wants to keep pace with Google and Apple. The Pixel Watch 3 already delivers some of the most accurate heart rate data I\u2019ve tested, and Apple\u2019s Watch Series 10 is highly reliable. Both brands are likely to launch equally powerful next-gen models.<\/p>\n

Better battery life<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

I look forward to the day I can write one of these lists without mentioning battery life, but that day is not today. Power efficiency remains a major talking point for nearly every smartwatch. While I\u2019ve found the Galaxy Watch 7 will last about two days with moderate use, its performance varies, especially during GPS activities. Compared to competitors like the OnePlus Watch 3 with its dual-chip architecture or the TicWatch Pro 5 with its dual-display technology, the Galaxy Watch 7\u2019s battery life is good, but not great. I want the 8 to last more than 48 hours on a single charge, even with heavy usage.<\/p>\n

Thanks to sleuthing on South Korea\u2019s product safety platform by XpertPick<\/a>, we already have an idea of what we might see on the next model. Listings reveal two batteries, EB-BL330ABY and EB-BL505ABY, which are likely tied to the standard Galaxy Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Classic, respectively. The EB-BL330ABY battery has a rated capacity of 435mAh, which is slightly larger than that of the 44mm Galaxy Watch 7.<\/p>\n

More reliable GPS accuracy<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Accurate GPS tracking is another area where I\u2019m hoping Samsung will improve the Galaxy Watch lineup. I was excited when the Galaxy Watch 7 introduced dual-frequency GPS, which typically enhances reliability in challenging environments like urban areas or trails with dense foliage. In reality, though, the watch\u2019s performance can still be inconsistent. In real-world tests, it\u2019s recorded me everywhere from the wrong side of the road to running inside buildings.<\/p>\n

Samsung\u2019s biggest Wear OS competitor, the Google Pixel Watch 3, also struggles more than I had hoped, which only makes it more important for the Galaxy Watch 8 to improve so it can stand out. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch delivers accurate GPS tracking, as do Garmin\u2019s devices. For the Galaxy Watch 8 to become a viable option for serious endurance athletes, it needs to provide reliable and precise GPS tracking.<\/p>\n

Full access for all users<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Kaitlyn Cimino \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Finally, I hope the Galaxy Watch 8 offers full access to all features for non-Samsung phone users. While Samsung\u2019s watches are packed with great functionality, some premium features are locked behind a Samsung phone. Features like Samsung Pay, advanced health tracking including blood pressure detection, and even some customization options are either limited or unavailable for those of us using phones from other brands. It feels like a bit of a missed opportunity, especially when greater inclusivity would make the Galaxy Watch line a stronger Pixel Watch rival. Though unlikely, I\u2019d love to see Samsung open the Galaxy Watch 8\u2019s features to all, regardless of phone brand, so users can take full advantage of everything the watch has to offer.<\/p>\n

What do you want to see on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?<\/p>\n

337 votes<\/p>\n

The return of the rotating bezel<\/p>\n

25%<\/p>\n

Improved heart rate tracking<\/p>\n

11%<\/p>\n

Better battery life<\/p>\n

39%<\/p>\n

More reliable GPS tracking<\/p>\n

5%<\/p>\n

Access to advanced features for all<\/p>\n

9%<\/p>\n

Other (let us know in the comments)<\/p>\n

10%<\/p>\n

Will there be a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

While Samsung has yet to officially confirm the Galaxy Watch 8, regulatory filings suggest its imminent arrival. As mentioned, batteries likely corresponding to the lineup have been certified by SafetyKorea, suggesting shoppers will see both a standard Galaxy Watch 8 and a Watch 8 Classic. We\u2019ve also seen entries in the GSMA\u2019s device database, including one reference tying model number SM-L505U\u00a0to a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as spotted by Smartprix<\/a>.\u00a0These certifications point to a summer launch for the Watch 8 series, which would make sense given the company\u2019s launch schedule historically.<\/p>\n