As another launch season approaches in the technology sphere, there is a palpable excitement surrounding what innovations may be on the horizon, particularly within Samsung's renowned Galaxy Watch line. While Samsungs smartwatches have established themselves as strong competitors in the Wear OS market over the past few years, several significant enhancements could propel the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 to new heights. Heres a detailed look at the features Im eager to see in the next iteration of the Galaxy Watch series.

The Return of the Rotating Bezel

Among the various features that fans are eagerly anticipating, the return of the rotating bezel stands out. This distinctive hardware feature, which first debuted with the Gear S2 and was last seen on the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, provides a unique and user-friendly method for navigating through the interface. This is especially valuable after an intense workout when users may not want to rely solely on touch controls. In an era where most smartwatches predominantly utilize swipe gestures and digital crowns, the rotating bezel offers Samsung a unique advantage. Last year, the introduction of an Ultra model instead of a Classic version left many disappointed, particularly because it omitted this iconic feature. Reviving the rotating bezel on a Classic variant this season would greatly enhance Samsung's identity within the smartwatch market.

Improved Heart Rate Tracking

Another crucial area for enhancement is heart rate tracking accuracy. While the current heart rate sensor performs adequately during stable workouts such as running or walking, it tends to falter during activities with a lot of wrist movement, like cycling. Users often notice a lag in readings during high-intensity intervals, making it difficult to rely on the data for effective training or recovery insights. For a smartwatch that positions itself as a serious fitness tracker, increasing the reliability of heart rate measurements is essential. Furthermore, as competitors such as Google's Pixel Watch 3 and Apple's Watch Series 10 continue to deliver superior heart rate accuracy, Samsung must step up its game to remain competitive.

Enhanced Battery Life

The topic of battery life is one that is often discussed in the realm of smartwatches, and unfortunately, the Galaxy Watch 7 has not quite achieved the desired longevity. While it can last approximately two days under moderate usage, performance can be inconsistent, especially during GPS activities. In comparison to competitors like the OnePlus Watch 3 or the TicWatch Pro 5, which boast impressive battery management technologies, the Galaxy Watch 7s battery life comes up short. A significant improvement is expected for the Galaxy Watch 8, with hopes that it will exceed 48 hours of usage even under heavy conditions. Recent discoveries on South Koreas product safety platform, reported by XpertPick, suggest that new batteries certified for the Galaxy Watch 8 models have a rated capacity of 435mAh, indicating a potential increase in battery performance over its predecessor.

More Reliable GPS Accuracy

Another area where I am hopeful for improvements is GPS accuracy. The Galaxy Watch 7's introduction of dual-frequency GPS was meant to enhance reliability, especially in challenging environments like urban areas or wooded trails. However, users have experienced inconsistent GPS performance, with instances of the watch recording incorrect locations. This inconsistency is a concern for serious athletes who rely on accurate tracking for their workouts. Competing devices, including those from Apple and Garmin, have set a high bar for GPS accuracy, and it is crucial for the Galaxy Watch 8 to meet these standards to be a viable choice for endurance athletes.

Full Access for All Users

Lastly, there is a pressing need for the Galaxy Watch 8 to provide full access to all its features for users who do not own a Samsung phone. Despite being equipped with robust functionalities, many premium features, including Samsung Pay, blood pressure monitoring, and advanced health tracking, are often restricted for non-Samsung phone users. This limitation not only feels exclusionary but also undermines the watch's competitiveness against other brands like Google. Ideally, Samsung would expand the Galaxy Watch 8s capabilities for all users, regardless of their phone brand, maximizing its appeal and functionality.

Will There Be a Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?

While Samsung has not officially confirmed the existence of the Galaxy Watch 8, regulatory filings strongly suggest that its launch is imminent. Certifications for new batteries potentially linked to the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Watch 8 Classic have been observed, indicating that both models are in the pipeline. Additionally, entries in GSMAs device database have hinted at the existence of model number SM-L505U, associated with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, as previously noted by Smartprix. Historically, Samsung has unveiled new Galaxy Watch models during their Summer Unpacked event, often around July. Given this pattern, the Galaxy Watch 8's announcement could occur in the coming months.

Should You Wait for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?

As we find ourselves in the waiting phase, where new launches are just around the corner, purchasing an existing model may seem impractical. If you are considering the Galaxy Watch 7, it might be wise to hold off for the Galaxy Watch 8, as it promises to bring several useful upgrades, such as enhanced battery life and improved tracking capabilities. Moreover, once the new model is released, you can expect the price of the Galaxy Watch 7 to decrease, providing an opportunity for savings. However, for those who prioritize immediate availability, the Galaxy Watch 7 remains a solid choice, especially for existing Samsung phone users. Additionally, for those seeking a more rugged option, the Ultra model offers increased durability but at a premium price. For users of other brands, the Google Pixel Watch 3 and OnePlus Watch 3 present strong alternatives, each catering to different priorities in the smartwatch landscape.