What do reviews say about battery?

Best Buy buyers mostly like it, but TechRadar still calls battery life short.

What do reviews say about gemini?

Both expert reviews say Gemini on the wrist is useful rather than a must-have.

What do reviews say about strap?

Both experts find the new proprietary strap system fiddly.

Phones & Audio · Smartwatches · 151 reviews · 3 sources

Samsung Galaxy Watch8

Best for: Samsung phone ownersMid-range

A slimmer Wear OS watch with strong health and running tools plus Gemini. Battery life and the new strap system hold it back.

Tracking since Sep 2026

Buy if

You use a Samsung Galaxy phone
You want guided running plans

Skip if

You need multi-day battery
You want to reuse old straps

How it scores

Value7.0

Battery6.1

Comfort5.8

Price

$349.99

You pay for: Price rose over Watch7

Reviewed Sep 2026 · 0 new reviews since · score unchanged

What people love

Most mentioned by reviewers

Smooth performanceQuick and fluid in daily use

Battery lifeBuyers happy with endurance

Comfortable fitLight and slim on the wrist

What people complain about

Most mentioned by reviewers

Fiddly strap systemNew lug design is awkward

Short batteryStill needs frequent charges

Higher priceCosts more than last year

Reviewers disagree on

Buyers praise battery lifeExperts call battery short

Alternatives

Same price · $349.99

Ask about this product

Sources

Best Buy
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
Reviewed Sep 2026

AI summary of public reviews, not a recommendation.