A fundamental use case for a multiple hundreds dollars smart watch is as a fitness/workout tracker. The problem with this watch is if you are working out and look away for a period of time (Max setting is 2 minutes!), it defaults back to the watch face. So, when I'm on a bike ride and want to check my heart rate, I have to swipe left twice, find the cycle app button and press it. Seems like a safety risk. Unfortunately, after spending hours pouring through forums and videos attempting to find a configuration that works to set the 'show last app' limit to more than 2 minutes, though some videos show a 1 hour option.
This watch will be returned.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
1
Performance
3
Design
5
Value
1
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, January 21, 2026
Howdy Bikedoug, Thanks for taking the opportunity to contact us about your experience using the Samsung Galaxy Watch8. Your detailed feedback provides valuable insights that will assist us with improving our product line. The active workout app must have permission to display notifications to stay on top of your watch face. Please open the Galaxy Wearable app. Navigate to Open the Galaxy Wearable app. Then, go to Watch settings > Notifications > App notifications. Locate Samsung Health in the list and make sure the switch is turned ON. These actions will prevent the workout screen from disappearing. Also, check "Show Last App" setting in the wearable app to ensure it is not set to "Off". To do this, Open the Galaxy Wearable app and Go to Watch settings > Display > Show last app. Set it to the maximum available time. Lastly, for maximum visibility while cycling, you can set the watch to never turn off during a workout. Here's how: On your watch: Start the Cycling workout. Swipe right to access the settings for that specific workout. Then, scroll down to Display and turn on Always On Display. Please be aware that this action will increase your battery consumption. You can also get back to your workout without swiping. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Double press home key. Select Workout or "Show last app". During your ride, you can double-click the home button to instantly bring the workout screen back. For your convenience, I have included some resources for your review. Let us know if you have any questions or if you would like further assistance afterward by reaching out to Samsung Support. We're always happy to listen and work toward a better experience for our customers. Thank you for choosing Samsung! - Debra
Samsung Support smsng.us/Samsung-Support Warranty Information smsng.us/Warranty-Info Facebook Messenger smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger X Messages https://smsng.us/X-Messages Samsung Community smsng.us/Samsung-Community Watch8 https://www.samsung.com/us/watches/galaxy-watch8/ Product Manuals https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/
I dont like that my energy score gets flagged everyday and I end up getting daily notifications saying to improve my sleep schedule. I work 3rd shift. I'm not going to quit my job just to satisfy a health app. AOD feature on watchfaces are still an issue. Time read on AOD screen doesn't keep up with actual time and I ended up being late for work one night because of it.
I needed to replace my Watch active 2. I had been looking at the 7 and ultimately decided on the 8. The face seems bigger even though it is the 40mm. Lots of cute bands can be purchased on other websites. Lots of watch face choices. I LOVE MY WATCH!
Your battery last nothing just 15 hrs. That sucks A LOT!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
1
Performance
2
Design
2
Value
1
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, March 10, 2026
Howdy Jordan, Thanks for sharing your detailed feedback with us regarding your experience using your Samsung Galaxy Watch8. Your critiques provide valuable insights that will assist us with improving our product line. Samsung provides a 12-month warranty on our products for manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. We also have Samsung Care+ as an option which can be added to an eligible device. It's similar to extended warranty and an insurance package combined that provides protection beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty. It may cover events like accidental damage, mechanical breakdowns, and potentially theft and loss. Samsung Care+ offers you the ultimate peace of mind when it comes to protecting your investment. The Galaxy Watch8 40mm model offers a 325mAh battery while the 44mm model offers a 435mAh battery. Both options offer up to 30 hours of use in Always On Display (AOD) mode. Please take a moment to review, "Reduced battery life on your Samsung smart watch" to see what factors, if any, may be impacting the life of your device. Please feel free to let us know if you would like any further assistance after reviewing the resources shared below by reaching out to Samsung Support. Thank you for being a valued Samsung customer. - Debra
Samsung Support smsng.us/Samsung-Support Warranty Information smsng.us/Warranty-Info Facebook Messenger smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger X Messages https://smsng.us/X-Messages Samsung Community smsng.us/Samsung-Community Samsung Care Plus smsng.us/Samsung-Care-Plus Watch8 https://www.samsung.com/us/watches/galaxy-watch8/ Reduced battery life on your Samsung smart watch https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01003232/
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Watch 8 review
on March 19, 2026
Posted by: Lovemydog
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My Galaxsy watch 8 I've had for about 1 years. It has been the best watch I've had from samsung. It is slim and light to wear. I love that on the app you could customize it and the best part it tracks my steps and send me notifications when im sitting for too long. I like that as im cleaning my home I could listen to music on my watch without needing to use my earbuds.
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
3
Great features till it worked
on March 23, 2026
Posted by: Disappointed
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Not my 1st galaxy watch. However 1st one that the battery dies/drains in a couple of hours. No longer can take advantage of my stats at night/during sleep. As of my watch no longer last fully charged overnight. Do you have a horrible part is nowhere to take it to get fixed you have to send it in which is too much time consuming without my watch not even knowing the outcome of it. Starbul can I true use my watch and archuly Love My Galaxy watches until this One.
Value
3
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, March 23, 2026
Hello Disappointed, Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us regarding your experience using your Samsung Galaxy Watch8. Your critiques provide valuable insights that will assist us with improving our product line. Samsung provides a 12-month warranty on our products for manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. We also have Samsung Care+ as an option which can be added to an eligible device. It's similar to extended warranty and an insurance package combined that provides protection beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty. It may cover events like accidental damage, mechanical breakdowns, and potentially theft and loss. Samsung Care+ offers you the ultimate peace of mind when it comes to protecting your investment. The Galaxy Watch8 40mm model offers a 325mAh battery while the 44mm model offers a 435mAh battery. Both options offer up to 30 hours of use in Always On Display (AOD) mode. Please take a moment to review, "Reduced battery life on your Samsung smart watch" to see what factors, if any, may be impacting the life of your device. Please feel free to let us know if you would like any further assistance after reviewing the resources provided below by reaching out to Samsung Support. Thank you for being a staunch Samsung customer. - Debra
Samsung Support smsng.us/Samsung-Support Warranty Information smsng.us/Warranty-Info Facebook Messenger smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger X Messages https://smsng.us/X-Messages Samsung Community smsng.us/Samsung-Community Samsung Care Plus smsng.us/Samsung-Care-Plus Watch8 https://www.samsung.com/us/watches/galaxy-watch8/ Reduced battery life on your Samsung smart watch https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01003232/
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
1
Huge Boring Watch with no Hardware Upgrade. Why?
on July 28, 2025
Posted by: DMMDMM
Expertise:Expert
Galaxy Watch 8 is Unnecessary a HUGE WATCH and the most boring watch I've ever worn! It's a stupid design and No Hardware upgrades over Galaxy watch 7. It's also Not compatible with older Galaxy Watch bands. Completely unimpressed. However, Smart Switch Software is much better, but still buggy, as you will have to do 2 restores from a Backup, but it did restore successfully except the notifications The Watch does not sit correctly on a charger pad as the band will not go flat..
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
1
Performance
1
Design
1
Value
1
Response from Samsung USBy R&R Team, July 28, 2025
Hi DMMDMM, Thanks for taking the time out of your day to share your thoughts with us about your experience with using the Samsung Galaxy Watch8. We appreciate your feedback as we improve the functionality and performance of our product line. The cushion design has been newly added to Galaxy Watch8. With its slimmed-down profile to just 8.6mm, and the upgraded Dynamic Lug System, it offers a more refined look and a more comfortable fit. We would be more than happy to assist you with whatever you may be experiencing with your device, however, we need more details regarding what may be occurring with your device before we can do so. Please feel free to contact Samsung Support if you would like further assistance with troubleshooting your device. Thank you for being a faithful Samsung customer. - Debra
Samsung Support smsng.us/Samsung-Support Warranty Information smsng.us/Warranty-Info Facebook Messenger smsng.us/Facebook-Messenger X Messages https://smsng.us/X-Messages Samsung Community smsng.us/Samsung-Community Watch8 https://www.samsung.com/us/watches/galaxy-watch8/ Galaxy Watch8 Bands https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/mobile-accessories/smartwatches/?category_names=Smartwatches&wearables_compatibility=Galaxy+Watch8
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Happy W/S8 Watch
on July 27, 2025
Posted by: Samsung MB
Expertise:Intermediate
Besides everyone having issues with their watch straps not locking in, I have not had these or any issues with the new watch. I have the 40mm. It's very comfortable for me. I am not talking for everyone. Everyone wrist is going to be different fit and feel.