Early Glimpse at Samsung’s Next-Gen Wearables
Anticipation for Samsung’s next iteration of smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic, is building as both devices have now officially received certification from China’s 3C regulatory body. This procedural step, often a precursor to a product’s official unveiling, has shed light on a couple of key specifications, offering a mix of expected advancements and potentially underwhelming news for some enthusiasts. The certification confirms that Samsung enthusiasts can look forward to LTE-capable variations of both models, a feature that continues to enhance the standalone functionality of modern smartwatches.
Connectivity Features Locked In
The confirmation of LTE variants for the Galaxy Watch8 series is an unsurprising but welcome development. This capability allows users to make calls, send messages, and stream music directly from their wrist, independent of a paired smartphone, offering greater freedom and convenience. Beyond cellular connectivity, the certification details reiterate the inclusion of a standard suite of wireless technologies. As expected, both the Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic will be equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3 for robust connection to other devices and accessories, GNSS for accurate location tracking, and NFC for contactless payments. Wireless charging, a staple for premium smartwatches, also makes its return, ensuring convenient power-ups.
Charging Capabilities: No Leap Forward
However, the 3C certification has also outed the charging speed for the upcoming wearables, and it appears to be an area where advancements have stalled. The documents indicate that both the Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic will support a maximum charging speed of 10W. This figure is identical to the charging capability of their predecessors, the Galaxy Watch7 series. For consumers hoping for a significant boost in charging times, allowing for quicker turnarounds between uses, this news might come as a disappointment. In a fast-evolving tech landscape where battery life and rapid charging are increasingly prized features, maintaining the same charging speed as the previous generation could be seen as a missed opportunity for enhancement.
A New Shape on the Horizon?
Beyond the technical specifications revealed by the certification, industry expectations point towards a notable design evolution for the Galaxy Watch8 line. It is anticipated that both the standard Galaxy Watch8 and the Watch8 Classic will transition to a “squircle-like” case design. This suggests a shift towards a more rounded square or rectangular form factor for the main body of the watch. Despite this change in case shape, the display itself is expected to remain round. This design choice is speculated to align the new models aesthetically with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which was reportedly launched last year (2024). Such a design refresh could offer a new visual appeal and potentially impact how the watch feels and fits on the wrist, though user reception to this hybrid shape will be key.
Expected Launch Alongside New Foldables
The tech community is penciling in an early January timeframe for the official debut of the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic. This launch is expected to coincide with the unveiling of Samsung’s next generation of foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7. This synchronized launch strategy is typical for Samsung, allowing the company to showcase its latest innovations across multiple flagship product categories and reinforce its ecosystem approach. As the expected launch window approaches, more detailed information regarding features, internal hardware improvements, and specific pricing is likely to emerge, painting a fuller picture of what Samsung has in store for its wearable technology enthusiasts in the new year.
