Health features on the Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic
Designed for users who want more than step counts and calorie estimates, the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic integrate cutting-edge sensors, AI-driven insights and seamless connectivity to support both everyday wellness and long-term health goals.
From heart health and sleep optimisation to nutritional tracking, medication reminders and even cellular ageing metrics, this smartwatch series is a personal health companion worn on your wrist, offering a personalised approach to proactive health, all powered by Samsung’s latest BioActive Sensor and One UI 8 Watch interface. Find out about the various health features available on these devices, and how to make the most out of them to improve your health.
Tips to make the most of the Watch8 and Watch8 Classic
- Wear your watch to bed for at least 3‑4 hours per night during initial calibration to activate Vascular Load and sleep tracking.
- Check your Bedtime Guidance every few days and gradually adjust your sleep schedule to match your ideal window.
- Measure antioxidants weekly after meals high in fruits and vegetables and log diet changes to track progress.
- Complete the Running Coach baseline run, then follow the plan consistently.
- Use stress alerts and mindfulness regularly: log your mood, use guided breathing and take breaks when prompted.
- Set medication reminders and log intake daily to build consistency and prevent missed doses.
- Review weekly summaries in Samsung Health to identify habits to improve, such as sleep, activity, stress or nutrition.
Health features
Healthy sleep and sleep coaching
The Watch8 series includes robust sleep tracking, capable of detecting moderate to severe signs of sleep apnoea (approved via Samsung Health Monitor), as well as snoring detection using combined watch and smartphone microphones.
Heart health
During sleep, the watch measures Vascular Load (the amount of stress placed on your vascular system) using pulse wave analysis via its optical sensor. High values suggest arterial stiffness and are impacted by lifestyle factors such as salt intake, stress and inactivity.
ECG & Rhythm Alerts
The Watch8 series also supports on wrist ECG to detect irregular rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, alongside irregular heart rhythm notifications. This continuous monitoring alerts users to potential anomalies that could require medical attention.
Please note:
- Vascular Load available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or above) and a Samsung account login.
- To measure vascular load, it is required to wear Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch Ultra, Watch8 and later released Galaxy Watch series) when sleeping for at least 3 days out of recent 14 days.
Medication Tracking
Medication management is built into Samsung Health: you can log medications, supplements or vitamins, set reminders and track adherence. Alerts also flag potential interaction risks if multiple medications are scheduled at similar times.
Antioxidant Index and Well ageing monitoring
The Watch8 series introduces the first Antioxidant Index feature in a smartwatch. In just five seconds, it measures carotenoid levels via the thumb sensor, offering insight into your dietary antioxidant status - a useful metric for healthy ageing. Samsung Health on the Watch8 also tracks AGEs (Advanced Glycation End) Index products linked to metabolic ageing caused by processed or sugary foods.
Wellness tips
The Watch8 series offers daily wellbeing tips - smart suggestions based on your sleep, activity, stress and diet data. For instance, personalised advice on hydration, walking breaks or mindfulness sessions appears at key moments to help you stay balanced.
Cycle tracking
While the Watch8 series primarily pairs with Samsung Health for cycle tracking, the app supports logging menstrual data, ovulation prediction, fertility windows and symptoms. These insights can sync to the watch for reminders and mood or symptom tracking.
Energy score and mental-physical balance
The Samsung’s Energy Score, driven by Google AI, synthesises physical and mental energy indicators (sleep quality, stress levels, activity history) into a daily summary. This snapshot helps you understand your readiness for both activity and rest, allowing you to adjust your day accordingly.
Running Coach
For running enthusiasts, Running Coach transforms your Watch8 series into a personal trainer. After a 12 minute test run, your fitness is rated on a 1–10 scale. Based on that, AI generates a tailored training plan (3–5 weeks) aimed toward distance goals like 5 km, 10 km, half marathon or marathon. Also, during workouts, you receive real time guidance on pace and heart rate zones, along with messages of encouragement.
Please note:
- Energy Score available on Android phones (Android 11 or above) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.27 or above) and a Samsung account login.
- Service only available when user registers Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch4 or later released Galaxy Watch series) or Galaxy Ring at least once.
- Service availability may vary by country or region.
Please note:
- Running Coach program is available on Android phones (Android 10 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or above) and a Samsung account login is required.
- Service only available with Galaxy Watch8 Series or later released Galaxy Watch Series.
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