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Jodee Tan chevron_right
Fun fact! Our favourite reason to wear smartwatches isn't to look fancy or high-tech and in trend. Instead, we are all in on the immense health and medical benefits it can do, whether it's to remind you to take your vitamins, or check your step count. And the one top smartwatch you have to consider is the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series.
Released in July 2025, the Galaxy Watch8 isn't just another pretty face on your wrist. Samsung has packed this thing with some serious medical-supported wellness features that go way beyond counting steps. Here are some features that might just surprise you if you are thinking of getting one.
1. Antioxidant Index
Notably, the Galaxy Watch8 is the world's first smartwatch that can measure your antioxidant levels. Using its BioActive Sensor, the watch scans your skin for carotenoid levels—the pigments that give fruits and veggies their bright colors. To easily use, just place your thumb on the sensor for five seconds and you'll get a score reflecting your fruit and vegetable intake.
Think of it as your body's way of telling you whether you've been eating enough of the good stuff. The feature measures carotenoid levels stored in your skin, which are compounds that help protect your cells from damage caused by things like pollution, UV exposure, and poor diet. This is like having a nutritionist check in on you throughout the day.
2. Personalized Heart Rate Zone
Gone are the days of guessing whether you're working out hard enough—or maybe too hard. The Galaxy Watch8 introduces Personalized Heart Rate Zones that analyze your heart's capacity and create five customized zones tailored specifically to your fitness level.
This means your workout intensity is optimized for your body, and not just a generic calculation. The feature makes it incredibly easy to see when you should push harder or when it's time to cool down during your exercise sessions. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon, these zones adapt to your unique cardiovascular profile.
3. Body Composition Analysis
Want to know what you're really made of? The Watch8's Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor measures your body fat, water content, and skeletal muscle mass. Just by using your fingertips, you can track these metrics over time to see real progress toward your fitness goals.
The BIA technology uses bioelectrical impedance to analyze your body composition based on weight, body fat, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle, body water, and basal metabolic rate measurements. It's like having a body composition scale right on your wrist—no need to step on anything or visit a clinic.
4. ECG with Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification
Heart health monitoring has come a long way, and the Watch8 takes it seriously. Galaxy Watch8 series can record electrocardiograms (ECG) to detect signs of irregular heart rhythms by tracking the electrical activity of your heart. It will create a visual graph showing how steadily and strongly your heart is pumping in real time.
Most interestingly, the watch monitors your heart rhythm in the background and can detect patterns suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib). This means if it spots something concerning, you'll get a notification prompting you to record a more detailed ECG. Note that this is like having an assistant cardiologist keeping an eye on you 24/7, though it's not meant to replace actual medical diagnosis.
6. Sleep Apnea Detection
This one's a game-changer. The Galaxy Watch8 features FDA-authorized sleep apnea risk detection, making it one of the first consumer smartwatches to offer this capability. The feature monitors for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea by tracking your oxygen saturation dips during the night.
To use it, just wear your watch to bed for two consecutive nights (at least four hours each night), and the watch catches up to start analyzing your sleep data. In the morning, you can review detailed results through the Samsung Health Monitor app. While it's not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis, it can alert you to potential issues that warrant a conversation with a doctor.
6. High Stress Alert
We all deal with stress, but knowing when it's getting out of hand is crucial. After all, some of us are also hard workers and may tend to not be forgiving to ourselves. The Galaxy Watch8 automatically tracks your stress levels throughout the day. When your stress reaches high levels, the watch immediately sends an alert suggesting you take a break.
The feature works alongside the Mindfulness Tracker, which allows you to record your mood and receive guidance on breathing exercises—all from your wrist. It will act as a wellness coach tapping into your physical and mental load, reminding you to pause and breathe when things get intense.
7. Medications Tracking
For anyone managing multiple medications, supplements, or vitamins, this feature is a lifesaver. The Samsung Health Medications feature helps you build and manage your medication list, set reminders, and even alerts you to potential interactions when taking multiple medications.
The information provided is evidence-based content licensed from Elsevier, a global leader in medical information. Whether it's your daily vitamins, prescription medications, or supplements, the Watch8 ensures you never miss a dose and keeps you informed about how different medications might interact.
From monitoring your antioxidant levels to detecting sleep apnea, the Galaxy Watch8 brings medical-grade insights to your wrist in an accessible, user-friendly package.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series—available in 40mm and 44mm sizes in Graphite and Silver colors—represents a significant leap in hope the modern consumer can benefit and integrate health technology into their daily lives. Utilising its 3nm processor that detects and processes data fast, offering up to 3000 nits display brightness for viewing comfort, and enhanced battery life for long use; Galaxy Watch8 is built to keep up with your wellness journey day and night.
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Key Specs:
- Sizes: 40mm & 44mm
- Colors: Graphite, Silver
- Processor: 3nm chip
- Display: Up to 3000 nits brightness
- Battery: 325mAh (40mm), 435mAh (44mm) - up to 30 hours with AOD
- Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy smartphones (Android 12+)
To check Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series and other photography options, head to Samsung Malaysia website.
[This post was made in collaboration with Samsung Malaysia.]
Note: Health features require pairing with compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones running Android 12 or higher. Some features may require Samsung Health app and Samsung account. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.