Samsung has been adding several useful health features to its smartwatches for years and this year, the South Korean company has managed to squeeze in interesting updates like Antioxidant Index and better sleep monitoring. There are two watches to choose from — Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic. And the much-loved rotating bezel is very much there.

In the short time we had with the new smartwatches, we saw some new features that take on Apple Watch head-to-head. The strap mechanism has undergone a change, making it easier to swap one set for another.

The Antioxidant Index feature has a bar to show the level of antioxidants. You may get varying results at start because antioxidants are unevenly distributed in the skin. Users need to allow 10 seconds between measurements and use the same thumb each time, on the back of the watch. If the watch shows “adequate”, it means you are meeting the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables.

The new smartwatches from Samsung are packed with AI and health features

Also present is Bedtime Guidance that comes with a recommended bedtime window. The recommendation is based on the time you want to wake up.

Equally interesting is the way the smartwatch can measure workout activities, including the level of intensity the body is going through. Once you get it right over a few days, the app on the Samsung phone will show: “You found the right training intensity and difficulty level. You’ve achieved your goal. You can expect steady progress if you keep up with your current pattern and continue with your training.”

Besides all of that, there are many AI features that integrate with the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 phones. The hardware is powerful enough to take on all kinds of challenges and there was zero delay in recording fitness features.

What next? We are waiting for a feature that all companies want on their smartwatch — reliable glucose monitoring.