A recent study has estimated that Singapore could save up to S$650 M in direct healthcare costs if Singaporeans made long-term changes to their lifestyles.
Sleep is one area where Singaporeans could do better. According to a 2024 YouGov study, 66% of Singaporeans continue to struggle with getting seven or more hours of sleep.
This is where a smartwatch can help. The recently-launched Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic are boast the thinnest and most
comfortable Galaxy watches ever6 for continuous health tracking. Features on the Samsung Health app8 which can help consumers build healthier habits include:
- Vascular Load1: the amount of stress on your vascular system while sleeping.
- Bedtime Guidance2, a feature that measures users’ circadian rhythm to suggest the optimal time to go to bed.
“Sleep remains a cornerstone of our approach to health, as it influences physical and mental well-being, social relationships and even work performance,” said Dr Hon Pak, Senior VP and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience, Samsung Electronics, in a statement shared in July.
“Now, we envision our Galaxy Watch delivering holistic insights centred around sleep — insights that lead to meaningful changes in daily life. We believe this aligns with our vision of empowering you to lead healthier lives through proactive care and holistic health management.”
If high levels of stress persist, High Stress Alert will immediately
signal users for a break. There is also the Mindfulness Tracker, through which users can record their mood and
receive guidance on breathing exercises to relieve stress.
The Galaxy Watch is also the first in the industry to introduce Antioxidant Index3, a feature to measure carotenoids via its BioActive sensor. Antioxidants help to protect against cell damage and slow ageing.
The BioActive Sensor can provide a number of real-time insights:
- The Sleep Apnea4 feature, approved for use by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA), enables users to detect moderate to severe signs of sleep apnea, when proper breathing is affected while sleeping. The condition affects approximately one in three Singaporeans.
- The Galaxy Watch8’s enhanced Electrocardiogram (ECG)5 can better capture ectopic beats, extra or skipped heartbeats that occur outside of the normal heart rhythm. While mostly harmless, identification of frequent ectopic beats could add to insights for preventive care.
The Galaxy Watch8 Series further delivers personalised fitness insights. Running Coach9 calculates users’ fitness level from 1 to 10 and develops a tailored
training plan complete with real-time guidance and motivational
insights. With the Together feature which now supports running, users can gamify their fitness journey by challenging friends and family.
Plus, the AI-powered Energy Score10 gives consumers a snapshot
of their energy level, combining physical and mental energy metrics to
guide users to plan for a healthier day ahead.
The distinctive cushion design, which debuted with Galaxy Watch Ultra, now defines the entire Galaxy Watch lineup. To achieve the thinnest design yet, the internal structure of the
Galaxy Watch8 Series was completely reengineered, resulting in an 11%
thinner design7.
Combined with the Dynamic Lug system, the new Galaxy Watch8 Series fits
snugly on the wrist, providing greater comfort and improved stability6 for a better fit and enhanced health-tracking accuracy.
A 3 nm processor delivers faster performance and greater power efficiency. The display is 50% brighter6 with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits for easy visibility, even under bright sunlight, while the dual-frequency GPS provides more detailed and precise location results6.
 |
Source: Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic smart watches were launched in Singapore in July. |
Developed in close collaboration with Google, the Galaxy Watch8 Series is the first smartwatch to come out of the box with Gemini11, Google’s AI assistant, and be powered by Wear OS 6. Go hands-free using natural voice commands to get things done on the go with Galaxy Watch apps like Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder, and Clock. For example, saying “Start a 30-minute run” initiates the workout in Samsung Health.
Available in 44 mm or 40 mm sizes and in Graphite or Silver, the Galaxy Watch8 provides comfort and style. Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch8 Classic brings offers a rotating bezel and a quick button for added convenience. The Classic model measures 46 mm and comes in Black and White. Both models can be matched with a diverse range of bands12.
For those who love outdoor adventures, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most advanced and durable Galaxy Watch model yet. The 2025 edition has a storage capacity of 64 GB, up from 32 GB in previous editions. In Singapore, a new Titanium Blue colour will be introduced as part of the launch.
For consumers who are looking for a more discreet wearable that offers continuous health tracking, Samsung recommended the Galaxy Ring. With up to seven days of battery life, the ring is available in Titanium Black, Titanium Silver and Titanium Gold, in sizes 5-15
13.
Samsung also recently announced the availability of the One UI 8 Watch update for Galaxy Watch Ultra (2024) to help more Galaxy users to unlock motivational health features.
1 Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure vascular load, wear the Galaxy Watch when sleeping for at least three days out of the most recent 14 days. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition.
2 Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. Bedtime guidance is available on Android phone (Android 11 and above) requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). It is based on three days of sleep analysis of user’s circadian rhythm and sleep pressure.
3 Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure, place the centre of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While the Antioxidant Index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate result. Repeated measurement due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results.
4 The Sleep Apnea feature is an over-the-counter (OTC), software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone. This feature is intended to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions in adult users 22 years and older, over a two-night monitoring period. It is intended for on-demand use.
This feature is not intended for users who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Users should not use this feature to replace traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified clinician. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. Availability may vary by market, carrier, model or a paired smartphone.
5 The ECG feature is only available in select markets. It is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The feature is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than AFib. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
6 Compared to the previous Galaxy Watches.
7 Compared to the Galaxy Watch7 Series.
8 Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Certain features may vary by market, carrier, or the device paired.
9 Prior to starting the coach program, taking a running level test and receiving a level designation is required.
10 Only available when user register a compatible Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Ring at least once.
11 Gemini mobile app available on select devices, languages, and countries at launch. Availability of features will be progressively rolled out in Singapore. Requires compatible Wear OS watch to be connected to a compatible device. Check responses for accuracy. Internet connection and set up may be required. Features may differ depending on subscription and account. Results for illustrative purposes and may vary.
12 Sold separately. Availability of watch bands may vary by market or carrier.
13 Colour and size availability may vary by market.