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Galaxy Watch 8 Compatibility Guide

The Galaxy Watch 8 works with Android phones running Android 12 or higher with at least 1.5GB RAM. Samsung Galaxy phones unlock additional exclusive features, while iPhones are not compatible.


Android Phone Requirements

Any Android phone meeting these requirements can pair with the Galaxy Watch 8.

  • Android Version: Android 12 or higher (API level 31+) required for Wear OS 6.

  • RAM Requirement: Minimum 1.5GB RAM on the phone for smooth operation.

  • Google Play Services: Required for app downloads, notifications, and Google service integration.

  • Compatible Brands: Works with Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and other Android manufacturers.


Samsung Galaxy Exclusive Features

Pairing with a Samsung Galaxy phone unlocks advanced capabilities not available with other Android devices.

  • ECG Monitoring: Medical-grade electrocardiogram requires Samsung Galaxy phone running One UI 4.0 or higher.

  • Blood Pressure Tracking: Continuous BP monitoring with Samsung Galaxy pairing and initial calibration using a traditional cuff.

  • Advanced Samsung Health: Full access to detailed health insights, wellness recommendations, and ecosystem features.

  • Camera Remote: Control your Galaxy phone's camera shutter and view the viewfinder from your wrist.

  • Samsung Pay: Enhanced payment features including loyalty cards and transit cards.


Feature Availability Comparison

FeatureAny Android PhoneSamsung Galaxy Phone
Heart Rate Monitoring
Sleep Tracking
GPS and Workouts
Google Pay
Google Gemini AI
ECG
Blood Pressure
Body CompositionLimited✅ Full
Camera Remote
Samsung PayLimited✅ Full

iPhone Compatibility

The Galaxy Watch 8 is not compatible with iPhones. Wear OS requires deep Android integration for notifications, app management, and system features that iOS does not allow.

iPhone users should consider the Apple Watch or other iOS-compatible options.


Setup Requirements

Getting started requires a few apps on your phone.

  • Galaxy Wearable App: Download from Google Play Store to pair and manage your watch.

  • Samsung Health App: Required for health feature access and workout tracking.

  • Google Account: Needed for Wear OS functionality and Play Store access.

  • Samsung Account: Recommended for full feature access on Samsung phones.


Regional Considerations

Some health features have regional restrictions due to medical device regulations.

  • ECG Availability: Available in select countries. Check Samsung's support page for your region.

  • Blood Pressure Monitoring: Limited to approved regions with Samsung Galaxy pairing.

  • LTE Models: Require carrier support for eSIM activation.


See Also: What Phones Compatible with Galaxy Watch 8|How to Pair Galaxy Watch 8|Galaxy Watch 8 Specifications