How Accurate Is the Galaxy Watch 8 Heart Rate Tracking? Scientific Review and Initial Samsung Test

TL;DR

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 delivers promising heart rate accuracy for cycling but remains unreliable during weightlifting. In initial testing against a Polar H10 ECG chest strap, it reached correlations of 0.97 for indoor cycling and 0.94 for outdoor cycling, while missing heart rate peaks during lifting. Its performance may reflect a closer-fitting sensor and firmware improvements, but further testing is needed. Read on for the activity-by-activity results.

Transcript

I just woke up to see that my Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 should arrive today. So, we're doing some initial scientific and systematic testing of the heart rate tracking performance of this brand new watch from Samsung, and we'll be comparing it to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, so the previous generation. Now, I have both the smaller versions, so 40 mm and... Read More

Key Insights

• The Galaxy Watch 8 shows improved heart rate tracking, especially for indoor cycling.
• Both the Galaxy Watch 8 and 7 struggle with accuracy during weightlifting exercises.
• Firmware updates may have contributed to performance improvements in the Galaxy Watch 8.
• The Galaxy Watch 8's sensor is closer to the skin, potentially aiding in better heart rate tracking.
• Initial tests suggest the Galaxy Watch 8 performs similarly to the Galaxy Watch 7 when updated.
• Outdoor cycling results for the Galaxy Watch 8 are surprisingly accurate compared to previous models.
• The Galaxy Watch 8 is not as accurate as Apple and Pixel watches but shows significant improvement.
• Further testing is needed to confirm the consistency of the Galaxy Watch 8's performance improvements.

Questions & Answers

Q: How accurate is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 heart rate tracking?

Initial results show promising accuracy during cycling but poor performance during weightlifting. Compared with the Polar H10 ECG chest strap, the Galaxy Watch 8 achieved correlations of 0.97 for indoor cycling and 0.94 for outdoor cycling, though further testing is needed to confirm consistency.

Q: How accurate is the Galaxy Watch 8 for indoor cycling?

The Galaxy Watch 8 achieved a correlation of 0.97 with the Polar H10 ECG chest strap during indoor cycling. The watch data looked generally accurate, although a slight delay appeared at times during the workout.

Q: How did the Galaxy Watch 8 perform during outdoor cycling?

The Galaxy Watch 8 produced a correlation of 0.94 with the reference device during the initial outdoor cycling test. This was a notable improvement over previous Galaxy Watch models, but the result comes from an initial test that requires further confirmation.

Q: Does the Galaxy Watch 8 track heart rate accurately during weightlifting?

The Galaxy Watch 8 performed poorly during weightlifting and did not reliably detect heart rate peaks. This remains a key limitation despite its stronger cycling results.

Q: How does the Galaxy Watch 8 compare with the Galaxy Watch 7?

The initial tests found similar performance from the Galaxy Watch 8 and the updated Galaxy Watch 7, particularly during indoor cycling. Both watches still struggled during weightlifting, so the newer model did not show a clear advantage across every activity.

Q: How was Galaxy Watch 8 heart rate accuracy tested?

The 44 mm Galaxy Watch 8 was worn on the left wrist while the same-size Galaxy Watch 7 was worn on the right, with fabric straps used for a more comparable fit. Their readings were compared against a Polar H10 ECG chest strap during indoor cycling, weightlifting, and outdoor cycling.

Q: What might explain the Galaxy Watch 8’s improved cycling results?

The sensor sits closer to the skin, and the fabric strap can provide a better wrist fit, potentially improving the heart rate signal. Firmware updates may also have helped, because the updated Galaxy Watch 7 produced similarly improved results, though the initial test does not confirm the cause.

Q: Is the Galaxy Watch 8 more accurate than Apple and Pixel watches?

The initial results place the Galaxy Watch 8 behind Apple and Pixel watches for heart rate accuracy. Its cycling performance represents a significant improvement over previous Samsung models, but more extensive testing is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 demonstrates significant improvements in heart rate tracking for indoor cycling compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 7. Firmware updates may have enhanced performance, as both watches now show similar results. However, accuracy during weightlifting remains poor, indicating room for improvement.

• Initial tests reveal the Galaxy Watch 8 performs well in outdoor cycling, achieving a correlation of 0.94, a notable improvement from previous models. Despite this, it still lags behind competitors like Apple and Pixel watches. The sensor's proximity to the skin and potential firmware updates are likely contributors to these enhancements.

• While the Galaxy Watch 8 shows promise, further testing is required to determine the consistency of its performance. The watch's improvements suggest potential firmware updates have benefited both the Galaxy Watch 8 and 7, but more data is needed to draw definitive conclusions about its accuracy across various activities.