Samsung Galaxy Watch Charging: Timing and the 20-80 Rule Matter for Battery Life

Engadget says the best time to charge is during downtime. People who are more active in the evening should charge in the morning, while those active in the morning can charge in the evening. A desk-bound midday period, especially the start of the workday, can also work as a charging window.

To refine a schedule, the publication recommends measuring how long the watch takes to charge over several days. Users can note when they place it on the charger and when they remove it, then average those times to establish a reference for more precise charging periods.

The guide points to battery health as a reason not to charge to 100 percent every time. A Galaxy Watch 8 can last 30 to 40 hours on a full charge, according to Engadget. While lithium-ion batteries handle full charges better than earlier versions, full charges can still degrade a battery. Engadget suggests following the 20-80 rule: begin charging at around 20 percent and stop at about 80 percent.

That approach is not essential for Galaxy Watch 8 and newer models because they include built-in battery protection, Engadget says. Even so, avoiding low cell drain and high-level strain can improve battery life, the publication notes.

Overnight charging is not always optimal under that approach. Engadget says overnight charging can be useful for users who do not care about sleep data and have little time to charge during the morning or early afternoon. For users who want sleep tracking and want to avoid straining the battery, the publication says overnight charging is ill-advised.

Engadget also cites the cost of battery replacement. A DIY replacement can cost $50 to $70 when batteries and tools are included, while going through Samsung without a warranty or using a third-party repair shop can cost more. The guide says making the battery last begins with waiting for the right time to charge.

Editor's Summary

Engadget's guide says Galaxy Watch owners should match charging to downtime and test their device's charge time instead of assuming a fixed schedule. It recommends considering the 20-80 rule and avoiding overnight charging when sleep tracking and battery longevity matter. Replacement costs range from $50 to $70 for DIY repairs and more through Samsung or third-party shops.