Samsung’s upcoming One UI 8 Watch software aims to modernize the Galaxy Watch interface with fresh visuals — but not everyone is impressed. According to reports from SamMobile and IT Home, the new colorful Tiles interface, introduced in the May 9 preview, has stirred user complaints about visual inconsistency and thicker bezel illusions.
One of the key changes in One UI 8 Watch is a revamped Tiles layout, now featuring bright, colorful backgrounds instead of the minimalist black design of previous versions. While visually vibrant, these changes may come at the cost of a seamless design aesthetic, particularly on non-Ultra or older Galaxy Watch models like the Watch 4, Watch 5, and Watch FE.
Previously, the dark backgrounds blended elegantly with the Super AMOLED screens, creating the illusion of borderless interaction. With the new update, that effect is compromised. The colorful Tiles accentuate the actual screen borders, making them appear more prominent and creating a visually thicker bezel. The problem is especially apparent on Galaxy Watches with circular displays, as the oval-shaped Tiles don’t align naturally with the screen’s curvature.
Critics argue that even if Samsung eventually adjusts the Tile shape to better match the circular form factor, the color contrast alone undermines the previous sleek appearance. In devices where bezel minimization is both a technical and aesthetic goal, this design decision feels like a step backward to many users.
This UI shift, though well-intentioned for app clarity and vibrancy — especially across Samsung Health, calendar, and weather apps — risks alienating long-time users who favored the prior seamless black interface.
As Samsung continues to refine its smartwatch experience, it will need to strike a balance between visual freshness and design cohesion, particularly for users sensitive to interface uniformity and hardware illusion.
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