I upgraded my S5 to a S8, after finding an unusual deal on ebay. Purchased and open box AW S8 for $270+warranty, which brought it up to $300 even.
When I received the watch, it was still operating on OS 9, but I've updated it about 3 days later to 10.1, and it's been running smooth still. The battery life has been much better than my S5(with AWD turned Off). I think I've only charged it to 100% once, and I get a solid 1.5 days out of the watch before it even hits 20%. This is with normal use and workouts included as well.
It seems to have all the features that the S9 has, and I'm enjoying the hell out of it! Anyone else got some feedback they want to provide?
I haven't gone hiking with it just yet, so I'm ready to see how that will work and do with the battery life.
That's how I do it with my electronics now. No need to pay for the latest and greatest at the high retail prices when last year's model is still up to speed with the newest.