The Galaxy Watch 7 feels familiar, resembling its predecessor with a few tweaks that elevate the user experience. Apps like Spotify and Workout open faster and run more smoothly, thanks to Samsung's first-ever 3-nanometer Exynos chip. This powerhouse not only speeds up app performance but also supports advanced Galaxy AI features, accessible exclusively to Galaxy smartphone users. The Watch 7 also introduces new gestures, making one-handed use quicker and easier than ever.
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Quick Specs
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos W100 (2GB RAM, 32GB storage) |
| Software | One UI 6 based on WearOS 5 |
| Display | 1.3"/1.4 Super AMOLED Always On Display |
| Phone OS Compatibility |
Android |
| Fitness Features | Accelerometer, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor Blood Oxygen Monitor, Pedometer Barometer, Temperature Sensor, Gyroscope |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 and WI-FI with optional LTE |
| Battery | Up to 22 hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 and WI-FI with optional LTE |
| Price | Starting at $300/£289 /AU$549 |
Design and Build Quality
When comparing the Galaxy Watch 7 to the Galaxy Watch 6, the differences in design are subtle but worth noting. Both models are available in 40mm and 44mm variants, featuring the same high-resolution Super AMOLED displays. The 44mm models sport a 1.4-inch, 480x480-pixel display, while the 40mm models come with a 1.3-inch, 432x432-pixel display. The colors have shifted slightly: the 40mm Watch 7 is offered in green or cream, while the 44mm model comes in green or silver. By contrast, the Watch 6 lineup offered graphite and gold for the 40mm version and graphite or silver for the 44mm.
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Constructed with an aluminum body rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, the Watch 7 can survive immersion in up to 164 feet of water for about 10 minutes. Samsung also claims it functions reliably in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C. While the build quality makes it ideal for daily wear, it’s not rugged enough for extreme outdoor adventures. For those looking for added durability, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with its titanium case and enhanced features, is a better choice. Overall, the design of the Galaxy Watch 7 remains sleek and stylish but offers little evolution from the Watch 6.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Features
The Galaxy Watch 7 excels in fitness tracking, supporting hundreds of workouts and even allowing users to create custom ones. A standout feature is the ability to compete against your past performance using historical data, which adds a motivational twist to your fitness routine. Standard health features include heart rate monitoring, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and irregular rhythm alerts.
A notable new feature is the Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) tracker, which provides insights into metabolic health. The watch is also FDA-certified for sleep apnea detection, offering detailed sleep tracking data after several weeks of use. These features add a layer of sophistication to the Galaxy Watch 7’s health monitoring capabilities.
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Pairing the Watch 7 with a Galaxy smartphone unlocks exclusive features like the Energy Score. This metric evaluates your daily activity, workouts, and sleep patterns to deliver personalized wellness tips. These advanced features rely on BioActive Sensors combined with Samsung’s proprietary algorithms, but their value depends on how engaged you are with the data.
Gesture controls have been significantly enhanced. For instance, the Double Pinch gesture stops timers, silences or answers calls, and triggers the camera. Rotating your wrist twice dismisses calls or alarms, while forming a fist and bending your wrist twice launches apps. These intuitive gestures streamline navigation and add convenience.
Setting Up The Galaxy Watch 7
Getting started with the Galaxy Watch 7 is a breeze. To power it on, hold the top-right button. Samsung phones automatically detect the watch, making pairing seamless, while other Android phones require Bluetooth pairing and the Galaxy Wearable app. After entering the pairing code displayed on the watch, the app guides you through setup, which includes agreeing to terms, signing in with your Google account, and choosing apps to install.
The watch also prompts you to enable cloud backups and select the wrist you’ll wear it on. During setup, you can activate features like workout tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, snore detection, skin temperature tracking, and emergency services. Fall detection and emergency contacts can also be configured at this stage, ensuring a comprehensive and user-friendly setup process.
Navigating Through The Galaxy Watch 7
With its new gesture controls, the Galaxy Watch 7 is more intuitive than ever. The top button serves as the home key and can also be used to open the last active app. Holding it down activates Bixby. The bottom button functions as a back button for seamless app navigation.
Swiping down from the top of the screen reveals quick settings, while swiping up opens the app drawer. Notifications appear to the right of the home screen, and customizable tiles like activity rings and weather are on the left. You can rearrange apps and tiles directly on the watch or through the Galaxy Wearable app for more control.
To get the most out of the watch, you’ll need two additional apps: Samsung Health for detailed metrics and Samsung Health Monitor for ECG and sleep apnea tracking. While these apps provide valuable insights, managing three separate apps can feel a bit cumbersome for some users.
Battery Life and Charging
Despite advancements in processor efficiency, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers similar battery life to its predecessor. The 44mm model houses a 425mAh battery, while the 40mm version has a 300mAh battery. With the always-on display enabled, the watch lasts around 22 hours. Disabling GPS extends this to approximately 28 hours, while turning off the always-on display and minimizing GPS usage offers up to 27 hours. However, heavy GPS usage may require multiple charges per day.
Charging is relatively quick, with the magnetic cable restoring the battery from 1% to 100% in just 1.5 hours. While the battery life is sufficient for most users, daily charging remains necessary, especially for those who frequently use GPS or track workouts.
Should You Buy Galaxy Watch 7?
Pros:
- Accurate and advanced health tracking features
- Sleep apnea detection and metabolic health insights
- Responsive touch and intuitive gesture controls
- Sleek, bezel-free design
- Comprehensive fitness and sleep tracking capabilities
Cons:
- Battery life limited to one day
- No rotating bezel in the Classic model
- Requires multiple apps for full functionality
The Bottom Line
The Galaxy Watch 7 is a strong contender in the smartwatch market, building on the strengths of its predecessors. It shines in fitness and sleep tracking, while new features like metabolic health monitoring and improved gesture controls add to its appeal. However, the minimal design changes and limited battery life may not justify an upgrade for current Watch 6 users. For those on a budget, the Galaxy Watch 6 remains a solid alternative with nearly identical capabilities. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a stylish and functional smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 7 delivers a well-rounded experience worth considering.