Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has arrived, promising a more refined and powerful experience than its predecessors. Officially announced in July 2024 and released shortly after, this smartwatch combines sleek design with robust performance features. With its advanced health sensors, powerful Exynos W1000 chipset, and durable build, the Galaxy Watch 7 sets a new benchmark for smartwatches.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything from the design and display to the performance, battery life, and health features.
Overview of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Launched in mid-2024, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 comes in two sizes—40mm and 44mm—offering options for users with different wrist sizes. The watch combines military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H compliant), making it tough enough for daily wear while still providing high-end technology and elegant aesthetics. It runs on Android Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 6, bringing enhanced user experience and seamless compatibility with Android smartphones.
Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
- Design and Build
- Dimensions:
- 44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm (44mm)
- 40mm variant also available
- Weight: 33.8g (44mm), 28.8g (40mm)
- The Galaxy Watch 7 features a Sapphire crystal glass front and an aluminum frame. The use of Sapphire crystal ensures the screen is highly resistant to scratches and impacts, offering long-term durability. The armor aluminum 2 frame improves the overall toughness, protecting the watch from drops and scratches while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable design.
- It’s MIL-STD-810H compliant, which means it has passed military-grade tests for durability. However, it’s important to note that this compliance doesn’t guarantee ruggedness in extreme conditions.
- Dimensions:
- Water Resistance
- The Galaxy Watch 7 is 50m water-resistant (5ATM, IP68), which means it can withstand submersion in water, making it suitable for swimming, showering, and other water-related activities.
- Super AMOLED Display
- Size: 1.5 inches
- Resolution: 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi)
- Display Protection: Sapphire Crystal
- The Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy Watch 7 is stunning, offering sharp resolution and vibrant colors, with deep blacks and bright whites. The always-on display functionality ensures you can see the time and essential notifications without needing to activate the screen. With 480 x 480 pixels and an impressive 327 ppi density, the display is incredibly crisp and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
- Health Features and Sensors
- ECG Certified: The Galaxy Watch 7 comes with an ECG sensor for heart health monitoring. This allows users to take an electrocardiogram directly on their wrist to monitor heart rhythms and check for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Another advanced health feature is the blood pressure monitor, which helps track and manage cardiovascular health. Paired with the ECG feature, this makes the Galaxy Watch 7 a great option for those looking to monitor their health more comprehensively.
- Other Sensors:
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Heart rate monitor
- Barometer and altimeter for tracking altitude changes
- SpO2 (Blood Oxygen) sensor
- Temperature (skin) sensor
- BioActive sensor for overall health insights
These sensors allow users to track a range of activities, from heart rate and oxygen levels to skin temperature, sleep, and stress.
- Battery and Charging
- Battery Capacity: 425 mAh
- Charging: 10W wireless (Qi)
- The 425 mAh battery provides impressive endurance, allowing the Galaxy Watch 7 to last through a full day or more depending on usage. With 10W wireless charging, the watch charges quickly, reaching full charge in about 1-2 hours, ensuring you won’t be without your watch for long.
- Performance and Platform
- OS: Android Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 6
- Chipset: Exynos W1000 (3nm)
- CPU: Penta-core
- GPU: Mali-G68
The Galaxy Watch 7 runs on Wear OS 5, coupled with One UI Watch 6, offering a smooth and intuitive interface. The Exynos W1000 chipset (built on a 3nm process) combined with a penta-core CPU and Mali-G68 GPU ensures that the smartwatch runs efficiently and handles multitasking without lag. Whether you’re checking notifications, tracking fitness, or using apps, the watch responds quickly to inputs.
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band
- NFC for contactless payments
- GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS for accurate tracking
- eSIM support
The Galaxy Watch 7 features the latest Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, reliable pairing with devices, and Wi-Fi connectivity for direct internet access when your phone is unavailable. The GPS and GLONASS support makes it easy to track your location, whether you’re out for a run, hiking, or navigating unfamiliar areas.
- Compatibility
- The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is compatible with Android devices, with full functionality available for those using Samsung smartphones. It integrates seamlessly with the Samsung ecosystem, but it can also be used with most Android phones running Android 8.0 or higher.
Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Pros:
- Stunning Sapphire crystal display for durability and clarity
- Excellent health monitoring features, including ECG and blood pressure monitoring
- Robust battery life with quick 10W wireless charging
- MIL-STD-810H compliance for toughness
- Wide range of sensors for fitness and health tracking
- High-resolution Super AMOLED display with crisp, vibrant colors
- NFC support for contactless payments
- eSIM support for standalone cellular connectivity
Cons:
- Size may be bulky for some users, especially those with smaller wrists
- Limited compatibility with iOS (best performance with Android devices, particularly Samsung)
- The price may be considered high for those looking for basic smartwatch features
- Some advanced health features like blood pressure monitoring require calibration with a compatible app, which may limit ease of use initially.
Target Audience
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is ideal for:
- Android users, particularly those within the Samsung ecosystem, seeking a premium, feature-packed smartwatch.
- Fitness enthusiasts who want comprehensive health tracking, including ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and advanced fitness sensors.
- Users looking for a rugged yet stylish wearable that doesn’t compromise on performance or design.
- Tech-savvy users who enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest wearable innovations.
Comparison with Competitors
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch Series 9
- While the Apple Watch Series 9 is known for its advanced health features and longer-lasting battery, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers superior durability, especially with its Sapphire crystal and MIL-STD-810H compliance. Both have similar health sensors, but the Galaxy Watch 7 may be a better option for Android users who need an all-around device for fitness and daily tasks.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs. Google Pixel Watch 2
- The Google Pixel Watch 2 integrates Google services seamlessly, but the Galaxy Watch 7 stands out for its rugged design and longer battery life. The Galaxy Watch 7 also offers more health-centric features, such as blood pressure monitoring and skin temperature sensors.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 vs. Fitbit Sense 2
- The Fitbit Sense 2 offers excellent health tracking features, particularly focused on stress management and heart health, but the Galaxy Watch 7 offers better display quality, faster performance, and a more polished user interface, particularly with its Super AMOLED display and Wear OS 5.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is priced at approximately €199.00 (around $250), making it competitive in the mid-to-high-end smartwatch category. For this price, you get a smartwatch with comprehensive features, including advanced health tracking, rugged design, and excellent connectivity options.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a powerhouse in the world of smartwatches. With its rugged design, advanced health sensors, and the latest Wear OS 5 platform, it’s a perfect choice for Android users who want both style and substance. While its price may be a bit steep for some, it offers a broad range of features and excellent value for those who prioritize health monitoring, durability, and performance in a smartwatch.
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that offers more than just notifications and fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 7 might just be the device you’re searching for.
