Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: A Brutally Honest Review

Table of Contents

 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is here. It comes with a combination of new features and a stylish design. In this review, you will learn everything you need to know. This will help you decide if it’s worth buying.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: A Comprehensive Review

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is now available. It aims to be one of the best smartwatches you can buy. The watch has many remarkable features and new improvements. It competes directly with other popular models, such as the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic

Main Highlights

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 include:

  • Exynos W1000 chipset: Three times more powerful than its predecessor.
  • Storage: Doubled to 32GB.
  • Health Features: Sleep apnea detection and a new 13 LED bioactive sensor.
  • Dual Frequency GPS: Utilizes L1 and L5 bands for better accuracy.
  • Gesture Control: Introduces a double pinch gesture for navigation.

Comparison Table: Galaxy Watch 7 vs. Galaxy Watch 6

FeatureGalaxy Watch 7Galaxy Watch 6
Display1.5″ Super AMOLED, 480×480 pixels1.5″ Super AMOLED, 480×480 pixels
Brightness2,000 nits2,000 nits
ProcessorExynos W1000 (3 nm)Exynos W930 (5 nm)
RAM2GB2GB
Storage32GB16GB
Battery425 mAh (44mm)425 mAh (44mm)
Battery LifeUp to 2 days (44mm)About 1.5 days (44mm)
OSWear OS 5, One UI Watch 6Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5
Water Resistance5ATM + IP685ATM + IP68
GPSDual-Frequency GPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Health SensorsSamsung BioActive Sensor, Temperature SensorSamsung BioActive Sensor, Temperature Sensor
New FeaturesSleep apnea detection, Galaxy Watch AIN/A
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE (optional)Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, LTE (optional)
Size (44mm)44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm42.8 x 44.4 x 9.0 mm
Weight (44mm)33.8g33.3g
Price (starting)$329 (44mm)$329 (44mm)

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a beast of a device that combines style and substance. One of its standout features is the build, which is made of durable aluminum alloy. This material makes the watch super light and comfortable to wear all day, and also super strong and resilient. It can withstand daily life, whether you’re working out hard or just going about your day.

The display of the Galaxy Watch 7 has sapphire glass. This premium material is known for its scratch resistance, so the watch face will stay clear and pristine over time, even in harsh environments. You can enjoy the display without the worry of scratches or damage. With a 44mm size and 9.7mm thickness, the watch is slim and sits comfortably on the wrist without feeling bulky. It’s perfect for all-day wear, whether you’re at the office, gym, or out with friends in the evening.

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The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is not just a watch, it’s a fusion of technology and design, so it’s perfect for those who like both form and function in their wearables.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Design

Dimensions

  • Diameter: 44mm
  • Thickness: 9.7mm
  • Weight: 33.3 grams

Display and Interface

The screen is 1.47 inches wide. It’s a *Super AMOLED* display, which means it shows colors very brightly and clearly. It has a resolution of 480×480 pixels, meaning the images and text look sharp. You can touch the screen easily, and the response is quick. The watch uses the latest software, *Wear OS version 5* combined with *One UI Watch 6*, making everything smooth and easy to use.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Display

Watch Face Options

Watch FaceCustomization Features
DefaultBasic customization
FitnessActivity tracking metrics
ClassicAnalog style with complications
DigitalTime and date with weather

Performance and Battery Life

The Galaxy Watch 7, powered by the Exynos W1000, offers excellent performance. Apps open quickly, and multitasking is better. The battery lasts up to 40 hours, but typically lasts 2.5 and 3 days based on usage.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Battery Life

Health and Fitness Features

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is equipped with several health tracking capabilities, including:

  • Continuous heart rate monitoring.
  • Blood oxygen monitoring with the new bioactive sensor.
  • Automatic workout detection for various activities.
  • Sleep tracking with advanced sleep apnea detection.

Connectivity and Smart Features

This smartwatch features Bluetooth 5.3 for easy connectivity with smartphones. Users can make and receive calls, access notifications, and reply using voice or preset messages. It also supports NFC payments with Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Connectivity

Pricing and Value

The Galaxy Watch 7 is priced at around $369, which is competitive given its feature set. When compared to other smartwatches in the market, it offers a strong value proposition, especially for users already in the Samsung ecosystem.

Pricing Comparison Table

SmartwatchPrice
Apple Watch Series 8$399
Fitbit Sense 2$299
Garmin Venu 2$399
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7$369

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7:

Pros

  • Powerful chipset for enhanced performance.
  • Comprehensive health tracking features.
  • Beautiful display with vibrant colors.
  • Seamless integration with Samsung devices.

Cons

  • Battery life may vary for heavy users.
  • Limited features on non-Samsung devices.
  • Gesture controls can be finicky.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Pros and Cons

Wrist Strap

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has a comfortable and durable silicone strap with a ridged finish for added grip. It features a quick-release mechanism for easy strap changes, allowing users to switch to any compatible 20mm strap.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Strap

Battery Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has a battery capacity of 425 mAh and offers 2.5 to 3 days of battery life with normal use, including workouts and notifications. Initially, it may not reach its stated 40-hour battery life as it adjusts to your usage patterns.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Battery Charge

Specs Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 features upgraded specs that distinguish it from earlier models. It has a new Exynos W1000 chipset with three times the performance of the last version, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage for a smooth experience. Here’s a brief overview of its specifications:

  • Chipset: Exynos W1000
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Battery: 425 mAh
  • Display: 1.47-inch Super AMOLED
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM + IP68
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Specs

Default Health Features

The health tracking capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 are robust, with several default features designed to monitor various aspects of health and fitness. The watch includes:

  • Continuous heart rate monitoring
  • Blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2)
  • Sleep tracking with sleep apnea detection
  • Automatic workout detection for activities like walking, running, and cycling

These features are enhanced by the new 13 LED bioactive sensor, which improves the accuracy of health metrics.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Health Monitoring

Display Quality

The 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is one of its standout features. With a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, the display is bright, sharp, and easily readable even in direct sunlight. The touchscreen is highly responsive, and the touch-sensitive bezels allow for intuitive navigation through menus and apps. Users can also enjoy a variety of customizable watch faces, making personalization easy.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Display Quality

Bluetooth Call Test

One of the most convenient features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is its ability to make and receive calls via Bluetooth. The built-in microphone and speaker provide a clear audio experience during calls. Users can access their contact list, dialer, and recent calls directly from the watch, allowing for hands-free communication.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Bluetooth Call Test

Notification Replies

Replying to notifications is seamless with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. Users can respond to messages from platforms like WhatsApp using voice commands or pre-set replies. The watch also supports voice notes, allowing for quick communication without needing to pull out a phone.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Notification Replies

WhatsApp Call Functionality

In addition to regular phone calls, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 supports WhatsApp call functionality. Users can take calls directly from the watch, making it a versatile choice for those who rely on this messaging platform for communication. The call quality is impressive, ensuring that users can stay connected without reaching for their phones.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 WhatsApp Call Functionality

App Walk-through

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is compatible with several apps that enhance the user experience. The Samsung Wearable app is essential for setup and customization, while the Samsung Health app provides comprehensive health monitoring features. Additionally, users can download third-party apps from the Google Play Store, expanding the watch’s functionality significantly.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 App Walk-through

Compatibility with Devices

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is designed to work seamlessly with Samsung smartphones, ensuring that users can access all features without limitations. However, compatibility issues arise when pairing with non-Samsung devices. While the watch can connect to other Android phones, many advanced features such as ECG monitoring, sleep apnea detection, and specific health notifications will not function. Thus, for optimal performance and feature access, it is highly recommended to use the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 with a Samsung phone.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Compatibility

Watch Faces Customization

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 offers many customization options for watch faces. Users can select from various pre-installed designs and personalize them by changing colors, complications, and layout. The Google Play Store has many additional watch faces, both free and paid. This allows users to customize the watch to match their style and needs.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Watch Faces

Always-On Display Features

One of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is its always-on display. This feature allows users to glance at the watch without needing to wake it up. The display dims while maintaining visibility, which is particularly useful in low-light conditions. Users can easily activate the full brightness by simply raising their wrist, making it a practical and user-friendly feature for daily use.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Always-On Display

Sensor Test Results

The health sensors in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 have been rigorously tested for accuracy. The watch can continuously monitor heart rate and stress levels, providing real-time feedback. In comparison tests with medical-grade devices, the Galaxy Watch 7 performed impressively, showing similar readings for heart rate and blood oxygen levels. This accuracy is crucial for users who rely on the watch for health monitoring.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Sensor Test Results

Pros & Cons Summary

To summarize the benefits and drawbacks of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7:

Pros

  • Extensive customization options for watch faces.
  • High-quality health monitoring sensors.
  • Seamless integration with Samsung devices.
  • Sturdy design with military-grade durability.

Cons

  • Limited functionality with non-Samsung smartphones.
  • Battery life may be insufficient for heavy users.
  • Gesture controls need improvement for reliability.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Pros and Cons Summary

Chart Ranking of Smartwatches

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 to its competitors, it ranks favorably in several categories, including performance, features, and price. Here’s a quick look at the smartwatch rankings:

RankSmartwatchOverall Quality
1Galaxy Watch 6 ClassicBest full-featured smartwatch
2Samsung Galaxy Watch 7Great performance and value
3Galaxy Watch UltraNot worth the price
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 FAQ

FAQs

Q: What is the battery life like on the Galaxy Watch 7?
A: The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 offers a battery life of up to 40 hours under optimal conditions, but users may typically experience between 2.5 to 3 days depending on usage.

Q: Can I use the Galaxy Watch 7 with an iPhone?
A: While you can connect the Galaxy Watch 7 to an iPhone, many features will be limited. For full functionality, it is best to use it with a Samsung smartphone.

Q: Is the Galaxy Watch 7 waterproof?

A: Yes, the Galaxy Watch 7 has a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.

Q: Does the Galaxy Watch 7 support third-party apps?

A: Yes, the watch runs on Wear OS with access to the Google Play Store, allowing users to download various third-party apps.

Q: What health monitoring features does the Galaxy Watch 7 offer?

A: It includes heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation, sleep tracking, and automatic workout detection, among other features.