Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7, priced at $299.99, lacks the novelty of the other wearables launched in 2024, such as the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch Ultra. It doesn’t introduce a new category or form factor, making it a less thrilling addition to Samsung’s lineup. Despite this, Samsung promotes it as a reliable choice, especially for those familiar with previous Galaxy Watch models.
For users of the Galaxy Watch 4, 5, or 6, the Galaxy Watch 7 presents a familiar experience with minor upgrades. In a year when Samsung introduced significant changes to its wearables, the Watch 7 stands as a consistent option. The author, after experimenting with the newer Galaxy Ring and Ultra, found a renewed appreciation for the simplicity and reliability of the Galaxy Watch 7.
The Galaxy Watch 7 offers comfort and wearability, which the bulkier Ultra struggled with, especially for features requiring a snug fit like sleep apnea detection. The 40mm Galaxy Watch 7 fits well and maintains a sleek design, making it a more practical choice for daily wear compared to the Ultra’s bulkier profile. This simpler design also ensures it won’t catch on clothing, adding to its convenience.
However, the Galaxy Watch 7’s battery life remains a notable downside, lasting around 24 hours on a single charge, similar to its predecessors. The 44mm version offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery. Fast charging helps mitigate this issue, but heavy GPS use and the always-on display can drain the battery faster. For users who limit these features, battery performance will improve.
Hardware-wise, the Galaxy Watch 7 includes the new 3nm Exynos W1000 chip and an upgraded 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor, running on Wear OS 5 and One UI 6 Watch. Despite these updates, performance improvements are minor.
New health features, like AI wellness insights and sleep apnea detection, are hit or miss, and some, like the AGEs metric, are confusing. Ultimately, the Galaxy Watch 7 is a solid option for those upgrading from older models or seeking a dependable smartwatch without the bulk of the Ultra.
