Samsung has once again raised the bar with its latest offerings, the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
These new smartwatches bring a host of innovative features, particularly in health tracking and AI-powered insights.
This comprehensive review will dive deep into what makes these devices stand out in the crowded smartwatch market. Therefore, read through carefully for more insights.
Key Takeaways:
- The Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra both feature Samsung’s new BioActive sensor for improved health tracking
- AI-powered wellness features provide detailed insights and personalized recommendations
- Sleep tracking capabilities are significantly enhanced, including FDA-approved sleep apnea detection
- The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a more rugged design and extended battery life
- Both watches run on the latest Wear OS 5 with Samsung’s One UI Watch 6 skin
- While impressive, some features are exclusive to Galaxy smartphone users
Design and Build Quality
Here are some of its basic design and build quality:
Galaxy Watch 7
The Galaxy Watch 7 maintains the familiar circular design of its predecessors, available in 40mm and 44mm sizes. It comes in three colors: Green, Silver, and Cream. The watch features:
- A high-resolution AMOLED touchscreen
- Two physical buttons on the right side
- 5 ATM water resistance and IP68 rating
- Aluminum case construction
Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Galaxy Watch Ultra takes a bolder approach with its design:
- Larger 47mm case size
- Titanium construction for increased durability
- 10 ATM water resistance
- Brighter display (3,000 nits maximum brightness)
- Additional “Quick button” for enhanced functionality
While the Ultra’s size may be overwhelming for some users, its rugged build makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those with more active lifestyles.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra shine when it comes to health and fitness tracking, thanks to the new BioActive sensor and AI-powered features.
BioActive Sensor
The upgraded BioActive sensor combines:
- PPG heart rate monitor
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor
- Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition
This all-in-one approach allows for more comprehensive health monitoring without the need for multiple sensors.
AI-Powered Wellness Features
Samsung has leveraged artificial intelligence to provide more meaningful insights from the collected data:
- Energy Score: Similar to Garmin’s Body Battery or Fitbit’s Readiness Score, this daily metric takes into account sleep quality and recent physical activity.
- Sleep Insights: Detailed analysis of sleep patterns, including:
- Time spent in different sleep stages
- Blood oxygen levels
- Skin temperature
- Snoring detection
- Body movement
- Heart rate and respiratory rate
- AGEs Index: A unique feature that tracks Advanced Glycation End Products, which can indicate metabolic health and biological aging.
- FDA-Approved Sleep Apnea Detection: After two nights of tracking, the watch can detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea and recommend further medical analysis if necessary.
Fitness Tracking
Both watches offer comprehensive workout tracking capabilities:
- Built-in GPS with dual-frequency support for improved accuracy
- Automatic workout detection for common activities
- Support for over 90 different workout types
- Real-time heart rate monitoring and zone tracking
The Galaxy Watch Ultra adds some additional features for more serious athletes:
- Multisport workout tracking (e.g., triathlons)
- Race mode for competing against previous times
- FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test for cycling (requires a separate power meter)
Software and Performance
These are the major software and performance:
Wear OS 5 and One UI Watch 6
The Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra are the first smartwatches to launch with Wear OS 5, Google’s latest wearable operating system.
Samsung overlays this with their One UI Watch 6 skin, providing a familiar experience for Galaxy smartphone users.
Key software features include:
- Access to Google Play Store for third-party apps
- Samsung Pay and Google Wallet support
- Bixby voice assistant
- Smartphone notifications and quick replies
Exynos W1000 Processor
Both watches are powered by Samsung’s new Exynos W1000 processor, built on a 3nm process. This chip offers:
- 3x faster CPU performance compared to the previous generation
- 30% improved power efficiency
In real-world use, this translates to smoother performance when navigating the interface, launching apps, and using more demanding features.
Storage and Connectivity
- 32GB of internal storage (double that of the Galaxy Watch 6)
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
- NFC
- Optional LTE connectivity
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life remains a challenge for feature-packed smartwatches, and the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra are no exception:
Galaxy Watch 7
- 40mm: 300 mAh battery
- 44mm: 425 mAh battery
- Typical usage: ~24 hours with always-on display
- Power saving mode: Up to 40 hours
Galaxy Watch Ultra
- 590 mAh battery
- Typical usage: 45-47 hours with always-on display
- Power saving mode: Up to 60 hours (claimed)
Both watches support fast charging, taking approximately two hours for a full charge.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra are available for pre-order as of July 10, 2024, with general availability starting July 24.
| Model | Size | Price | LTE Option |
| Galaxy Watch 7 | 40mm | $299 | +$50 |
| Galaxy Watch 7 | 44mm | $329 | +$50 |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra | 47mm | $649 | Included |
Pros and Cons
Here are the major pros and cons of the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra:
Galaxy Watch 7 Pros:
- Comprehensive health tracking features
- AI-powered wellness insights
- Familiar and comfortable design
- More affordable than the Ultra
Cons:
- Limited battery life
- Some features require a Galaxy smartphone
Galaxy Watch Ultra Pros:
- Rugged titanium construction
- Extended battery life
- Brighter display
- Additional sports features
Cons:
- Bulky design may not suit all wrists
- Higher price point
- Limited band options at launch
Conclusion:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra represent significant steps forward in health tracking capabilities for Android smartwatches.
For most users, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers an excellent balance of features and affordability. Its comprehensive health tracking, including FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, makes it a compelling choice for those focused on wellness.
However, for those already in the Samsung ecosystem or considering making the switch, the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra offer some of the most advanced health tracking features available in a smartwatch today.