The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has my mind in a muddle as I'm now debating switching from my beloved iPhone to an Android model to bring this watch onto my wrist full-time.
I don't say this lightly - as a long-time Apple fan, I'm fully invested in the products. From my iPhone to my watch, it would take a lot to get me to make the switch. But the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 might be the thing that takes me over the edge.
I've tested many of the best fitness trackers and smartwatches in recent years, but this was my first time testing a Samsung Galaxy Watch. And I have to say, from the outset, I was so impressed. Here's why...
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 review
Specifications
- RRP: £289, £319
- Size: 44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 - 40mm, 44mm
- Weight: 33.8g
- In-built GPS: Yes
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours
- Waterproof: Yes
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: An overview
An update to its predecessor the Watch 6, the Samsung Watch 7 welcomes a new era of AI-powered health and a snappy new processor.
It’s got an advanced sensor for even more accurate heart rate, activity and sleep data, and dual-band GPS will ensure tracking remains accurate even if you go off the beaten track.
The star of the show with the new device, however, has to be the clever new AI technologies used to provide a more holistic approach to health - although you’ll need to connect with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to make the most of these features.
The only thing I wish I could improve about this device is the battery life. I found myself reaching for the charger more often than I ever have with any other fitness tracker. Samsung does state that when the watch is switched to ‘always on’ mode, it will only last for up to 30 hours - and sadly, this rings true. I had to charge it most days, which was frustrating. If Samsung improved the battery life of this watch, I’d be totally sold.
Design of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 has a sleek and stylish circular watch face with a ribbed silicone strap. Thanks to the Super AMOLED touch screen, the display is bright with two additional manual buttons for easy navigation.
I tested the Watch 7 in the 44mm size and liked the bigger screen for seeing my stats mid-workout and on the go. However, if you have smaller wrists or prefer a smaller size, you can also get this watch in 40mm. The Watch 7 is available in a range of muted colours with a very small pop of orange in there, so you’re sure to find a style that will fit into your everyday wardrobe. I tested the dark green version and enjoyed having something a little different in my colour palette.
Activity tracking on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
I’ve always found the best Garmin watches and Fitbit trackers to be top of my list when it comes to tracking workouts, recording steps, and making progress in my fitness. However, the Samsung Watch 7 is now up there with them.
It tracks the usual daily steps, active minutes, heart rate and calories burned but it also has plenty of built-in sports settings to accurately track workouts with the tap of a wrist. The Watch 7 delivered the key stats to my watch face throughout my workout, with more detailed data ready to view in the Samsung Health app post-exercise.
I was also impressed how the watch auto-recognised when I was working out, just in case I'd forgotten to pre-record my workout - as I did after heading out on a long walk one morning.
Like other smartwatches (such as the Garmin Venu 3), the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 also has on-screen animated workouts, which are great if you want to exercise from home or are travelling and away from your usual equipment. In the Health app, you’ll also find plenty of video workouts to follow along with.
Normally I'd say that if you're a runner, you're better off investing in a tracker like the Garmin Forerunner 165 or Garmin Forerunner 265 for more detailed insights and guidance - but you can find similar metrics in the Samsung Health app. This includes asymmetry, contact time, vertical oscillation (how high you're jumping during your run) and other metrics that can make a real difference to your performance. These Garmin devices have more but it's a close call between the two.
Sleep tracking on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
I am a sleep nerd - and very hard to impress when it comes to sleep tracking, but the Samsung Watch 7 blew my socks off. It tracked the usual, offering insights into sleep duration, sleep cycles, HRV, respiration rate and a sleep score that indicates how well I slept each night.
I found it super interesting to see that the sleep score was broken down into sleep time and restfulness, as well as physical and mental recovery based on my deep sleep and wakefulness. It then took things one step further and compared my sleep score with other users of a similar age. While each person's sleep needs are individual to them, I found it interesting to see where I landed in my age group. On one night, to my delight, I found myself in the top 2% of my age group.
Samsung really won me over when it combined my self-reported night-time habits with my sleep data to determine my sleep animal (similar to sleep chronotypes). Not only did this give me an insight into how my sleep habits were impacting my day-to-day life, but through Samsung’s Sleep Coaching programme I received a personalised three-week programme to start me on a journey to improving my sleep habits and had access to sleep meditations via the top-rated Calm app.
I often feel disappointed by the lack of resources and personalised sleep guidance on other fitness trackers, so Samsung ticked many of my boxes here - and why I would consider switching to a Samsung device and a watch long-term.
Health tracking on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Most of us now invest in smartwatches that give us a better overall picture of our health, and thanks to Samsung’s new AI technology, the Watch 7 also provides a more holistic view of wellbeing. Features include the likes of the Energy Score which uses key sleep data to determine readiness for the day. It was interesting to see that a lower nighttime HR and HRV (thanks to a late meal and a glass of wine) impacted my Energy Score. In the future, I'd like to see an update that also considers stress levels in this score and how they could impact energy and readiness.
The Watch 7 has menstrual cycle and stress level tracking too, and can provide data on HRV, blood oxygen saturation and skin temperature changes. There’s an ECG and blood pressure monitor, which are helpful for tracking changes and detecting irregular rhythms - but they should never be used as an alternative to seeing a doctor if you’re concerned.
Another feature that stood out to me was the Health Counselling Centre. It reinforced that Samsung not only wants to inform users of data but support them in navigating to a healthier lifestyle. After answering a few multiple choice questions on how I was feeling in that moment, it offered personalised guidance. Of course, this isn’t a replacement for counselling with a professional, but if you are having trouble, for example, focusing on work, this feature can suggest helpful mindfulness exercises to help you refocus.
How does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 compare?
With this in mind, what does the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 look like compared to other devices like Garmin, Apple Watch, Polar, and even others within the same brand like the Samsung Galaxy Smart Ring?
Firstly, let's look at activity tracking. While the Garmin Vivoactive 5 or any in the Forerunner range, as noted, will be a more advanced option with more detailed insights, if you're a newcomer to exercise and just looking to boost your fitness levels and stay healthy, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a great buy.
When it comes to sleep, this device has really impressed me and is top among the competitors. The only one that almost comes in line with the Galaxy Watch 7 is the WHOOP 4.0, a faceless watch-style tracker that offers similar insights into sleep and focuses on recovery. For a ring-based experience, the Galaxy Smart Ring is a great alternative to the watch, with similar insights to sleep.
Price-wise, you can beat the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 if you look at Fitbits like the Fitbit Charge 6 or the Inspire 3. However, although the activity and fitness tracking insights on these devices are on par with the Watch 7, you'll miss out on the sleep insights.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 worth it?
There’s a lot to consider when thinking about investing in a smartwatch or fitness tracker, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by the Samsung Watch 7. In fact, this is the most impressed I’ve been since reviewing the Oura Ring 3.
The Watch 7 is excellent for monitoring daily activity and the sleeping tracking and coaching features are seriously impressive. I really like the holistic approach to health, focusing on recovery and energy thanks to the clever use of AI technology. It also comes with all the bells and whistles of a smartwatch with Google Pay and on-screen AI text assistant.
All in all, the Samsung Watch 7 is a great investment for those with a Galaxy smartphone, although it works well with all types of Android phones. Whether you’re just beginning your health journey or want a device to help track your progress, it’s a worthy contender. If Samsung improved the battery life on this watch, I’d be tempted to make the switch from Apple.
