The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 offers minor improvements over its predecessor. It maintains its lead in the Wear OS market despite some drawbacks. The watch has accurate heart rate monitoring, in-depth sleep tracking, and AI health insights.
It also features responsive touch and gesture controls. However, the battery life is short and there are slight inaccuracies in running distance and sleep time measurements. The Galaxy Watch 7 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, starting at $299.99.
It has LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC support. The watch is durable with IP68, 5ATM, and MIL-STD-810H ratings. Upgrades include 32GB storage, dual-frequency GPS, Wear OS 5, and One UI 6.
These bring performance boosts, photo editing, translation, and widgets. Health tracking is enhanced with FDA-approved sleep apnea detection and AGEs index. The watch has an accelerometer, barometer, blood oxygen monitor, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, pedometer, and temperature sensor.
It can record ECGs and measure body composition. Some advanced features require a Samsung phone. Battery life is disappointing, lasting 22-27 hours depending on usage.
The 44mm has a 425mAh battery while the 40mm has a 300mAh cell. Daily charging is needed, or more frequently with heavy GPS use. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 7 brings incremental improvements and AI-powered health insights.
But it still has battery life issues like previous models. Nevertheless, it remains ahead of Wear OS rivals. After wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for 72 hours, the non-extreme sports features have impressed me the most.
The watch can detect sleep apnea by tracking blood oxygen decreases over two nights. It analyzes this data to indicate moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. I received an alert after two nights that no signs of sleep apnea were detected, matching my recent sleep study results.
Gesture controls are expanded and easier to find.
Minor improvements bolster Galaxy Watch features
The knock-knock gesture launches apps, like the flashlight, by knocking your fist.
The double pinch, pressing your thumb and index finger together twice, can take photos or control music. The customizable quick button is useful for shortcuts and during workouts. The new energy score factors in activity, sleep, heart rate, and wellness tips.
It provides insight into readiness for intense workouts or taking it easy. After a strenuous cycling test, my energy score suggested rest. While I have yet to fully test battery life and other long-term features, my initial impressions of the Galaxy Watch Ultra are positive.
A full review will come soon. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are battling for the top smartwatch spot. Both have high-end features and unique designs.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a traditional circular screen while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a rounded rectangular display. This likely aids its enhanced water resistance and durability. A key difference is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports 40-meter dives and can function as a dive computer.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is water-resistant to 10ATM but not suitable for high-pressure water activities. Samsung leads in some health metrics like body composition and blood pressure, which are absent in the Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, their reliability is debatable.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra can also detect sleep apnea signs and measure AGEs. The watches run different operating systems – Wear OS on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and WatchOS on the Apple Watch Ultra 2. WatchOS is considered more robust with better third-party support.
But this means an iPhone is required, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra isn’t iPhone compatible. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is slightly cheaper at $649 vs. $799 for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
This may sway users seeking high-end features at a lower price. Ultimately, the choice depends on ecosystem compatibility and specific feature preferences. The Galaxy Watch Ultra suits Wear OS users seeking an affordable option.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is ideal for those wanting a dive-ready watch with broad app support.
