Introduction

We previously described the 2023 Galaxy Watch 6 as a "modest upgrade" from the Galaxy Watch 5. The Galaxy Watch 5 was also characterized as "very similar" to its predecessor, the Watch 4. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Samsung’s latest smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 7", represents another minor improvement over the last generation. This is simply the nature of a yearly update cycle for a device that is already performing most functions correctly.

Design and Hardware

The Galaxy Watch 7 retains a flat, round face and super-thin aluminum bezels, giving it a more classic timepiece look compared to the square Apple Watch or the futuristic Google Pixel Watch 3. The Watch 7 retains the curved case design introduced with the Watch 5, which is supposed to allow better contact between the sensors and your wrist. Unfortunately, the sensor node sticks out from the underside quite a bit. It took about a week of wearing the watch before it felt comfortable, and the first night I attempted to sleep with it, I was so bothered by it that I wrenched it off in the middle of the night.

The convex sensor node now houses 13 heart rate sensor LEDs, compared to just four on the Watch 6. We didn’t find anything lacking with the heart rate detection on the previous model, and when comparing the same workout on my personal Apple Watch Series 9 with the Galaxy Watch 7, I saw nearly the same beats-per-minute (bpm) readings. Performing a heart rate check manually on each watch gave the same result as well.

Sleep Tracking

I am happy to report that I (probably) do not have sleep apnea. After setting up the sleep apnea detection feature, you only have to wear your watch to bed for two nights for it to log signs of the condition. Sleep apnea detection is a new feature that debuted with the Watch 7, but Samsung has said it will roll out to earlier compatible models in the future.

Health and Activity Tracking

One of the new health features for the Galaxy Watch 7 is a daily Energy Score, which is calculated in the Samsung Health app, but readily available on the watch. The score considers sleep metrics and yesterday’s activity levels to tell you how to approach the day ahead. On mornings when I got a higher number, the watch suggested I push myself by increasing the intensity of my workouts or trying something new.

Performance and Use

The Watch 7 was the first to run Google’s new Wear OS 5 — before the Pixel Watch 3, even. Samsung layers its own One UI over Google’s software, so the experience is a little different from the Pixel Watch.

Battery and Recharging

I was surprised to see how many people complained about the Galaxy Watch 7’s battery life when I read users’ impressions at other review sites and on Reddit. At first, I found I was getting through a whole day and night, plus partway into the next day before needing a recharge.

Price

One positive carry-over from last year is price. Like the Watch 6 at launch, the Watch 7 starts at $300 for the 40mm model. That’s $49 cheaper than the base price for the Pixel Watch 3 and $99 cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 10.

Wrap-up

While the Galaxy Watch 7 may look nearly identical to its predecessor, a couple of internal improvements and software additions (and yes, some AI stuff) make it an appealing companion for a Samsung phone. It even does a few things better than the Apple Watch Series 10 (our current pick for the best overall smartwatch). As with most new releases, you probably don’t need to upgrade if you already have the prior model. But if you’re a fan of Samsung’s handsets and are looking for an attractive accessory with solid sleep insights, helpful fitness tools, and surprisingly approachable health data, this could be it.