Samsung's current smartwatch lineup

Samsung's newest smartwatches are the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, both released in mid-2024. The Watch 7 is the standard model, available in 40mm and 44mm sizes with a traditional round face. The Watch Ultra is the premium option, built for durability with a larger 47mm case, titanium construction, and a flat edge design similar to Apple's Ultra watch.

Both run Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI interface, which means they work with Android phones (not iPhones). The Watch 7 uses Samsung's Exynos W1000 processor, while the Watch Ultra uses the faster Exynos W1000 Plus. The practical difference is that the Ultra handles demanding apps and heavy multitasking slightly more smoothly, though both are fast enough for everyday use.

Key Takeaways

  • The Galaxy Watch 7 is Samsung's standard smartwatch at a mid-range price, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra costs significantly more and adds titanium build, larger screen, and longer battery life.
  • Both watches work only with Android phones and require a Samsung account to set up and use most features.
  • Battery life ranges from about two days on the Watch 7 to four days on the Watch Ultra under normal use, depending on screen brightness and activity tracking.
  • Health tracking includes heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep monitoring, and ECG readings, though the ECG feature requires a compatible Samsung phone to work.
  • The Watch 7 starts around $300, while the Watch Ultra begins around $650, making price the main reason to choose one over the other.

Display and design differences

The Watch 7 has a 1.3-inch AMOLED screen (40mm) or 1.4-inch (44mm) with a traditional bezel ring you can rotate to navigate menus. The Watch Ultra has a larger 1.4-inch screen and a flat titanium case that's more angular and rugged-looking. Both screens are bright and readable in sunlight, and both support always-on display mode, though turning it on drains the battery faster.

The Watch 7 weighs about 28 grams (40mm) or 33 grams (44mm). The Watch Ultra weighs 61 grams, making it noticeably heavier on your wrist. If you prefer a lighter watch or have a smaller wrist, the Watch 7 is the better choice. The Ultra's weight and bulk appeal mainly to people who want a more substantial feel or plan to use it for outdoor activities where durability matters.

Battery life and charging

The Watch 7 lasts about two days with typical use—checking notifications, tracking workouts, and using the always-on display. Heavy use (constant GPS tracking, frequent app launching) cuts that to one and a half days. The Watch Ultra lasts roughly four days under the same conditions, thanks to its larger battery and more efficient processor.

Both charge via a magnetic dock that connects to USB-C. The Watch 7 takes about an hour to fully charge from empty. The Watch Ultra takes longer due to its larger battery, typically 90 minutes to two hours. Neither watch has wireless charging, so you need to carry the dock if you travel frequently.

Health and fitness tracking

Both watches track heart rate continuously, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns. They include an ECG app that records your heart's electrical activity, though this feature only works if you own a compatible Samsung phone (Galaxy S series or newer). Without a Samsung phone, the ECG app won't function, even though the hardware is present.

Workout tracking covers over 100 exercise types, including running, cycling, swimming, and strength training. Both watches are water-resistant to 5 ATM (50 meters), meaning they're safe for swimming but not diving. The Watch Ultra adds a depth gauge and temperature sensor, which are useful for diving or water sports but unnecessary for most swimmers.

Sleep tracking records total sleep time, REM and deep sleep stages, and snoring detection. Neither watch diagnoses sleep disorders—they straightforward log patterns you can review in the Samsung Health app. The data is only as useful as the trends you notice over weeks or months.

Software and app compatibility

Both watches run Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI layer on top. This means you get Google apps like Maps, Gmail, and YouTube Music, plus Samsung's own apps like Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, and Samsung Notes. The app selection is smaller than what's available for iPhones, but the core apps most people need are there.

You can install third-party apps from the Google Play Store for Wear OS, including Spotify, Strava, and various fitness trackers. Performance is adequate for most apps, though the Watch Ultra's faster processor handles complex apps slightly more smoothly. For basic notifications, messaging, and fitness tracking, both watches perform identically.

Price and which one to choose

The Galaxy Watch 7 starts at around $300 for the 40mm model and $330 for the 44mm. The Galaxy Watch Ultra starts at around $650. The price gap is substantial, and the choice depends on what you actually need.

Choose the Watch 7 if you want a smartwatch for daily notifications, fitness tracking, and sleep monitoring without spending heavily. It's light, looks traditional, and handles everything most people ask of a smartwatch. Choose the Watch Ultra if you plan to use GPS heavily for outdoor activities, want the longest possible battery life, or prefer a more durable titanium build. The Ultra's extra features (larger screen, temperature sensor, depth gauge) matter only if you actively use them.

Comparison with older Samsung models

The Watch 7 is a modest upgrade from the Watch 6, with a slightly faster processor and improved battery efficiency. If you own a Watch 6, upgrading is not necessary unless you want the marginally longer battery life. The Watch Ultra is entirely new and has no direct predecessor—it's Samsung's answer to the Apple Watch Ultra.

The Watch 5 and earlier models still work and receive software updates, but they're slower and have shorter battery life. If you're buying new, the Watch 7 is the better value than older stock models, even if the Watch 6 is discounted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Samsung watch with an iPhone?

No. Samsung watches run Wear OS with Samsung's One UI and require an Android phone to set up and use. They will not pair with iPhones. If you own an iPhone, you need an Apple Watch.

Does the Galaxy Watch 7 have GPS?

Yes, both the Watch 7 and Watch Ultra have built-in GPS for tracking outdoor runs and bike rides without your phone. GPS drains the battery faster than regular use, so expect one to one and a half days of battery life if you use GPS heavily every day.

What's the difference between the 40mm and 44mm Watch 7?

The 40mm has a smaller screen (1.3 inches) and lighter weight, while the 44mm has a larger screen (1.4 inches) and weighs slightly more. The software and features are identical. Choose based on wrist size and personal preference for screen size.

Can I swim with these watches?

Yes, both are water-resistant to 5 ATM (50 meters), which is safe for swimming and snorkeling. The Watch Ultra adds a depth gauge for diving, but neither watch is rated for scuba diving.

How long do Samsung watches last before they stop working?

Most smartwatches last three to five years before the battery degrades significantly or software updates slow them down. Samsung typically supports watches with software updates for about three years after release. After that, the watch still works but may not receive new features.