Table of Contents
Screen and display: same technology
The screen is a key element of a connected watch. Good news: the Watch 6 and Watch 7 use the same technology.
Screen type
Both watches have a screen AMOLED :
- Resolution: 432 x 432 pixels (40mm) / 480 x 480 pixels (44mm)
- Density: 302 ppi (very sharp)
- Colors: bright and precise
- Contrast: excellent (deep black)
Brightness and readability
Both screens offer:
- Maximum brightness: 1000 nits
- Readability in direct sunlight: excellent
- Indoor readability: perfect
- Viewing angle: very wide
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“The screen quality is incredible. So bright that you can use it in direct sunlight without any problem. It’s really impressive for such a small box.”
Always-on display
Both watches allow you to display the time constantly without consuming a lot of battery. No difference.
Screen verdict: ✅ Total equality. Same display quality.
Battery life: Watch 7 wins (+2h)
This is where the Watch 7 starts to differentiate itself. Battery life is slightly betterbut the difference is minor.
Autonomy in conventional use
| Watch | Autonomy | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 6 | 28 hours | – |
| Galaxy Watch 7 | 30 hours | +2h |
In normal use (notifications, health monitoring, a few calls), you can use your watch for 1 full day + 2 hours with the Watch 7, against 1 full day with the Watch 6.
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“Its only fault: a short autonomy. You have to charge it almost every day. Fortunately, it charges very quickly. I had hesitated for a long time with an Amazfit or a Garmin which last a week, but I do not regret my choice at all. Given all the services it provides throughout the day, we cope very well with the lack of autonomy.”
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 7:
“The battery life is improving! It lasts two short days with regular use. This is a real plus compared to the Watch 6.”
Autonomy with GPS activated
| Watch | GPS autonomy | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 6 | 10 p.m. | – |
| Galaxy Watch 7 | 24 hours | +2h |
If you use GPS for your sports sessions (running, cycling), the Watch 7 offers 2 additional hours. This means that you can do a 24-hour session without recharging (ultra-trail, for example).
Fast charging
The Watch 7 introduces a 10% faster charging :
- Watch 6: 100% in ~2 hours
- Watch 7: 100% in ~1h50
It’s a minor improvement, but nice if you’re in a hurry in the morning.
Autonomy verdict: ✅ Watch 7 wins slightly (+2h). Not decisive for most users.
Performance and processor: Watch 7 optimized
Both watches use the same processor, but with different optimizations.
Processor
- Watch 6: Exynos 1330
- Watch 7: Exynos 1330 (optimized)
The processor is identical, but Samsung optimized the code for the Watch 7, which translates to:
- Slightly faster launch of apps
- Fewer slowdowns when multitasking
- Better thermal management
RAM and storage
- RAM: 1.5 GB (same)
- Storage: 16 GB (same)
Fluidity in real use
Both watches are smooth for everyday use. The Watch 7 is imperceptibly fasterbut you will only notice the difference if you use your watch intensively.
Performance verdict: ✅ Watch 7 wins slightly. Minor improvement in real use.
Health and sport: identical functionalities
This is a strong point of both watches: sensors and health features are identical.
Health sensors
Both watches feature:
- Heart rate sensor: Continuous monitoring, arrhythmia alerts
- SpO2 sensor: Blood oxygen level measurement
- Temperature sensor: Tracking body temperature (useful for detecting a fever)
- Accelerometer: Motion and fall detection
- Gyroscope: Orientation Tracking
- Barometer: Altitude measurement
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“The health monitoring table is very complete. The sleep analysis is extremely precise. You can even monitor your blood pressure on a daily basis without having to take out a cuff. I checked, there is no difference in the figures. There is also an EEG measurement and a body composition analysis which corresponds well to that done by my dedicated scale.”
Sports Modes
Both watches offer more than 100 sports modes :
- Running, walking, cycling, swimming
- Yoga, pilates, bodybuilding
- Team sports (football, basketball)
- Extreme sports (climbing, skiing)
- And many others…
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“For sport it’s perfect, the watch automatically detects all the physical activities we do. The reports are very precise, the GPS works perfectly.”
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 7:
“Being a sports enthusiast, she loves all the activity modes offered. Whether jogging, yoga or dancing, the Galaxy Watch 7 tracks her performance precisely. Post-workout statistics help her stay motivated and progress towards her fitness goals.”
Sleep tracking
The two watches follow:
- Sleep duration
- Sleep stages (light, deep, REM)
- Snoring (Watch 6 and 7)
- Suggestions for improvement
Mental health
Both watches offer:
- Stress tracking
- Guided breathing exercises
- Meditation
Health/sport verdict: ✅ Perfect equality. Same sensors, same features.
Connectivity and convenient features
This is one area where both watches really shine.
Phone calls
Both watches allow you to make and receive calls directly from the watch:
- Built-in microphone and speaker
- Excellent audio quality
- No need to take out the smartphone
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“I make my telephone calls almost exclusively with the watch now. The sound is perfect, the person I’m talking to always hears me very well. No need to take out my smartphone anymore.”
GPS navigation
Google Maps works directly on the watch:
- Step-by-step navigation
- Screen readable even in direct sunlight
- No need to take out the smartphone
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“Same with Google Maps, we find our way just with the watch. There are lots of functions like that that make our lives easier.”
Media control
Both watches allow you to:
- Control music (play, pause, volume)
- Bring music for jogging without a smartphone
- Take photos remotely with the smartphone
- Voice control from Bixby or Google Assistant
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“A quick word also on the multimedia functions which allow you to control your smartphone to take photos remotely, to add music for jogging without bothering with the smartphone and to have voice control of Bixby or Google Assistant.”
Notifications and messages
Both watches receive:
- App notifications
- SMS and messages
- Incoming calls
- Calendar reminders
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 7:
“The Bluetooth connection works without a hitch, allowing her to receive her notifications, calls and messages directly on the watch. This saves her from having to constantly take out her phone, especially when she’s running or taking a walk.”
Connectivity verdict: ✅ Total equality. Same practical features.
Operating system: Watch 7 with Wear OS 4.0
This is an important difference: the Watch 7 benefits from Wear OS 4.0while the Watch 6 runs Wear OS 3.5.
Wear OS 4.0 vs 3.5
Wear OS 4.0 (Watch 7) brings:
- Smoother and more modern interface
- Better battery management
- New complications (widgets)
- Better overall performance
- Support for newer apps
Wear OS 3.5 (Watch 6):
- Always functional and stable
- Receives security updates
- Compatible with most apps
Access to the Google Play Store
Both watches allow you to install hundreds of applications:
- Fitness apps (Strava, Nike Run Club)
- Productivity apps (Gmail, Google Keep)
- Entertainment apps (Spotify, YouTube Music)
- Health apps (MyFitnessPal, Cronometer)
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“It runs WearOS, so you can load hundreds of apps on the Google Play Store. It’s really a complete universe.”
Software updates
Samsung guarantees:
- 4 years of major updates (Wear OS 4.0 → 5.0 → 6.0 → 7.0)
- 5 years of security patches
The Watch 6 (launched in 2023) will receive updates until at least 2027.
System verdict: ✅ Watch 7 wins with Wear OS 4.0. Benefit for software longevity.
Price and availability
Introductory price (2024)
| Model | 40mm | 44mm |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 6 | 299€ | 329€ |
| Galaxy Watch 7 | 349€ | 379€ |
| Difference | +50€ | +50€ |
Current prices (January 2026)
Prices have fallen since launch:
Value for money
Galaxy Watch 6: Excellent value for money. You get 95% of the features of the Watch 7 for €50 less.
Galaxy Watch 7: Good value for money if you’re looking for the latest technology and Wear OS 4.0.
Price verdict: ✅ Watch 6 wins. Best value for money.
Galaxy Watch 6 vs 7: which one to choose?
Now that you know all the differences, here’s how to choose:
Choose the Galaxy Watch 6 if…
- ✅ You have a limited budget (less than €300)
- ✅ Are you looking for the best quality/price ratio?
- ✅ You don’t need Wear OS 4.0
- ✅ You do short sports sessions (less than 22 hours)
- ✅ You have a Galaxy Watch 6 and you are hesitant to upgrade (answer: no, it is not justified)
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 6:
“Unless you’re a high-level athlete, there’s nothing better than this watch at this price. It’s a real traveling companion. So much technology in such a small box, it’s amazing. But is it still a watch?”
Verdict: The Watch 6 is a great choice for 95% of users.
Choose the Galaxy Watch 7 if…
- ✅ Looking for the latest technology
- ✅ You do ultra-trails or long sports sessions (more than 22 hours)
- ✅ You want Wear OS 4.0 and updates until 2028+
- ✅ You have €50 extra budget
- ✅ Are you looking for a watch that will last a long time (software)
? Our experience – Galaxy Watch 7:
“The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 really stood out with its design, its health and sports features, as well as its ease of use. It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to combine technology and style. I could not recommend it enough, and I am convinced that you will not be disappointed!”
Verdict: The Watch 7 is a good choice if you’re looking for the latest version and have the budget.
Comparison with other watches
If you are still hesitant, check out our other comparisons:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Galaxy Watch 7 really worth the upgrade from the Watch 6?
Answer : No, unless you regularly do long sports sessions (ultra-trail, marathons) or if you are absolutely looking for Wear OS 4.0. For 95% of users, the Watch 6 remains excellent. The upgrade is not justified by the minor improvements (+2 hours of battery life, 10% faster charging).
Which size to choose: 40mm or 44mm?
Answer : It depends on your wrist, not the model:
- 40mm: Thin wrists, women, people with small wrists
- 44mm: Wide wrists, men, people with large wrists
Both sizes offer the same autonomy, the same performance and the same price (+€30 for 44mm). Try both in store if possible.
Which phone are they compatible with?
Answer : Both watches require Android 10.0 or higher. They are optimized for Samsung Galaxy, but compatible with all Android phones (Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.).
They are not not compatible with iPhone.
How long do software updates take?
Answer : Samsung guarantees:
- 4 years of major updates
- 5 years of security patches
The Watch 6 (2023) will receive updates until at least 2027. The Watch 7 (2024) until 2028.
Can I use the same straps on both watches?
Answer : Yes, the straps are interchangeable between the Watch 6 and the Watch 7 (same connector). You can purchase third-party straps and use them on both watches.
What is the difference between Watch 7 and Watch 7 Ultra?
Answer : The Watch 7 Ultra is a premium version with:
- Titanium case (lighter and more durable)
- Larger screen (1.5″)
- Longer battery life (up to 100 hours in battery mode)
- Higher price (€499)
Check out our Galaxy Watch 7 vs Ultra comparison for more details.
Where to buy the Galaxy Watch 6 or 7?
Answer : You can buy both watches at:
- Amazon (Watch 6)
- Amazon (Watch 7)
- Samsung.com (official site)
- Darty, Fnac, Boulanger
- Carrefour, Leclerc
We recommend Amazon for the best prices and fast delivery.
Conclusion
There Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Watch 7 are extremely similar. The differences are minor:
- ✅ Watch 7: +2 hours of battery life, 10% faster charging, Wear OS 4.0
- ✅ Watch 6: €50 cheaper, excellent value for money
Our final recommendation:
- If you have a limited budget → Galaxy Watch 6 (best value for money)
- If you are looking for the latest technology → Galaxy Watch 7 (Wear OS 4.0, better autonomy)
- If you have a Watch 6 → Do not upgrade (the differences do not justify the cost)
Whichever you choose, you’ll get a great Samsung smartwatch with a premium design, comprehensive health sensors, and respectable battery life. It is a real daily traveling companion.
Ready to buy? Check out our detailed tests:
