Health & Fitness Tracking
This is the heart of the Galaxy Watch 7. Samsung has integrated advanced sensors for comprehensive monitoring of your health.
Integrated sensors
- Optical heart sensor (red LED)
- SpO2 sensor (oxygen saturation)
- Skin temperature sensor
- Accelerometer and gyroscope
- Barometer
Tests carried out
Cardiac accuracy:
We compared the Galaxy Watch 7 with a reference heart rate monitor (Garmin) during 3 running sessions. Results :
- Rest: deviation of ±2 bpm (very good)
- Moderate effort: deviation of ±5 bpm (acceptable)
- Intense effort: deviation of ±8 bpm (less precise)
Verdict: Reliable for daily monitoring, but less precise than a heart rate belt during intense exercise.
Training modes:
The watch offers 100+ workout modesof which :
- ✅ Swimming : automatic length detection, 5 ATM waterproofness confirmed
- ✅ Golf : distance measurement, integrated scorecard
- ✅ Running, cycling, weight training, yoga, etc.
We tested swimming in a pool: the watch correctly detected the lengths and the water resistance was confirmed (no water infiltration).
Sleep tracking:
The Galaxy Watch 7 detects sleep phases (light, deep, REM). Compared to our actual sleep, detection is quite precise (difference of ±15 minutes).
Stress and breathing:
Stress measurements are based on heart variability. Useful for identifying stress peaks, but to take with a step back.
SpO2 (oxygen saturation):
Correct measurement, comparable to a finger oximeter. Useful for detecting sleep apnea.
Battery autonomy
This is the major weak point of the Galaxy Watch 7. Samsung announces 2 days of autonomy, but our tests show a more nuanced reality.
Test conditions
- AMOLED screen always on: 1 day (24h)
- AMOLED screen off (sleep mode): 2 days (48h)
- Energy saving mode: 3 days (72h)
Actual usage:
With normal usage (notifications, 1-2 workouts per day, screen always on), we obtained 1.5 days before having to recharge.
Recharge:
- Full recharge time: 1h30 with proprietary charger
- Convenient, but easy to lose magnetic charger
- No fast charging
Verdict: Autonomy is disappointing for a high-end watch. Users accustomed to the Apple Watch (1-2 days) will not be surprised, but those coming from Garmin (7-14 days) will be disappointed.
Connectivity & Compatibility
Connectivity
- ✅ Bluetooth 5.3
- ✅ Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- ✅ NFC (contactless payments)
- ✅ GPS (LTE model only)
Important note: The Bluetooth model (the most common) does not have built-in GPS. It uses the phone’s GPS for trips. This is a major limitation for runners who want to train without a phone.
Compatibility
With Android:
- ✅ Excellent compatibility
- ✅ Smooth sync with Samsung Health
- ✅ Comprehensive notifications
- ✅ Reply to texts/calls
With iPhone:
- ⚠️ Limited compatibility
- ❌ No syncing with Apple Health
- ❌ Basic notifications only
- ❌ No response to text messages
- ❌ No access to Siri
Verdict: The Galaxy Watch 7 is clearly optimized for Android. If you have an iPhone, choose the Apple Watch.
Contactless payments (NFC)
We tested payments with Samsung Pay. It works well in France, but the network of merchants accepting payments by watch remains limited.
Price & Availability
Prices (January 2026)
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 7 40mm (Bluetooth) | €299 |
| Galaxy Watch 7 44mm (Bluetooth) | €329 |
| Galaxy Watch 7 40mm (LTE) | €399 |
| Galaxy Watch 7 44mm (LTE) | €429 |
Where to buy it:
- Amazon
- Fnac
- Darty
- Samsung.com
Promotions: Regularly on promotion (reductions of €30-50 during commercial periods).
Value for money
Honestly : The Galaxy Watch 7 is expensive for what it offers. At this price, you can have:
- A Garmin Epix (better battery life, integrated GPS)
- An Apple Watch Series 9 (better ecosystem if you have an iPhone)
- A Huawei Watch GT 4 (better battery life, cheaper)
The Galaxy Watch 7 is especially justified if you have a Samsung phone and want optimal integration.
Final Verdict
Summary of our test
There Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a great smartwatch, but not perfect. It excels in design, display and health monitoring, but suffers from disappointing battery life and limited iPhone compatibility.
For whom?
✅ Recommended if:
- You have a Samsung phone
- Are you looking for a premium watch with a nice screen?
- Do you swim or golf?
- You don’t want to recharge every 3-4 days
❌ Avoid if:
- You have an iPhone (prefer the Apple Watch)
- You need 7+ days battery life
- You run without a phone (no integrated GPS via Bluetooth)
- You have a limited budget
Overall rating
7.5/10 – A very good connected watch, but the limited autonomy and the high price prevent a higher rating.
FAQs
What is the difference between Bluetooth and LTE model?
The model Bluetooth uses your phone’s GPS for trips and requires your phone nearby. The model LTE has built-in GPS and can work independently with a 4G connection. LTE costs €100 more and consumes more battery.
Is the Galaxy Watch 7 waterproof for swimming?
Yes, it has waterproofing 5ATM (50 meters). We tested in a swimming pool and no water infiltrated the watch. You can swim and snorkel, but no scuba diving.
How long does the battery actually last?
With normal use (screen always on, 1-2 workouts per day), count 1.5 days before recharging. In sleep mode (screen off), you can reach 2 days. This is less than the 2 days announced by Samsung.
Can I use Galaxy Watch 7 with an iPhone?
Technically yes, but with major limitations: no Apple Health synchronization, basic notifications, no response to text messages. If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a better choice.
What is the best training method for swimming?
Select “Pool swimming” mode so that the watch automatically detects lengths. The detection works well, but can sometimes add extra length if you are making quick turns.
Does the Galaxy Watch 7 replace a heart rate monitor?
For daily monitoring, yes. But for intensive training, a heart rate monitor remains more precise (difference of ±2-3 bpm vs ±8 bpm for the watch).
Can you respond to text messages with the Galaxy Watch 7?
Only with Android. With an iPhone, you can read text messages, but not respond to them directly from the watch.
Which bracelet to choose?
The included sports band is comfortable and breathable. For daily use, it is sufficient. If you want a more premium look, Samsung offers leather or metal straps (€30-80).
Does Galaxy Watch 7 have built-in GPS?
Only LTE model. The Bluetooth model (more common and less expensive) uses your phone’s GPS.
How much does the Galaxy Watch 7 cost?
From €299 for the 40mm Bluetooth version. Prices vary depending on promotions and resellers.
In summary (TL;DR)
There Galaxy Watch 7 is a premium smartwatch with an excellent AMOLED screen, comprehensive health tracking and an elegant design. It excels at swimming and golf, and the interface is smooth. However, the battery life is disappointing (1.5 days in real use), the price is high (€299-429), and iPhone compatibility is limited. Recommended especially if you have a Samsung phone and you don’t charge your watch every day. Otherwise, consider a Garmin (better battery life) or an Apple Watch (better ecosystem).
