Galaxy Watch 7: Comprehensive Review and Testing of Connected Timepieces

Health & Fitness Tracking

This is the heart of the Galaxy Watch 7. Samsung has integrated advanced sensors for comprehensive monitoring of your health.

Read now!

Integrated sensors

  • Optical heart sensor (red LED)
  • SpO2 sensor (oxygen saturation)
  • Skin temperature sensor
  • Accelerometer and gyroscope
  • Barometer
Read now!

Tests carried out

Cardiac accuracy:

Read now!

We compared the Galaxy Watch 7 with a reference heart rate monitor (Garmin) during 3 running sessions. Results :

Read now!
  • Rest: deviation of ±2 bpm (very good)
  • Moderate effort: deviation of ±5 bpm (acceptable)
  • Intense effort: deviation of ±8 bpm (less precise)
Read now!

Verdict: Reliable for daily monitoring, but less precise than a heart rate belt during intense exercise.

Read now!

Training modes:

Read now!

The watch offers 100+ workout modesof which :

Read now!
  • Swimming : automatic length detection, 5 ATM waterproofness confirmed
  • Golf : distance measurement, integrated scorecard
  • ✅ Running, cycling, weight training, yoga, etc.
Read now!

We tested swimming in a pool: the watch correctly detected the lengths and the water resistance was confirmed (no water infiltration).

Read now!

Sleep tracking:

Read now!

The Galaxy Watch 7 detects sleep phases (light, deep, REM). Compared to our actual sleep, detection is quite precise (difference of ±15 minutes).

Read now!

Stress and breathing:

Read now!

Stress measurements are based on heart variability. Useful for identifying stress peaks, but to take with a step back.

Read now!

SpO2 (oxygen saturation):

Read now!

Correct measurement, comparable to a finger oximeter. Useful for detecting sleep apnea.

Read now!

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.

Read now!

Test conditions

  • AMOLED screen always on: 1 day (24h)
  • AMOLED screen off (sleep mode): 2 days (48h)
  • Energy saving mode: 3 days (72h)
Read now!

Actual usage:

Read now!

With normal usage (notifications, 1-2 workouts per day, screen always on), we obtained 1.5 days before having to recharge.

Read now!

Recharge:

Read now!
  • Full recharge time: 1h30 with proprietary charger
  • Convenient, but easy to lose magnetic charger
  • No fast charging
Read now!

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.

Read now!

Connectivity & Compatibility

Connectivity

Read now!
  • ✅ Bluetooth 5.3
  • ✅ Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
  • ✅ NFC (contactless payments)
  • ✅ GPS (LTE model only)
Read now!

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.

Read now!

Compatibility

With Android:

Read now!
  • ✅ Excellent compatibility
  • ✅ Smooth sync with Samsung Health
  • ✅ Comprehensive notifications
  • ✅ Reply to texts/calls
Read now!

With iPhone:

Read now!
  • ⚠️ Limited compatibility
  • ❌ No syncing with Apple Health
  • ❌ Basic notifications only
  • ❌ No response to text messages
  • ❌ No access to Siri
Read now!

Verdict: The Galaxy Watch 7 is clearly optimized for Android. If you have an iPhone, choose the Apple Watch.

Read now!

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.

Read now!

Price & Availability

Prices (January 2026)

Read now!
ModelPrice
Galaxy Watch 7 40mm (Bluetooth)€299
Galaxy Watch 7 44mm (Bluetooth)€329
Galaxy Watch 7 40mm (LTE)€399
Galaxy Watch 7 44mm (LTE)€429
Read now!

Where to buy it:

Read now!
  • Amazon
  • Fnac
  • Darty
  • Samsung.com
Read now!

Promotions: Regularly on promotion (reductions of €30-50 during commercial periods).

Read now!

Value for money

Honestly : The Galaxy Watch 7 is expensive for what it offers. At this price, you can have:

Read now!
  • 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)
Read now!

The Galaxy Watch 7 is especially justified if you have a Samsung phone and want optimal integration.

Read now!

Final Verdict

Summary of our test

Read now!

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.

Read now!

For whom?

✅ Recommended if:

Read now!
  • 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
Read now!

❌ Avoid if:

Read now!
  • 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
Read now!

Overall rating

7.5/10 – A very good connected watch, but the limited autonomy and the high price prevent a higher rating.

Read now!

FAQs

What is the difference between Bluetooth and LTE model?

Read now!

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.

Read now!

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.

Read now!

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.

Read now!

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.

Read now!

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.

Read now!

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).

Read now!

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.

Read now!

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).

Read now!

Does Galaxy Watch 7 have built-in GPS?

Only LTE model. The Bluetooth model (more common and less expensive) uses your phone's GPS.

Read now!

How much does the Galaxy Watch 7 cost?

From €299 for the 40mm Bluetooth version. Prices vary depending on promotions and resellers.

Read now!

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).

Read now!

Did you like this story?

Please share by clicking this button!

Visit our site and see all other available articles!

Swiss Made Watch