Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and 7

The Galaxy Watch 7 is Samsung's newest flagship smartwatch . It was launched in July alongside other stylish wearables like the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the innovative Galaxy Ring . On the surface, this model looks quite similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch 6. This isn't a bad thing, given the Watch 6's sleek and successful design. However, beneath the circular display lie several significant hardware upgrades and AI-powered health and fitness features.

So, is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 worth upgrading to the Watch 6? We're doing a detailed comparison of these two devices to help you decide, considering their new features, performance, and price difference.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Feature Comparison

Read on to discover the innovations offered by the Galaxy Watch 7 and its advantages over the previous model. We've compared the key features of the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 7 in detail below, but let's take a side-by-side look at their main technical specifications:

Imaging and Design

Samsung's 6th and 7th generation smartwatches can be difficult to distinguish at first glance. Both models feature clear Super AMOLED displays that can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits . This feature makes the screens easy to read when walking or running outdoors in sunny weather.

Both devices feature touchscreens made of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal , known for its durability. The watch cases are crafted from lightweight and robust aluminum . These features ensure both models are resistant to daily wear and tear, even impacts from intense sports activities.

There's no need to worry on rainy days or during swimming activities either. Both watches have IP68 and 5ATM water resistance ratings. This means the devices are resistant to splashes and submersion up to 50 meters. They're ideal for tracking your laps in the pool thanks to smart exercise detection technologies.

Sizes and Colors

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is offered in the same two ergonomic sizes as its predecessor: 40 mm and 44 mm . This gives you the chance to choose the size that best fits your wrist.

• 40 mm Model : Available in cream and green color options.
• 44 mm Model : Offers silver and green color options.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has some slightly different color options:

• 40 mm Model : Available in Graphite (black) and Gold (cream/champagne) tones.
• 44 mm Model : Available in Graphite and Silver colors.

Power and Performance

Samsung has integrated a new 3nm five-core Exynos W1000 chip into the Galaxy Watch 7. This processor stands out as Samsung's most powerful smartwatch processor to date. The Watch 7 runs up to three times faster than the previous Watch 6's Exynos W930 processor. This results in faster app launches and a smoother experience during general use.

Both models have 2GB of RAM. However, the Galaxy Watch 7 has an advantage in storage, offering 32GB instead of 16GB. This increased storage means more space for your favorite apps, music, and photos. It's also stated that some of this extra space is used to support Galaxy AI features.

Battery Life

Smartwatches stand out with their many features, but frequent charging can be a disadvantage. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has a very efficient battery life, offering approximately 40 hours of use on a single charge, and up to 30 hours in always-on mode.

The 40mm and 44mm models of the Galaxy Watch 7 have the same size batteries as the previous Watch 6. Samsung states that the new processor optimizes battery life and that the Watch 7 should last longer. However, both models offer similar usage time. This may be due to the Watch 7 supporting new features such as extra health technologies.

Fitness and Health Tracking

Many people turn to smartwatches to support their health and fitness goals. Samsung Galaxy Watch models stand out as one of the best options in this regard. The Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 7 can track over 100 different workouts, from indoor swimming to yoga. They are also equipped with various sensors that measure basic health data such as heart rate, blood oxygen level, and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

The Galaxy Watch 7 takes a step forward with an advanced BioActive sensor that can record these measurements more accurately. It offers Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) Index tracking, a first among Galaxy smartwatches. This feature provides more detailed information about your metabolic health and biological aging process. The Watch 7 also stands out with its dual-frequency GPS system. This allows it to track your location more accurately, even in dense urban areas, and record your routes more consistently. It offers reliable location tracking while running, walking, or driving, making finding your way home easier than ever.

Galaxy Artificial Intelligence

The Galaxy Watch 7 distinguishes itself from previous models with its Galaxy AI smart features. The watch's sensors track your activity and synchronize the collected data with the Samsung Health app on your paired phone. This is where Galaxy AI comes in and works its magic. The artificial intelligence analyzes all your activities and provides you with a personalized Energy Score . This score helps you better plan your daily routine.

Your Energy Score is calculated from measurements such as your sleep patterns, activity level, and heart rate data, and it takes a value between 0 and 100. This allows you to instantly assess your current state. The Galaxy Watch 7 not only measures your energy but also offers AI-powered health tips to improve your score. If you had a bad night's sleep, it might suggest skipping the gym and having a lighter day to regain your energy levels. This feature makes it easier to achieve your health and fitness goals.

Sleep Tracking

The Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 7 are quite successful at sleep tracking. Both models can track your total sleep time, heart rate during sleep, and other details. They summarize all this data with a Sleep Score , helping you understand your nightly sleep patterns. The Sleep Coaching feature offers suggestions on how to improve your sleep routine. The smartwatch automatically activates sleep mode, silencing notifications and dimming screens, encouraging you to go to bed at the right time.

The Galaxy Watch 7 takes sleep tracking a step further by offering advanced features. Working with a powerful AI algorithm and an advanced BioActive sensor, it provides more detailed information about your sleep habits. For example, it analyzes details such as how long it takes you to fall asleep ( sleep latency ) and how much you move during the night. As a major innovation, Samsung also offers sleep apnea risk detection with the Watch 7. This FDA-approved feature helps you have healthier and more restful nights by detecting breathing problems during sleep. However, it's important to remember that this function only works with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

Additional Features

Both the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 7 feature Samsung Wallet , making shopping easier. This app combines Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass to allow contactless payments. You can store your ID, event tickets, boarding passes, and membership cards on your watch. This way, you can leave your wallet at home and enjoy all this convenience on your wrist. The Galaxy Watch 7 offers even more with its extra features. The AI-powered Suggested Replies feature lets you respond to your messages in seconds. This feature analyzes your previous conversations to offer appropriate reply suggestions. You can send your message by simply tapping the reply you want. Furthermore, AI provides replies that match the tone of the conversation, so your personal style is preserved.

Galaxy AI transforms the Watch 7 into a stylish voice recorder. It can summarize and record conversations from your paired Samsung smartphone. This feature is incredibly useful when you want to quickly jot down your thoughts or need to take notes during a meeting.

Prices and Availability

The most affordable model in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 series is the 40mm version with Bluetooth (BT) only. For those who want a larger screen, the 44mm Galaxy Watch 7 model has a slightly higher price tag. The 5G-enabled LTE versions are more expensive, but offer advantages such as internet access, making calls, and receiving messages without being tethered to a phone.

The older Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 can still be found at great deals. However, stocks have started to run out with the release of the new Watch 7. These deals might be worthwhile, especially for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

Should you upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7?

If you're using a Watch 6, upgrading to the Watch 7 gives you access to innovations like more precise health tracking sensors and AI-powered Health Tips . Features like the new model's daily Energy Score , Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) Index to help track your metabolic health, and sleep apnea risk detection are particularly appealing to users who prioritize health tracking. If you have lighter usage habits and only use workout tracking for going to the gym a few times a week, continuing to use your current Watch 6 will suffice. If you're upgrading from an older smartwatch or considering buying your first smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 7 is a good choice. With improved sensors, AI features, and a more powerful processor, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers a smart investment for the future, despite its slightly higher price point.

Samsung smartwatches stand out with their superior features and work seamlessly with Samsung Galaxy phones as well as most Android smartphones. You don't have to limit yourself to just Samsung devices, though. For example, the Apple Watch is a great option for iPhone users. There are also many other smartwatches and fitness trackers on the market you should consider.