Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and 7 Ultra. New Straps? Old Straps?
Ruggedness Redefined: The Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra
Straps & Bands
The Galaxy Watch 7 40 and 44mm will retain the old quick release system which means your old straps are still compatible from the Galaxy Watch 4, 5 and 6.
You can find all our compatible straps here.
The Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra uses a new push button system (not to be confused with the push button system that was introduced when the Galaxy Watch 6 appeared!) similar to the Apple Watch system. Your old straps unfortunately aren't going to be compatible with this watch! If you have a quick release 20mm strap with a straight end, you will be able to just attach this to one of our adapters so you can still use them!
You can find all our Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra straps here.
Ruggedness
The Galaxy Watch 7 exemplifies sleekness and durability. Encased in a smooth aluminum body, this smartwatch is IP68-rated and 5ATM waterproof, allowing it to endure depths up to 50 meters (164 feet) for up to 10 minutes. Additionally, it boasts MIL-STD-810H certification, ensuring it can operate within a temperature range of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the Galaxy Watch 7 a robust and reliable companion for everyday use.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch Ultra takes durability to a whole new level. It features a 10ATM waterproof rating, making it suitable for dives up to 100 meters (328 feet). The titanium body of the Ultra is significantly sturdier than aluminum or steel, providing exceptional resistance to physical damage. While it shares the MIL-STD-810H certification and operational temperature range with the Galaxy Watch 7, the Ultra is specifically designed for extreme activities such as ocean swimming, deep diving, and mountain climbing.
Price Point
Price is a significant differentiator between the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The Galaxy Watch 7 is priced at $299.99, making it an affordable option for a feature-rich smartwatch. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch Ultra starts at $649.99, more than double the price of the Watch 7. This price point reflects the Ultra's enhanced durability and advanced features. For context, the Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399, while the Apple Watch Ultra is priced at $799.
Fitness and Health Features
For fitness enthusiasts, both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra offer a comprehensive suite of health and fitness features. Equipped with Samsung's BioActive sensor, these watches provide heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level measurement, and body composition analysis through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). They also include advanced glycation end products (AGEs) index tracking for a detailed view of your metabolism. Samsung claims the BioActive sensor in these new models is more accurate than in previous versions.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra adds a few unique features to enhance fitness tracking. It includes a multi-sports tile for tracking workouts across various activities, Functional Threshold Power (FTP) measurement for cycling, and an 85dB emergency siren for safety during outdoor adventures.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are plentiful in both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra. They support dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for mobile payments, and optional LTE connectivity. Both watches feature dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS, offering precise location tracking compared to the single-frequency L1 GPS found in most devices. This advanced GPS capability is especially notable in the Galaxy Watch 7, making it one of the most affordable smartwatches with dual-frequency GPS.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Watch 7 is available in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, weighing 1.02 and 1.19 ounces, respectively. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in a larger 47mm model and weighs 2.13 ounces. The titanium construction of the Ultra contributes to its heavier weight, but this also enhances its durability.
Screen
Despite its larger size, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has the same screen dimensions as the 44mm Galaxy Watch 7. Both feature a 1.5-inch, 480-by-480 Super AMOLED display, while the 40mm Watch 7 has a smaller 1.3-inch, 432-by-432 screen. The Ultra stands out with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, compared to the likely 2,000 nits of the Galaxy Watch 7.
Performance
Both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra are powered by a five-core Exynos W1000 processor, with 2GB of memory and 32GB of storage. They run on Wear OS 5 with Samsung's One UI 6 interface, ensuring smooth performance and access to a wide range of apps and features.
Battery Life
One of the most appealing aspects of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is its substantial battery life. It features a 590mAh battery, compared to the 425mAh and 300mAh batteries in the 44mm and 40mm Galaxy Watch 7 models, respectively. According to Samsung, the Ultra can last between 48 and 100 hours in various power-saving modes, making it an excellent choice for those needing extended battery life for long outdoor activities.
In summary, both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra offer impressive features, but the Ultra is tailored for those who require maximum durability and advanced capabilities for extreme conditions.