I am not going extremely; I also don’t have to.

Samsung unveiled a range of innovative products at its second Unpacked event in 2024. The company unveiled its highly anticipated flagship device to the market, expanding its foldable range with two innovative additions, and introducing its inaugural Extremely-tier smartwatch. Hidden among the indulgence was another notable mention – a smartwatch that briefly captured attention before being overshadowed by Samsung’s subsequent Galaxy AI announcements.

The Galaxy Watch’s modest showcase is likely due to its similarities to its predecessors, with the spotlight instead shining on the more advanced Galaxy Watch Extreme, whose higher price tag warrants greater attention. I agree the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 was a strong contender for top spot, but perhaps didn’t quite deserve a perfect score. Although it may not redefine the concept of being a [insert term], I still firmly believe that the Galaxy wearable is the one you should consider purchasing in 2024.

Samsung hasn’t revised its core Galaxy Watch design in several years, largely because the Galaxy Watch 4, like its predecessors, has retained the familiar circular form factor. I’m okay with that. With its initial blend of style and functionality already impressive, Samsung has merely fine-tuned the design to create an even more attractive and practical wearable. The Galaxy Watch 7’s AMOLED display has expanded in size, while its bezels have been significantly reduced, and the control layout has undergone some tweaks; yet, once strapped to your wrist, the device still exudes a sense of familiarity. Despite having previously tested the final Samsung wearable I worked extensively with the Galaxy Watch 4, it feels like I’m jumping straight into this new model as if no time has passed at all.

As smartwatch trends shift towards maximalism, alongside Samsung’s latest flagship release, the Galaxy Watch 7’s understated, minimalist aesthetic stands out as a refreshing departure from the norm. I’m not one to get myself faulted, acknowledging that I’m often the problem – I rarely take mine off, having a bulky Garmin GPS watch permanently strapped to my wrist because I can’t bear to part with it. However, I’m relieved Samsung isn’t exclusively targeting individuals like myself. Completely transforming something massive into something minuscule makes me appreciate the original compact design even more? Wearing the Galaxy Watch 7 is akin to wearing a refined version of a standard Wear OS watch, such as the Moto 360, but this one isn’t just a pale imitation – it’s evolved into its own distinctive breed: clean, intuitive, and elegantly watch-like.

While I might think twice before wearing some GPS watches to a formal occasion like a wedding, I wouldn’t hesitate to put on my Galaxy Watch 7 – as long as it’s paired with the right accessories, of course. Samsung’s commitment to their spherical AMOLED panel enables me to revisit some of my old favorite faces with the same level of clarity and vibrancy as when they were first released. I frequently revisit the Endangered Animals watch face, but often opt for the Steps Problem one, especially post-run. Lately, though, I’ve had a blast exploring Samsung’s Perpetual calendar feature. With astronomical data densely packed along the margins, alongside a precise lunar phase illustration, it’s no wonder this calendar is bursting at the seams? While the predominantly black background may be an innovative way to showcase Samsung’s vibrant AMOLED colors, it effectively captures my attention as well.

Although Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 retains some familiar elements, the absence of a Digital Bezel is a notable departure from previous designs, leaving me somewhat disappointed. I recall this feature fondly from my experience with the pioneering Galaxy Watch Active, and now it seems to have vanished into thin air. I was hesitant at first but ultimately decided that trying to fix the issue myself might be more effective than handing it back to Samsung. There is no possibility of a rotating physical bezel on the Galaxy Watch 7; instead, you have to revert to a bygone era.

Instead, the Galaxy Watch 4 utilises both a home and back button for tactile navigation, with swiping reserved for all other interactions. The revamped control system performs remarkably well, aligning seamlessly with industry standards for smartwatches; yet, there’s something endearing about effortlessly swiping your finger along the watch’s edge to navigate upwards or downwards.

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch series has consistently impressed wearables enthusiasts, look Like a forgotten placeholder, a multitude of the options remain hidden inside, verifying that it is not true. Samsung focused primarily on unveiling new features and wellness upgrades, while neglecting to showcase the Galaxy Watch Extreme’s capabilities. Wouldn’t that be a more exciting reveal? Regardless of circumstances, fresh updates resonate more vividly when showcased on a sleek new device rather than scattered throughout an existing project. Despite Samsung’s silence on updates for the Galaxy Watch 7, I’m pleased to announce that Galaxy AI is the transformative upgrade this wearable needed to remain at the forefront.

Samsung’s latest approach to health monitoring has finally arrived. While I’m not entirely impressed with many current generative AI offerings, While the Portrait Studio lacks refinement, and Gemini’s impact on Google Assistant is underwhelming, I’m convinced that Samsung’s integration of Galaxy AI into the Galaxy Watch 7 will finally win me over. I’m equally taken aback, to be honest.

What ultimately sets me apart from others is a comprehensive Vitality Rating that Samsung is keenly scrutinizing. I utilize Garmin’s device almost daily for testing purposes. The Vitality Rating aggregates your sleep quality, yesterday’s physical activity, and various cognitive indicators to predict how you might feel on any given day. While the Physique Battery provides a general reading and several health metrics, Samsung’s Vitality Rating delves deeper, offering actionable advice on how to improve your score by breaking down each component of its assessment.

Although my Vitality Rating readout isn’t consistently excellent due to using my Coros Tempo 3 for coaching, I find the Galaxy Watch 7’s display more digestible and helpful than other measurements or AI features like doodling a UFO over a baseball stadium and watching it come to life in Sketch to Picture.

Samsung’s Galaxy AI enables you to pit yourself against yourself in various outdoor activities – at least in specific, carefully controlled circumstances. As you’ve developed a regular daily commute on foot or by bike, you can leverage your Galaxy Watch 7 to engage in a virtual competition with your past self, pitting your current pace and cardiovascular performance against that of your ghostly counterpart from two weeks prior – a thrilling way to track and celebrate your progressive improvements over time.

This intelligent function appears well-suited for solo runners and cyclists seeking inspiration, but I also foresee some potential drawbacks. Competition with oneself daily can be unwholesome, leading to potential harm when taken too far. When starting an entrepreneurial journey from scratch, consider using a gradual approach that focuses on building momentum by setting aside worries about past endeavors.

Despite boasting various helpful features, Samsung’s Galaxy AI updates appear to be somewhat tricky to explore. While sleep apnea detection can be beneficial for those who suspect they may have the condition, its utility is limited if one is certain of their healthy respiratory status.

To access comprehensive Galaxy AI monitoring capabilities, ensure you’re equipped with an apt Samsung device and authenticated via your Samsung account. While you can still track activities, sleep, and heart rate on other phones, more comprehensive insights such as sleep apnea detection and a Vitality Score are exclusive features available only on Samsung devices.

Galaxy AI offers various non-health features, such as advised replies in Google Messages and voice-to-text summaries generated from recordings on your Galaxy Watch 7, which are only compatible with Samsung smartphones.

The initial concern surrounding the Galaxy Watch 7’s release, particularly after seeing little to no changes from its predecessor, was whether Samsung had successfully integrated crucial advancements into the device’s sensor technology? Despite its impressive feature set, the Galaxy Watch 6 series occasionally faltered in providing accurate heart rate data during physical activities, and the single-band GPS often proved unreliable when navigating through dense urban areas or under tree cover. After a tumultuous start to the year, Samsung has largely put its early woes behind it and is now back on track.

Single-frequency GPS monitoring is no longer the preferred method, as the industry has shifted towards dual-frequency monitoring for greater accuracy and reliability. Samsung upgraded from its earlier L1 frequency to a more advanced combination of L1 and L5 frequencies, commonly found in GPS watches, placing its Galaxy Watch 7 at a significant advantage compared to rivals like and giving it an edge over the , which still relies solely on single-frequency L1 monitoring. Notwithstanding its simplicity, it’s easy to claim the watch is exceptionally accurate; now it’s time to put it to the test.

I paired my Coros Tempo 3 watch on one wrist with my Galaxy Watch 7 on the other and hit the pavement for a weekly running group session. With its unique blend of waterfront routes and varied urban landscapes, our weekly path offers an ideal testing ground for my daily GPS watch’s ability to handle dual-frequency signals. The outcomes are, at best, a mixed bag. While both the Galaxy Watch 7 and Coros Tempo 3 excelled at tracking routes along open waterfronts like Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, they faced significant challenges when navigating areas with tall structures.

While the maps exhibit slight discrepancies due to each watch being uniquely positioned on the wrist, the one on the left is nearly flawless compared to its counterpart, which appears chaotic and disorganized. As I stepped out into the open air, the sleek contours of the Galaxy Watch 7 cradled on my wrist seemed to momentarily transport me to the bustling harbor, where the sounds and smells of the ocean blended seamlessly with the device’s intuitive interface? The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 logged my run, outpacing the Coros Tempo 3 by a narrow margin: it recorded a slightly faster and slightly longer pace in the final 14 seconds, capturing an extra 0.07 miles. While the dual-frequency GPS is generally more accurate than the Galaxy Watch 6, it’s still not exceptional – nor is an equivalently priced GPS watch.

Samsung significantly revamped its BioActive sensor, a development disclosed before the launch of the Galaxy Watch 7, signaling a major upgrade to its wearable technology capabilities. The company reportedly achieves a doubling in the efficiency of its photodiodes, leading to a reduction in required quantities and freeing up space for the integration of blue, yellow, violet, and ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) alongside its existing lineup of green, red, and infrared LEDs. The Galaxy Watch 7 purportedly enhances its health-tracking capabilities, allowing for more accurate monitoring of coronary heart rate, sleep quality, blood pressure, and stress levels. It also reportedly boasts a 30% improvement in exercise tracking precision.

As I’d previously worn two trackers for my weekly running membership and anticipated playful teasing, I thought adding another sensor to the mix wouldn’t cause any harm. I pulled the rubber band around my bicep and acquired a snug sensation with a feeling akin to being a human science experiment.

The updated sensor setup closely approaches the level of precision I’ve experienced with my Coros Tempo 3 and heart rate monitor, but falls just short of excellence. During that 15-minute window, I managed to complete a continuous block of time where I didn’t need to pause for any unexpected visitor arrivals, allowing me to maintain a seamless pace with both wearables keeping perfect sync throughout the entire duration. The Galaxy Watch 7 exhibits a steady increase in heart rate throughout the entire test period, peaking at 162 beats per minute (bpm) around the 27-minute mark, slightly surpassing the Tempo 3’s peak of 160 bpm on the same level; both watches ultimately settled into a consistent average of 153 bpm throughout my 45-minute run. As long as I’m concerned, the Galaxy Watch 7 achieves sufficient consistent accuracy for most users to confidently rely on it, unlike its predecessor.

It’s amusing – I rarely imagine buying something that has the air of being forgotten. When you take a closer look at the Galaxy Watch 7, it becomes clear that Samsung hasn’t neglected this device. By serving as a replacement, it preserved a design that had previously been refined (save for the digital bezel), devoting considerable time to updating health-tracking metrics utilizing the capabilities of Galaxy AI. For me, it was solely about achieving that one goal.

I’m particularly enthusiastic about recommending the Galaxy Watch 7, as it offers an unbeatable combination of style and substance for the majority of users. The Galaxy Watch Active2, Samsung’s flagship timepiece, boasts exceptional endurance, robust build quality, and a premium price point – features that cater primarily to enthusiasts rather than the average user seeking practicality. Without sacrificing performance, I’ve successfully worn my Galaxy Watch 7 for consecutive daily runs without needing a recharge, and the innovative squircle design has surprisingly failed to inspire me to wear it every day.

The Galaxy Watch 7 presents a no-frills approach to delivering everything fans of the brand have come to expect, all at a price that feels surprisingly palatable in light of its significantly more expensive counterparts. While some might bemoan Samsung’s failure to increase battery capacity – with the 44mm case housing a relatively modest 425mAh cell, and the 40mm model featuring only 300mAh – the company’s efficient 3nm processor arguably makes up for this shortfall. I consistently squeeze out two extra days from my watch before needing a recharge, allowing me to almost fully top it off after a morning routine that includes breakfast and personal grooming.

While some might find their efforts somewhat lacking, I genuinely appreciate Samsung’s approach.

The widget stretches effortlessly across the AMOLED panel, allowing for seamless access to operating metrics, current conditions, and effortless response to texts using Galaxy AI-powered solutions – even with the largest of fingers, ensuring accidental button presses are a thing of the past. When evaluating the rounded design of the Pixel Watch compared to Samsung’s massive yet intuitive interface, it becomes clear that simplicity prevails.

When browsing the Samsung Galaxy store for a new smartwatch, consider skipping the Galaxy Watch 7, along with its optional LTE-equipped variant, which comes at a slightly higher price point. While it may not represent a groundbreaking leap in wearable technology, the most significant advancements often lie beneath the surface, quietly refining and perfecting the user experience.