Galaxy Watch7 Ultra: What the new Samsung smartwatch can do - and what it can't

This year, everything is different. While last year there was a classic version of the normal Galaxy Watch in two sizes, this year Samsung is launching a Galaxy Watch7 Ultra for the first time. This differs more from the standard Watch7 - unfortunately primarily visually and not technically.

The Ultra really is this massive

What a watch! The Watch7 Ultra is big, chunky and heavy. A stunner in every respect. Anyone who likes large and eye-catching timepieces on their wrist will love it. But for many, the Ultra will simply be too much of a good thing. And on a thinner wrist in particular, the smartwatch looks a bit bulky. Especially because the watch sticks out so much. This also distinguishes it from the much more discreet Galaxy Watch7, without the Ultra.

What happened to me several times in the hands-on: I pressed the new button, namely the large crown in the centre, to get back to the watch face. However, I only started the stopwatch that is stored there. That probably takes some getting used to.

Larger case for the Ultra, but no larger screen

The Galaxy Watch7 comes in two sizes: 40 millimetres or 44 millimetres. The Ultra version, available for the first time, even measures 47 millimetres. Surprisingly, however, only two display sizes are planned: 1.3 inches for the normal Watch7 and 1.5 inches for the larger Watch7 and the Ultra. This means that the Ultra primarily has a thicker and heavier case - but no larger screen.

The quality of the AMOLED screen with always-on function is the same for all three models. Only in terms of brightness does the Ultra with 3000 nits surpass the other two models, which offer 2000 nits. The Exynos W1000 processor with 2 GB of RAM, 32 GB of memory and all sensors are also identical.

By the way: The BioActive Sensor with optical, electrical and bioelectrical sensors is a new design and is said to be even more accurate than its predecessor. The processor is also said to be three times faster and 30 per cent more economical than the Exynos W930, which is used in the [Galaxy Watch6]

(/page/samsung-galaxy-watch-6-the-revolution-remains-an-awesome-smartwatch-29559). The manufacturer has also improved the GPS. For the first time, it can connect to the satellites on two frequencies.

The Galaxy Watch recognises apnoea

The health and fitness features are the same in all new watches. What is new is that the watch can not only monitor sleep with an improved algorithm, but also recognise apnoea. And it even does so according to the criteria of a medical device. So if you have too many breathing interruptions during the night, you receive a message and can have the suspected apnoea medically investigated. Depending on the market, however, it may take some time for the feature to be activated.

The watches can be connected to all Android devices, but in combination with a Galaxy smartphone you have additional features. For example, automatic responses in messengers, which the AI suggests based on previous conversations. Samsung has also integrated gesture control.

Here the Ultra really is better

The Galaxy Watch7 is available at an official retail price of 319 francs or euros. The larger version costs 349 francs or euros. The prices have therefore remained the same as last year. The Watch7 Ultra is significantly more expensive at 679 francs or 699 euros. How can this surcharge be justified - with a practically identical base?

There are measurable differences in the battery size: Here, the Ultra with 590 mAh clearly outperforms the other two models with 300 and 425 mAh. The maximum battery life is said to be 100 hours. Even with sports tracking still 48 hours.

The case of the Ultra is more robust: with a titanium grade 4 frame and 10 ATM water resistance (ATM is the unit for physical atmosphere). The normal Watch7 only supports 5 ATM. The Ultra can be operated from 500 metres below sea level to 9000 metres above sea level - and in temperatures from minus 20 to plus 55 degrees.

The most expensive Galaxy Watch supports multisport training such as triathlon for the first time. Swimming, cycling and running can be measured in one workout. The additional third button on the Ultra is practical and can be used to start training sessions directly. It can also be used to start an emergency siren.

However, if you don't use the watch under extreme conditions, you only really get added value for the steep surcharge in two areas. Namely the battery and the design.

You can find more information about the order and the associated promotions on the following pages:

CH

D/EU

Sports watches + Smartwatches

EUR229,–

Samsung DUPLICATE Galaxy Watch 7 EN

40 mm, Aluminium, WLAN only, S/M

Sports watches + Smartwatches

Samsung DUPLICATE_Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra EN

47 mm, Titanium, 4G, One size

2

Here you can find the other news from the Samsung keynote: