Galaxy Watch 5 Pro vs Apple Watch 7 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your daily habits, preferred ecosystem, and how much you value advanced fitness tracking or seamless phone integration. The Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro both aim to serve different types of users. The Series 7 blends everyday convenience with Apple’s polished user experience. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, on the other hand, targets outdoor athletes and Android users looking for durability and extended battery life. This comparison highlights the key differences between the two models to help you make the right decision for your lifestyle and preferences.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 7 | Galaxy Watch 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Case Size Options | 41mm, 45mm | 45mm only |
| Display | Always-on Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits | Super AMOLED, Sapphire Crystal, 1000 nits |
| Build Material | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Titanium case with Sapphire Crystal glass |
| Processor | Apple S7 SiP (64-bit dual-core) | Exynos W920 (5nm dual-core) |
| RAM | 1GB | 1.5GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 16GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 80 hours (typical use) |
| Fast Charging | Yes (80% in ~45 minutes) | Yes (full charge in ~1.5 hours) |
| OS | watchOS 8 (upgradable) | Wear OS 3.5 with One UI Watch |
| Health Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Optical HR, Fall Detect | ECG, BioActive Sensor, Body Composition |
| GPS | Yes | Dual-band GPS |
| LTE Option | Available | Available |
| Compatibility | iPhone only | Android only |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Series 7 has a sleek, refined look with rounded edges and a nearly edge-to-edge display. It is available in multiple finishes, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro leans into rugged durability with a titanium casing and sapphire crystal for enhanced scratch resistance. Its raised bezel and thicker body make it more suitable for outdoor use.
Display Quality
Both smartwatches feature bright, always-on displays at 1000 nits. The Series 7 uses Apple’s Retina LTPO OLED for smooth visuals and battery efficiency. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro’s Super AMOLED is equally vibrant and offers deep blacks, with the added bonus of being protected by sapphire glass for durability. The Apple Watch offers a more seamless visual experience with thinner bezels.
Performance and Speed
Apple’s S7 chip in the Series 7 delivers a smooth user experience with optimized animations and quick app launches. Samsung’s Exynos W920 in the Watch 5 Pro is equally capable and benefits from 1.5GB of RAM. However, Apple’s integration with iOS gives it a slight edge in system-wide responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key distinction. The Apple Watch Series 7 offers up to 18 hours, requiring daily charging. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro can last up to 80 hours under normal use, or around 20 hours with continuous GPS—making it better suited for long hikes or travel.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Both watches offer ECG and optical heart rate monitoring. The Series 7 adds fall detection and blood oxygen monitoring. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro includes body composition analysis and Samsung’s BioActive sensor for more detailed fitness metrics. It also includes skin temperature tracking, which the Series 7 lacks.
Navigation and Outdoor Features
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is optimized for outdoor enthusiasts with dual-band GPS for better accuracy and a Track Back feature for retracing routes. The Apple Watch Series 7 has standard GPS, which works well for casual use but lacks advanced route tracking tools.
Software and Ecosystem
Apple’s watchOS is tightly integrated with iPhones and includes a broad app ecosystem and smooth syncing. Samsung’s Watch 5 Pro runs on Wear OS with One UI Watch, offering broader app support than past Tizen watches but only works with Android phones. Both have voice assistants and smart reply capabilities.
Charging and Durability
The Series 7 supports fast charging, gaining 80% charge in under an hour. The Watch 5 Pro charges more slowly but makes up for it with multi-day battery life. In terms of durability, the Watch 5 Pro’s titanium and sapphire build make it more rugged, while the Series 7 is swimproof and crack-resistant but slightly less impact-resistant overall.
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 7 work with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 7 is only compatible with iPhones. You cannot set it up or use it with Android devices.
Can I use the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro with an iPhone?
No, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is only compatible with Android smartphones. It cannot pair or sync with iOS devices.
Which watch has better battery life?
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro significantly outlasts the Series 7, offering up to 80 hours of use compared to the Series 7’s 18-hour battery life.
Is the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro good for outdoor sports?
Yes, it is built for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts with dual-band GPS, advanced route tracking, and a rugged titanium case.
Does the Apple Watch Series 7 support body composition analysis?
No, the Series 7 does not support body composition analysis. That feature is available on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Which watch is better for iPhone users?
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the clear choice for iPhone users due to its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Which device has more app support?
Apple Watch Series 7 likely has broader and better app support due to the mature watchOS platform and strong developer backing.
Does the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro have a temperature sensor?
Yes, it includes a temperature sensor as part of Samsung’s BioActive suite, though third-party support for this feature is still limited.
Which watch charges faster?
The Apple Watch Series 7 charges faster, reaching 80% in about 45 minutes. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro takes over an hour for a full charge.
Which is better for casual users?
Casual users who want a stylish and easy-to-use watch for daily life may prefer the Apple Watch Series 7, especially if they use an iPhone.