Galaxy Watch 7 vs Apple Watch 9 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on how you plan to use it, your smartphone ecosystem, and your style preferences. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 are both popular options, but they serve different types of users. The Series 9 is deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem and offers polished health and app features. The Galaxy Watch 7, designed for Android users, focuses on customizability and advanced sensors. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you decide which smartwatch better fits your needs and lifestyle.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.9″ Always-On Retina LTPO OLED (396×484) | 1.5″ or 1.3″ Super AMOLED (480×480 or 432×432) |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 2000 nits |
| Processor | Apple S9 SiP with Neural Engine | Exynos W1000 (newer 3nm chip) |
| RAM | 1GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Charging | Fast charging with USB-C | Fast charging (about 45% in 30 mins) |
| Operating System | watchOS 10 | Wear OS 5 (with One UI Watch 5) |
| Compatibility | iPhone only | Android only |
| Health Sensors | HR, SpO2, ECG, Temp, Crash Detection | HR, SpO2, ECG, BioActive Sensor v2 |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Series 9 retains its familiar rounded square design with a premium feel. It is available in aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. The Galaxy Watch 7 sticks to Samsung’s circular watch face and offers a sleeker feel in either Armor Aluminum or stainless steel. Apple provides a more refined finish, while Samsung leans into durability with slightly lighter and more minimalist hardware.
Display Quality
Both watches feature bright, high-resolution AMOLED screens with up to 2000 nits of brightness. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a slightly larger screen area and curved corners that improve the aesthetic. Galaxy Watch 7 has a sharper pixel density on the smaller model but maintains excellent outdoor readability and crisp graphics.
Performance and Processing
Apple’s S9 chip includes a Neural Engine for smoother animations, better dictation, and quick Siri responses. Samsung counters with the new Exynos W1000 chip built on a 3nm process, promising better efficiency and faster app launches compared to the W930. Day-to-day use is fluid on both, but Galaxy Watch 7 has the edge in multitasking with 2GB of RAM.
Software and Ecosystem
watchOS 10 introduces more widgets, smart stack features, and app improvements tailored for iPhone users. It is best suited for those deeply tied to the Apple ecosystem. Galaxy Watch 7 runs Wear OS 5 with One UI Watch 5, offering wider app compatibility and better integration with Android features like Google Assistant and Play Store apps.
Health and Fitness Features
Both smartwatches offer ECG, heart rate tracking, and blood oxygen monitoring. Apple’s temperature sensor adds cycle tracking and sleep insights, while Galaxy Watch 7 includes the second-gen BioActive Sensor for more accurate heart rate, body composition, and skin temperature. Samsung may offer more granular workout tracking, but Apple has the edge in polished health data presentation.
Battery Life and Charging
Apple Watch Series 9 delivers around 18 hours, with up to 36 in Low Power Mode. Galaxy Watch 7 lasts up to 40 hours on a single charge, with noticeable gains in power efficiency due to its new chip. Fast charging is available on both, but Samsung’s longer battery life is more suitable for users who don’t want to charge daily.
Storage and Connectivity
Apple Watch offers 64GB of internal storage—double what the Galaxy Watch 7 provides. This is ideal for offline music, podcasts, and app data. Both offer LTE models for standalone connectivity. Apple supports seamless pairing with AirPods and iCloud, while Samsung integrates well with Android phones and Google services.
FAQ
Can the Apple Watch Series 9 work with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 9 is only compatible with iPhones. It cannot be set up or used with an Android device.
Does the Galaxy Watch 7 work with iPhones?
No, the Galaxy Watch 7 is designed for Android users only. It does not support iOS pairing or functionality.
Which has better battery life: Galaxy Watch 7 or Apple Watch Series 9?
The Galaxy Watch 7 has better battery life, lasting up to 40 hours compared to the 18 hours of the Apple Watch Series 9.
Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer strong fitness tracking, but Galaxy Watch 7 includes body composition analysis and a more advanced BioActive sensor, which may appeal to users who want deeper metrics.
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 support Siri offline?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 can process Siri commands offline thanks to the S9 chip’s built-in Neural Engine.
Can I download apps on both smartwatches?
Yes, both watches support app downloads. The Apple Watch uses the App Store and watchOS, while the Galaxy Watch 7 uses Google Play via Wear OS.
Is there a difference in display brightness?
No, both watches offer up to 2000 nits of peak brightness, making them highly readable in sunlight.
Do both watches support ECG and blood oxygen monitoring?
Yes, both support ECG and blood oxygen tracking, though the implementation and companion apps differ between Apple Health and Samsung Health.
Which is more durable for everyday wear?
Both are built with durability in mind. The Galaxy Watch 7 includes Armor Aluminum or stainless steel options, while Apple offers titanium for even greater scratch resistance.