Galaxy Watch 7 vs Ultra: Which Smartwatch Truly Wins?

 

The watch market has been buzzing with excitement over the past couple of years, and Samsung has played a big role in that. Last year, the company launched the Galaxy Watch 7 series with two new models and, once again, changed its naming strategy. After experimenting with names like "Classic" and "Pro," Samsung has now embraced the "Ultra" tag.

Samsung’s most advanced smartwatch to date is the Galaxy Watch Ultra. But how does it stack up against the standard Galaxy Watch 7? And what exactly do you get if you choose the Ultra version?

In this article, I will show the Galaxy Watch 7 vs Ultra comparison to help you decide which one suits you best. I have thoroughly tested both models, and my final verdict, revealed at the end, just might take you by surprise.

  

Ruggedness Differences

Let’s start with the basics. The Galaxy Watch 7 sticks to the classic design we’ve come to expect. It features a smooth, lightweight aluminum body and a sleek, modern look. It’s built to handle the elements, with an IP68 rating. The Galaxy Watch 7 has 5ATM water resistance, meaning it can handle depths of up to 164 feet for around 10 minutes.

On top of that, it’s certified with MIL-STD-810H, and it’s tough enough to operate in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, on the other hand, is made for more extreme adventures. It has a 10ATM water resistance rating, allowing it to go as deep as 328 feet

Instead of aluminum, it uses a rugged titanium build that offers far more durability and can take some serious knocks. Like the Watch 7, it also carries the MIL-STD-810H certification and operates within the same temperature range. However, Samsung hasn’t detailed any additional test standards. Still, the message is clear that this is the watch built for hardcore activities like deep-sea diving, ocean swimming, and mountain climbing.

 

Galaxy Watch 7 vs Ultra: Specification Differences

Specs	Samsung Galaxy Watch 7	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Case size	40 millimeters, 44 millimeters	47 millimeters
Operating System Compatibility	Android	Android
Processor	Samsung Exynos W1000	Samsung Exynos W1000
Display Size	1.3 inches, 1.5 inches	1.5 inches
Weight	28.8 g (40 mm), 33.8 g (44 mm)	60.5 g
Battery	300 mAh (40 mm); 425 mAh (44 mm)	590 mAh

 

 

Comparison of Battery Life

 

The Galaxy Watch 7 is available in two sizes, and if you go with the larger 44mm model, you might be able to squeeze out more than 24 hours of use on a single charge. However, Samsung’s smartwatches aren’t exactly famous for long battery life.

The Watch Ultra manages to last longer mainly because it shares the same screen and internal tech as the Watch 7, but packs a much larger battery. As with any smartwatch, features like GPS, constant health tracking, and the always-on display are the biggest battery drainers.

Even so, the Watch Ultra is more likely to get you through 24 to 36 hours without much worry, whereas the Watch 7 might need a recharge sooner. When it comes to charging, neither watch supports standard Qi wireless chargers since they rely on the WPC standard. That means you’ll need to stick with the charger that comes in the box for both models, so don’t forget to pack it.

 

Bands Comparison

 

Samsung has taken a slightly different route with the Galaxy Watch Ultra when it comes to watch bands.  The standard Galaxy Watch 7 sticks with the familiar one-click strap system carried over from earlier models. The release button is built into the band itself. When you press it, the button pulls back the pins that connect the watch’s band to the lugs. 

This design keeps things simple and gives you flexibility. You can swap in third-party bands with ease, and most 20-millimeter or 22-millimeter quick-release straps should fit just fine. Plus, bands from older Galaxy Watches are also compatible. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, however, takes a more specialized approach.

Its release buttons are built into the watch body, similar to how the Apple Watch handles bands. It uses proprietary straps, so you won’t have the same wide range of third-party options. That said, Samsung offers a decent selection of bands on its website, so you’re not entirely limited.

The Ultra, on the other hand, leans toward a modern aesthetic where the strap feels like an integrated part of the watch. It ultimately comes down to taste, but if you prefer that timeless style and want more band options, the Watch 7 might edge out the Ultra for you.

 

 

Galaxy Watch 7 vs Ultra: Screen Differences

 

Surprisingly, the larger size of the Galaxy Watch Ultra doesn’t mean it has a bigger display. It features a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED screen with a 480x480 resolution, the same as the 44 millimeters Galaxy Watch 7. On the other hand, the smaller 40mm Watch 7  comes with a 1.3-inch screen at 432x432 resolution.

Where the Ultra really shines, literally, is in brightness. It boasts a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed the peak brightness for the Galaxy Watch 7, but it is expected to match the 2,000 nits offered by the Galaxy Watch 6.

 

 

Size and Weight Differences

It’s no shocker that the standard Galaxy Watch 7 is the more compact option. It comes in two sizes: 40 millimeters and 44 millimeters, weighing in at just 1.02 and 1.19 ounces, respectively.

In contrast, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a beast of a watch at 47 millimeters and tips the scales at 2.13 ounces, almost double the weight. That extra weight comes from the Ultra’s titanium build, which is not only stronger than aluminum but also used more generously in its construction.

 

 

Which One Should You Buy?

 

Ultimately, your choice comes down to how you plan to use your smartwatch. If you want a well-rounded device that handles everyday tasks and offers solid health and fitness tracking, the Galaxy Watch 7 fits the bill nicely.

But if durability is a top priority, particularly since the Watch 7 has an aluminum body, then the Galaxy Watch Ultra becomes a compelling alternative. With its rugged titanium frame, it’s built to take a beating. That said, it’s a bit disappointing that Samsung didn’t fully optimize it for water sports, especially when you consider how well the Apple Watch Ultra 2 performs in that space.

Keep in mind, the Watch Ultra is not for everyone. Its large 47 millimeters size, along with added weight and thickness, makes it feel noticeably bulkier on the wrist. You might get used to it over time, but it’s a big shift, especially since Samsung doesn’t typically design watches this rugged.

In the comparison between Galaxy Watch 7 vs Ultra, the Galaxy Watch 7 is still the more practical choice for most users. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is essentially a tougher version of the Watch 7, with a few standout features. But unless you truly need that extra durability, the core tracking experience between the two won’t feel all that different.