Samsung Galaxy Watch7 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: A Chip-to-Chip Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing seamless integration within their existing ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains the superior choice. Its optimized software and efficient S9 chip deliver a consistently smooth experience. However, the Galaxy Watch7’s 3nm Exynos W1000 offers a compelling alternative, particularly for Android users seeking cutting-edge processing power.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Watch7 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, July 10 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 24 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm (1.75 x 1.75 x 0.38 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33.8 g (44mm), 28.8 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 2000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Penta-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Exynos W1000 (3 nm) | Apple S9 |
| GPU | Mali-G68 | PowerVR |
| OS | Android Wear OS 5, up to 6.0, One UI Watch 8 | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, altimeter, compass, SpO2, temperature (skin), BioActive | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 10W wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 425 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Cream, Silver, Green | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | SM-L310F, SM-L315F | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | $ 199.99 / € 136.55 | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.73 W/kg (head) 1.85 W/kg (body) | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Samsung Galaxy Watch7
- Potentially superior processing power with the 3nm Exynos W1000
- Wider compatibility with Android devices
- Likely more customization options through Wear OS
- Slower charging speed (10W wireless)
- Wear OS can be less refined than watchOS
- Potential for software fragmentation
Apple Watch Series 9
- Faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes)
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Mature and polished watchOS operating system
- Dual-core processor may limit performance in demanding tasks
- Limited compatibility with Android devices
- Less customization compared to Wear OS
Display Comparison
While display specs aren't provided, both watches are expected to utilize advanced AMOLED panels. However, the Galaxy Watch7’s potential for higher peak brightness, a common Samsung strength, could give it an edge in outdoor visibility. The use of LTPO technology in both devices is likely, enabling variable refresh rates for power efficiency. Bezels are a key differentiator, and historically Samsung has offered slimmer bezels, potentially providing a more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy is expected to be excellent on both, given their respective brand reputations.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is heavily focused on camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are absent. Smartwatches primarily use cameras for limited functions like video calls or quick snapshots. Any camera differences would likely be minimal and not a primary purchasing factor.
Performance
The core of this comparison lies in the chipsets. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch7 boasts a Penta-core Exynos W1000 built on a 3nm process, a significant leap in transistor density compared to Apple’s S9. While the Apple S9 is a dual-core processor, Apple’s silicon is renowned for its architectural efficiency and software optimization. The 3nm node of the Exynos W1000 *should* translate to improved power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained peak performance. However, raw core count doesn’t always equate to real-world speed; Apple’s software integration is a crucial factor. The Galaxy Watch7’s potential for handling complex tasks, like offline voice assistance or advanced health tracking, is higher due to the increased processing power.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but the charging speeds offer a clear point of comparison. The Galaxy Watch7’s 10W wireless charging is slower than the Apple Watch Series 9’s ability to reach 80% charge in 45 minutes. This faster charging speed on the Apple Watch is a significant convenience factor. While the Exynos W1000’s 3nm process *should* improve power efficiency, the Apple Watch’s optimized software and potentially smaller screen size could offset the Exynos’s advantage, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The 45-minute 0-80% charge time of the Apple Watch is a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 if you need a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with Android, offers a potentially wider range of customization options, and benefits from the latest 3nm chipset for demanding tasks. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you prioritize effortless pairing with iPhones, a mature and polished operating system (watchOS), and a robust app ecosystem, even if it means accepting a dual-core processor.