Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm LTE) Review Verdict
At $218, the Watch 7 is a 2026 value king. It's essentially a Watch 8 in a rounder, more classic body with the exact same One UI 8 software.
The Good
- Great price for an LTE smartwatch
- One UI 8 with Gemini AI
- Fast, smooth performance
- Classic round design
- Works without your phone
The Bad
- Battery drains faster with LTE
- Android only (no iPhone)
- ECG/BP need a Samsung phone
-
Performance9
-
Battery9
-
Design10
-
Value9
As of early 2026, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm LTE) has officially entered its “value king” era. Currently priced at $218.73 on Amazon—down from its $329.99 MSRP—it offers roughly 90% of the features found in the newer Watch 8 for nearly half the price.
I’ve been testing the Watch 7 (44mm LTE) for workouts, sleep tracking, and daily notifications. In 2026, it sits in a “value sweet spot,” especially if you prefer classic aesthetics over the new “squircle” design direction Samsung took with the Watch 8.
The “One UI 8” Advantage
The biggest reason the Watch 7 is still a “smart buy” in 2026 is that it is software-identical to the newest models. Samsung has rolled out the stable One UI 8 (Wear OS 6) update to the Watch 7, bringing:
- Gemini AI Integration: The same natural-language AI assistant found on the Watch 8.
- The “Now Bar”: A cleaner way to access live activities (music, timers) at the bottom of your screen.
- Advanced Health Insights: Includes the latest “Energy Score” and “Bedtime Guidance” algorithms.
Real-World Experience: Is the 44mm Too Big?
In my daily use on a US carrier plan, the 44mm size feels well-balanced on a medium-to-large wrist. It has a premium presence without the sheer bulk of the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
- LTE always on: Expect ~1.5 days.
- Bluetooth-only: You can stretch this closer to 2 days.
- LTE + GPS runs: Noticeable drain (roughly 12–15% battery drain per hour).
- Charging: A quick 30-minute top-up during a morning shower usually covers your battery needs for the next 24 hours.
Design: Round vs. “Squircle”
If you prefer the classic circular smartwatch look, the Galaxy Watch 7 is your last best option. Samsung shifted to a “cushion” (rounded square) design for the standard Galaxy Watch 8. Many US buyers find the Watch 7’s minimal round profile more elegant for the office or formal occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Galaxy Watch 7 waterproof?
Yes. It’s 5ATM and IP68 rated, meaning it’s safe for swimming and workouts, though not for high-speed water sports or deep diving.
Can I make calls without my phone?
Yes. As the LTE version, it works independently for calls, messages, and music streaming with a supported US carrier plan (like Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T).
Is it a good upgrade from a Watch 5 or 6?
Absolutely. The jump to the 3nm Exynos W1000 makes a massive difference in speed. It’s the same chip found in the Watch 8, so you aren’t losing any speed by buying the “older” model.
Final Verdict: Should US Buyers Get It?
At its original $330 price, the Watch 7 was a fair deal. At $218, it is the best-value Android smartwatch in the US in 2026.
Buy it if: You want a round, premium LTE smartwatch with modern AI features and don’t want to pay the “New Model Tax” for the Watch 8..
