Smartwatches have long been more than just a technical toy - they are our fitness trainers, digital assistants and sometimes even lifesavers. But choosing the right smartwatch can be tricky, because both models boast impressive features: In this article, we compare the Apple Watch 10 with the Galaxy Watch 7 to find out which smartwatch is ahead in which areas.
compatibility
As good as the individual functions are, both devices have their drawbacks when it comes to compatibility. While the Apple Watch 10 is only compatible with iPhones (every model from iPhone XS with iOS 18), the Galaxy Watch is only compatible with Android phones. However, there are sections here too, because some functions and apps only work with Samsung phones. So choosing the right smartwatch depends primarily on your phone.
design and display
The Apple Watch Series 10 stays true to its distinctive, rectangular look, but has been given a few neat tweaks around the edges - the display is now even larger and the watch itself is slimmer. At just 9.7 mm, it is the thinnest Apple Watch yet and comes in two sizes (42 mm and 46 mm). The new titanium version brings a stylish and lightweight upgrade, while the display is 40% brighter - perfect for keeping an eye on everything outdoors.
The Galaxy Watch 7 has a classic, round design that fans of traditional watches will love. With sizes of 40 mm and 44 mm and a simple aluminum finish, it looks modern but not overloaded. Its AMOLED display is crisp and fits seamlessly into the minimalist design. Just like the Apple Watch, it is only 9.7 mm thin and feels comfortable on the wrist.
winner: Which model wins in this category depends largely on your own taste.
processor
Under the hood is the brand new S10 chip, which is not only faster, but also handles your data more cleverly thanks to a neural engine. Whether it's translations, fitness tracking or apps - everything runs smoothly and without waiting. With 64 GB of storage, you also have plenty of space for music, apps and more.
The Galaxy Watch 7 is equipped with the Exynos W1000processor that is three times faster than its predecessor. This ensures a fast user experience, whether you are opening apps, checking fitness data or clicking through the menus. With 2 GB RAM and 32 GB storage, it offers enough power for your everyday life.
Winner: If you are looking for maximum performance and storage, the Apple Watch is the perfect choice.
battery life
The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 10 remains rather average at the familiar 18 hours. With normal use, you can get through the whole day, but after that it has to be recharged every time. Here, however, the Apple Watch shines again with an advantage: Thanks to the quick charge function, the watch can charge from 0 to 80% within 30 minutes - perfect for spontaneous use or when you just need something quickly.
Similar to the Apple Watch, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers about a day of use. However, in everyday use it often lasts a little longer, especially with moderate use. When charging, however, you need a little more patience: a full charge can take up to two hours, which is quite long in comparison.
Winner: Draw. We can't declare a clear winner here.While the Galaxy Watch usually lasts a little longer than the Apple Watch, the latter stands out with its significantly shorter charging time.
connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the two watches are not that different. Both the Apple Watch 10 and the Galaxy Watch 7 support Wi-Fi 802.11n, GPS, Bluetooth 5.3 and Ultra-Wideband for local location tracking. In addition, both models also offer 4G LTE versions.
Winner: draw
fitness functions
The Apple Watch 10 brings new features into play, including sleep apnea detection (still in FDA approval) and tools specifically for water sports, such as a depth gauge and water temperature sensors. For fitness lovers, there is precise tracking of workouts, heart rate, blood oxygen and sleep cycles. In addition, the new Vitals app combines all health data in one place, making it easier to keep track of everything. The integration with Apple Fitness+ also ensures a seamless connection between fitness classes and training data.
The Galaxy Watch 7 impresses with a wide range of health and fitness features. Sleep apnea detection is already FDA-approved and can be used immediately. One highlight is blood pressure measurement - a function that the Apple Watch still lacks. There is also body composition data (e.g. fat percentage) and AI-supported wellness tools that give you deeper insights into your health. With energy scores and personalized recommendations, Samsung goes one step further in fitness analysis.
Winner: The Apple Watch 10 shines with its focus on water sports and clear data management. The Galaxy Watch 7, on the other hand, scores with innovative health metrics such as blood pressure measurement and body analysis. For fans of comprehensive health data and advanced fitness tools, Samsung has the edge here, while Apple users especially enjoy the seamless integration into the ecosystem.
price and variants
The Apple Watch 10 starts at €399 for the smaller 42 mm version with GPS. The larger 46 mm version costs €429. If you want LTE, you'll have to pay around €100 more. The new titanium version, which has LTE as standard, is significantly more expensive and starts at €699. This puts the Apple Watch in the premium price range. However, there are also refurbished models that are often significantly cheaper and still work perfectly - an interesting alternative for bargain hunters.
The Galaxy Watch 7 is the more budget-friendly choice: it starts at €299 for the 40mm version with GPS. The 44mm variant costs €329, and you'll pay around €50 more for LTE. Refurbished versions are also available, making the already cheaper prices even more attractive without sacrificing any features.
winner: In the price category, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is the clear winner. It offers solid performance and features at a much lower entry price. The Apple Watch 10 justifies its higher price with more exclusive materials like titanium, a larger display, and tight integration into the Apple ecosystem. However, if you're flexible, refurbished versions of both models offer a great way to get high-quality smartwatches at a reduced price.
Conclusion
Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 are impressive smartwatches that feel best in their respective ecosystems.The Apple Watch scores with its larger, brighter display, exclusive materials and seamless integration into the Apple universe. Water sports features and sophisticated health tracking round off the overall package - but at a higher price.
The Galaxy Watch 7, on the other hand, offers a more classic design, advanced health metrics like blood pressure monitoring, and tight integration with Android, especially for Samsung users. It's also the more budget-friendly option, especially for refurbished models.
Your decision should depend on which smartphone you use and which features are most important to you. For iPhone owners, there is hardly any way around the Apple Watch. Android users - especially those who own a Samsung device - are well served with the Galaxy Watch 7. Ultimately, both models deliver modern features and strong performance, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
