This year, Samsung introduced two remarkable additions to its Galaxy wearables lineup: the Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Buds3. These devices are powered by Galaxy AI and are designed to integrate seamlessly with other Galaxy devices, including Samsung smartphones and tablets.
In this review, we’ll explore their standout features, design, performance, and software support to help you decide if they’re worth the investment.
Design
The Galaxy Watch7 retains the familiar look of its predecessor but brings significant refinements to its design. Its elegant floating glass design gives it a modern and premium feel. The green 40mm LTE version stands out with its subtle green hue paired with a sleek gray aluminum case. It's a combination that looks sophisticated yet fresh.
On the side of the case, tactile back and option buttons are easy to press, adding to the overall functionality. The ripple-patterned silicone band, featuring sporty blue and orange accents, adds a playful yet stylish touch to the design. This could easily be one of my favorite watch designs this year.
What makes it even more versatile is its compatibility with previous Galaxy Watch bands, allowing users to easily switch up styles and customize for different occasions. I love using the watch when I’m out for a run but I’m also into the fact that I can easily change the bands to suit my formal events.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds3 brings a fresh look and feel with a significant design overhaul. It now features an open-type stem design that ensures a secure yet comfortable fit. Whether I’m on a casual jog or tackling intense circuit training, these buds stay in place. They’re very reliable in offering comfort and stability even during vigorous activities.
It also features the new blade design. This section houses sensors for gesture controls. It is a touch-sensitive surface which supports gestures like swipes to adjust volume and pinches to control playback. The cherry on top is the clicking sound when the tactile mechanism responds snappily to my actions.
Its style, comfort, and usability makes the Galaxy Buds3 an ideal option for everyday use, making my daily routine easier from daily calls to intense workout sessions.
Hardware and Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy Watch7 is powered by a 3nm Samsung Exynos W1000 processor with 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage. The chipset is faster and is designed to work better with a Galaxy smartphone. Moreover, the Galaxy Watch7 also features a new BioActive sensor for precise tracking for activities, sleep, and heart rate data.
One of its standout features is the Dual-Frequency GPS, for those who prefer to leave their phones behind during runs. The automatic workout detection is also on point especially when you’re doing GPS-based workouts. Additionally, Samsung has integrated Galaxy AI to provide an "Energy Score". To me, this is a “gamified” version in assessing your daily energy levels on a scale of 1 to 100. This AI-assisted feature is a handy way to track your fitness routine and push yourself in workouts.
The Galaxy Watch7 also supports gestures. These AI-assisted gesture controls include the Double Pinch, which allows you to snap photos, answer calls, or pause tracks effortlessly. Other gestures like "Twist" or "Knock Knock" add convenience to the user experience. It also has IP68 water and dust resistance which works well when I’m out for a swim.
The Galaxy Watch7’s Sleep Coaching feature helps optimize sleep quality with tips and is also FDA certified for its Sleep Apnea detection. This, combined with its excellent sleep tracking, may take a few weeks to get used to but promises to deliver a reliable and solid experience. Battery life, however, is modest at about one day with regular use, so daily charging may be necessary. If you're already accustomed to charging your watch daily, this won't be a problem for you.
When it comes to performance, these earbuds do not disappoint. The Galaxy Buds3 sports an 11mm dynamic driver and the latest Bluetooth 5.4. It offers a balanced soundstage with strong bass. The mids and highs are just fine, and could use a bit of improvement but overall, the sound quality is quite decent.
There’s a possibility of software fine-tuning due to its AI-powered sound capability. The Wearable app includes built-in equalizer profiles to fine-tune the sound, but the real standout is the Adaptive EQ on the Galaxy Buds3. It adjusts both internal and external sound in real-time to enhance your listening experience.
What impressed me the most is the Active Noise Cancellation. It does a great job of blocking out unwanted background noise with its Adaptive ANC. I tested it on a one-hour flight, and it successfully drowned out the plane's engine noise. It also has great mic performance.
The Galaxy Buds3 can pick up sounds around you, like voices, sirens, or construction noise, and automatically adjust the sound levels to keep you aware of what's going on. It’s a cool feature that helps you stay connected to your surroundings while wearing the earbuds. In my real time testing, a fully charged Galaxy Buds3 gets me 6 hours of continuous playback. With ANC and Spatial Audio, it drops to roughly 4 hours.
Software and App Support
Both devices are complemented by Samsung's intuitive software. With Samsung Health, you can access your comprehensive health data. It monitors everything from steps, workouts, heart rate, sleep and stress levels. All of these are presented in a simple layout that's easy to understand and navigate. Plus, it syncs smoothly with the Galaxy Watch7, giving you real-time data and personalized tips. You can even join challenges with friends to stay motivated and make fitness more fun.
Of course, the Wearable app is also great for keeping your Galaxy devices set up exactly how you like them. It lets you customize watch faces, adjust settings, and handle updates in just a few taps. Both apps are simple, easy to use, and vital in the whole Galaxy ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Watch7 starts at Php 16,990. It promises a sleek design, robust health-tracking features, and Galaxy AI-assisted capabilities. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds3 is priced at Php 8,990. It provides excellent sound, intuitive gesture controls, and effective Active Noise Cancellation.
Both devices are packed with innovative features and are solid choices for those invested in the Galaxy ecosystem. Whether you're after a feature-rich smartwatch or quality wireless earbuds, these devices are worth considering.
Samsung Galaxy Watch7 Specs
Processor: Exynos W100
RAM and Storage: 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage
OS: Wear OS powered by Samsung
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, 4G LTE (optional)
Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, Heart Rate, SpO2, ECG, Body Composition
Battery: 300 mAh
Durability: 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810H certified
Compatibility: Android and iOS devices
Colors: Midnight Black, Silver, Rose Gold
Price: Starts at Php 16,990
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Specs
Audio: 1-way speakers tuned by AKGActive Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Ambient Sound: Adjustable levels for better awareness
Microphones: Six mic system for clear calls
Battery Life: Up to 3.5 hours (talk time, earbuds) + 18 hours with charging case (ANC ON)
Charging: USB Type-C and wireless charging support
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, seamless pairing with Galaxy devices
Features: Touch controls, Voice Detect, 360 Audio (Dolby Atmos), Game Mode
Water Resistance: IP77-rated for earbuds
Compatibility: Android and iOS devices
Price: Php 8,990
