Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Samsung - Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm)
Between the Watch SE (2nd gen) and Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm), the Watch SE (2nd gen) comes out ahead in display size, while the Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) wins on peak brightness and battery life. Overall, the Watch SE (2nd gen) scores 56.1 and the Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) scores 43.8 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Watch SE (2nd gen) is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 12.3 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the Watch SE (2nd gen) if you care most about display size. The biggest gaps in its favor are display size.
Pick the Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) if your top frustration with your current device is running out of charge before the day ends — endurance is the lead spec here. Its strongest claims are peak brightness, battery life, weight, among others.
Both ship with comparable cellular, water resistance, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Watch SE (2nd gen) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) wins
- ▲Display size — 35.88% more. 1.78 " vs 1.31 ".
Why Samsung - Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) wins
- ▲Peak brightness — 200.00% more. 3000 nits vs 1000 nits.
- ▲Battery life — 66.67% more. 30 h vs 18 h.
- ▲Weight — 4.20 g less. 28.8 vs 33.
- ▲Has ECG.
- ▲Has SpO2.
Spec comparison
Design
| Spec | Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) | Samsung - Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 44 mmlead | 40 mm |
| Weight | 33 g | 28.8 glead |
| Case material | aluminum | aluminum |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
Display
| Spec | Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) | Samsung - Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Display size | 1.78 "lead | 1.31 " |
| Always-on display | false | truelead |
| Peak brightnessⓘ | 1000 nits | 3000 nitslead |
Health & Fitness
| Spec | Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) | Samsung - Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) |
|---|---|---|
| ECG | false | truelead |
| SpO2 | false | truelead |
| Temperature sensor | false | truelead |
| Sleep tracking | true | true |
| Blood pressure | false | truelead |
Battery & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple - Watch SE (2nd gen) | Samsung - Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 18 h | 30 hlead |
| GPS | true | true |
| Cellular | true | true |
| NFC | true | true |
| OS | watchOS | WearOSlead |
Frequently asked
Which has longer battery life, Watch SE (2nd gen) or Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm)?+
Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) lasts 30h vs 18h.
Do Watch SE (2nd gen) or Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) support ECG?+
Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) supports ECG; Watch SE (2nd gen) does not.
Which has cellular, Watch SE (2nd gen) or Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm)?+
Both offer cellular variants.
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.