Samsung Rolls Out Update to Address Galaxy Watch 7 Battery Woes
Samsung has released a software update for its recently launched Galaxy Watch 7 series, aiming to resolve reported battery life issues that have plagued early adopters. The update, which is now rolling out to users, promises improvements in battery stability and battery charging stability.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, which is receiving an important software update to address battery life issues |
The Battery Problem
Shortly after the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch 7 Ultra hit the market on July 10, users began reporting unexpectedly poor battery life:
- The standard Watch 7, with its 300mAh battery, was lasting only about 12 hours on a charge
- This falls far short of Samsung's advertised 30-40 hour battery life (depending on Always-On Display settings)
- Even the Watch 7 Ultra, with its larger 590mAh cell, was underperforming expectations
The Update
While Samsung's changelog doesn't explicitly mention fixing battery drain, it does highlight:
- Improvements to overall performance
- Bug fixes
- Potential new or enhanced features
The update is based on One UI version 6.0 Watch, with firmware versions:
- L310XXU1AXG2 (~173MB) for the Galaxy Watch 7
- L705FXXU1AXFB (330.59MB) for the Watch 7 Ultra
Will It Be Enough?
The big question remains: will this update actually solve the battery life problems? Early user reports are mixed, with some seeing improvements while others claim little has changed.
It's worth noting that Samsung has a strong track record for software support on its wearables, promising four years of updates for the Galaxy Watch series. This commitment outpaces even Google, despite the search giant's recent push for extended support on its Pixel phones.
Looking Ahead
While this update may address immediate concerns, the underlying issue highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing performance and battery life in compact wearable devices. As users increasingly rely on smartwatches for health tracking, notifications, and more, the pressure is on manufacturers to deliver all-day (and beyond) battery life without compromising on features.
For now, Galaxy Watch 7 owners are encouraged to install the update and monitor their battery performance closely. If issues persist, further updates from Samsung may be necessary to fully resolve the problem.