Suunto 7 test - sports smartwatch for all situations?

by

Suunto 7 is an everyday hero. The sport smartwatch is aimed at everyone who is sporty and active, likes to try out new things and is immediately eye-catching with its look and feel. The Suunto 7 series has been completely revised, now has a touchscreen with AMOLED display, offline maps and is now powered by Wear OS from Google. What does the smartwatch do in everyday life, during sport and outdoors? I took a detailed look at the multisport smartwatch in my Suunto 7 test. 

Table of Contents show

Modern smartwatches like the Suunto 7 have to shine in many situations - be suitable for everyday use, measure steps and activity calories during the day, make a statement in the office and record confident and precise fitness data for various sports. While users used to be an imposing mechanical in the office watch wore one to run Heart rate monitor If you use a chest strap and prefer to take the watch off completely during your free time, modern sports smartwatches have to shine in every conceivable situation.

You have to do the same with demanding ones Outdoor activities exist as well as make a good figure in the office with a suit. Because the wearer not only wants to record their workouts in their free time, but also the steps taken in everyday life. The sports watch is a helper against the sedentary lifestyle in the office.

The range of functions is getting bigger and bigger

The range of functions is getting bigger and the models more and more versatile. Smartwatches are now small computers on the wrist that take on many functions of the smartphone and literally serve the wearer as a digital assistant in everyday life. A real challenge for the manufacturers of Sports Watchesto give their timepieces all the functions to fulfill this requirement as an all-rounder.

The new 7 series from the Finnish manufacturer Suunto is such a beacon of hope. In our Suunto 7 test, we checked the smartwatch for athletes in detail and introduce you to all of the model's strengths and weaknesses.

Video – Suunto 7 in the product test

Below I have selected a very informative test report of the Suunto 7 as a video. Anyone who doesn't like reading long test reports can get a good overview of the smartwatch with the video.

YouTube

By downloading the video you accept the privacy policy of YouTube.
Read more

Load video

Buy Suunto Smartwatch

Looking for the perfect combination of technology and adventure? Experience precision and design in one with Suunto smartwatches from Amazon. Track your activities, stay connected and rediscover every challenge. Suunto – where performance meets style!

Related Articles

Suunto 7 test – my first impression

The first impression of the smartwatch from Finland is very positive at the beginning of my Suunto 7 test. The case is large, of high quality and robust - and has a noble metal bezel. I specifically chose the white and burgundy version because I wanted a change from the often deep black smartwatches that are currently on the market. Fortunately, the newer models in particular come in a little more varied colors. But the real joy only comes when the smartwatch is switched on: the AMOLED display shines in bright colors and the Google Wear OS operating system comes to life.

Consistent overall picture: In my Suunto 7 test, I tested the smartwatch in everyday life, while jogging and while standing up paddling. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Consistent overall picture: In my Suunto 7 test, I tested the smartwatch in everyday life, while jogging and while standing up paddling. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

The setup is very simple, but it has to be as a Apple iOS users download two apps to configure and use the watch to the full: the Google Wear app and the Suunto app. As soon as that is done, however, you can start: the setup takes place automatically and is completed after a few minutes. I then browsed through the menus - the multisport watch is operated via the touchscreen and four function keys. Within a few minutes you are familiar with the intuitive operation - and the fun with the smartwatch can begin.

Book your well-deserved vacation now!

Book your dream vacation now at favorable conditions on the renowned booking portal HolidayCheck – top rated by Stiftung Warentest (01/2024). Click and browse now!

Book your dream vacation now at favorable conditions on the renowned booking portal HolidayCheck - top rated by Stiftung Warentest (01/2024). Click and browse now!
Advertisement.

Suunto 7 in the test

A quick overview

  • the Suunto 7 is a modern sports smartwatch for daily training, everyday life, travel and all imaginable outdoor use
  • Highlights are the large, robust housing, the Wear OS by Google operating system and the high-resolution AMOLED display
  • The most important specifications of the multifunctional sports watch in a brief overview
    • Stainless steel bezel and glass fiber reinforced polyamide case
    • Gorilla glass cover slip
    • Silicone bracelet
    • Unisex model for women and men in different colors
    • AMOLED touchscreen with a high resolution of 454 × 454 pixels and up to 1000 nits
    • Heart rate measurement on the wrist
    • more than 70 sport modes adjustable
    • waterproof to 50 meters
Suunto 7 in the test: the sports smartwatch is available in numerous colors - including white Burgundy. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Suunto 7 in the test: the sports smartwatch is available in numerous colors - including white Burgundy. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Suunto 7 test – Where can the new outdoor smartwatch be classified and who is it suitable for?

Most smartwatch wearers don't want to wear multiple watches - for example, one when doing sports, one when traveling and one in the office. Accordingly, the current models must be elegant enough to withstand everyday use - especially at work - and at the same time meet the high expectations that many users have of a smartwatch during sports and outdoor activities. The Suunto 7 attempts this balancing act between the wearer's different situations - and manages it without any problems. It is intended to support the wearer in all life situations. There are over 70 different sports programs available to users. The switch to an AMOLED display is also very pleasing.

The older, less high-resolution displays from Suunto and other manufacturers looked a bit out of date recently. The Wearable has a new, more appealing design that enables a high-quality appearance and thus also an improved suitability for everyday use at work and in leisure time, because the look is more compatible with a suit or a stylish leisure outfit. We already have that from the manufacturer Suunto 9 Baro (test), the Suunto 3 (test) and the Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR (Test) tested. The Suunto 7 has made a real quantum leap forward compared to the somewhat older (and now often cheaper) models - that much can be said. 

Hello, I'm Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg - and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.
About the author

I'm just a curious beach kid in the world

Hello, I am Sascha Tobias Tegtmeyer from Hamburg – and a real beach child with heart and soul! Sea fan, travel lover and always up for an adventure. On my travel blog Just-Wanderlust.com and the social media channels of Strandkind Travels, I combine my love of traveling and nature with a passion for water sports such as stand-up paddling, diving and surfing. I am a journalist, author and blogger - and I am naturally curious when I get to know new travel destinations and then write about them in detail. As a technology fan, when I'm traveling with my family or alone, I'm always happy to bring a few travel gadgets with me for testing purposes. My favorite travel countries, which I also prefer to write about in my travel blog: USA, Thailand and Maldives.

Follow me too Xing, TripAdvisor and Threads!

Follow me on Instagram now

stick with Travel Blog Just-Wanderlust.com and @strandkind_co always up to date and just follow me on Instagram!

Has anyone present already treated themselves to the new MacBook M3? And if so, what color? 💻🛒😍🤓 *Advertisement / Ad* #apple #macbook #macbookair #macbookairm3 #macbookair13
*Advertisement / Ad* The brand new MacBook Air M3 is here! - With ultra-fast M3 processor 💨 - 18 hours of battery life 🔋 - Available in 13 and 15 inches 💻 - Only 1,24 kg light and 11,3 mm thin (13 inches) - Ideal for working on the go and while traveling 🧳😎🥰 - Perfect for photo & video editing as well as AI applications - today apple.com/de or pre-order directly from tomorrow Apple Shop store 🛒 #apple #macbook #macbookair #macbookairm3 #macbookair13
*Advertisement / Ad* You don't know where to travel this summer yet? How about the paradisiacal Croatian island of Krk! Get advice from @sol.tours and @solvillas.eu, they know the best accommodations and most beautiful corners of the island 😍🤟🥰🐳🌍✈️🏄‍☀️⛵️😍🙏 * * * * ->>>> check out the links too my bio 🤩 * * * #beachkind #blogger #travelblogger #travel #travel #travellust #travelmakeshappy #travelphotography #travelfieber #travelblog #microadventure #wanderlust #adventure #nature #theweekoninstagram #vacation #vacationready #vacationfeeling #vacationathome #vacationwithdog #vacationwithchildren #travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelgram #traveling #croatia #visitkrk @visitkrkisland @visitmalinska
*Advertisement / Ad* You don't know where to travel this summer yet? How about the paradisiacal Croatian island of Krk! Get advice from @sol.tours and @solvillas.eu, they know the best accommodations and most beautiful corners of the island 😍🤟🥰🐳🌍✈️🏄‍☀️⛵️😍🙏 * * * * ->>>> check out the links too my bio 🤩 * * * #beachkind #blogger #travelblogger #travel #travel #travellust #travelmakeshappy #travelphotography #travelfieber #travelblog #microadventure #wanderlust #adventure #nature #theweekoninstagram #vacation #vacationready #vacationfeeling #vacationathome #vacationwithdog #vacationwithchildren #travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelgram #traveling #croatia #visitkrk @visitkrkisland @visitmalinska
*Advertisement / Ad* You don't know where to travel this summer yet? How about the paradisiacal Croatian island of Krk! Get advice from @sol.tours and @solvillas.eu, they know the best accommodations and most beautiful corners of the island 😍🤟🥰🐳🌍✈️🏄‍☀️⛵️😍🙏 * * * * ->>>> check out the links too my bio 🤩 * * * #beachkind #blogger #travelblogger #travel #travel #travellust #travelmakeshappy #travelphotography #travelfieber #travelblog #microadventure #wanderlust #adventure #nature #theweekoninstagram #vacation #vacationready #vacationfeeling #vacationathome #vacationwithdog #vacationwithchildren #travel #travelphotography #travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelgram #traveling #croatia #visitkrk @visitkrkisland @visitmalinska
Never stop discovering - places, people, activities - and everything that lies dormant within you⛷️🥰😍☀️🤟🥰🐳🌍✈️🏄‍☀️⛵️😍🙏 * * Advertisement * Everything about the PillerseeTal in the link in the bio * * * * #strandkind #blogger #reiseblogger #shotoniphone #reisen #reise #reiselust #reisenmachtglücklich #travelphotography #reisefieber #reiseblog #microadventure #wanderlust #adventure #nature #meerliebe #urlaub #urlaubsreif #urlaubsfeeling #urlaubmithund #urlaubmitkindern #justwanderlust #travel #travelphotography # travelblogger #traveltheworld #travelgram #traveling

Suunto 7 test – strengths and weaknesses of the smartwatch

Our detailed Suunto 7 test revealed many of the smartwatch's strengths, but also some weaknesses. Above all, the high-quality and elegant design of the timepiece caught the eye and turned the watch into a real piece of jewelry on the wrist. The color combination white and burgundy certainly contributes to this effect.

The Suunto 7 did really well in my test - the manufacturer has made a real quantum leap to the 2019 models. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
The Suunto 7 did really well in my test - the manufacturer has made a real quantum leap to the 2019 models. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

The highlight of the watch is definitely the brightly sharp AMOLED display with strong colors and deep black. It's fun to look at animations and different displays such as the heat maps. The intuitive operation of the smartwatch is also important. You don't have to spend a lot of time trying to control the watch optimally.

You can navigate through the menus quickly and easily using the touchscreen and the four buttons. I had previously read about the Suunto 7 that the heart rate measurement on the wrist should only be precise under very specific conditions and that significant deviations can occur during the measurement. I can not confirm that.

Heart rate measurement is very precise

I wore the watch quite normally and quite loosely on my wrist and was able to achieve precise heart rate measurement results. They matched my reference device to within one to three beats per minute. The heat maps for runners, which show where other joggers are doing their laps, are very well integrated in this smartwatch. The software environment in which the smartwatch is located is also very positive.

Suunto app works smoothly

The Suunto app works reliably on the iPhone and synchronizes the watch without any problems. This is also exciting Apple-Health integration that can receive the collected data for analysis. The continuous further development of the software, which takes place via regular updates, is also very friendly. Overall, the sports smartwatch left a very positive impression and is currently one of the best and most reliable models on the market. 

The silicone wristband of the Suunto 7 sits smoothly on the wrist - as an option, various other wristbands can be bought for the sports smartwatch. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
The silicone wristband of the Suunto 7 sits smoothly on the wrist - as an option, various other wristbands can be bought for the sports smartwatch. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

On the side of the weaknesses, however, there are also a few smaller points about the Suunto 7 that shouldn't be overlooked at this point: If you want to use the watch to its full potential, you have to download two different apps onto your iPhone. One is the Suunto app and the other is the Google Wear OS app. The Google app in particular seems to collect a lot of data - but this can be prevented to a certain extent through settings in the app.

With long-term use, I noticed that the battery runs out relatively quickly. With very intensive use, the manufacturer assumes that the battery will last for the entire day. I also managed without an intermediate charge. However, the battery life doesn't really inspire any enthusiasm. I found it very remarkable that the sports smartwatch is now “Made in China” and no longer “Made in Finland”.

In the past, it has always been a quality feature, especially at Suunto, that the smartwatch was produced directly in the manufacturer's home country. This has obviously been changed in the current model.

The bottom line is that the positive properties outweigh the negative ones and I can give a clear buy recommendation for Suunto 7.

Power

  • high quality and noble design - the watch is a real gem on the wrist
  • bright, sharp AMOLED display with strong colors and deep black
  • intuitive setup and control of the smartwatch via the touchscreen and four buttons - I was able to familiarize myself with the operation in a few minutes
  • Precise heart rate measurement - minimal deviations from the reference of one to three beats per minute
  • Heatmaps for runners - see where other joggers make their rounds
  • Connection between Suunto app and third-party fitness apps - in my case Runtastic
  • Apple Health integration for iPhone users
  • regular updates of the operating system and apps

weaknesses

  • For setup and full use, two apps must be installed directly - as an iOS user with an iPhone - the Google Wear OS app and the Suunto app
  • The battery discharges quite quickly when used continuously and with high display brightness
  • No longer "Made in Finland", but "Made in China" - however, there is no noticeable difference in quality

Rating – Suunto 7 in the test

Processing, materials and optics

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Display and operation

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Features

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Precision of the measurement results

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Versatility of application areas

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Value for money

Rating: 8 out of 10.

overall impression

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Average rating 8,3

The evaluation is purely subjective and only reflects my own experience with the smartwatch.

The optical heart rate sensor sits on the underside of the Suunto 7: In the test, it delivered precise data. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
The optical heart rate sensor sits on the underside of the Suunto 7: In the test, it delivered precise data. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

Table: Specifications - Suunto 7

Technology used
Main material glass fiber reinforced polyamide
Cover glass materialGorilla glass
Bezel material Stainless Steel
Bracelet materialSilicone Sealant
DisplayAMOLED color display with up to 1000 nits brightness and 454 × 454 pixels
TouchscreenJa
Color variants of the smartwatchWhite-Burgundy, All-Black-Black, Sandstone-Rose Gold, Graphite-Copper, Black-Lime Green
Clock functionsTime, automatic summer time, alarm clock, timer, stopwatch, sunrise / sunset
Fitness trackingHeart rate measurement, distance measurement, speed measurement, cadence, paddle strokes
Activity featuresPedometer, calorie consumption, activity goals
FocusRunning, cycling, swimming, various sports
Indoor tracking functionsTreadmill, indoor cycling, cross trainer, strength training, yoga and pilates, circuit training, gymnastics, aerobics, dancing, boxing and many more
Heart rate measurement on the wristOptical heart sensor
Pulse oximeterNo
water resistanceUp to 50 meters (5 ATM) - suitable for showering, swimming and snorkeling
Battery LifeSmartwatch mode: up to two days
Training mode: up to 12 hours
Position trackingGPS, GLONASS, QZSS, BEIDOU
SensorsOptical heart rate sensor, barometric altimeter, compass, accelerometer
SmartWatch featuresNotifications, calendar, weather, music functions, payment function Google Pay
CompatibilityiPhone, Android
ConnectionsBluetooth® Smart, WiFi, NFC
Weight70 grams
Source: Suunto.com. All statements without guarantee.

Related Articles

Suunto 7 in the test – sports smartwatch for all situations?

My conclusion

The Finnish manufacturer has achieved a great success with the Suunto 7 - my test result for the new timepiece is entirely positive. The sports smartwatch from the mid-price segment is equipped with the latest functions. The sharp and colorful AMOLED display is particularly impressive and the Wear OS operating system also contributes to making the smartwatch a convincing all-rounder in everyday life.

In white-burgundy, the Suunto 7 is a real eye-catcher on the wrist due to its size, which is also noticeable from a distance. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
In white-burgundy, the Suunto 7 is a real eye-catcher on the wrist due to its size, which is also noticeable from a distance. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

In contrast to many other models currently on the market, the watch is aimed primarily at athletes and only secondarily at outdoor fans adventurer. Nevertheless, the smartwatch can also be used wonderfully for all outdoor activities and workouts on vacation when traveling.

Suunto 7 test for stand up paddling: the sports smartwatch can be used in around 70 sports. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer
Suunto 7 test for stand up paddling: the sports smartwatch can be used in around 70 sports. Photo: Sascha Tegtmeyer

The Suunto 7 is really a sports smartwatch for all situations, as the outside is also an eye-catcher and the watch can easily be worn with a suit in the office. In addition, the smart functions such as contactless payment via Google Pay, the receipt of notifications and music apps such as Spotify are convincing. With the Suunto 7, the manufacturer has succeeded in creating a product that can certainly keep up with the market leaders and has given the provider a completely new meaning among smartwatch manufacturers - a meaning that it has long had in other areas of application such as dive computers.

The manufacturer Suunto kindly provided me with the smartwatch for a detailed test. In my test, I describe my personal impressions, which include all the strengths and weaknesses of the watch in an unadorned, objective and editorial-journalistic standard.

Do you already use a smartwatch for everyday, sport and outdoor activities? Share your experience in the comments.

0 Comments