It’s that time again, isn't it? The annual refresh of the Apple Watch. For many of us, the question always boils down to this: is the new one really that different, and is it worth the upgrade? This year, the spotlight is on the Apple Watch Series 7, and how it stacks up against its capable predecessor, the Series 6.
When you look at Apple Watches over the past few years, you’d be forgiven for thinking not much has changed. Series 4, 5, and 6 all share a very similar DNA. But with the Series 7, Apple has nudged things forward, not with a radical redesign, but with some thoughtful refinements. Forget those rumors of a flat-edged design; instead, the Series 7 boasts a subtly re-engineered, more curved display. It’s a design choice that aims to make the watch feel a bit softer, a bit more fluid on the wrist, even if it’s not immediately obvious at first glance.
Beyond aesthetics, both the Series 7 and Series 6 are built to handle your adventures, offering 50-meter water resistance. However, the Series 7 steps up its durability game. It’s designed to be more resistant to dust, shocks, and scratches, featuring a crack-resistant front crystal and IP6X dust resistance. So, whether you’re hitting the beach or poolside, you can have a bit more peace of mind.
The real star of the show for the Series 7, though, is undoubtedly its display. This is where Apple has made a significant leap. While smartwatch screen sizes have been relatively static for a while, the Series 7 sees a substantial 20% increase in screen real estate. This is thanks to incredibly slim bezels, measuring just 1.7mm. What does this mean for you? More space for text, more room for complications, and a generally more immersive experience. Plus, the Always-On Retina display is brighter than ever, making it easier to see your stats, even in direct sunlight.
Under the hood, the Series 7 is powered by the S7 chip, which Apple states offers double the performance of the S6. This translates to a snappier, more responsive experience, especially if you’re coming from an older model. Both watches offer 32GB of storage, and connectivity options remain robust with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, though the Series 7 gets an upgrade to Bluetooth 6.0 and 5G cellular capabilities.
When it comes to battery life, it’s largely a wash. Both the Series 6 and Series 7 are rated for up to 18 hours of typical use. However, the Series 7 introduces faster charging. With the new USB-C charging cable, you can get from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes, a noticeable improvement over the Series 6’s roughly 60 minutes for the same charge. And for those who track their sleep, a quick 8-minute charge can give you up to 8 hours of sleep tracking.
So, the big question: which one should you choose?
If you’re coming from a Series 3, 4, or even a 5, the Series 7 offers a compelling upgrade. The larger, brighter display, enhanced durability, and faster charging are significant improvements. If you’re already rocking a Series 6, the decision is a bit trickier. The upgrades are more incremental. The larger screen and faster charging are the standout features. If the price difference isn't too substantial, the Series 7 is a worthy consideration. However, if you’re looking for a significant leap in functionality or battery life, you might find the Series 7 to be a more subtle evolution than a revolution.
Ultimately, both are excellent smartwatches. The Series 7 refines an already winning formula, making it a touch more immersive, durable, and convenient to charge. The Series 6 remains a fantastic device, and if you can find it at a good price, it’s still a very smart buy.
