The Apple Watch Series 7 is the new flagship smartwatch of the American firm, and, as expected, it comes with some important news in terms of features and technical specifications. Due to its new features and shares several qualities with its predecessor, we compare it with the Apple Watch Series 6, a smartwatch that was recently Apple’s most advanced.
The presentation and launch event of the iPhone 13 had as a member the Apple Watch Series 7. This smartwatch was unveiled without any important aesthetic change, except for one that makes a huge difference and has to be seen with the screen size.Â
We have the same rectangular format in both cases, as well as interchangeable straps. In both, we also find the typical crown and the entrance for the eSIM card. So, in addition to the Series above 7 screen, which is visibly larger since it is now not supported by such thick frames, there are no other notable differences in the aesthetic section.
In terms of screens, we have the same OLED retina screen that, in the case of the Apple Watch Series 7, although Apple does not specify it, the size is approximately 2.1 inches, since it is 20% larger than that of the Apple Watch Series 6, which is 1.78 inches. Of the rest, they are the same, so they both produce a resolution of 326 dpi (dots per inch), are tactile, in full colour and have a sapphire crystal coating for protection. Of course, the brightness of the Series 7 is 70% higher than that of the Series 6.
Display
The case size had adjusted slightly to accommodate a large screen. It goes from 40 to 41 mm diagonal for the miniature model of the Apple Watch and from 44 to 45 mm for the large model. Therefore, this change in size remains very modest, thanks in particular to the space-saving obtained by nibbling the edges of the screen.
A more robust and dust-resistant watch (IP6X standard)
To make its elegant watch even more suitable for sports, Apple has reinforced its robustness. Glass, first of all, has been redesigned to be stronger. Its base has flattened, and its thickness increased by 50% on average (it measures double in places!), All without impacting its transparency. The watch has been made dust-proof, meeting the IP6X standard.
These improvements allow the Apple Watch to be used on the beach, the desert or even mountain biking trails. The watch should also resist drops better. In its Key Note, Apple also shows a mountain biker falling to the ground and whose Apple Watch comes out unscathed despite the impact against the ground and total immersion in the dust. We understand that the watch was designed for this kind of situation!
70% brighter screen indoors
To make the watch easier to use, Apple has increased the screen’s brightness inside by 70% when the watch is in sleep mode. You can read the time without having to raise your wrist.
New colours and bracelets
Apple Watch 7 comes in 5 new aluminium case colours (Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue, and (PRODUCT) RED). The titanium models are offered in 2 colours (titanium and space black), and the stainless steel models in 3 colours (silver, graphite and gold).
Apple is offering new bracelets, including the luxury Hermès and Nike models, extending its already wide range. These are compatible with older Apple Watch models.
Specification
| Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 7 | |
| Model | Watch Series 6 | Watch Series 7 |
| Released | Sep 18, 2020 | Sep 18, 2021 |
| Screen type | Retina OLED | Retina OLED |
| Shape | Square | Square |
| Display | 1.78 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels | 448 x 368 pixels |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| OS | watchOS 7.6 | watchOS 8.0 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, WiFi, 4G optional | Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, WiFi, 4G optional |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (3rd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (3rd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Water resistance | IPX8 | IP68 |
| Materials | Case: aluminium, stainless steel, titanium Screen: synthetic sapphire Back: sapphire and ceramic | Case: aluminium, stainless steel, titanium Screen: synthetic sapphire Back: sapphire and ceramic |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm | 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm |
| Weight | 36.5 g (1.31 oz) | 32/38.8 g (1.13 oz) |
| Battery | 303.8 mAh | 304 mAh |
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Stand-by | Up to 18 h | Up to 18 h |
The performance section is differentiated by two processor chipsets capable of running any application and task smoothly. Both, respectively, have the Apple S7 and S6, which are dual-core, are based on a 64-bit architecture and make use of the PowerVR GPU. At the same time, Apple does not detail anything about the RAM of its smartwatches, but it does detail the internal storage space of the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 6, which is 32 GB and is used to store music, apps, files and more.
Battery Life
The battery of these smartwatches offers the same autonomy, which can last a day with average use. Of course, the fast charging of the Apple Watch Series 7 is 33% faster, and the charging port is now USB-C, unlike the Apple Watch Series 6.
The Apple Watch Series 7 offers the same 18-hour battery life. A very relative value since the autonomy depends on the use made of the watch. It runs if you use it to make a phone call (the battery lasts about 1 hour!), Listen to music or play sports with the activation of the GPS.
The battery of the Apple Watch remains constant over time. In that case, the watch consumes a little more each year, forcing Apple engineers to find solutions to reduce the consumption of components and increase the battery capacity.
The watch must indeed power an increasingly powerful processor to offer a fluid interface, ensure operation at night for sleep analysis and blood oxygen level measurement (new in Series 6) and assume the screen brighter and permanently on (in Series 6 and 7).
Since the Series 6, the Apple Watch analyzes sleep and can be worn 24 hours a day. It does not leave many opportunities to recharge it. To overcome this drawback, Apple had worked to speed up the charging of the Apple Watch 6. It only takes 90 minutes to charge it fully. The Apple Watch 7 does even better with up to 33% faster charging. In addition, 8 minutes of charge is enough for night use, with sleep analysis, for 8 hours. The induction charger had to be redesigned for this. It now connects to a USB-C port.
Smart Features
| Smartphone notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Music storage and playback | Yes | Yes |
| Phone music control | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Meteorology | Yes | Yes |
In terms of monitoring activity, sports and health status, we achieve the same in both watches, so the ECG sensor and a blood oxygen level monitor are not absent in neither. The two also boast multiple functions such as a sleep quality monitor, fall detection function, the detection of numerous sports and activities such as cycling, running and swimming, and women’s health. They are complete in this department; it is worth noting.
Regarding other sensors, both also come with a barometric altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor and thermometer, and an integrated GPS sensor with A-GPS, Galileo, GLONASS. That is why they can calculate the distance travelled, the steps taken, calories consumed and other status metrics.
They also support 4G LTE and UMTS networks, which is why they can access the Internet and make emergency calls. In turn, in terms of other characteristics and technical specifications, they come with water resistance of 5 ATM (50 meters), slots for eSIM, Apple Music, Siri assistant, NFC for making contactless payments through Apple Pay. And SOS calls.
New features by WatchOS 8
WatchOS 8, the new Apple Watch operating system, brings some new features that benefit older models from Series 3. In the table below, we also recall the key functions of the Apple Watch Series 6 and 7.
- With an iPhone turned on nearby for the GPS model (without 4G)
- Via Wi-Fi (GPS model) or cellular connection (Cellular model)
User interface optimized for the larger screen
WatchOS 8 also considers the new screen size of the Apple Watch 7 to offer a bespoke display and new adapted watch faces. The size of the menus and buttons has been revised to provide a more comfortable display.
A new keyboard and QuickPath for easier text entry
The watch offers a full AZERTY keyboard and the QuickPath function allowing you to write words with a simple finger gesture, as on current smartphones.
New sports activities
New sports activities have been added: Pilates, Tai Chi and Electrically assisted bicycle (VAE). For the latter, the watch measures the calories expended more precisely by taking into account data from the Apple Watch sensors to distinguish between the pedalling force and the traction of the electric assistance.
The fall detection algorithm has been improved and extended to more activities.
The watch can now recognize the Cycling activity for cyclists and offers to start recording if you forgot to do so. It can automatically pause during stops (pause, red light, etc.).
Activity monitoring
| Step counter | Yes | Yes |
| Calories burned | Yes | Yes |
| Distance travelled | Yes | Yes |
| Raised floors | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep monitoring | No | No |
| Stress levels | No | No |
| Heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| Calorie intake | Yes | Yes |
| Hydration levels | Yes | Yes |
| Running | Automatic race detection | Automatic race detection |
| Cycling | Record various metrics | Record various metrics |
| Swimming | Suitable for swimming in pools and open water. Records heart rate, calories burned, laps and distance travelled. Possibility to set the length of the pool. Automatically records and detects various swimming styles. | Suitable for swimming in pools and open water. Records heart rate, calories burned, laps and distance travelled. Possibility to set the length of the pool. Automatically records and detects various swimming styles. |
| Outdoor | Record various metrics | Record various metrics |
Conclusion!
Apart from its larger screen, which significantly improves the watch’s comfort, the Apple Watch 7 has difficulty convincing us. We would have liked to find a new sensor, an improvement in autonomy or another innovation that distinguishes it slightly more from the previous model.
If you already have the Apple Watch 6, this new model is only interested in its larger screen and improved user experience. Text input with the virtual keyboard, more readable menus, easier reading of messages (50% more text or, on the contrary, more notable characters for people with a bit of presbyopia) are a real asset. For athletes, the dust tightness and the greater strength of the glass are also to be taken into account. If these elements are not essential for you, you might as well stay with your Apple Watch 6 and wait for the Apple Watch 8, which will be released in 2022.
Apple Watch 7: The design changes little apart from the thinner edges, smoother angles and a more spacious screen. The domed screen reflects the display as on some recent smartphones.
If you don’t have an Apple Watch and wish to acquire one, we strongly recommend the Apple Watch 7. It is the most complete, robust, and practical to use for the same reasons as we quote above. Otherwise, you will be able to take advantage, while stocks are empty, of the Apple Watch 6, the price of which should drop. Please note, you must have an iPhone to use an Apple Watch!
Finally, if your budget is tight, you can still acquire the Apple Watch Series 3. It dates all the same from 2017 and is starting to lag compared to the latest models! Its screen is much smaller (almost 25% less surface area than the Apple Watch 6). Otherwise, the Apple Watch SE is a good compromise: this model mixes the Apple Watch 5 and the Apple Watch 6, offering less efficient components than those of the Apple Watch 6 and fewer features.
