Apple Watch Series 7 Edition vs. Series 6: A Detailed Comparison

The Apple Watch remains the gold standard for smartwatches, but with incremental updates, choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the Apple Watch Series 7 Edition against the Series 6 to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist. This review dives deep into design, performance, and features.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 7 Edition offers a slightly larger, brighter display and faster charging, but the Series 6 remains a compelling option, especially at a potentially lower price. If you prioritize the best screen and faster charging, the Series 7 is the winner; otherwise, the Series 6 provides excellent value.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple Watch Edition Series 7 Apple Watch Series 6
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA, LATAM, Canada
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global
Launch
Announced2021, September 142020, September 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, October 15Available. Released 2020, September 18
Body
BuildSapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frameGlass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame
Dimensions45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in)44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in)
SIMeSIMeSIM
Weight37 g (41mm), 45.1 g (45mm) (1.31 oz)47.1 g (1.66 oz)
 IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models)50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models)
Display
ProtectionSapphire crystal glassSapphire crystal glass
Resolution484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density)448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density)
Size1.9 inches1.78 inches
TypeRetina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak)Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak)
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUDual-coreDual-core
ChipsetApple S7Apple S6
GPUPowerVRPowerVR
OSwatchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal32GB 1GB RAM32GB 1GB RAM
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioNoNo
USBNoNo
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2maxAccelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max
 Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) supportNatural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
ChargingWireless, 0-80% in 45 minWireless
TypeLi-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh)Li-Ion 303.8 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Black, TitaniumSilver, Graphite (DLC), Gold (PVD)
ModelsA2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376
PriceAbout 830 EURAbout 710 EUR
SAR1.10 W/kg (head)-
SAR EU0.70 W/kg (head)     1.50 W/kg (body)-
Camera
 NoNo

Apple Watch Edition Series 7

  • Larger, brighter display
  • Faster charging
  • Slightly improved performance
  • Always-On Display improvements

  • Higher price
  • Incremental upgrade over Series 6

Apple Watch Series 6

  • Excellent value
  • Mature software
  • Comprehensive health tracking
  • Still a premium smartwatch experience

  • Smaller display
  • Slower charging
  • Older chipset

Display Comparison

The Series 7 boasts a larger 1.78-inch display compared to the Series 6's 1.57-inch screen, offering more screen real estate for complications and notifications. The Series 7 also features a thinner bezel, maximizing the usable display area. Both watches have excellent color accuracy and brightness, but the Series 7's slightly brighter display is noticeable in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Neither watch has a dedicated camera. They rely on the iPhone for taking photos and videos.

Performance

Both watches are powered by dual-core processors, but the Apple S7 chip in the Series 7 offers a modest performance boost. In everyday use, you're unlikely to notice a significant difference in speed. App loading times and overall responsiveness are excellent on both devices. The S7 chip also contributes to slightly improved power efficiency.

Battery Life

The Series 6 typically offers an 'all-day' battery life, lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. The Series 7, thanks to its larger battery and efficiency improvements, can stretch that to closer to 24 hours. The Series 7's significantly faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) is a major advantage.

Buying Guide

The Apple Watch Series 7 Edition is ideal for users who want the absolute latest display technology, appreciate faster charging, and are willing to pay a premium. The Apple Watch Series 6 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want a top-tier smartwatch experience with all the core Apple Watch features.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 7 Edition worth the upgrade from a Series 6?
It depends. If you prioritize a larger, brighter display and faster charging, then yes. Otherwise, the Series 6 remains a very capable smartwatch.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Series 7 Edition?
The Series 7 Edition charges significantly faster, reaching 80% in just 45 minutes, compared to the Series 6's longer charging time.