Apple Watch Series 7 Edition vs. Aluminum: Which Should You Choose?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Aluminum Series 7 offers excellent value and performance for most users. The Edition, with its premium materials like stainless steel or titanium, provides a more luxurious feel and potentially greater durability, but at a significantly higher price. For most, the Aluminum is the smarter choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Edition Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 15 | Available. Released 2021, October 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 37 g (41mm), 45.1 g (45mm) (1.31 oz) | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) |
| IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S7 | Apple S7 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Titanium | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red |
| Models | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 830 EUR | About 500 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Edition Series 7
- Premium materials (stainless steel or titanium)
- More durable case options
- Luxurious aesthetic
- Same excellent performance as Aluminum
- Significantly higher price
- Battery life is similar to Aluminum
- No camera
Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum
- More affordable
- Excellent value for money
- Same excellent performance as Edition
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Less premium materials (aluminum)
- May show scratches more easily than Edition
Display Comparison
Both the Edition and Aluminum Series 7 feature the same stunning OLED display with a larger screen size compared to previous generations. The difference lies in the case material, which subtly impacts the perceived size and feel. The Edition's stainless steel or titanium case can feel more substantial and premium.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Edition nor the Aluminum Series 7 has a dedicated camera. They rely on the iPhone for taking photos and videos.
Performance
Performance is identical. Both models share the Apple S7 chip and dual-core processor, ensuring smooth operation, fast app loading, and responsive interactions. You won't notice any performance difference between the two.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two models, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. The 45-minute charging time (0-80%) is also consistent across both versions.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum is ideal for everyday users who want a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank. It's perfect for fitness tracking, notifications, and basic Apple Watch functionality. The Edition is best for those who prioritize premium materials, a more luxurious aesthetic, and are willing to pay a premium for it. Consider it if you want a statement piece.