Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is the clear winner for budget-conscious buyers seeking essential smartwatch features. The Series 7 Aluminum provides a superior display, faster charging, and slightly more advanced health tracking, justifying its higher price for those who prioritize those aspects.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch SE (2022) | 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, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 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, 6, 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 | 2022, September 07 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2021, October 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 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 | 33 g (1.16 oz) | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S7 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 | 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 |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 500 EUR |
| SAR | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Excellent value for money
- Core Apple Watch features
- Improved efficiency with S8 chip
- Durable design
- Smaller, less vibrant display
- Slower charging
- Lacks advanced health features like ECG
Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum
- Larger, brighter, always-on display
- Faster charging
- Premium design
- ECG and blood oxygen monitoring
- Higher price
- Similar battery life to SE (2022) despite faster charging
Display Comparison
The Series 7 Aluminum's display is significantly larger and brighter than the SE (2022), offering a more immersive and easier-to-read experience, especially in sunlight. The always-on display is a major advantage for quick glances at the time and notifications. The SE (2022) has a smaller, less vibrant display, but it's still perfectly functional.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Apple Watch SE (2022) nor the Series 7 Aluminum have a camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
While both watches share a dual-core CPU, the S8 chip in the SE (2022) offers slightly improved efficiency. However, the Series 7's S7 chip still delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and app usage. The difference in real-world performance is minimal for most users.
Battery Life
The Series 7 Aluminum boasts significantly faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) compared to the SE (2022). Battery life is generally similar, lasting around 18-36 hours depending on usage. However, the faster charging of the Series 7 is a noticeable convenience.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is ideal for first-time smartwatch users, fitness enthusiasts on a budget, and anyone who wants core Apple Watch functionality without breaking the bank. The Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum is best suited for users who want a larger, brighter display, faster charging, and appreciate the premium design and slightly more advanced health features like ECG.