Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 7 wins on display and charging speed, offering a larger, brighter screen and significantly faster charging. However, the Apple Watch SE remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize core smartwatch functionality and don't need the latest bells and whistles.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum | Apple Watch SE |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| 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, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 15 | Available. Released 2020, September 18 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum 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) | 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 36.4 g (1.27 oz) |
| IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | 50m water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.78 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 S7 | Apple S5 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| 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 |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) | Li-Ion |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2353, A2354, A2355, A2356, A2351, A2352 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) | - |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum
- Larger, brighter display
- Always-on display
- Faster charging (0-80% in 45 min)
- S7 Chip for improved performance
- More advanced health features (ECG, Blood Oxygen)
- Higher price
- Can be bulky for smaller wrists
Apple Watch SE
- More affordable
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Durable design
- Smaller display
- No always-on display
- Slower charging
- Older S5 chip
- Lacks advanced health features like ECG and Blood Oxygen
Display Comparison
The Series 7 boasts a significantly larger and brighter display with thinner bezels, making it easier to read notifications and interact with apps. The always-on display is a major advantage, allowing you to glance at the time and other information without raising your wrist. The SE's display is smaller and doesn't have the always-on feature, which can feel dated.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 7 nor the SE have a dedicated camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
While both watches use dual-core processors, the Series 7's S7 chip offers a noticeable performance boost over the SE's S5. Apps launch faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother on the Series 7. However, for everyday tasks like notifications and basic fitness tracking, the SE performs adequately.
Battery Life
Both watches offer all-day battery life, but the Series 7 charges considerably faster, reaching 80% in just 45 minutes. The SE's charging time is longer, requiring more time to fully replenish the battery.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum is ideal for users who want the best possible display, faster charging, and appreciate the always-on display. It's a great choice for fitness enthusiasts and those who want a premium smartwatch experience. The Apple Watch SE is perfect for first-time smartwatch buyers, those on a budget, or anyone who primarily needs basic fitness tracking and notifications.