Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Apple Watch SE (2022): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 7 offers a larger, brighter display, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel. However, the Apple Watch SE (2022) provides excellent value with a newer chip and essential features at a more affordable price. For most users, the SE is the smarter buy.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum | Apple Watch SE (2022) |
| 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, China, HK |
| 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, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| 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, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 15 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic/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 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 33 g (1.16 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 S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| 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 296 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | € 289.00 |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum
- Larger, brighter display
- Always-on display
- Faster charging
- Premium design
- ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors (Series 7 specific)
- Higher price
- Battery life not significantly better than SE
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- More affordable
- Newer Apple S8 chip
- Essential features
- Durable design
- Excellent value
- Smaller display
- No always-on display
- Slower charging
- Lacks ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors
Display Comparison
The Series 7 boasts a significantly larger 1.78-inch display compared to the SE's 1.57-inch screen. The Series 7 also features an always-on display, allowing you to see the time and complications without raising your wrist. The SE's display is still perfectly usable, but the Series 7's larger size and always-on functionality offer a noticeable advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 7 nor the SE (2022) have a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
While both watches share a dual-core CPU, the SE (2022) utilizes the newer Apple S8 chip, offering a slight performance boost in responsiveness and overall smoothness. Day-to-day tasks like app launching and navigation feel snappy on both, but the S8 provides a marginal edge.
Battery Life
The Series 7 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, while the SE (2022) also targets 18 hours. However, the Series 7's faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) provides a quicker top-up when needed. Both require daily charging for optimal use.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum? Users who prioritize a larger, always-on display, faster charging, and a more premium design. Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable smartwatch with essential features and a modern processor.