Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum vs. Series 5 Aluminum: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum offers a noticeably brighter display, faster charging, and a slightly improved design. While the Series 5 remains a capable smartwatch, the Series 7's upgrades justify the price difference for most users seeking a modern and feature-rich experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum | Apple Watch Series 5 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 |
| 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, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global |
| 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, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 15 | Discontinued |
| 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 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 36.7 g (1.31 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3D Touch display 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 6.0, 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, 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, barometer, 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-Po 296 mAh (1.13 Wh), non-removable |
| 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 | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095, A2092, A2093 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 450 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
- Faster charging
- Improved performance (S7 chip)
- Slightly updated design
- Always-On Display is brighter
- Higher price
- Minor design differences from Series 6
Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum
- More affordable
- Reliable performance
- Functional and capable smartwatch
- Still receives software updates
- Smaller display
- Slower charging
- Older processor (S5 chip)
- Less bright Always-On Display
Display Comparison
The Series 7 boasts a significantly larger display (1.9 inches vs 1.78 inches) with thinner borders, making it easier to read notifications and interact with apps. The Always-On display is also brighter on the Series 7, improving visibility in sunlight. The Series 5's display is still good, but the Series 7's is a clear upgrade.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 7 nor the Series 5 have a dedicated camera. This remains a consistent feature across Apple Watch models.
Performance
The S7 chip in the Series 7 provides a noticeable performance boost over the S5. Apps launch faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother. While both watches handle everyday tasks well, the Series 7's improved processing power becomes more apparent with demanding apps and workouts.
Battery Life
Both watches offer all-day battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours. However, the Series 7's faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) is a significant advantage, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum? Those prioritizing a larger, brighter display, faster charging, and the latest features. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 5 Aluminum? Budget-conscious buyers who still want a reliable and functional Apple Watch experience, and don't need the absolute latest advancements.