Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum vs. Series 6: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 7 offers a noticeably larger, brighter display and faster charging. While the Series 6 remains a capable smartwatch, the Series 7's improvements, particularly the screen and charging speed, make it the better overall choice, especially if you value those features. However, the Series 6 offers excellent value at a potentially lower price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum | Apple Watch Series 6 |
| 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 (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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) | 47.1 g (1.66 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 | Sapphire crystal 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 | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S7 | Apple S6 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 7.0, 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 |
| 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 |
| Type | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) | Li-Ion 303.8 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red | Silver, Graphite (DLC), Gold (PVD) |
| Models | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 710 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 (0-80% in 45 min)
- Slightly improved performance
- More durable (crack resistant front crystal)
- Higher price than Series 6
- Incremental upgrade over Series 6 for some users
Apple Watch Series 6
- Lower price than Series 7
- Still a capable smartwatch
- Excellent value for money
- Proven reliability
- Smaller display
- Slower charging
- Older chipset
Display Comparison
The Series 7 boasts a significantly larger 1.78-inch display compared to the Series 6's 1.57-inch screen. This translates to more screen real estate for complications, notifications, and apps. The Series 7 also features thinner borders, maximizing the usable display area. Brightness is also improved, making it easier to see in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 7 nor the Series 6 have a dedicated camera. They rely on the iPhone for taking photos and videos.
Performance
Both watches are powered by dual-core processors, so day-to-day performance is generally smooth. However, the S7 chip in the Series 7 offers a slight performance edge, particularly in demanding apps and during workouts. The difference is subtle but noticeable for power users.
Battery Life
Both 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
The Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum is ideal for those who want a larger, more immersive display, faster charging, and appreciate the slightly improved durability. If you're on a tighter budget and don't need the latest and greatest features, the Series 6 is still a fantastic option offering a premium smartwatch experience.