Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum vs. Series 6 Aluminum: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum edges out the Series 6 thanks to its larger, brighter display and faster charging. While the Series 6 remains a fantastic smartwatch, the Series 7 offers noticeable improvements that justify the slightly higher cost for many users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum | Apple Watch Series 6 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 / 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 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 36.5 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 | 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, Gold, Space Gray, Blue, Red |
| Models | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376, A2291, A2292 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 420 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 (80% in 45 min)
- Slightly improved performance
- Always-On Display improvements
- Higher price
- Minor performance difference compared to Series 6
Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminum
- Lower price
- Excellent all-day battery life
- Mature software and app ecosystem
- Still a premium smartwatch experience
- Smaller display
- Slower charging
- Older chipset
Display Comparison
The Series 7 boasts a significantly larger 41mm or 45mm display compared to the Series 6's 40mm or 44mm. The thinner bezels maximize screen real estate, making it easier to read notifications and interact with apps. The Series 7 also features a brighter display, improving visibility in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. They rely on the iPhone for photography.
Performance
Both watches are powered by dual-core processors, offering smooth performance for everyday tasks. However, the S7 chip in the Series 7 provides a slight performance boost, particularly noticeable when using demanding apps or navigating complex menus. The difference is subtle but present.
Battery Life
Both offer all-day battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours. The Series 7 introduces faster charging, reaching 80% in just 45 minutes, a significant improvement over the Series 6's slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum? Those prioritizing a larger, more vibrant display, faster charging, and the latest features. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminum? Budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium smartwatch experience and don't need the absolute latest enhancements.