Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 7 (Aluminum): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 7 (Aluminum) offers a more budget-friendly entry point to the Series 7 experience. Both share the same core functionality and performance. The key difference lies in the material – aluminum versus stainless steel or titanium – impacting aesthetics and durability. For most, the aluminum is a great value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum | Apple Watch Series 7 |
| 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 |
| 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, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 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, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 15 | Available. Released 2021, October 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | IP6X certified 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) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.9 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 S7 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 8.0, 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, BDS |
| 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, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red | Graphite, Gold, Silver |
| Models | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum
- More affordable
- Lighter weight
- Same core features as higher-end models
- Vibrant Always-On display
- Fast charging
- Less premium materials
- More prone to scratches than stainless steel/titanium
- May feel less substantial on the wrist
Apple Watch Series 7
- Premium materials (stainless steel/titanium)
- More durable
- More luxurious look and feel
- Same core features as the aluminum version
- Fast charging
- Higher price
- Heavier weight
- Can be more expensive to repair
Display Comparison
Both models boast the stunning Always-On Retina display with a larger screen size compared to previous generations. The aluminum version maintains the same vibrant colors and excellent visibility. The difference is primarily in the case material; stainless steel and titanium offer a slightly more premium feel and potentially better scratch resistance, but the aluminum display performance is identical.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Apple Watch Series 7 nor the Aluminum version has a camera. This remains a consistent feature across the Apple Watch line.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical between both versions. Both are powered by the Apple S7 SiP, ensuring smooth navigation, responsive app loading, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. You won't notice any performance difference in everyday use.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both models, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. Charging speeds are also the same, with both achieving 0-80% in approximately 45 minutes with the fast-charging cable.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, those who prefer a lighter watch, and users who don't require the premium feel and added durability of stainless steel or titanium. The standard Apple Watch Series 7 (stainless steel/titanium) is best for those prioritizing a more luxurious look, enhanced scratch resistance, and a more substantial feel on the wrist.