Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Apple Watch SE (2022): The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) offers incredible value with its powerful S8 chip and essential features. However, the Series 7 boasts a larger, brighter display, faster charging, and a more premium design. For most users, the SE is the smarter buy, but those prioritizing screen real estate and charging speed should consider the Series 7.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 | 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 | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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 | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 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 | Sapphire crystal 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 |
| 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 | Graphite, Gold, Silver | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 310 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
- Larger, brighter display
- Faster charging (0-80% in 45 min)
- Always-on display
- Premium design
- ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring (depending on region)
- Higher price
- Battery life similar to SE (2022)
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- More affordable
- Powerful S8 chip
- Excellent value
- Core health tracking features
- Crash Detection
- Smaller display
- Slower charging
- No always-on display
- Lacks ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring (depending on region)
Display Comparison
The Series 7's larger (1.78-inch) and brighter display (up to 1,000 nits) is a significant advantage, making it easier to read notifications and interact with apps. The SE (2022) has a smaller (1.57-inch) and less bright display (up to 1,000 nits, but less effective in direct sunlight). The always-on display on the Series 7 is also a notable benefit.
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 have dual-core processors, the Series 7 utilizes the Apple S7 chip, while the SE (2022) features the newer S8 chip. The S8 offers slightly improved performance and responsiveness, though the difference is subtle in everyday use. Both handle apps and notifications smoothly.
Battery Life
The Series 7 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, with a fast charging time of approximately 45 minutes to reach 80%. The SE (2022) also provides around 18 hours of battery life, but lacks the Series 7's fast charging capability.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 7 is ideal for users who want the best possible display, faster charging, and a more premium feel. It's a great choice for those who frequently use the watch for viewing photos, maps, or other content. The Apple Watch SE (2022) is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want a feature-rich smartwatch with excellent performance and core health tracking capabilities.