The Apple Watch has become a staple for many, offering a blend of fitness tracking, notifications, and convenient features. But with several generations released, choosing the right model can be tricky. We're pitting the Apple Watch Series 7 against the Series 4 to help you decide which smartwatch is the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 7 offers a noticeably larger display, faster charging, and a slightly improved processor. While the Series 4 remains a capable smartwatch, the Series 7's advancements in display technology and charging speed make it the clear winner for most users, especially if budget allows.
| 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 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia |
| 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, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 15 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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 | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) | 48 g (1.69 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 | Sapphire crystal 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 | 3D Touch display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S7 | Apple S4 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 5.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| 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 |
| | 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 292 mAh (1.12 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Gold, Silver | Space Black, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A1975, A1976, A2007, A2008 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple Watch Series 7
- Larger, brighter display
- Faster charging (0-80% in 45 min)
- Improved performance with S7 chip
- Always-On Retina display
- More durable design
- Higher price point
- May be too large for some wrists
Apple Watch Series 4
- More affordable
- Still offers core Apple Watch features
- Compact and comfortable design
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Smaller display
- Slower charging
- Older processor
- Less durable than Series 7
Display Comparison
The Series 7 boasts a significantly larger display with thinner borders, offering more screen real estate for notifications, apps, and workouts. The Series 4's display is still good, but feels smaller in comparison. The Series 7 also has a brighter display, making it easier to see in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 7 nor the Series 4 have a dedicated camera. This remains a consistent feature across Apple Watch models.
Performance
While both watches use dual-core processors, the Apple S7 chip in the Series 7 provides a noticeable performance boost. Apps launch faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother. The Series 4 is still responsive for most tasks, but the Series 7's improved processing power is evident.
Battery Life
Both watches offer all-day battery life, but the Series 7 benefits from faster charging. The Series 7 can reach 80% charge in just 45 minutes, while the Series 4 takes longer. Battery life will vary depending on usage, but both should comfortably last a full day.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 7 is ideal for those who want a larger, more immersive display, faster charging, and the latest features. It's a great choice for fitness enthusiasts and anyone who wants a premium smartwatch experience. The Apple Watch Series 4 is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who still want a reliable and functional smartwatch with core Apple Watch features. It's a solid choice for everyday use and basic fitness tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 7 worth the upgrade from a Series 4?
If you value a larger display, faster charging, and a slightly more powerful processor, then the Series 7 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're happy with your Series 4's performance and budget is a concern, it's still a capable smartwatch.
❓ How long does the battery last on each watch?
Both watches offer all-day battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. The Series 7 charges significantly faster, which can be a major convenience.
