Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 7 Aluminum: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 7 Aluminum is the clear winner for most users. While the standard Series 7 offers premium materials, the Aluminum version delivers nearly identical performance and features at a more accessible price point. It's a fantastic value proposition for those seeking a top-tier smartwatch without breaking the bank.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 7 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 / 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 | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 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 | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened 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 | Graphite, Gold, Silver | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red |
| Models | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 500 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
- Premium materials (stainless steel/titanium)
- More luxurious feel
- Available in more finishes
- Higher price
- Can be heavier than Aluminum version
Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum
- More affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent value for money
- Less premium materials
- May scratch more easily than stainless steel/titanium
Display Comparison
Both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 7 Aluminum feature the same stunning edge-to-edge display with a 20% larger surface area compared to Series 6. The brightness is exceptional, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight. The difference lies in the case material; the Aluminum version has a lighter, more casual feel, while the standard Series 7 (stainless steel/titanium) offers a more premium and substantial feel.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 7 nor the Series 7 Aluminum have a dedicated camera. They rely on the iPhone for taking photos and videos.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical between the two models. Both are powered by the Apple S7 chip and dual-core processor, ensuring smooth navigation, quick app loading, and responsive interactions. You won't notice any performance difference in everyday use or during workouts.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable on both models, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. Apple's fast-charging technology allows for a 0-80% charge in approximately 45 minutes for both versions.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7? Those prioritizing a premium feel and aesthetic, and willing to spend extra for stainless steel or titanium. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum? The vast majority of buyers! It's ideal for everyday use, fitness tracking, and those seeking excellent value.