The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from tightly integrated ecosystems like Apple's to more open platforms. We pit the Honor Watch 5 Pro, a recent contender emphasizing battery life and robust features, against the Apple Watch Series 7, a still-relevant benchmark for smartwatch functionality, to determine which offers the best value and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing battery life and broader smartphone compatibility, the Honor Watch 5 Pro emerges as the winner. While the Apple Watch Series 7 boasts a refined user experience and the strength of the Apple ecosystem, its battery performance and closed nature limit its appeal for many.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - cellular model only | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - cellular model only | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE - cellular model only | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 15 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, November 04 | Available. Released 2021, October 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.3 x 46.3 x 11.3 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.44 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 51 g (1.80 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) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 464 x 464 pixels (~310 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.5 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S7 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | MagicOS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 64MB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, EDR | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Po 515 mAh | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Graphite, Gold, Silver |
| Models | HAL-L19, HAL-B19 | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
Honor Watch 5 Pro
- Potentially superior battery life compared to the Series 7
- Wider smartphone compatibility (Android and iOS)
- Wireless charging convenience
- Chipset and RAM specifications are unknown
- Ecosystem integration is less seamless than Apple's
Apple Watch Series 7
- Fast charging (0-80% in 45 minutes)
- Powerful Apple S7 dual-core chipset
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Shorter battery life compared to the Honor Watch 5 Pro
- Limited compatibility with Android devices
- Older model, potentially limited software support in the future
Display Comparison
The context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given the Series 7’s release date, it likely features an OLED panel with excellent color accuracy and brightness. The Honor Watch 5 Pro, positioned as a premium device, likely also utilizes an AMOLED display. The Series 7’s always-on display is a key feature, but the Honor Watch 5 Pro’s larger size potentially allows for more information at a glance. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but Apple’s display calibration is historically strong.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities, and the provided data doesn’t mention camera features for either. This section is therefore less relevant for this comparison. Smartwatches generally offer limited camera functionality, focusing instead on notifications, health tracking, and communication.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 7 is powered by the Apple S7 dual-core chipset, a system-on-a-chip designed for efficient performance within the watchOS environment. While the Honor Watch 5 Pro’s chipset is unspecified, the Series 7’s S7 chip provides a known benchmark for responsiveness and app loading times. The Series 7’s dual-core architecture allows for smooth multitasking, a crucial aspect of the smartwatch experience. The lack of RAM information for the Honor Watch 5 Pro makes a direct performance comparison challenging, but Apple’s optimized software and hardware integration give it an edge.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 7 offers wireless charging, reaching 80% charge in 45 minutes. The Honor Watch 5 Pro also supports wireless charging, but lacks specific charging time data. The Series 7’s battery life is typically around 18 hours with normal use. The Honor Watch 5 Pro, however, is marketed for its extended battery life, potentially exceeding several days on a single charge. This difference in battery performance is a significant advantage for the Honor Watch 5 Pro, particularly for users who dislike frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Watch 5 Pro if you need exceptional battery life, prefer a more open ecosystem compatible with both Android and iOS, and value comprehensive health tracking features. Buy the Apple Watch Series 7 if you are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, prioritize seamless integration with iPhones, and appreciate a polished, mature smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 7 still receiving software updates?
Apple typically provides several years of software support for its Apple Watch models. While the Series 7 is an older model, it is likely still receiving updates, but the duration of future support is limited compared to newer Apple Watch generations.
❓ Can I use the Honor Watch 5 Pro with an iPhone?
Yes, the Honor Watch 5 Pro offers broader smartphone compatibility than the Apple Watch Series 7 and can be paired with both Android and iOS devices, although some features may be limited when connected to an iPhone compared to an Android phone.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Honor Watch 5 Pro compare to the Apple Watch Series 7?
The Apple Watch Series 7 charges to 80% in 45 minutes. While the Honor Watch 5 Pro supports wireless charging, specific charging times are not provided. However, the emphasis on extended battery life suggests a focus on efficient charging rather than necessarily the fastest possible speeds.
