The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from premium, ecosystem-locked experiences to more affordable, versatile options. We pit the vivo Watch 2, a contender focused on value and wireless convenience, against the established Apple Watch Series 7, known for its performance and integration within the Apple ecosystem, to determine which device best suits different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing value and wireless charging convenience, the vivo Watch 2 presents a compelling alternative to the Apple Watch Series 7. While the Apple Watch boasts a more powerful processor, the vivo Watch 2 delivers essential smartwatch functionality at a potentially lower price point, making it a strong contender.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | 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 | 2021, December 22 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 29 | Available. Released 2021, October 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame 316L | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 47 g (1.66 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | 5ATM water resistant
50m water resistant | IP6X certified
50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S7 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 2GB | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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, altimeter, 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 | 10W wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | - | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Brown, Silver | Graphite, Gold, Silver |
| Models | WA2156A | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
vivo Watch 2
- Potentially lower price point offers excellent value.
- 10W wireless charging provides convenient power replenishment.
- Likely broader compatibility with Android and iOS devices.
- Performance is likely significantly lower than the Apple Watch Series 7.
- Limited app ecosystem compared to watchOS.
Apple Watch Series 7
- Powerful Apple S7 chip delivers a smooth and responsive experience.
- Extensive watchOS app ecosystem provides a wide range of functionality.
- Seamless integration with iPhones and other Apple devices.
- Higher price point may be prohibitive for some users.
- Ecosystem lock-in limits compatibility with Android devices.
Display Comparison
The provided data doesn't detail display specifications for either watch. However, given Apple's historical focus on display quality, the Series 7 likely features a higher peak brightness and potentially a more color-accurate display. The Series 7 also benefits from its larger display size, offering more screen real estate. The vivo Watch 2, while lacking specific details, likely prioritizes efficiency over absolute visual fidelity to maximize battery life.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in modern smartwatches. This comparison point is therefore neutral.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 7’s dual-core Apple S7 chipset represents a significant performance advantage over the unspecified processor within the vivo Watch 2. The S7 chip allows for smoother app transitions, faster processing of health data, and a more responsive user experience. While the vivo Watch 2 will handle basic notifications and fitness tracking adequately, the Series 7 is demonstrably superior for users who intend to run complex apps or utilize advanced features. The S7's architecture is optimized for the watchOS environment, providing a level of integration the vivo Watch 2 likely cannot match.
Battery Life
The vivo Watch 2’s 10W wireless charging offers a convenient charging experience. The Apple Watch Series 7 also utilizes wireless charging, achieving 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. While the exact battery capacity of the vivo Watch 2 is unknown, the faster charging speed of the Apple Watch Series 7 suggests it may compensate for a potentially smaller battery size, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and feature utilization on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Watch 2 if you need a reliable smartwatch with wireless charging and aren't heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. It's ideal for users seeking a functional and affordable wearable. Buy the Apple Watch Series 7 if you prioritize seamless integration with iPhones, demand the fastest possible performance for apps and features, and value the extensive watchOS app ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Watch 2 compatible with iPhones?
While the vivo Watch 2 is likely compatible with iPhones for basic notification mirroring, the full feature set and seamless integration will be significantly limited compared to using it with an Android device. Apple's watchOS is designed specifically for iPhones, offering a superior experience.
❓ How does the Apple S7 chip impact real-world performance on the Series 7?
The Apple S7 chip enables faster app launches, smoother animations, and quicker processing of health data like heart rate and ECG readings. This translates to a more responsive and enjoyable user experience, particularly when using third-party apps or utilizing advanced features like Siri.
❓ Does the wireless charging on the vivo Watch 2 support any charging standards like Qi?
The context data only specifies 10W wireless charging. Whether it adheres to the Qi standard is unknown, but it's likely it does for broader compatibility with wireless charging pads. However, charging speeds may vary depending on the charger used.
