Apple Watch Series 7 Review: A Bigger and Better Display

The Apple Watch Series 7, released in October 2021, features a larger, more durable display with 20% more screen area than its predecessor. It boasts a crack-resistant front crystal and improved dust resistance with an IP6X rating. Powered by the S7 chip, it ensures smooth performance and fast charging capabilities—33% quicker than the Series 6.

Available in new colors and finishes, Series 7 enhances the user experience with advanced health features and a refined design, making it a standout in the smartwatch market.

Apple Watch Series 7 Key Specifications

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Release Date and Price

The Apple Watch Series 7 was officially released on October 15, 2021, after being announced on September 14, 2021. At launch, the Series 7 had a competitive price within Apple’s smartwatch lineup, making it a popular choice.

The 41mm GPS model was introduced at $399, while the larger 45mm GPS model had a starting price of $429. The 41mm GPS + Cellular model was initially priced at $499 for users needing cellular connectivity. Meanwhile, the 45mm GPS + Cellular model became available for $529, offering added connectivity benefits.

Design and Display

The Apple Watch Series 7 is available in a variety of finishes and materials, ensuring there’s an option for every style preference. For a sporty look, the aluminum models come in Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue, and (PRODUCT)RED. If you prefer a more premium feel, the stainless steel options include Graphite (PVD), Silver, and Gold (PVD).

For those seeking durability and a lightweight design, the titanium models are available in Space Black (DLC) and titanium finishes. Special editions like the Apple Watch Nike (aluminum in Midnight and Starlight) and Apple Watch Hermès (stainless steel in Space Black and Silver) add a touch of exclusivity.

The watch is offered in two sizes—41 mm and 45 mm—and features a durable ceramic and sapphire crystal back, making it resistant to scratches and wear.

One of the best features of the Apple Watch Series 7 is its larger, more vibrant display. The Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display ensures that you can easily read your watch face, even in bright sunlight, thanks to its 1000 nits brightness. The 45mm model offers a screen resolution of 396 x 484 pixels with a display area of 1143 sq mm, while the 41mm model has a resolution of 352 x 430 pixels and a 904 sq mm display area.

Durability is another key highlight, with a water resistance rating of 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and shallow-water activities. Additionally, the IP6X dust resistance rating ensures the watch can withstand exposure to dust and dirt, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

Durability and Build Quality

Apple has also made significant improvements in durability with the Series 7. The watch includes a front crystal that is 50% thicker than Series 6, enhancing durability against cracks and impacts.

Series 7 is Apple’s first watch to receive an IP6X dust resistance rating, providing superior protection from dust and sand particles. It retains a WR50 water resistance rating, enabling submersion up to 50 meters deep, making it ideal for swimming activities.

Performance and Processor

The Apple Watch Series 7 is powered by the S7 chip, which is based on the S6 processor from the Series 6. While performance improvements over Series 6 are minimal, the S7 chip ensures smooth and responsive operation across all tasks.

The watch handles everything from fitness tracking to app usage with ease, maintaining Apple’s reputation for delivering high-performance wearables.

Health and Fitness Features

The Apple Watch Series 7 continues to emphasize Apple’s dedication to health and fitness innovation. It retains all the essential health features from the Series 6, such as the blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor.

Additionally, it includes an electrical heart sensor for ECG readings and an optical heart rate sensor for accurate monitoring. The Series 7 also features an always-on altimeter, built-in GPS, and multiple workout modes. These enhancements make it suitable for a wide variety of fitness activities and user needs.

Battery Life and Charging

The Apple Watch Series 7 offers the same 18-hour battery life as its predecessors, which is sufficient for a full day of use. However, Apple has significantly improved its charging speed with Series 7, allowing it to charge 33% faster than Series 6.

With the new USB-C magnetic fast charger, the watch can reach an 80% charge in about 45 minutes, and just 8 minutes of charging provides enough battery for 8 hours of sleep tracking.

Software and Features

Series 7 runs on watchOS 8, which introduces new features and improvements to the user experience.

Notable additions include new watch faces that take advantage of the larger display, a redesigned user interface for easier navigation, and enhancements to the Messages and Photos apps. WatchOS 8 also brings improved support for cycling workouts, including fall detection for cyclists and better tracking of e-bike workouts.

As with previous models, the Series 7 supports Apple Pay for contactless payments, Siri for voice commands, and a wide range of third-party apps, further improving its functionality and versatility.

Connectivity: Comprehensive and Versatile

The Apple Watch Series 7 offers a wide range of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with the iPhone and other Apple devices.

• Bluetooth:0
• Wi-Fi:11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• GPS: Built-in
• Cellular: Available in select models, enabling phone-free usage
• NFC: Apple Pay support

Bluetooth 5.0 ensures reliable connections with other devices, while the built-in GPS provides accurate location tracking for outdoor workouts. The Series 7 also supports 5GHz Wi-Fi, enhancing wireless performance. For those who prefer to leave their iPhones behind, the cellular models allow for phone-free calls, messaging, and music streaming. Apple Pay support via NFC enables secure and convenient contactless payments.

Comparison: Apple Watch Series 6 vs Series 7 vs Series 8

Here’s the comparison between the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8 in a tabular format, based on the provided information:

Apple’s Watch lineup has evolved, with each new model offering enhanced features and improvements. The Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch Series 7, and Apple Watch Series 8 bring distinct advancements in design, performance, and health tracking features. Each model features a sleek, stylish design available in multiple materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.

• The Series 6 introduced vital health features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring while maintaining an efficient 18-hour battery life.
• The Series 7 improved the display with a larger, more durable screen and faster charging capabilities.
• The Series 8 adds advanced temperature sensing, along with new health metrics such as wrist temperature tracking, making it a superior choice for wellness enthusiasts.

Conclusion: Is the Apple Watch Series 7 Worth It?

The Apple Watch Series 7 introduces a larger display, improved durability, and faster charging, making it a top smartwatch choice. Although it lacks brand-new health features, its upgraded design, display, and user interface make it a solid improvement.

For users upgrading from an older model, the Apple Watch Series 7 provides excellent value with a refined design. Whether for fitness, health tracking, or seamless connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 7 remains a leading smartwatch option.

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