If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the Apple Watch 8 or Apple Watch Ultra, you might be torn between the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch 7. Since it’s older, the 2021 Apple Watch 7 is typically discounted more than the 2022 Apple Watch 8 despite having many of the same features. The Apple Watch SE, the most affordable Apple Watch, was upgraded in 2022. Neither model costs as much as the Apple Watch 8, but how do their features stack up against one another? Find out which Apple Watch is best for you by reading our detailed comparison of the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch 7.
Difference Between Apple Watch SE and 7 At a Glance
| Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch 7 | |
| Case size | 44/40mm | 45/41mm |
| Display resolution | 368 x 448 (977 sq mm total) | 396 x 484 (1143 sq mm total) |
| Display size | Over 30% larger than Series 3 | Over 50% larger than Series 3 (17% bigger than SE/Series 6) |
| Display type | Retina LTPO OLED | Retina LTPO OLED |
| Bezel width | 3 mm | 1.7 mm |
| Brightness | Up to 1000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Charging | 0-80% in ~60 minutes | 0-80% in 45 minutes + 8 min charge = 8 hours sleep tracking |
| U1 (ultra wideband) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| SiP/Processor | S5 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor | S7 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor |
Difference Between Apple Watch SE and 7
Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is a stylish watch with Apple’s largest display that blends seamlessly into the case’s rounded corners. With the Series 7, you’ll likely have all the options that suit your needs, with a price tag to match. Available in ten colours and three different finishes, depending on the model, you’ll likely have all the options that suit your needs.
#1. Display
The Apple Watch Series 7 display is the largest yet, which is significant given that you’re essentially wearing your smartphone on your wrist. The Series 7 is available in two sizes: 45mm with a 396px by 484px resolution and an 1143 square mm display area, and 41mm with a 352px by 430px resolution and a 904 square mm display area.
With a larger display area and resolution, you can fit more on your Apple Watch screen at once, making it easier and more enjoyable to use. The screen has a 1.7mm border on both sizes, so it is closer to the rounded corners and edges of your watch display than the other models, giving it a sleek appearance.
An always-on display is one feature I appreciate in a smartwatch; battery savers beware. The Series 7’s Always-On Retina display keeps the viewing area bright even when not in use or when your wrist is down, allowing you to always see the time and anything else you want to keep visible.
#2. Features
The Series 7 features the most powerful Apple Watch chip: an S7 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor that allows you to switch between apps and receive real-time notifications seamlessly. The Series 7 is also the only Apple Watch that can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks right now, whereas the SE can only connect to 2.4GHz networks.
Both the SE and Series 7 have a built-in lithium-ion battery that can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, and both have a USB-C magnetic charging cable, but only the Series 7 supports fast charging. Apple claims that 45 minutes of charging will charge your Series 7 watch from 0% to 80%.
If you like to wear your Apple Watch overnight to track your sleep, 8 minutes of charging the Series 7 provides enough charge for eight hours of sleep tracking, just in case you’re one of the lucky ones who can get in their eight hours.
#3. Construction and Finishing
Apple Watch Series 7 is available in three different materials:
- Aluminium is used for their GPS+Cellular models, GPS-only models, and Apple Watch Nike models. Aluminium models are available in the following colours: midnight, starlight, green, blue, and (Product)Red.
- Stainless steel is only available on their GPS+Cellular (graphite, silver, and gold models) and Hermes (space black and silver).
- Titanium finishes are only available on GPS+Cellular models in space black and natural titanium.
Durability is essential in any watch because wearing it exposes it to bumps and unfortunate encounters with sharp corners or objects. Apple touts the Series 7 watch’s screen as the strongest and most crack-resistant yet.
Read Also: Which iPhones Are Waterproof? All You Need To Know
Apple’s Ion-X front glass, which is dense, crack-resistant, and flexible, is used on aluminium models. With the Series 7, Apple increased the thickness of the front crystal by 50% over the Series 6 for added toughness and resilience.
The sapphire front crystals on the stainless steel and titanium models are a more expensive material used on watches and found on brands such as Movado and Rolex. Sapphire glass is more scratch-resistant than Ion-X crystal but is more prone to cracking and shattering, though only with great force.
With an IP6X dust resistance certification, the Apple Watch Series 7 is dust-tight and can withstand everything from weekend gardening sessions to dusty construction site work. The Series 7 and SE are both swim-proof and water-resistant to depths of up to 50m; however, neither is recommended for scuba diving or high-velocity watersports.
#4. Health Features
Though it cannot replace a doctor, the Series 7 hopes to always keep its wearer informed about their health. It constantly monitors your heart rate to notify you of any abnormally high or low readings or irregular heart rhythms. The blood oxygen and ECG apps, however, are the most essential features.
The Apple Watch Series 7 seamlessly monitors your blood oxygen levels via an app exclusive to this model. Real-time blood oxygen readings will be visible with a tap thanks to four clusters of red, green, and infrared LEDs and four photodiodes on the back of your watch.
In just 30 seconds, an optical heart sensor on the back of your watch and an electrical heart sensor on the Digital Crown of your Series 7 watch generate an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram, providing you with insights to help you stay on top of your health no matter where you are.
Wheezing through your workout is made bearable by the knowledge that your watch monitors your heart rate and keeps you motivated, with dozens of workouts available to begin anytime. Your watch will use activity rings to track your daily exercise, move minutes, and time spent standing. If fitness is an integral part of your daily routine, Apple Fitness+ is a membership fitness service that comes with three months free when you buy an Apple Watch.
#5. Price
The iPhone Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399 for the 41mm aluminium case with GPS technology and goes up to $429 for the 45mm version. The Hermes edition costs up to $1299, so it’s a costly purchase on the spur of the moment. With such a high price tag, it’s natural to want to ensure you’re getting the right one. Apple’s website lists all of the price options.
Apple Watch SE
It could be called the Apple Watch Lite because it’s a fantastic watch similar to the Series 6 but lacks a few features. It has a larger display and is twice as fast as the Series 3, which is still available for purchase. The Apple Watch SE is a more affordable option with many commendable features, making it the ideal smartwatch for many consumers.
#1. Display
The Apple Watch SE, which comes in 40mm and 44mm cases, has a retina display with only a 3mm border, allowing you to see more on your screen than you would with the Series 3. The 40mm display has a resolution of 324px by 394px and a 759 square mm display area, while the 44mm case has a resolution of 368px by 448px and a 977 square mm display area.
Aside from the fancy numbers, the SE’s display is comparable to the Series 7. While it is slightly smaller and lacks always-on functionality, it is a smooth, attractive watch face with a retina LTPO OLED display. Many people dislike having an always-on smartwatch, especially those who prefer a longer battery life.
#2. Features
The SE employs the S5 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor, which, while slower than the Series 7, is noticeably faster than the Series 3. With 32GB of storage, you can listen to music on your watch while leaving your iPhone at home and going for a run, mapping your route with the built-in GPS.
The battery life is comparable to that of other Apple Watches, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge. It includes a USB-C magnetic charging cable and a built-in lithium-ion battery.
The Apple Watch SE can only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
#3. Construction and Finishing
The Apple Watch SE is only available in an aluminium case with an Ion-X front glass and a ceramic and sapphire crystal back glass. Space grey, silver, and gold are the available finishes.
The SE is water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters but not dust-resistant to IP6X standards. This means you can swim with your Apple Watch SE (and track your progress! ), but I wouldn’t wear it during a sandstorm. However, you should be OK with regular use.
#4. Health Features
Though the Apple Watch SE lacks blood oxygen and ECG apps, its second-generation optical heart sensor allows notifications for irregular heart rhythm and unusually high or low heart rate. You can also use the Heart Rate app to check your heart rate anytime.
The accelerometer built into the SE and Series 7 watches can detect falls, prompting the watch to ask you if you require emergency services once it detects a brusque movement.
All Apple Watches include a free three-month subscription to Fitness+, Apple’s newer fitness service with multiple workouts, guided meditations, and audio-guided running or walking experiences.
If you don’t need more features than the SE, this Apple Watch could be your next fitness companion. The Apple Watch’s activity rings are also very motivating. The more time spent exercising, moving, or standing in a day, the closer the rings become; the daily goal is to close all your rings.
#5. Price
The Apple Watch SE starts at $279 for the 40mm case, which is significantly less than the Series 7. The 44mm case costs $309. Despite the fact that there are only three case finishes, Apple offers a variety of coloured bands and combinations to suit your tastes. The band styles are available for sport band, solo loop, and sport loop.
Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: Price and Availability
The 41mm Apple Watch 7 costs $399, while the larger 45mm model costs $429. Cellular support is available for an additional $100, allowing your Apple Watch to stay connected even when untethered from your iPhone.
The Apple Watch SE costs $279 (or less with the best Apple Watch deals). The Cellular version costs $329 for the 40mm model and $359 for the 44mm model. That’s only a $50 price increase for LTE support.
Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: Specifications
| Apple Watch 7 | Apple Watch SE | |
| Starting price | $399 | $279 |
| Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Display size/resolution | 1.9 inches, 484 x 396 pixels (45mm) | 1.6 inches, 394 x 324 pixels (40mm); 1.8 inches, 448 x 368 pixels (44mm) |
| Cellular option | Yes | Yes |
| Always-on display | Yes | No |
| Color options | Silver, Black, Green, Blue, Red | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Special features | ECG, SpO2, heart rate alerts, fall-detection, compass, always-on altimeter | Heart rate alerts, fall-detection, compass, always-on altimeter |
Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: Design and Display
The design of the Apple Watch SE is typical of Apple Watch. It will only be available in aluminium (the Apple Watch 7 will also be available in stainless steel and titanium). Still, it will be available in silver, gold, and space grey finishes. In terms of display, the SE has the same screen as the Apple Watch 5, which is 30% larger than the Apple Watch 3 but lacks an always-on mode.
With the Apple Watch 7, you get an always-on display, which means you can see a scaled-down version of your complication without raising your wrist or tapping your screen. The screen is also 70% brighter than the Apple Watch 6.
That’s just one of the most notable new display features. Apple reduced the size of the screen’s bezels, making the Apple Watch 7’s display approximately 20% larger than the Apple Watch SE’s. With a narrow 1.7mm bezel, the Apple Watch 7 appears larger without adding bulk to the smartwatch.
The more curvaceous exterior of the Apple Watch 7 should have the opposite effect. The refined geometrics of the smartwatch promise a more seamless transition from the screen to the case than previously. The new Apple Watch 7 sizes contribute to the overall effect.
Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: Health Sensors
Though the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch 6 are nearly identical in terms of health features, the newest Apple Watch includes tools that the SE version does not. For starters, the SE lacks the Apple Watch blood oxygen app. It also does not have the ability to record ECGs, which are used to detect signs of atrial fibrillation.
The Apple Watch SE, on the other hand, has continuous heart rate monitoring and, like Apple’s other smartwatches, can send notifications for abnormally high or low heart rates and irregular heart rhythm notifications.
Both smartwatches include the standard set of fitness tracking metrics, such as automatic workout tracking and various workout types. With watchOS 8, new workout types are also available.
Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: Specifications
WatchOS 8, which shipped with the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE, powers the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE.
Users will receive a new Mindfulness app, expanded support for digital keys, improved HomeKit controls, multiple timers, precipitation alerts, and refreshed messaging options with watchOS 8. Apple also included an Apple Watch keyboard with the Apple Watch 7, so users are no longer restricted to scribbling or talking to type.
In addition to the updates, both the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE now support Apple Pay, the best Apple Watch apps, music controls, and other features. You can even answer phone calls from your wrist if your iPhone is nearby. You can also make calls when your iPhone is out of range if you have the Cellular version connected to a wireless carrier.
Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: Battery Life
The battery life of the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE is the same — an estimated 18 hours. We discovered that depending on the display settings you enable and whether you use the GPS for an extended period of time, you can get nearly a full 24 hours of use.
The Apple Watch 7 is said to charge faster. With the help of a new USB-C compatible cord, Apple claims it charges 33% faster than the Apple Watch 6.
Which is better, the Apple Watch SE or the Apple Watch 7?
Finally, there’s no doubt that the Apple Watch Series 7 is the superior smartwatch due to its always-on display, larger and more durable build, slightly improved performance, and additional health tracking features. From a creative standpoint, the larger, more detailed display, as well as the wider range of finishes and straps, should make it a much more appealing proposition.
However, times are tough right now, and we’re not convinced that the Series 7 is $120/£120 better than the Apple Watch SE, and we doubt you’d notice much of a difference in day-to-day use. The SE isn’t quite as advanced as the Series 7, but it more than suffices, and, as previously stated, the battery life is significantly improved.
So, which should you go with? If you want a smartwatch as a statement piece or believe you’ll benefit from the extra health monitoring, we recommend the Watch Series 7. But if all you really need is a smartwatch that works, it’s difficult to argue against the SE.
Which iPhone models are Apple Watch compatible?
All current Apple Watches require an iPhone 6s or newer running iOS 15 or later.
Is it possible to use an Apple Watch without an iPhone?
While an iPhone is required to set up an Apple Watch, Apple’s Family Setup allows you to set up an Apple Watch for someone who does not have an iPhone, such as a child or an elderly family member. Their Apple Watches will require cellular connectivity to access the internet, send messages, and make phone calls.
Does the Apple Watch monitor your sleep?
Yes, you can track your sleep with your Apple Watch; make sure it’s charged enough to last the night. In the morning, open the Sleep app to see how your night went, how many hours of sleep you actually got, as well as trends and averages from the previous two weeks.
Can you use Apple Pay on your watch?
Apple Pay is more convenient from your watch than your phone because it is always on your wrist, and you don’t have to pull out your phone or wallet to pay. Even if you leave your phone in your car, you can use Apple Pay from your Apple Watch.
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