The Apple Watch Series 7 stands as a notable upgrade in the smartwatch market, providing a blend of health tracking and connectivity features. Though its predecessor, the Series 6, set a high bar, the Series 7 manages to outshine it with a few significant improvements, making it a compelling option for both new users and those considering an upgrade.
Design and Display
A key highlight of the Series 7 is its design overhaul. The device features a more expansive screen with a 20% increase in screen real estate compared to the Series 6 and SE, due to its reduced border size of just 1.7mm. This larger display not only enhances aesthetics but also improves usability, making interactions like reading texts and navigating menus more comfortable. The Series 7 is available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm, catering to different wrist sizes and preferences.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Series 7 maintains the robust performance characteristic of Apple’s smartwatches. However, it doesn’t bring major changes in terms of fitness and sports tracking from previous generations. The battery life, quoted at 18 hours by Apple, often exceeds expectations in real-world usage, with heavy users reporting up to 36 hours of battery life. Additionally, the Series 7 introduces faster charging, reaching 80% in just 45 minutes.
Health and Fitness Features
The Series 7 continues Apple’s focus on health and fitness. It features an ECG app for heart rhythm monitoring, a SpO2 sensor for oxygen saturation, and improved sleep tracking with the addition of sleep stages in watchOS 9. These features, combined with the intuitive activity rings and workout modes, make it a comprehensive health and fitness companion.
Durability and Compatibility
The Series 7 also excels in durability, boasting a crack-resistant front crystal and IP6X certification for dust resistance, making it more robust than its predecessors. Furthermore, it retains compatibility with all existing Apple Watch bands, ensuring users can personalize their watch without additional expenses.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Connectivity remains a strong suit for the Series 7, with seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. The addition of a full keyboard for text input and new watch faces exclusive to the Series 7 enhance the user experience.
FAQs
- Band Compatibility: Yes, the Series 7 is compatible with previously released Apple Watch bands.
- New Screen Size: The Series 7 has a larger screen, with 20% more space than the SE and Series 4-6, and 50% more than the original Apple Watch to Series 3.
- Charging Speed: The Series 7 charges 33% faster than the Series 6, with an 8-minute charge providing enough power for 8 hours of sleep tracking.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 7, while being an iterative update, marks a significant step forward in terms of design and usability. Its larger screen, improved durability, faster charging, and continued focus on health and fitness make it a top choice for anyone in the market for a smartwatch. If priced right, it’s a compelling option even over newer models.
References
- Wareable. (n.d.). Apple Watch Series 7 review – our in-depth test. Retrieved from www.wareable.com
- TechRepublic. (n.d.). Apple Watch Series 7: A cheat sheet. Retrieved from www.techrepublic.com
- 9to5Mac. (n.d.). Apple Watch Series 7 FAQ: color comparisons, band compatibility, release date. Retrieved from 9to5mac.com
