Apple Watch 7 vs Se 2nd Gen: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing the right Apple Watch can feel like navigating a tech jungle! With so many options, it’s easy to get lost. If you’re eyeing an upgrade or your first smartwatch, this comparison of the Apple Watch 7 versus the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) is your essential guide.
We’ll break down the key differences, from design and display to performance and features. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge tech or value a more budget-friendly option, we’ll help you decide which Apple Watch model best fits your lifestyle and needs. Get ready to explore the details and find your perfect wrist companion.
The Apple Watch 7 boasts advanced features and a vibrant display, while the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) offers a fantastic entry point into the Apple ecosystem. We will delve into the specifications, from health tracking to battery life, to help you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch 7 | SE 2nd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | Larger Display | Smaller Display |
| Always-On Retina Display | Yes | No |
| Processor | S7 SiP | S8 SiP |
| Water Resistance | WR50 | WR50 |
| ECG App | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | No |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Crash Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular Option | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging | Yes | No |
| Case Material Options | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum |
| Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Apple Watch 7: Features a larger, always-on Retina display with significantly thinner bezels compared to previous models. This allows for more screen real estate and easier readability. The always-on functionality is a major convenience.
- Se 2nd Gen: Has a Retina display but it is not always-on, and the bezels are thicker than the Series 7. This means less information is visible at a glance. It still offers a crisp and clear display.
- Winner: Series 7
Processor
- Apple Watch 7: Powered by the S7 SiP (System in Package), which offers a modest performance increase over the S6 chip in the SE. It provides faster app loading and smoother overall performance.
- Se 2nd Gen: Uses the S8 SiP, offering a significant performance boost over the S5 chip in the previous SE. This ensures a snappy and responsive user experience.
- Winner: SE 2nd Gen
Health Sensors
- Apple Watch 7: Includes an ECG app, blood oxygen sensor, and fall detection. These features provide advanced health monitoring capabilities, offering valuable insights into your well-being.
- Se 2nd Gen: Offers fall detection and heart rate monitoring, but lacks the blood oxygen sensor and ECG app found in the Series 7. These are essential for some users.
- Winner: Series 7
Durability
- Apple Watch 7: Boasts a more crack-resistant front crystal. This is a significant improvement over previous models, increasing durability.
- Se 2nd Gen: Uses the same front crystal as the Apple Watch Series 7. Provides good durability.
- Winner: Series 7
Fast Charging
- Apple Watch 7: Supports faster charging, allowing it to reach 80% charge in about 45 minutes. This is a big advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
- Se 2nd Gen: Does not have fast charging.
- Winner: Series 7
Design and Build
- Apple Watch 7: Features a more refined design with slightly rounded edges and a larger display. It has more premium materials and a wider range of colors.
- Se 2nd Gen: Has the same design as the original SE, which is similar to the Series 6. It’s still a sleek and modern design, but lacks the premium feel of the Series 7.
- Winner: Series 7
Price
- Apple Watch 7: Typically more expensive than the SE 2nd generation. The price reflects the premium features and build quality.
- Se 2nd Gen: More affordable than the Series 7, making it a great value option for those on a budget.
- Winner: SE 2nd Gen
Cellular Connectivity (Optional)
- Apple Watch 7: Offers optional cellular connectivity, allowing users to make calls, send texts, and stream music without their iPhone nearby.
- Se 2nd Gen: Also offers optional cellular connectivity.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Apple Watch 7 |
| Health Sensors | Apple Watch 7 |
| Value | SE 2nd Gen |
| Price | SE 2nd Gen |
| Performance | Tie |
| Fast Charging | Apple Watch 7 |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other shallow-water activities.
- Fitness Tracking: Both Apple Watches offer comprehensive fitness tracking, including activity rings, workout modes, and heart rate monitoring.
- Notifications: Both devices provide notifications from your iPhone, allowing you to stay connected on the go.
- Apple Pay: Both watches support Apple Pay, enabling convenient contactless payments.
- Watchos: Both run on the latest version of watchOS, ensuring access to the newest features and updates.
Apple Watch 7 vs SE 2nd Gen Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Series 7 boasts a more refined design with a larger display and thinner bezels, offering a more immersive visual experience. It’s available in a wider range of colors and materials, including stainless steel and titanium options, giving it a premium feel. The SE 2nd Gen, on the other hand, retains a more classic design, which is still sleek and functional. While lacking the more advanced materials, it offers the same robust build quality and water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear and activities.
Consider your personal style and budget when choosing. The Series 7’s premium materials add to its cost, but the larger display and design tweaks provide a more modern look. The SE 2nd Gen is a great choice if you prioritize value and a familiar design.
Display and Screen Technology
A key differentiator is the display. The Series 7’s always-on Retina display is significantly brighter, making it easier to read information in direct sunlight. This feature is absent on the SE 2nd Gen. The Series 7 also offers a larger screen size, allowing for more content to be displayed at once and making it easier to interact with apps and notifications. This is a significant advantage for users who want the most immersive experience.
The SE 2nd Gen’s display is still excellent, but it lacks the always-on feature and is slightly smaller. If these features aren’t essential, the SE 2nd Gen provides a good display experience at a lower price point.
Performance and Processing Power
Both watches provide smooth and responsive performance, but the Series 7 offers a slightly faster S7 chip, offering faster app loading times and snappier overall performance. This difference is subtle in everyday use, but it becomes more noticeable with demanding tasks or multitasking. Both watches handle watchOS navigation and features with ease.
The SE 2nd Gen utilizes the S8 chip which is a step up from the SE 1st Gen. Both watches run the latest version of watchOS, ensuring access to the newest features and updates. Consider your need for speed. For most users, the performance difference is not significant.
Health and Fitness Features
Both the Series 7 and SE 2nd Gen are packed with health and fitness features, including heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and sleep tracking. However, the Series 7 includes additional sensors, such as an ECG (electrocardiogram) for detecting heart irregularities and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. These advanced health features can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.
The SE 2nd Gen still offers comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, making it a great choice for monitoring your workouts and daily activity. The additional health features in the Series 7 may be a deciding factor for users with specific health concerns.
Battery Life and Charging
Both watches offer all-day battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours with normal usage. The Series 7, however, benefits from faster charging, allowing it to reach 80% charge in a shorter amount of time. This can be a significant advantage for users who need a quick top-up throughout the day.
The SE 2nd Gen has a comparable battery life, but it charges at a slower rate. If you frequently find yourself running low on battery, the Series 7’s faster charging capabilities may be more convenient. Battery life will vary based on usage patterns.
Price and Value for Money
The SE 2nd Gen is the more affordable option, making it an excellent value proposition for users new to the Apple Watch ecosystem or those on a budget. It offers a great balance of features and performance for the price. The Series 7 is more expensive, reflecting its premium design, advanced features, and faster performance.
Consider your budget and the features you prioritize when making your decision. The SE 2nd Gen offers excellent value. The Series 7 is worth the extra cost if you value premium features and the best performance.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Apple Watch 7 If…
- You want the largest and brightest display available on an Apple Watch.
- You value the always-on display for quickly checking the time and other information.
- You want the blood oxygen sensor for additional health monitoring.
- Fast charging is important to you.
Buy SE 2nd Gen If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable Apple Watch option.
- You don’t need the advanced health sensors like the blood oxygen sensor.
- The always-on display isn’t a must-have feature for you.
- You’re new to the Apple Watch ecosystem and want to try it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Apple Watch Series 7 and SE 2nd Gen?
The Series 7 features a larger, brighter always-on display, faster charging, a more powerful processor, and additional health sensors like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. The SE 2nd Gen offers a more affordable entry point with a slightly smaller display and fewer premium features.
Does the SE 2nd Gen have the same health and fitness tracking capabilities as the Series 7?
The SE 2nd Gen includes heart rate monitoring, fall detection, sleep tracking, and activity tracking. While it lacks the ECG and blood oxygen monitoring of the Series 7, it still provides comprehensive fitness tracking suitable for most users.
Is the always-on display worth the extra cost?
The always-on display of the Series 7 allows you to see the time and other information at a glance without raising your wrist. This is a convenient feature, especially if you frequently check your watch. However, it is not essential, and the SE 2nd Gen’s display is still clear and functional.
Which watch has better battery life?
Both watches offer all-day battery life, typically around 18 hours with normal usage. The Series 7 charges faster, which can be beneficial if you need a quick top-up. Battery life depends on usage.
Is the Series 7’s faster processor a significant upgrade?
The Series 7’s slightly faster processor provides snappier performance, particularly when loading apps and multitasking. However, the difference is subtle in everyday use. The SE 2nd Gen still provides a smooth and responsive experience.
Which Apple Watch is best for a beginner?
The SE 2nd Gen is an excellent choice for beginners due to its more affordable price and comprehensive features. It offers a great introduction to the Apple Watch ecosystem without breaking the bank. It provides a great user experience.
Which watch is the better value for money?
The SE 2nd Gen offers better value for money, providing a great balance of features and performance at a lower price point. The Series 7 is worth the extra cost if you prioritize premium features and the best performance.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 7 offers a more premium experience with its larger, brighter display, faster charging, and advanced health sensors. However, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen provides excellent value, offering essential features and a smooth performance at a more affordable price point. Choosing the right watch depends on individual priorities and budget.
Winner: Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen