Apple Watch SE 2 vs Series 7 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your daily routine, personal preferences, and how much you’re willing to spend. The Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch SE 2 are two popular options that cater to different types of users. The Series 7 offers a more premium experience with its larger display, advanced health sensors, and faster charging. The SE 2, on the other hand, focuses on delivering essential features at a more affordable price. This article will help you understand the key differences between the two models so you can choose the one that fits your needs best.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch SE 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (no always-on) |
| Display Size | 41mm or 45mm | 40mm or 44mm |
| Case Material Options | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum only |
| Chipset | S7 SiP (based on S6) | S8 SiP (same as Series 8) |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Fast Charging | Yes (USB-C Fast Charger included) | No |
| Health Sensors | Blood Oxygen, ECG, Heart Rate, Fall Detection | Heart Rate, Fall Detection |
| Crash Detection | No | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | WR50 + IP6X Dust Resistant | WR50 |
| Operating System | watchOS 10 | watchOS 10 |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Series 7 features a more refined design with thinner borders and a larger, more curved display. It is available in premium materials like stainless steel and titanium. The SE 2 maintains a similar shape but is limited to aluminum only and has slightly thicker bezels. The Series 7 also has IP6X dust resistance, which the SE 2 lacks.
Display Quality and Visibility
The Series 7 includes an always-on Retina display, making it easier to check the time and notifications without raising your wrist. The SE 2 uses the same brightness level but lacks the always-on function, which can affect convenience during workouts or meetings.
Performance and Processor
Despite being an older model, the Series 7 runs on the S7 chip, which is essentially the same as the S6. The SE 2 uses the newer S8 chip found in the Series 8, offering comparable real-world performance with better efficiency. In daily tasks like app loading and UI fluidity, both watches feel equally responsive.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Series 7 provides more advanced health tracking with ECG and blood oxygen sensors. The SE 2 focuses on core health features like heart rate monitoring and fall detection. If you need full wellness insights or clinical-grade tracking, the Series 7 is more equipped.
Safety Features
One notable upgrade in the SE 2 is Crash Detection, which is not available in the Series 7. This feature can detect severe car accidents and notify emergency services. It adds a safety advantage, especially for commuters or drivers.
Charging and Battery
Both models offer up to 18 hours of battery life. However, the Series 7 supports fast charging, which gets you from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes. The SE 2 does not support fast charging and uses the standard magnetic USB-A charger.
Durability and Water Resistance
Both watches offer WR50 water resistance, making them safe for swimming. The Series 7 adds IP6X certification for dust resistance, which helps in harsher environments like beaches or dusty trails.
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch SE 2 have an always-on display?
No, the Apple Watch SE 2 does not include an always-on display. You have to raise your wrist or tap the screen to view the time and notifications.
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, the Series 7 is still a solid choice if you want a larger screen, premium materials, ECG, and blood oxygen tracking. It remains one of the best value picks among older premium models.
Which watch is better for health tracking?
The Series 7 is better for health tracking thanks to its ECG and blood oxygen sensors, which the SE 2 does not include. It also supports more detailed wellness features through the Health app.
Can both watches run the latest watchOS?
Yes, both the Series 7 and SE 2 run the latest watchOS version. They support the same apps and software updates from Apple.
Is there a difference in battery life between the two models?
Both models offer up to 18 hours of battery life. However, the Series 7 has fast charging support, allowing for quicker top-ups during the day.
Does the SE 2 support crash detection?
Yes, the SE 2 includes Crash Detection, which can automatically contact emergency services if it detects a severe car accident.
Are there differences in durability?
The Series 7 includes IP6X dust resistance in addition to WR50 water resistance, making it more durable in dusty environments. The SE 2 only has WR50 water resistance.
Can I make phone calls from both watches?
Yes, both models support phone calls when connected to an iPhone or via their respective GPS + Cellular versions. This depends on the configuration you choose.
Do both watches include a compass?
Yes, both models include a built-in compass, which is useful for navigation during outdoor activities or map-based apps.
Which model is better for casual users?
The SE 2 is better for casual users who want core smartwatch features at a lower price. It covers fitness tracking, notifications, and safety tools without the premium cost of the Series 7.