Apple Watch Series 6 vs Series 7 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your lifestyle, daily habits, and what features matter most. The Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 6 both offer strong performance and health tracking, but they cater to slightly different user expectations. The Series 6 introduced advanced health features and solid speed, while the Series 7 builds on that with a more durable design and larger display. This article will guide you through the key differences between these two models so you can decide which one best fits your needs.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.7″–1.9″ Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | 1.6″–1.78″ Always-On Retina LTPO OLED |
| Display Area | ~20% more screen area than Series 6 | Smaller bezels than Series 5 |
| Display Durability | Crack-resistant front crystal | Standard Ion-X (aluminum) or sapphire |
| Case Sizes | 41mm and 45mm | 40mm and 44mm |
| Charging Speed | ~33% faster charging | Standard charging speed |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Processor | S7 SiP (same performance as S6) | S6 SiP |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Water Resistance | WR50 (swimproof) | WR50 (swimproof) |
| Keyboard Input | Full QWERTY keyboard (on-screen) | No full keyboard |
| Colors (Aluminum) | Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Green, Red | Silver, Space Gray, Blue, Gold, Red |
| OS at Launch | watchOS 8 | watchOS 7 |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Series 7 features a refined design with softer edges and a more crack-resistant front crystal. Its larger case sizes (41mm and 45mm) accommodate a bigger display without making the watch feel bulkier. Series 6 retains the previous generation’s 40mm and 44mm sizes and lacks the reinforced screen durability found on Series 7.
Display Quality and Size
The most noticeable upgrade in the Series 7 is its display. It has about 20 percent more screen area than the Series 6, making everything from text to app buttons easier to see and tap. The always-on display is also slightly brighter indoors when the wrist is down. Series 6 still offers excellent sharpness and clarity but feels more confined by its bezels.
Performance and Speed
Both watches run on nearly identical processors. The S7 chip in the Series 7 is functionally the same as the S6 in the Series 6, offering smooth performance, fast app launches, and responsive navigation. There is no meaningful upgrade in speed between the two models.
Battery and Charging
Battery life remains the same at up to 18 hours for both models. However, the Series 7 supports significantly faster charging—about 33 percent quicker—which means you can get around 80 percent charge in just 45 minutes. This is ideal for users who wear the watch overnight for sleep tracking.
User Interface and Input
The Series 7 introduces a full on-screen QWERTY keyboard, which makes it easier to respond to messages and type quickly. Series 6 does not have this feature and relies more on dictation or quick replies. The larger display on the Series 7 also makes UI elements more accessible.
Fitness and Health Tracking
Both models include advanced health sensors like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and high/low heart rate alerts. Series 7 and Series 6 offer identical fitness tracking features, including fall detection, sleep tracking, and workout modes. The newer watch benefits slightly from larger visuals during workouts.
Durability and Materials
The Series 7 adds an extra layer of protection with a more crack-resistant front crystal. Both watches are swimproof and available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, depending on the version. Series 7’s structural upgrades make it more suitable for users with active lifestyles.
Software and Ecosystem
The Series 7 launched with watchOS 8, while the Series 6 started with watchOS 7. Both support the latest watchOS updates, so core features remain consistent. However, some newer watch faces and display-optimized experiences feel more at home on the Series 7’s larger screen.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 worth upgrading from the Series 6?
If you value a larger, more durable display and faster charging, the upgrade is worth it. However, performance and health features are nearly identical, so Series 6 users may not feel a big leap.
Does the Series 7 have better battery life than the Series 6?
No, both models are rated for up to 18 hours of battery life. The difference lies in Series 7’s faster charging speed, which is more convenient for short charging sessions.
Can I use the same bands from Series 6 on Series 7?
Yes, the bands are fully compatible. Apple maintained band compatibility across the 40/41mm and 44/45mm sizes.
Is the display on the Series 7 noticeably larger than Series 6?
Yes, the display on Series 7 has slimmer borders and more usable screen space, making it noticeably larger and easier to read or tap on.
Does the Series 7 have new health features over the Series 6?
No, both have the same health sensors, including ECG, blood oxygen, and heart rate monitoring.
Can both watches run the latest watchOS updates?
Yes, both Series 7 and Series 6 support current versions of watchOS and will continue receiving updates for several years.
Is there a performance difference between the S7 and S6 chips?
Not in practice. Apple renamed the chip as S7 in Series 7, but its internal components are nearly identical to the S6 in Series 6.
Does the Series 6 have a full keyboard like Series 7?
No, only the Series 7 features an on-screen QWERTY keyboard due to its larger screen.
Which one is better for outdoor durability?
The Series 7 is better for outdoor use thanks to its crack-resistant crystal and more robust construction.
Are there exclusive watch faces for the Series 7?
Yes, the Series 7 has a few watch faces that take advantage of its larger display. These are not available on the Series 6.