Apple Watch Series 6 vs Series 7: Is it worth the upgrade?
At first glance — especially with the screen off — the Apple Watch Series 7 looks identical to its predecessor, but you only need to compare them side by side with the screen on to notice the main difference. But before we explain what's changed, check out the main specifications of Apple's smartwatches:
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | ||
| Figure |  |  |
| Screen | LTPO OLED 396 x 484 pixels (45mm, 1,143mm²) 352 x 430 pixels (41mm, 904mm²) 1,000 nits of brightness | LTPO OLED 368 x 448 pixels (44 mm, 977 mm²) 324 x 394 pixels (40 mm, 759 mm²) 1,000 nits of brightness |
| Processors | Apple S7 (SoC) Apple U1 (UWB) | Apple S6 (SoC) Apple U1 (UWB) |
| Storage | 32 GB | |
| Sensors | Heart rate, oximeter (SpO2) GPS, compass, altimeter Accelerometer, gyroscope Fall detection | |
| Connection | Wi-Fi 4 (11n) 2.4 and 5 GHz Bluetooth 5.0 NFC (Apple Pay) UWB Optional 4G/3G connection (LTE/UMTS) | |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours of autonomy Magnetic USB-C Charger (33% faster) | Up to 18 hours of autonomy USB-C Magnetic Charger |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7mm (45mm) 41 x 35 x 10.7mm (41mm) | 44 x 38 x 10.7mm (44mm) 40 x 34 x 10.7mm (40mm) |
| Weight (aluminum / stainless steel / titanium) | 38.8 / 51.5 / 45.1 g (45 mm) 32.0 / 42.3 / 37.0 g (41 mm) | 36.5 / 47.1 / 41.3 g (44 mm) 30.5 / 39.7 / 34.6 g (40 mm) |
| Water resistance | 50 meters | |
| Dust resistance | IP6X | no |
| List price | From R$ 5,299 | From R$ 5,299 |
| Assessment | ||
| Check out offers* | See price | See price |
We'll go into detail about the changes between the two generations of Apple Watch below.
Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 6: models and prices
The Apple Watch Series 7 was released to replace the sixth generation, maintaining a virtually identical pricing structure. The difference is basically the Apple Watch Edition option that swapped the Series 6's Sport Band for a leather strap in 2021, which caused a price increase.
List prices
| Model | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 mm | 41 mm | 44 mm | 40 mm | |
| Aluminum case + Nike/Sports strap | R$ 5,649 R$ 6,849 (4G) | R$ 5,299 R$ 6,499 (4G) | R$ 5,649 R$ 6,849 (4G) | R$ 5,299 R$ 6,499 (4G) |
| Stainless steel case + sports strap | R$ 9,099 | R$ 8,499 | R$ 9,099 | R$ 8,499 |
| Stainless steel case + stainless steel bracelet | R$ 9,699 | R$ 9,099 | R$ 9,699 | R$ 9,099 |
| Titanium Case (Apple Watch Edition) leather strap (s7) or sport strap (s6) | R$ 11,199 | R$ 10,599 | R$ 10,599 | R$ 9,999 |
Despite being removed from the Apple Store Brazil website even before the arrival of its successor, the Apple Watch Series 6 can still be found in e-commerce stores, with significant discounts compared to the original price (and the Series 7).
Design remains largely the same, with new dimensions and screen / © Apple
Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 6: what are the differences?
Apple sums up the 2021 generation of its smartwatch as “refined, more durable design, faster charging and more colors” — critics will say that this is what the iPhone 13 lacked — but what really stands out is the use of screen space. But first, let's quickly mention another important change.
Measures
It may not seem like it, but the Apple Watch Series 7 is bigger than the previous generation. The Apple Watch 2021 case has grown by one millimeter in height on the 45mm model, while the 41mm model has grown by one millimeter in height and width. Despite the change, Apple has maintained compatibility with bands designed for the Apple Watch Series 3 and later:
You can use most bands with any Apple Watch Series 3 or later of the same size. Bands for the 41 mm case are compatible with the 38 mm and 40 mm cases, and bands for the 45 mm case are compatible with the 42 mm and 44 mm cases.
The biggest difference, however, is the screen, which makes better use of the front area.
Screen
The highlight of the Apple Watch Series 7 is the screen that is almost 20% larger than the previous generation — 19% on the smaller model and 17% on the larger one, with a similar increase in panel resolution — thanks to the reduction of bezels. To take advantage of the larger usable area, watchOS 8 has been optimized with larger fonts, as well as graphic elements that extend to the edges of the display, such as the new Contour watch face.
Side by side, Apple Watch Series 3 (left), 6 and 7 (right) show the evolution of the display / © Apple
Additionally, while the OLED panel's peak brightness remains at 1,000 nits, Apple claims the always-on display (AOD) is up to 70% brighter indoors when your wrist is down, meaning you don't have to move your arms to check the time or notifications on your smartwatch.
Recharging and autonomy
Screen magnification and feature change Always-on Display Apparently they had no negative impact on battery life, which is 18 hours for both the Apple Watch Series 6 and 7, according to the manufacturer.
When it comes to recharging the battery, however, the Apple Watch Series 7 is up to 33% faster than the Series 6, thanks to a faster magnetic charger with a USB-C plug that is compatible with the company's 20W adapter. According to Apple, the new adapter is capable of reaching 80% charge on the smartwatch in 45 minutes.
Just don't lose the included accessory, as the cable isn't cheap and previous models (with USB-A plug) are compatible, but with reduced power (and speed).
Resistance
“The toughest Apple Watch ever” isn't exactly a new phrase, but it's back in 2021 thanks to the use of stronger glass over the screen, which Apple says is 50% thicker and more shatter-resistant. The increased thickness of the glass was achieved by integrating the touch sensor into the OLED panel (Super AMOLED, in Samsung Display's parlance).
Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 7 is certified for WR50 water resistance (up to 50 meters deep in water) and IP6X for dust resistance, while the Series 6 is only certified to withstand submersion.
Colors
Another change brought by the Apple Watch Series 7 is the new color options for the aluminum model. The options debut midnight, stellar and green, as well as new shades for the colors blue and (PRODUCT)red.
Midnight (gray), starry (beige?) and green are new to Apple Watch Series 7; blue and red have been slightly changed. / © Apple
The seventh generation also maintains the options offered by the Apple Watch Series 6 for options with other materials: silver, gold and graphite in stainless steel; space black and titanium for the Apple Watch Edition model.
The 2021 model retired the silver, gold (pink), and space gray colors available for the Apple Watch Series 6.
The colors of Apple Watch Series 6 with aluminum case / © Apple
Series 7 vs Series 6: which Apple smartwatch to buy in 2021?
The golden question. Despite the changes, especially the larger screen and new, more powerful charger, the Apple Watch Series 7 does not bring new sensors or mandatory features compared to the 2020 model. Even the performance, apparently, is not different in the new model, despite the name of the SoC having changed from S6 to S7.
So, the question between the two generations of Apple's smartwatch comes down to the importance given to the larger display, the reduced recharge time, the dust resistance and the color options. If these are decisive, there's no need to think twice.
Rationally, the reduced prices for the Apple Watch Series 6 — already close to those of the SE model in Brazil — make it a tempting option for those who don't care about the new features of the seventh generation.
Along these same lines, upgrading from the Series 6 to the Series 7 may not make as much sense unless the beautiful larger screen is a crucial factor in your purchasing decision.
For those who use an Android cell phone, on the other hand, the solution is to look at another smartwatch model, since this time Apple did not make its watch compatible with Google's rival system.