Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Apple Watch SE: Buyer’s Guide

A detailed account of all the similarities and differences between the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE to help users choose the one that fits the bill

Smartwatches are a popular accessory among Apple users. Or, as Apple likes to say that it’s the ultimate device for a healthy life. Two Apple Watch models that have been turning heads are the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch SE.

Initially, in 2020, the Cupertino-based company introduced the Apple Watch SE – an affordable smartwatch option that doesn’t compromise on high-end features. Later, in 2021, the Series 7 Watch was introduced with a larger display, faster charging, and enhanced durability.

Since then, the Apple Watch Series 7 vs Apple Watch SE debate has been a hot topic among Apple enthusiasts. Both watch models come with incredible features and different prices. While they share a number of key features, choosing the best one can be tricky.

In this guide, you’ll see a detailed picture of the similarities and differences between the two watch models and decide the one that fulfills your requirements.

Comparing the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 7

Below, we have shared the similarities and differences of both models to shed some light on the Apple Watch SE vs Series 7 debate.

Similarities between Apple Watch Series 7 and SE

• Both offer the aluminum casing option
• 64-bit dual-core processor
• W3 wireless chip
• Bluetooth 5.0
• 32 GB capacity
• Digital Crown with haptic feedback
• Retina LTPO OLED display
• Always-on altimeter
• Noise monitoring
• Accelerometer and gyroscope (fall detection)
• Swimproof water resistance (up to 50 meters)
• Irregular heart rhythm and low and high heart rate alerts
• Loudspeaker and microphone
• GPS and GPS + Cellular models and Compass
• Ambient light sensor
• All-day battery life
• Support for Family Setup
• International emergency calling and emergency SOS

Differences between Apple Watch Series SE and 7

When it comes to Apple Watch Series SE vs 7, their similarities usually overshadow the differences. But that doesn’t mean there are no differences.

Some differences between the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 7 are as follows:

Besides these differences, the Apple Watch Series 7 also includes the following features:

• Crack-resistant front crystal
• IP6X dust resistance
• Blood oxygen sensor
• Electrical heart sensor
• Fast charging (up to 80% in about 45 minutes)
• U1 Ultra Wideband chip

This comparison shows that the similarities in Apple Watch Series 7 vs SE may outweigh the differences, but they have notable differences.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the features of both Apple Watch models.

Design

The overall design of the Apple Watch SE and Series 7 is somewhat similar, but the latter’s look has been slightly refined.

Edges

With the case of the Apple Watch Series 7 featuring more rounded and softer edges, it gives a more sophisticated look. It only features one speaker grille on the left. This watch also has a refractive edge that curves around its top to allow a full-screen view.

Casing Size

Compared to the SE watch, Series 7 has physically larger casings. While the Apple Watch Series 7 offers 41mm and 45mm models, the Apple Watch SE comes in 40mm and 44mm casing sizes. Besides, the Series 7 watches are also heavier than the SE models.

Colors

In terms of Apple Watch SE vs Series 7 colors, the latter seems to be winning with five exciting aluminum colors, including Starlight, Midnight, Green, (PRODUCT)RED, and a new Blue. The SE models only come in the classic Apple colors – Silver, Gold, or Space Gray.

Body Material

As far as the watch bodies are concerned, the Apple Watch Series 7 is available in aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel, while the SE models only come in aluminum bodies. The stainless steel and titanium ones also feature a sapphire crystal screen, while Ion-X strengthened glass is used in aluminum models.

Display

One of the biggest differences between the Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch SE is their display sizes.

In Apple Watch Series 7 vs Apple Watch SE, the former boasts a 20% larger screen area than the latter. On the SE watch, the display borders are 3.0mm thick, while the Series 7 brings them down to 1.7mm. The Apple Series 7 also uses larger casing sizes, allowing it to have more display screen space than the SE.

Moreover, the roomier display of the Apple Watch Series 7 gives way to two new watch faces. Besides the two watch faces, you also get two additional text size options that aren’t available on the SE watch, along with an on-screen keyboard.

Although both watches feature a Retina LTPO OLED display with a maximum brightness of 1000 nits, the Apple Watch 7 has an always-on display.

S5 vs. S7 Chip

Another notable point in the Apple Watch Series 7 vs SE is the difference in their chips. While the Apple Watch SE delivers fast performance with its S5 System in Package (SiP), the Apple Watch 7 takes it up a notch with its S7 chip.

According to Apple, the S7 chip offers 20% improved performance compared to the S5 chip. It means apps on the Apple Watch 7 launch 20 times faster than the ones on SE. And this quick speed doesn’t affect its battery timing.

While there is a performance improvement in the S7 chip, the S5 chip is still perfectly capable. So, you don’t have to buy a brand-new Apple Watch Series 7 when you can gain relatively similar performance from a used Apple Watch SE.

U1 Ultra-Wideband Chip

The U1 Ultra Wideband chip is only included in the Apple Watch Series 7. With the U1 on this watch, users can enjoy new experiences as it enables short-range wireless location. It means you can use the watch for tracking your AirTags or as next-generation digital car keys.

While it is an exciting feature, Apple has already launched AirTags for Androids, and you can find nearby AirTags using your smartphone.

Health Monitoring

The most significant innovations have come in the health monitoring section of the Apple Watch Series 7.

Now, the Apple Watch 7 offers blood oxygen monitoring to help users understand their fitness and wellbeing. Users can also take on-demand measurements of their blood oxygen levels using the built-in app. All the recorded data is available in the Health app so users can track changes or any irregularities.

In the Apple Watch 7, the Digital Crown has electrodes built into it along with an electrical heart rate sensor on the back. The ECG app allows users to receive a heart rhythm classification, preventing serious health complications.

The Apple Watch SE doesn’t feature the blood oxygen or electrical heart sensors, limiting its ability to record health data.

Final Thoughts

Both the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 7 are great Apple Watch models. They come with their own features and offer a number of health benefits to users. The Apple Watch Series 7 offers a larger display, faster charging, improved durability, and advanced features. With this watch, you get to enjoy a larger casing, a variety of colors and finishes, and an always-on display.

However, since it is a newer model with the latest features, the Apple Watch 7 is slightly more expensive than the SE watch. If you have your heart set on this one, you can get a refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 from Phone Daddy at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Apple Watch SE is already cheaper than Apple Watch 7, and you can get a used Apple Watch SE at an even more affordable price from Phone Daddy.