Today, we would like to compare Apple Watch Series 7 vs SE and share the key differences between them. If you are looking to buy an Apple Watch for the first time or maybe you are looking to upgrade from an older watch, then this post should hopefully help you decide between two main options that Apple offers in the Apple Watch Series 7 or the Apple Watch SE.
These two watches look in the field nearly identical. They have a ton of similarities between them. So, we are going to focus on most of the main differences to kind of help ease the decision on which one to buy.
If you need a short answer, here is the list we have put together to help you better understand the main differences between Apple Watch 7 and SE:
- Both models have Aluminum options. But the Apple Watch SE has limited colors compared to the Series 7 in this regard. The Apple Watch S7 comes in midnight (which is very dark blue), starlight, green, blue, and product red aluminum options. But, you are not going to get much besides silver, space gray or gold for Apple Watch SE.
- The Apple Watch Series 7 also has Stainless Steel option, but you won’t get it with the Apple Watch SE.
- The case size options for Apple Watch Series 7 and SE are different as well. The Series 7 comes with 41 mm or 45 mm options, but the SE comes with 40 mm or 44 mm case size options.
- One of the best features of the Apple Watch Series 7 is the Always-On Retina Display. But Apple Watch SE offers only Retina Display.
- Another most lovely thing about the Series 7 is the more screen area. It is 20% larger than the Series 6.
- Two more features that come with the Series 7 is the Blood Oxygen App and Electrocardiography (ECG) APP. However, those two are not offered by Apple Watch SE.
- The Last, the Apple Watch Series 7 can be charging up 33% faster than the previous models. It has new USP-C charging cable comes with in the box. On the other hand Apple Watch SE does not have it.
- Also, Apple Watch SE uses the older chip and processor which comes with Series 5. In the next coming years, when operating systems come out, we are expecting it to slow down. On the other hand, Series 7 uses brand new chip and Operating System WatchOS 8.
- Apple Watch Series 7 uses S7 with 64-bit dual-core processor; up to 20% faster than SE
- Apple Watch Series 7 has third generation heart sensor, but Apple Watch SE has the second generation.
- There are some common features in both models: Both of them have High and Low Heart Notification, Irregular Heart Notification and international emergency calling, Fall Detection, Available Cellular Connectivity and support Family Setup (GPS & Cellular Models)
These are the major differences between Apple Watch Series 7 and SE which is worth noting. We would recommend reading to deeply understand the differences between them.
Rates on Amazon for Series 7
- Check for Apple Watch Series 7 41 mm
- Check for Apple Watch Series 7 45 mm
Apple Watch Series 7 vs SE: Side By Side Comparison
Differences in Design
Starting with the design, they are looking nearly the same as we said before. But, there are few things you might want to know about the Apple Watch SE. It only comes in aluminum. So if you want a more premium casing option like stainless steel or titanium, you should consider going with the Series 7.
The size options are also different, but in terms of the bands it all works still the same. So, it could be confusing but it really is not.
The SE comes in 40 mm or 44 mm and the Series 7 comes in 41 mm or 45 mm case size options. However, the bands are available either anything for 40 or 44, or 41 and 45. Don’t worry; they all work for the all watches.
Now, you may not realize it at first glance, but the display area in the Series 7 is actually 20 percent larger with only 1.7 mm in borders or bezels.
If you really want a wide variety of colors for your watch, you are not going to get much besides silver, space gray or gold for Apple Watch SE.
On the other hand, the Series 7 does come in midnight (which is very dark blue), starlight, green, blue, and product red aluminum options.
The Series 7 has also more crack resistant glass for its screen. Since the display is larger, IOS slightly design around it that a little bit more than the other watches. It just offers some unique differences like new watch faces, and features to better take advantage of its extra screen area.
Comparison of Their Features
The next big things beside the look and feel for a smart watch are the main extra features you might get with Series 7. With the Apple Watches, we need to look at primarily extra health features because they are far and away better than any other option out there or at least they are in our opinion. Now, with the Series 7, it is pretty obvious you are going to get some other major health features over the Apple Watch SE. The Series 7 offers Blood Oxygen Monitoring which measures the oxygen saturation of your blood. So, you can better understand your overall fitness and well-being. The Apple Watch Series 7 also has electrodes built into the digital crown which is offering you the ability to take an Electrocardiography (ECG).
Now with the ECG app of Apple Watch Series 7, you can hold your finger on the digital crown and after about 30 seconds you will receive a heart rhythm classification which lets you know, if you have a normal pattern or signs of atrial fibrillation or afib. On the other hand, The Apple Watch SE does not have any of the features like the blood oxygen, or the ECG. So, you will have to go with the Series 7, if these features are important to you.
However, the Apple Watch SE is not without the ability to record any health data. It still has all of the other health features that we know and love. It is including some other features like the ability to perform emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Noise monitoring and again all of the fitness tracking that has made Apple Watch so popular amongst the fitness community.
Chips & Processors
The Apple Watch SE is a little bit older, actually a year older. But, the chip and the processor inside of it come from Series 5. So, you can assume that it will be slower in the next coming years. On the other hand, Series 7 has a brand new S7 Chip. Therefore, as your watches ages or new operating systems come out, the differences could be more noticeable between them.
Processors being used by Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch SE are as follows:
- Apple Watch Series 7: S7 with 64-bit dual-core processor; up to 20% faster than SE
- Apple Watch SE: 64-bit dual-core S5 processor
Battery Life & Wireless
Both Watches offer what apple Calls All Day Battery Life of roughly 18-hours. But, Series 7 is charging up %33 faster than Series 6 (You can check our comparison for Apple Watch Series 7 vs 6 in more detail). The Series 7 has new charging architecture and new USB-C magnetic charging cable that comes with its box. This may not be a main reason for choosing Series 7 over Apple Watch SE, but it is worth noting.
One more point, you will get U1 Ultra-Wide Band Chip in the Series 7, but not in the Apple Watch SE. The U1 Ultra-Wide Band enables short range wireless location to support new experiences like using your watch for digital car keys or tracking air tags. If you have an Apple Watch SE, you won’t be able to do that.
Bottom-line Apple Watch Series 7 vs SE
You know where we are going to go with this comparison. The Apple Watch Series 7 is definitely a better option than the Apple Watch SE. But the real question is it better for you or is it worth extra cash? Frankly, that part is always up to you!
We personally could live without all of those features that Apple Watch Series 7 offer, except may be the always on-display. It is kind of nice to be able to see the time or complications on our wrist without having to raise it or interact with the watch in anyway.
If you are looking for slightly bigger display, more color options, better health features then the Series 7 is the right option for you.
You can check out the following links to see the latest price and color options. If you are going to purchase through them, it will not cost you any extra!
Rates on Amazon for Series 7
- Check for Apple Watch Series 7 41 mm
- Check for Apple Watch Series 7 45 mm
Another great smart watch is Garmin Fenix. We are getting too many e-mails asking the differences between Apple Watch and Garmin. In this case, it will be better to compare Apple Watch with the Garmin Fenix. If you are considering Garmin Fenix, you might want to read our “Compare: Apple Watch vs Garmin Fenix” article.
One more point, We also compared the Solar edition of Garmin Fenix 6 and Instinct. You can check our article, if you expect ruggedness and the most battery life from a smart watch. On the other hand, if you wish to have a smart watch which is more budged and also covers almost all fitness features, you may want to read our “Garmin Vivoactive 4 Review“.
Reference: Amazon.com