The Apple Watch since its inception has been a desirable wearable and over the years, we have seen some great introduction in each new generation. Apple Watch Series 7 launched this year, features a bigger display, a new S7 SiP, a crack-resistant display, and fast charging. How different is it from Series 6 and is this the upgrade you have been waiting for let’s find out?
DESIGN
Apple has not really changed the design much. If you were wanting a real design change then you might be left wanting for more. Series 7 case-wise is bigger than Series6 and SE. Series 7 gets a bigger display the glass has curvy sides. The right side has the digital crown and a multi-function button just below it. Between these two is a microphone hole. On the left side, you’ll find a single wide cutout for the speaker, while all the sensors for tracking are on the underside. You get a wide range of strap designs to choose from. You can also use an older strap if you are getting the same size watch.
DISPLAY
Series 7 has a 1.9-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 396×484 pixels for the 45mm model. It has a peak brightness of 1000 nits when it’s active and up to 500 nits when it’s in the always-on state. It has an IP6X rating for dust resistance and is also water-resistant up to 50m.
Apple claims to have tweaked the watchOS 8 UI to take advantage of the bigger display. They have also brightened the display when it is on always-on state. I did find the difference myself as I have been using the Series 6 for a long time. Replying to messages from the watch seems to be easier due to the larger screen. You also get some cool new Apple watch faces, which enhance the curvy display.
PERFORMANCE & SOFTWARE
Apple S7 SiP powers the Apple Watch Series 7. Series 7 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Apple’s U1 chip, and ultra-wideband antennas. It has health sensors for blood oxygen and heart rate tracking as well as the hardware to record an ECG. Something which I liked a lot was an addition of fall detection during workouts.
When testing the Apple Watch Series 7, it was running watchOS 8. The interface is very easy and seamless. You swipe on hand up and down the watch and you have it all. Get your notification updates and quickly back to home. If you have previously used an Apple watch then the process is something you are familiar with. You feel no lag with the Series7 and would enjoy maneuvering with the larger screen.
Taking calls on Series7 is very easy and clear. Often when my phone is not around, I do take calls on my watch and the audio quality is clear and the speakers don’t feel like I am taking the call from my watch. You don’t need to keep the watch too close to your mouth. You can take the call from your wrist distance, and it would be audible.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Apple watches have been well known for their health and fitness tracking. Series 7 is no different and would live up to all the parameters. Setting health goals to a competition setting the watch keeps you motivated and tracks your activities in the most accurate manner. I use the watch daily to track my workout and my daily activities. It pushes you to complete your circles which involve a Standing, Exercise, and Movement goal, which you can set for yourself.
You can track a wide variety of activity types with this Apple Watch such as strength training, HIIT, cycling, walking, and even swimming, and it tracked my heart rate constantly while working out.
Series 7 is capable of tracking blood oxygen saturation and takes around 15 seconds to measure your level. While SpO2 tracking is convenient, no wearable should be used as a replacement for a dedicated pulse oximeter. Series 7 can record an ECG, taking about 30 seconds to do so.
Health Card, which you create for yourself on your watch is very helpful. You can track your menstrual cycle to your health issues. You can go to your health app and do so. It tracks your fitness and health for you for a fitter and healthier tomorrow.
Sleep tracking is one place where the Apple watch still needs to work a little more. It still is not as accurate as others in the market. You will find a bit of inconsistency in your sleep cycle reading. But all in all, the Fitness and Health feature in the Apple watch is a boom in the wearable segment. For someone like myself who likes to know about my health on a constant basis and keep a tap on my lifestyle, the watch comes very handy.
BATTERY
Apple claims 18 hours of battery life on the Apple Watch Series 7, I have done nearly two days on a single charge. This includes workout tracking and sleep tracking as well.
VARIANTS & PRICE
The Apple Watch Series 7 is available in three case materials – aluminium, stainless steel, and titanium. The aluminum case is available in five colour finishes: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Green, and (PRODUCT) Red. The stainless-steel case is available in Silver, Gold, and Graphite, while the titanium case is now available in Space Black and Titanium.
Apple offers two case sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and you have the choice of a GPS-only watch or one with GPS + Cellular connectivity. There are multiple strap options to choose from as well.
The Apple Watch Series 7 starts at Rs. 41,900 in India for a 41mm GPS-only model with an aluminum case, while the bigger 45mm model of the same spec will set you back by Rs. 44,900. If you want a GPS + Cellular Apple Watch Series 7, it will set you back by Rs. 50,900 or Rs. 53,900 for a 41mm or 45mm case respectively.
VERDICT
Series 7 is everything you would want from an Apple watch, but the only disappointment is it is not too different from its predecessor. Except for having a larger and brighter display you really don’t have too much of a change. You do get some new colors that stand out and shout out to be Series 7. The fast charge doesn’t come in India, therefore, the benefits we can’t receive. If you are buying an Apple watch for the first time, then maybe this one can be your pick. It does come at a premium value but also gives you a premium product. Series 7 might not be a real upgrade but as always is a great product from Apple.
