- evaluation
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- The Apple Watch 7 replaced the Watch 6 as the premium model in Apple’s wearable range for , joining the Watch SE and Watch 3 for those wanting a second screen to complement their iPhone.It’s wasn’t that much of an upgrade over the previous model when we first encountered it – the main difference being the screen; which is 20% larger. Even so, it’s still finds a place in our best Apple Watch feature.If your heart remains set on the Series 7, you’re getting an ideal companion if you hate having to pull your iPhone out of your pocket to check your notifications, as well a decent fitness tracker. You’re also getting good heart rate monitoring and a range of useful apps, all wrapped up in an attractive package.
- Available in five colors, and with that larger screen, everything is slightly more visible than on the previous Watch 6 or SE. It also retains the 6’s always-on display functionality, meaning you don’t need to raise your wrist to see the time (something that neither the Watch SE or Watch SE 2 offers).
- Pros
- +Brighter, larger screen than Series 6
- +Faster charging
- -Workouts are varied, but basic
- -Battery life needs to be longer
- Apple Watch 7 design and display
- 20% bigger screen than predecessor
- Additional always-on display features
- IP6X protected
The Apple Watch design is probably the only change you’d notice when comparing this model to the Watch 6 or Watch SE – it’s slightly larger in the frame, and the display is around 20% bigger than on the older models (and a heckuva lot bigger than on the bezel-heavy Watch Series 3).
What you won’t be able to discern when holding it for the first time is the improved robustness – with IP6X on board, this watch is now essentially dustproof as well as waterproof (to WR50, for open water swimming and dives), meaning dirt and other damaging particles can’t get under the frame.
The glass on top of the bright and vivid OLED display has also been hardened to reduce the chance of scratching or breaking – although we’ve never seen a sniff of damage on any of the watches we’ve reviewed over the years (beyond a deep nick we managed to push into the Watch 6), and the same was true here, with no scratches seen at all in our testing with the Watch.
We assume that this protection is designed to make the Watch 7 attractive to the more outdoorsy, white-water-rafting types, but then again they’re probably already looking at something like the Garmin Fenix range or, of course, the latest Apple Watch Ultra (budget permitting) which offer even better protection and more activity-tracking options.
Comparing the Watch 7 to the Watch 6, in a side-by-side comparison you can see the extra information that’s available – the larger screen (which carries through to the Watch 8) genuinely does make a difference to the amount of data you can see on screen, and it makes it easier to interact as a result.
There are five colors on offer with the Watch 7, which have fancy names like ‘Starlight’ but are essentially gray, green, blue, silver and red, however, the colors are more muted here than on previous models, and are more attractive as a result.
On the rear of the Watch 7 you’ve got the usual array of LEDs firing light under the skin – this can feel a little bulbous at times, but after a while you’ll barely notice it’s there.
Apple Watch 7 fitness
- Built-in GPS and other sensors
- ECG and SpO2 monitoring
- Easy access to Apple Fitness Plus
The Watch 7 comes with a huge wealth of GPS sensors on it: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and Beidou, basically being able to see all the key satellites in the sky to get a quick lock and give a decent reading when you’re trotting around, putting it shoulder to shoulder with many other high-end running watches.*
Similarly, the readings from the heart rate monitor were almost identical to those from the chest strap we tested it against, rising and falling within a few seconds of the strap as we switched gears between a gentle trot and harder hill sessions or sprints.
However, this accuracy was only achieved when we pushed the Watch 7 further up the arm towards the elbow, which has been shown to provide better accuracy from the heart rate monitor. This is okay if you’ve got a Velcro sport band (although it will still slip forward or twist).
It’s hypnotic, and we found the mental state it put us in certainly does help with trying to stay calmer in this modern world. Combine this with one of the Fitness Plus workouts, which includes a guided walk or meditation to help you achieve a sense of calm during the day, and the Watch 7 is still one of the best wellbeing devices we’ve used.
The overhauled Mindfulness app really is one of the reasons to buy an Apple Watch – not necessarily the Watch 7, because these features are on every Apple Watch running WatchOS 8 or newer, but still.
We’ve yet to try a fitness watch that matches the pleasant vibration that tickles your wrist to tell you to breathe in and out calmly.
Apple Watch 7 software, hardware & performance
- WatchOS 8 was an underwhelming update
- Quick and snappy to navigate
- Siri works 80% of the time
Apple Watch 7 battery life
- One-day battery life
- Multi-app use isn’t a huge drain
- Takes roughly an hour to charge
- Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 7?
- You want to start getting healthier
The Watch 7 is a great fitness companion for those wanting to upgrade their fitness, both mentally and physically. It offers so many tracking options, and we found the mindfulness options genuinely refreshing.