The Apple Watch has become a staple accessory for many tech enthusiasts, offering a myriad of features such as health tracking, notifications, and even support for mobile payments. With the release of the new Apple Watch Series 7 and the more affordable option, the Apple Watch SE, many are wondering which watch offers the best value without compromising on features. In this article, we’ll explore a detailed comparison between Apple’s two most recent wearable offerings.

Design and Display

The Apple Watch SE sports an aluminum case with Ion-X glass and is available in three colors: silver, gold, and space gray. It features a Retina Display with a resolution of 368×448 pixels. Though it lacks the Always-on Display feature found in its counterpart, it still looks elegant on your wrist.

Conversely, the newly launched Apple Watch Series 7 comes with an array of luxurious finishes like stainless steel or titanium options, along with the standard aluminum design. The Series 7 boasts a larger Always-on Retina Display with thinner borders compared to other Apple Watches. The resolution is higher at 396×484 pixels, providing more screen real estate to interact with apps and see notification details.

Performance and Features

Both watches are powered by Apple’s S5 chip but have differences in terms of features they offer. The Apple Watch SE comes equipped with essential health tracking capabilities such as heart rate monitoring and fall detection but lacks advanced features like Blood Oxygen (SpO2) monitoring and ECG readings that come standard in the Series 7.

For fitness enthusiasts, both watches provide robust workout tracking options like running, swimming, cycling, HIIT classes among others.

The Series 7’s additional bells and whistles include its U1 chip for Ultra Wideband communication (enabling enhanced location tracking) and its stronger crack-resistant front crystal display material.

Battery Life and Compatibility

Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 7 feature an 18-hour battery life, which is relatively consistent across various Apple Watch models. They are both compatible with existing Apple Watch bands and require an iPhone 6s or later to work with their respective WatchOS versions.

Price and Value

Here lies the crux of the matter. The Apple Watch SE starts at $279 for the GPS-only model, while the Series 7 GPS version begins at $399. If you’re looking for a cellular-enabled option, be prepared to spend $329 for the Apple Watch SE or $499 for the Series 7.

Considering these price points, the Apple Watch SE provides an incredible value to those who need a functional, stylish smartwatch without needing advanced health features like SpO2 monitoring or ECG readings. For many users, the SE offers most necessary functions at a more affordable price.

Final Verdict

The choice between the Apple Watch SE and Series 7 boils down to your personal preferences and needs. While the Series 7 offers a larger display, improved durability, and more advanced health features – if you don’t require these extra options or are on a budget, the Apple Watch SE is undeniably an excellent choice that won’t disappoint in terms of functionality and style.