Apple Watches have become the go-to companion for those who want to blend tech and style seamlessly into their everyday life. With each new release, Apple ups the ante, and the Series 7 and Series 10 are no exceptions. But with all the buzz around the Series 10, is it really worth upgrading if you already own a Series 7? Let’s dive deep and see which one truly holds the crown for various needs.
Apple Watch Series 7 vs 10: The Verdict
Best by Price
If you're on a budget, it might be worth sticking with the Series 7. While it’s not the newest kid on the block, it still packs an impressive punch with essential features. Prices have dropped since the release of newer models, making it a solid pick for anyone who wants a powerful smartwatch without shelling out top dollar.
The Series 10, on the other hand, comes with a premium price tag, especially for the newer, more advanced features. If you’re after the latest and greatest or love future-proofing your tech, this one’s for you.
Winner for Price: Series 7
Best Overall
While the Series 7 still holds up incredibly well, the Series 10 is just on another level. With an edge-to-edge display that’s even sleeker than its predecessors, enhanced durability, and faster performance, it’s the clear winner if you’re after top-notch performance. Not to mention, the Series 10 introduces a more intuitive user interface and advanced features, making it more future-ready.
Winner Overall: Series 10
Best for Health Monitoring
Both models are excellent for health tracking, but the Series 10 edges out the competition with more advanced sensors. The Series 7 gives you the standard suite of health features, such as ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and sleep tracking. However, the Series 10 adds improved sensors for even more accurate data, plus new features like continuous glucose monitoring (if compatible with your third-party apps) and enhanced fall detection.
If you're deeply invested in your health metrics or have specific monitoring needs, the Series 10 is the more advanced choice.
Winner for Health Monitoring: Series 10
Sure, here’s an extended and more detailed version of the comparison section:
Apple Watch Series 7 vs 10: Detailed Comparison
Let’s dive deeper into what makes these two models distinct across various features, including design, performance, battery life, and more.
Design & Display
Series 7: The Series 7 introduced an always-on Retina display that is noticeably larger than previous models, with thinner borders and more screen area. It feels luxurious with smooth rounded edges and improved durability, making it more resistant to cracks. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium finishes, the Series 7 offers multiple options to suit different styles and preferences. It also introduced new colors like Midnight and Starlight, adding fresh choices for fashion-conscious users.
Series 10: The Series 10 takes Apple’s design philosophy a step further with an even larger and more refined edge-to-edge display. It features cutting-edge microLED technology, which improves brightness and sharpness while being more energy efficient. The bezels are practically invisible, making the screen feel more immersive, perfect for users who want the largest possible display on their wrist. The weight is also reduced, making it more comfortable for all-day wear. In terms of aesthetics, the Series 10 looks sleeker and feels more modern with its slimmer, lighter frame and better integration between the screen and body.
Winner: Series 10 – Its larger, sharper, and more power-efficient display, paired with a lighter and more elegant design, puts it ahead.
Battery Life
Series 7: Apple promises up to 18 hours of battery life on the Series 7 with typical use, which means it lasts a full day but needs to be charged every night. This is usually enough for most users, but for those who engage in prolonged workouts or sleep tracking, the watch might need a quick top-up before the day is done. The Series 7 supports fast charging, allowing you to get 80% charge in just 45 minutes, which is handy when you're in a rush.
Series 10: The Series 10 improves slightly on battery life with better power efficiency from its upgraded chipset and microLED display. You can expect around 20 hours on a full charge, which can stretch further with Apple’s low-power mode. This may not sound like a massive leap, but the longer life does help especially for those who rely on features like continuous health tracking or extensive workout sessions.
Winner: Series 10 – Slightly better battery life and faster charging make it more convenient, especially for power users.
Performance
Series 7: Powered by the S7 chip, the Series 7 performs well for most tasks, handling multitasking and app performance with no noticeable lag. It smoothly runs health apps, manages notifications, and connects seamlessly with other Apple devices. For most users, this is more than enough, and its responsiveness holds up even when you’re switching between apps or using fitness tracking features.
Series 10: With the introduction of the S10 chip, the Series 10 significantly raises the bar. The upgraded processor is not only faster but also more efficient, enabling quicker app loading times, smoother transitions, and overall more responsive interactions. Whether you're opening multiple apps at once, monitoring real-time health data, or navigating through the new interface, the Series 10 delivers a noticeably faster experience.
Winner: Series 10 – Thanks to the S10 chip, it delivers a much faster and more efficient user experience, making it ideal for power users.
Fitness & Health Features
Series 7: Apple Watch has always been known for its health-tracking capabilities, and the Series 7 includes the essentials like heart rate monitoring, ECG functionality, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) tracking, and sleep tracking. It also offers activity rings, encouraging users to stay active throughout the day. For fitness enthusiasts, it tracks a variety of workouts including swimming (thanks to its water resistance), cycling, running, and more. Sleep tracking and mindfulness features make it a solid choice for health-conscious individuals. While comprehensive, the sensors on the Series 7 are not the latest, which might impact the depth and accuracy of the health data for more serious users.
Series 10: The Series 10 builds on this foundation with more advanced sensors and expanded health features. One of the most significant upgrades is the addition of continuous glucose monitoring compatibility (via third-party apps), a major plus for those managing diabetes. The heart rate and SpO2 sensors have also been refined for more accurate data. Additionally, the Series 10 introduces a more sensitive fall detection system and expanded activity tracking, including advanced metrics for endurance athletes, such as VO2 max and lactate threshold measurements.
This watch is a true game-changer for those serious about their health and fitness, offering the most advanced tracking Apple has ever provided.
Winner: Series 10 – With more accurate sensors and new health-tracking features, it is the go-to for anyone prioritizing comprehensive health monitoring.
Price
- Series 7: Since the launch of newer models, the Series 7 is now available at a more affordable price, making it an attractive option for those looking for a high-quality smartwatch without the premium price tag. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Series 10, it still offers an impressive range of features at a reduced cost.
- Series 10: The Series 10 comes with a premium price, as expected with its enhanced features, design, and performance. For those wanting the latest tech, it’s worth the investment, but if price is a priority, this might be a stretch for some budgets.
Winner for Price: Series 7 – The price drop makes it a much more attractive option for those looking to save without sacrificing core Apple Watch features.
3 Alternatives to Apple Watch Series 7 and 10 That Might Fit Better to Your Needs
If neither the Series 7 nor 10 hits the sweet spot for you, here are a few alternatives that could be a better fit.
Aether X
The Aether X blends high-end design with cutting-edge tech, making it a standout choice for those who want a smartwatch that looks as good as it performs. This limited-edition designer watch offers unique features like eSim connectivity, allowing you to stay connected without your phone. If style and independence are your priorities, the Aether X could be a great alternative.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Another great alternative is the Galaxy Watch 6, which boasts excellent battery life and health monitoring features. Samsung has always been a strong contender in the smartwatch market, and with the Galaxy Watch 6, you’ll get a robust set of features at a more affordable price compared to the latest Apple models.
Garmin Venu 3
If fitness tracking is your main priority, the Garmin Venu 3 might be the better option. It’s packed with fitness-focused features like body battery energy monitoring, stress tracking, and advanced sleep analysis, making it ideal for athletes and health enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
Both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 10 are incredible smartwatches, but they cater to different needs. The Series 7 is perfect for those looking for a great watch without the premium price, while the Series 10 is a powerhouse for anyone wanting the latest advancements in health tracking and performance.
If neither fits your bill, alternatives like the Aether X or Garmin Venu 3 might offer the features you’re after. Whatever you choose, you’ll be stepping up your wrist game in no time.