Is the $399 Apple Watch Series 7 worth the premium over the $279 Apple Watch SE or the $199 Series 3? We compare the differences and similarities among Apple’s current smartwatch lineup to help you decide.
The new Apple Watch Series 7 has a larger display, increased durability, and faster charging than its predecessors, but is it really worth at least $120 more? We won’t have a definitive answer to that question until we get our hands on the Series 7, which is slated to arrive in stores on Friday, October 15, but in the meantime, we can compare Apple’s current smartwatch lineup based on specs and features. Let’s start with your options. At the time of this writing, Apple is still selling the Series 6, its 2020 flagship smartwatch, but plans to open pre-orders for the Series 7 on Friday, October 8. Once that happens, Apple will bid adieu to the Series 6, but keep two other models in its lineup as more budget-friendly alternatives to the Series 7: the Watch SE and Series 3. Let’s dig into how the three models differ. Price and Design In terms of pricing, the Series 7 starts at $399, while the Watch SE and Series 3 will remain at their current starting prices: $279 and $199, respectively. Upgrading to a model with cellular connectivity adds $50 (except for the Series 3, which doesn’t have a cellular option). Sizing and materials affect pricing as well. Series 7 in silver, graphite, and gold stainless steel While the Watch SE and Series 3 only come in aluminum, the Series 7 will also be available in stainless steel, which is generally shinier and more durable. All come in small and large versions, but feature slightly different case sizes: 41mm and 45mm for the Series 7,40mm and 44mm for the SE, and 38mm and 42mm for the Series 3. The aluminum Series 7 comes in a new blue tone, as well as green, midnight, starlight, and Product Red color options. The stainless steel Series 7 will be available in gold, graphite, and silver. Screen Size Left to right: Apple Watch Series 3, Series 6, Series 7 The Series 7’s display is its standout feature. If you have a hard time reading tiny text on a smartwatch screen, it might be the best model for you. The Series 7 offers 20% more screen area and a much slimmer bezel than the SE (which has the same size and resolution display as the Series 6). Compared with the Series 3, it offers 50% more display real estate. Apple says the Series 7 can display 50% more text on the screen compared with the Series 6, which means less scrolling when reading texts and emails.
