Is the iWatch 7 better than SE?

The official name is Apple Watch, not iWatch. Compared with the SE (2nd generation), Series 7 adds an Always-On display, ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors, IP6X dust resistance, and fast charging. SE is the budget-friendly pick; Series 7 is more capable for health features and display tech.

Apple Watch Series 7 Review (2025): The Ultimate Guide to a Modern Classic

Q: Which is better, the Apple Watch Series 7 or Series 8?

Apple Watch Series 8 is better overall if you want newer safety and health features. It adds Crash Detection and a temperature sensor for Cycle Tracking while keeping the same fast charging, display size, and day-long battery target as Series 7. If those extras are not important and price is lower, Series 7 still delivers a very similar experience.

Q: What can the Apple Watch Series 7 do?

Series 7 includes an Always-On Retina display, ECG app, Blood Oxygen app, fall detection, swim-proofing to 50 m, IP6X dust resistance, GPS, Apple Pay, workouts and sleep tracking, notifications, and USB-C fast charging with the magnetic fast-charge puck.

Q: How long will an Apple Watch Series 7 last?

In daily use, Series 7 is designed for about a day of battery life and supports Low Power Mode for longer runtimes. With normal care, the hardware lifespan is typically several years; software support currently includes watchOS 11, and many users keep a watch 3–5 years before considering battery service or an upgrade (actual lifespan varies by use and charging habits).

Q: Does the Apple Watch Series 7 have a camera?

No. Series 7 does not have a built-in camera. You can use the watch as a remote viewfinder and shutter for the iPhone’s camera.

Q: Which Apple Watch is the best?

Best for most people: Apple Watch Series 10 (latest mainstream model). Best battery and durability: Apple Watch Ultra 2. Best value: Apple Watch SE (2nd generation). Your ideal choice depends on budget, battery needs, and whether you want advanced sensors like ECG and Blood Oxygen.

Q: Is it worth upgrading from Series 7 to Series 8?

Upgrade if you want Crash Detection, temperature-based Cycle Tracking features, or you need a fresh battery. Skip if your Series 7 is in good condition and those additions are not essential—the display, fast charging, and everyday experience are very similar.

Q: Which Apple Watch has the best battery life?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers the best battery life: up to around 36 hours of typical use and up to about 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Standard models like Series 10 and SE target roughly 18 hours of everyday use.

Q: Does Series 7 have an always-on display?

Yes. Series 7 includes an Always-On Retina display (Always On is supported on Series 5 and later).

Q: Which Apple Watch has ECG?

The ECG app is available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later, including all Ultra models. It is not available on Apple Watch SE.

Released in late 2021, the Apple Watch Series 7 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of wearable technology. Even with newer models on the market, the Series 7 remains a compelling and highly capable smartwatch for millions. Its combination of a large, immersive display, enhanced durability, and powerful health features makes it a modern classic that continues to offer incredible value.

Whether you're considering your first smartwatch or upgrading from an older model, this definitive guide will walk you through everything the Apple Watch Series 7 has to offer. We’ll dive deep into its core features, real-world performance, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you in 2025.

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A Leap Forward in Display Technology

The most immediate and impactful upgrade with the Series 7 was its redesigned display. Apple pushed the boundaries of the watch face, creating a more seamless and user-friendly experience.

The Largest, Most Advanced Display Yet

The Series 7 features a screen with nearly 20% more screen area than its predecessor, the Series 6, and over 50% more than the Series 3. This was achieved by dramatically reducing the borders to just $1.7 t e x t mm$ .

What this means in the real world:

More Readable Text: You can see more of a message or email without scrolling.

Larger Buttons: Tapping on the screen, whether to start a workout or use the calculator, is easier and more accurate.

Full QWERTY Keyboard: For the first time on an Apple Watch, the Series 7 introduced a full QWERTY keyboard that you can either tap or slide across using QuickPath, making replies from your wrist faster than ever. Apple

The Always-On Retina Display, Brighter Indoors

The Always-On display, a feature that lets you see the time and complications without raising your wrist, received a significant boost. According to Apple, the Series 7 is up to 70% brighter indoors when your wrist is down. This makes glancing at the time during a meeting or a movie a much more subtle and convenient experience.

Built to Last: The Most Durable Apple Watch Ever

Apple didn't just make the screen bigger; they made it tougher. The Series 7 was engineered to handle the bumps and scrapes of daily life more effectively than any model before it.

Crack-Resistant Front Crystal

The front crystal is over 50% thicker at its tallest point than that of the Apple Watch Series 6, giving it a more robust and solid structure. This geometry, combined with a flat base, makes it inherently more resistant to cracks. For anyone who has ever accidentally knocked their watch against a door frame, this added durability is a welcome assurance.

IP6X Dust Resistance and WR50 Water Resistance

The Series 7 was the first Apple Watch to be certified IP6X dust resistant. This makes it an ideal companion for adventures in dusty environments, like hiking on a dry trail or spending a day at the beach.

Furthermore, it maintains a WR50 water resistance rating. This means it's rated water-resistant to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. You can confidently wear it for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean. However, it is not recommended for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water. Apple

Your Personal Health Guardian

The Apple Watch has evolved from a simple fitness tracker into a comprehensive health and wellness tool. The Series 7 is packed with advanced sensors that provide powerful insights into your well-being.

The Blood Oxygen App ( $SpO_2$ )

The Blood Oxygen app allows you to measure the oxygen saturation of your blood on demand, directly from your wrist. It uses an advanced sensor on the back crystal that shines red and infrared light onto your wrist and measures the light reflected. Support Apple

Important Note: As stated by Apple, "Blood Oxygen app measurements are not intended for medical use, including self-diagnosis or consultation with a doctor, and are only designed for general fitness and wellness purposes." It serves as a valuable indicator for tracking wellness trends but should not replace professional medical devices.

The ECG App

The electrocardiogram (ECG) app is a ground-breaking feature that can generate an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. This is a significant tool for heart health, as it can detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a form of irregular heart rhythm that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Apple

The ECG app has received clearance from health authorities in many regions, including the FDA in the United States.

How to take an ECG on Apple Watch Series 7:

Ensure the ECG app is set up in the Health app on your iPhone.
Open the ECG app on your watch.
Rest your arms on a table or in your lap.
Hold your finger from the opposite hand on the Digital Crown. Do not press it.
Wait for 30 seconds. The watch will count down.
Once complete, you will receive a classification, which can be viewed in detail in the Health app on your iPhone and shared as a PDF with your doctor.

Sleep Tracking and Mindfulness

With watchOS, the Series 7 offers robust sleep tracking capabilities. It monitors your time asleep, sleep stages (REM, Core, Deep), and provides trends over time. The Mindfulness app also offers guided breathing exercises and "Reflect" prompts to help you center yourself throughout the day.

Performance and Everyday Usability

A great device is more than just its marquee features; it's about how it integrates into your daily routine.

Faster Charging

One of the most practical improvements in the Series 7 is its charging speed. When paired with the included USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable and a compatible power adapter, it charges up to 33% faster than the Series 6.

According to Apple's data, it can go from 0 to 80% charge in about 45 minutes. Just eight minutes of charging can provide enough power for eight hours of sleep tracking, a huge benefit for those who wear their watch to bed. Apple Support+1

Battery Life: The All-Day Promise

Apple officially rates the Series 7 for "18-hour all-day" battery life. This is based on a mixed-use scenario including checking the time, receiving notifications, using apps, and a 60-minute workout. In real-world usage, most users find they can easily get through a full day with battery to spare. Heavy use of GPS, cellular data, and workouts will, of course, drain the battery faster.

The Power of watchOS

The Series 7 launched with watchOS 8 and continues to support the latest software updates, ensuring it remains fast, secure, and packed with modern features. From customizable watch faces and enhanced messaging to improved workout metrics, the software experience is a key part of what makes the Apple Watch so powerful.

watchOS 11 on Apple Watch Series 7

Compatibility & requirements. watchOS 11 supports Apple Watch Series 6 and later and requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18. It launched publicly on September 16, 2024. Series 7 gets the headline features. Apple, Apple Support

Key features you’ll feel daily

Vitals app: flags nights when multiple metrics (e.g., heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temp) are out of your personal baseline.

Training Load: compares your 7-day vs 28-day effort so you don’t overdo it.

Flexible Activity rings: pause without losing streaks; set different goals per day.

Smarter Smart Stack: more relevant widgets throughout the day. Apple, Apple Support

Security note: Apple continues shipping point updates (e.g., watchOS 11.1) with security fixes—good reason to keep your Series 7 up to date. Apple Support

Apple Watch Series 7 feature collage showing larger screen area, a more crack-resistant front crystal, faster charging, music from your wrist with AirPods, and Activity Rings for motivation.

Step-by-step: Setting up Series 7 for the best experience

1) Pair and update

Charge to at least 50%.
Open the Watch app on your iPhone (XS or later), pair, then update to watchOS 11 when prompted. Apple Support

2) Enable the health features you’ll actually use

ECG app (Series 4+; region-dependent): complete onboarding in the Health app to record single-lead ECGs for AFib detection.

Blood Oxygen: turn on background measurements (if available in your region). Apple Support

3) Optimize charging for your routine

Use the USB-C Fast Charger + 18W or higher adapter for quick top-ups (0–80% ≈ 45 min).

If overnight charging is your habit, enable Optimized Battery Charging to reduce chemical aging. Apple Support+1

4) Tune activity and safety

Set daily Move goals that reflect your schedule; pause rings on true rest days (watchOS 11).

Turn on Fall Detection (helpful for cycling and seniors) and Emergency SOS.

5) Keep it safe in water—and clean afterward

Series 7 is water-resistant (WR50), not waterproof. Rinse with fresh water after pool/ocean swims; avoid soaps and shampoos that degrade seals. Apple Support

Real-world examples (how Series 7 fits different users)

The commuter & casual athlete

Fast-charge while you shower and dress: 15–20 minutes can easily get you through a full day, including an evening workout—no battery anxiety. (Full 0–80% ≈ 45 min.) Apple Support

The student or busy professional

The larger display and QWERTY keyboard make quick replies practical during lectures or meetings. Smart Stack surfaces the right timer, calendar, or translation card at the right time. Apple+1

The health-conscious user

With ECG and SpO₂, plus Vitals in watchOS 11, Series 7 can alert you when nightly trends look off—useful as a prompt to rest or talk to a clinician. (It doesn’t diagnose; it gives signals.) Apple Support, Apple

Specs & feature checklist (quick reference)

Sizes: 41 mm, 45 mm; always-on Retina display, up to 70% brighter indoors when wrist is down.
Durability: crack-resistant front crystal; IP6X dust resistance; WR50 water resistance.
Charging: 33% faster vs Series 6; 0–80% ≈ 45 min with USB-C fast charger + 18W+ adapter.
Battery: designed for all-day (≈ 18 h) use; batteries are engineered to retain ~80% after ~1000 cycles (general Apple design guidance).
Health: ECG app (Series 4+), Blood Oxygen app, irregular rhythm notifications, fall detection.

Is the Apple Watch Series 7 Still Worth It in 2025?

This is the crucial question for many prospective buyers. With newer models available, is the Series 7 a smart purchase today? The answer is a resounding yes.

Series 7 vs. Newer Models

Newer models like the Series 9 and Ultra have introduced features such as the temperature sensor (for retrospective ovulation estimates), Crash Detection, and faster processors. While these are excellent additions, the Apple Watch Series 7 still delivers the core modern Apple Watch experience.

The large, edge-to-edge display, a design pillar that continues in newer models, debuted on the Series 7. You still get the essential health sensors (ECG, Blood Oxygen), fast charging, and robust durability. For many users, the incremental upgrades of newer models may not justify the higher price, making the Series 7 an exceptional value proposition.

Compare it to other options in our 2025 Smartwatch Showdown

Who Should Buy the Apple Watch Series 7?

First-Time Smartwatch Buyers: It’s a perfect entry point into the premium smartwatch experience without the premium price tag of the latest model.

Upgraders from Series 5 or Older: If you're coming from an older model, the larger display, faster charging, and enhanced durability will feel like a massive upgrade.

The Budget-Conscious Tech Enthusiast: You get over 90% of the modern Apple Watch experience for a fraction of the cost of the latest release, especially when buying certified refurbished.

Conclusion: A Timeless Piece of Tech

The Apple Watch Series 7 stands as a testament to great design and engineering. It refined the Apple Watch formula with a larger, more durable screen and practical quality-of-life improvements like faster charging. While it may no longer be the newest model, it remains a powerful, stylish, and incredibly useful device that continues to be a fantastic choice for anyone in the Apple ecosystem. Its blend of features and current value make it one of the smartest tech buys you can make today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is better, the Apple Watch Series 7 or Series 8?

Series 8 is the better all-rounder if you want newer safety/health tech: it adds Crash Detection and a temperature sensor that powers Cycle Tracking features, while keeping the same 18-hour “all-day” battery claim and fast-charging as Series 7. If you don’t need those extras, a well-priced Series 7 still delivers the same display size, durability, fast charge and software support.

What can the Apple Watch Series 7 do?

Series 7 offers an Always-On Retina display, ECG app (electrical heart sensor), Blood Oxygen app, fall detection, swim-proofing to 50 m, IP6X dust resistance, GPS, Apple Pay, notifications, workouts and sleep tracking, and fast charging via USB-C magnetic fast charger.

How long will an Apple Watch Series 7 last?

Software support: Series 7 runs watchOS 11 and should receive updates for several years, based on Apple’s recent support windows.

Battery lifespan: Apple designs Watch batteries to retain up to 80% capacity after ~1,000 full charge cycles. With normal daily charging, many users see 3–5 years before needing a battery service, depending on use and charging habits.

Does the Apple Watch Series 7 have a camera?

No—there is no built-in camera on Series 7 (or any Apple Watch). You can use the Watch as a remote viewfinder/shutter for your iPhone’s camera, and third-party bands with cameras exist, but they’re not Apple products.

Series 7 specs (no camera listed)

Which Apple Watch is the best?

Best overall for most: Apple Watch Series 10 — latest design, fast charge, advanced health/safety features, and the broadest accessory support.
Best battery & durability: Apple Watch Ultra 2 — 36-hour battery (72 h Low Power), rugged titanium, brightest display, dual-frequency GPS.
Best value/budget: Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) — essential features at a lower price (no AOD/ECG/Blood Oxygen).

Is it worth upgrading from Series 7 to Series 8?

Upgrade if you want Crash Detection, temperature sensing (retrospective ovulation estimates and wrist-temp metrics), or you’re replacing a worn battery. Skip for now if your Series 7 is healthy and you don’t need those features—the display, battery claim (18 h), fast charge, and overall experience are very similar.

Which Apple Watch has the best battery life?

Apple Watch Ultra 2 leads with up to 36 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Standard models (Series/SE/10) target about 18 hours of “all-day” use.

Does Series 7 have an Always-On display?

Yes. Always-On is available on Apple Watch Series 5 and later (including Series 7). You can manage what shows when your wrist is down in Settings → Display & Brightness → Always On.

Which Apple Watch has ECG?

The ECG app works on Apple Watch Series 4 or later and on all Apple Watch Ultra models (not available on SE). Availability varies by region; check Apple’s list for your country.

Is the “iWatch” 7 better than the Apple Watch SE?

(Quick note: the official name is Apple Watch, not “iWatch”.) Compared with the SE (2nd gen), Series 7 adds:

Always-On display (SE lacks AOD)
ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors (SE lacks both)
Fast charging (SE does not support fast charge)
IP6X dust resistance and the same 50 m water rating

SE remains the best budget choice; Series 7 is more capable for health features and screen experience.

Author:

Wiredu Fred is the Senior Tech Editor at FrediTech with over a decade of experience reviewing consumer electronics. He specializes in wearable technology and mobile devices, focusing on how technology integrates into daily life to improve health, wellness, and productivity. His work is grounded in extensive hands-on testing and a deep understanding of the tech landscape.

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