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Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch SE 2 are Apple’s best smartwatches. Apple Watch Series 7 features Always-On Retina display, blood oxygen monitoring, stainless steel case, and ECG functionality. Apple Watch SE 2 is newer and includes a faster chip with Crash Detection. Let’s explore difference between Apple Watch SE 2 and Series 7!
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Always-On Retina Display:
- Apple Watch 7 has an always-on Retina display to check the time, notifications, and health stats without raising your wrist.
- Apple Watch SE 2 requires extra gestures to view the time and notifications.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Processor:
- Apple Watch Series 7 features the S7 chip that ensures smooth app performance and reliable multitasking.
- Apple Watch SE 2 uses the S8 chip, which performs similarly with improved efficiency.
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Design:
- Apple Watch Series 7 comes with a graphite stainless steel case that adds durability and a premium finish.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has a lightweight aluminum case that is less premium.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Display Size:
- Apple Watch Series 7 features a larger 1.9-inch display with thinner bezels to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has a 1.57-inch display.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Higher Resolution:
- Apple Watch Series 7 delivers 396 x 484 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has lower 324 x 394 resolution.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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ECG App:
- Apple Watch Series 7 includes an ECG app for recording heart rhythm and detecting atrial fibrillation.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not support ECG functionality.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Blood Oxygen App:
- Apple Watch Series 7 includes a Blood Oxygen app for tracking oxygen saturation levels.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not include a Blood Oxygen app.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Speaker:
- Apple Watch Series 7 has a louder speaker for better call and Siri interactions to ensure clearer communication.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has standard speaker.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Optical Heart Sensor:
- The Apple Watch 7 includes a third-generation optical heart sensor that delivers more accurate heart rate monitoring during workouts and rest.
- Apple Watch SE 2 uses a 2nd-gen heart sensor.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Fast Charging:
- The Apple Watch 7 support fast charging that fills up 80 percent battery in about 45 minutes.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not support fast charging.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Durability :
- Apple Watch Series 7 includes IP6X dust resistance and crack-resistant front glass that improves protection during rugged use.
- Apple Watch SE 2 lacks dust resistance and crack-resistant glass.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Connectivity:
- Apple Watch Series 7 supports GPS and Cellular connectivity that enables calls and data without needing your iPhone.
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) in this model supports GPS only.
Winner:
Apple Watch Series 7
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
Apple Watch SE 2 |
| Case Material |
Graphite Stainless Steel |
Midnight Aluminum |
| Display Type |
Always-On Retina Display |
Retina Display (Not Always-On) |
| Display Size |
45mm (396 x 484 pixels) |
44mm (368 x 448 pixels) |
| Chipset |
S7 SiP (dual-core) |
S8 SiP (dual-core) |
| Storage |
32GB |
32GB |
| ECG App |
Yes |
No |
| Blood Oxygen App |
Yes |
No |
| Optical Heart Sensor |
3rd Gen |
2nd Gen |
| Accelerometer |
Up to 32 g-forces |
Up to 256 g-forces |
| Crash Detection |
No |
Yes |
| Water Resistance |
WR50 + IP6X Dust Resistance |
WR50 |
| Battery Life |
Up to 18 hours |
Up to 18 hours |
| Charging |
Fast Charging Supported |
Standard Charging Only |
| Wi-Fi |
802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz + 5GHz (dual band) |
802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz only |
| Cellular Option |
Yes |
No (GPS Only Variant) |
| U1 Ultra Wideband Chip |
Yes |
No |
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Apple Watch Series 7 if you:
- Want an always-on display for easier at-a-glance info.
- Need ECG and blood oxygen tracking for advanced health insights.
- Prefer stainless steel for a more premium design and durability.
- Want fast charging to top up quickly during the day.
- Need cellular support to stay connected without your phone.
Check Apple Watch 7 Best Price
Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you:
- Are on a tighter budget but still want a modern Apple Watch.
- Don’t need advanced health features like ECG or SpO2.
- Prefer a lighter aluminum design for daily comfort.
- Want the latest crash detection for peace of mind.
- Don’t mind lifting your wrist to activate the screen.
Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category |
Winner |
| Processor |
Apple Watch SE 2 |
| Display Size |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Always-On Display |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Display Size |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Higher Resolution |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| ECG App |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Blood Oxygen App |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Optical Heart Sensor |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Crash Detection |
SE (2nd Gen) |
| Fast Charging |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Speaker |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Durability |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Dual Band Wi-Fi |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Cellular Connectivity |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
| U1 Chip |
Apple Watch Series 7 |
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 better than the SE (2nd Gen) for health tracking?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 7 is better for health tracking. It includes advanced sensors for ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, while the SE (2nd Gen) only provides basic heart rate and sleep tracking. If you want in-depth health data, the Series 7 is the stronger choice.
Does the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) have crash detection?
Yes, the SE (2nd Gen) includes crash detection thanks to its improved accelerometer and gyroscope. This feature allows the watch to detect severe car crashes and automatically alert emergency services if needed.
Can I make phone calls without my iPhone nearby with either watch?
Only the Apple Watch Series 7 with Cellular can make calls and use data independently of your iPhone. The SE (2nd Gen) in this comparison is a GPS-only model and requires your phone nearby for calling and data use.
Which watch has the better display?
The Apple Watch Series 7 has a better display with an always-on Retina feature and a larger 45mm screen that makes text and content easier to read. The SE (2nd Gen) has a standard Retina display that turns off when not in use.
Is the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) good for fitness tracking?
Yes, the SE (2nd Gen) is great for fitness tracking. It supports all core Apple Fitness features like activity rings, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and sleep tracking. However, it lacks the advanced health sensors found in the Series 7.
How long does the battery last on both models?
Both the Apple Watch Series 7 and SE (2nd Gen) have similar battery life of up to 18 hours with regular use. However, the Series 7 supports fast charging, which can be helpful if you need a quick recharge.
Do both watches support watchOS updates?
Yes, both models support the latest watchOS versions. The SE (2nd Gen) comes with watchOS 9 out of the box, and the Series 7 originally launched with watchOS 8 but is fully compatible with newer updates.
Which is more durable for outdoor use?
The Apple Watch Series 7 is more durable for outdoor use. It has an IP6X dust resistance rating, crack-resistant front crystal, and a stainless steel case. The SE (2nd Gen) lacks dust resistance and is built with aluminum, which is lighter but less rugged.
Does the Apple Watch Series 7 support dual-band Wi-Fi?
Yes, the Series 7 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands for improved connectivity. The SE (2nd Gen) supports only 2.4GHz networks, which may limit speed and connection stability in some environments.
Which watch is better for budget-conscious buyers?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is the better choice for budget-conscious buyers. It delivers most core smartwatch functions at a significantly lower price than the Series 7, making it ideal for those who want the Apple Watch experience without spending more.