If you’re considering buying an Apple Watch, or are just curious about the latest model, read on for my full review of this reiteration of the Apple Watch series.
The 2021 Series 7 Apple Watch
The first thing you’ll notice about the Series 7 Apple Watch is the new display. Like the previous generation, it’s an always-on Retina display but features about 20 percent more screen area than the Series 6. This allows you to see more information at a glance, such as your fitness tracking metrics or the time. Apple has also reduced the bezel size around the display, making it appear even more prominent. The Series 7 watch is available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm) and in multiple finishes, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. Apple also stuck with five color options for their standard models—Red, Green, Starlight (White), Midnight (Black), and Blue. I went with the Black model and absolutely loved it because I can wear it for any occasion/situation. The significantly larger display also enabled Apple to add a QWERTY keyboard, making the watch much more useful for tasks like sending messages or taking notes. You also get a USB-C magnetic charger which is a nice upgrade from the older Apple Watch chargers.
How Does It Compare to Previous Versions?
At first, I was disappointed to find that there aren’t really any new health features on the Series 7 Apple Watch. You get the same old heart rate sensor and fall detection as the previous model. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In my opinion, Apple Watch is already one of the best fitness trackers on the market, so there wasn’t really a need for any major overhauls in that department. I can think of not one missing feature that’s present on other smartwatches. As for battery life, it hasn’t really changed at 16-17 hours maximum, which means that you’ll still have to charge it daily. Fortunately, there’s faster charging this time around, so I could get from 0 to 100% in under an hour. This is useful for when you forget to charge the watch overnight and need to quickly get some juice into it before heading out for your morning run. Personally, the most significant change to this Apple watch is its bigger and brighter display. The experience is better and more intuitive when using apps or checking info. No more squinting at a tiny screen! I was also really pleased to see that Apple has addressed one of my biggest complaints with earlier versions of the watch—the inflexible band. The Apple Watch Series 7 features a new Solo Loop design, which is a single piece of elastomer material that stretches over your wrist. It’s extremely comfortable to wear, and Apple offers a wide range of colors to choose from. Apple also claims that the Series 7 is the most durable Apple Watch yet. However, I’m not sure how much of an improvement this is over the previous models, as I’ve never had any issues with my Apple Watch breaking.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re currently using an Apple Watch Series 6 and are happy with it, I don’t think there’s a compelling enough reason to upgrade. The changes in this latest version are more evolutionary than revolutionary. However, if you’re coming from a much older model, the Series Apple Watch is definitely worth the upgrade. The new display alone makes it a worthy purchase, in my opinion. It’s also nice to see that Apple continues to iterate and improve upon its already excellent smartwatch design.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series is the best smartwatch on the market and a worthy upgrade for those coming from older models. The new display is more prominent and brighter, making it much more enjoyable to use, and the improved charging speed is also appreciated. Ultimately, buying into this latest version will come down to how much you value those incremental improvements. If you’re happy with your current Apple Watch, then there’s no need to upgrade just yet. But if you’re looking for the best possible experience, then the Series Apple Watch is definitely worth your consideration. This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. © 2022 Daniel Edulan Melana
