Comparison of Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7, what has changed?

Comparison table: Apple Watch Series 6 vs Series 7

In each comparison we make, we always say that technical specifications are not everything, since at the end of the day they are still pure data of which there is much more to say brought into real life. In any case, they are no less important for that and we believe that it is a good starting point to begin to know the similarities and differences between these two watches.

As we already told you, we will analyze some sections in more depth, but in summary you should know that these are the main differences that we can already observe between these Apple Watch:

• Screen: although the size of the devices themselves does not vary too much, the screens do, being the Series 7 the one that offers a greater diagonal.
• Colors: in this aesthetic section we see that, although they are not big changes, the Series 7 offers different shades to which one more option is added with the color green.
• Processor: actually this is more a similarity than a difference as we will see later, but on paper it is a different chip.
• Price: although the Series 6 has been discontinued, it is still in some stores and, of course, at a lower price than the 429 euros that the starting Series 7 has.

Few differences, although existing

As you will have already seen in the table and we already anticipated at the beginning of this post, few differences that we can find between these two watches. Although obviously there are some, since otherwise they would be the same watch. Below we analyze these differential aspects between both generations.

Screen, do you notice the increase in the Series 7?

Answering the question directly, yes, you can tell the difference between them. The Apple Watch Series 6 had already been offering a very interesting size inherited from the Series 4 that was the one who expanded the diagonal and the Series 7 arrives perfecting this by reducing the front bezels , giving a feeling of being in front of an “infinite screen” that hurries to the edges.

The main differences lie in the end in the exclusive spheres of the Apple Watch Series 7. Some of them if the Series 6 has it, although it is in the most recent model where they have been made wider to take advantage of that increased screen. And in short, apart from this, whoever carries a Series 6 without having tried the 7 will not notice anything strange, but there is no doubt that testing the Series 7 afterwards makes a more than remarkable difference.

They have other aspects in common

Now, where we do not find a difference is in relation to how they see themselves on a day-to-day basis. Although they have different resolutions, being at the end of such small screens it is almost imperceptible. The content adapted to them looks fabulous in both cases with a really remarkable sharpness and colors that do not look exaggerated.

The fact that the panel they mount has LTPO technology, which allows refresh rates of 1 Hz when idle, is what allows them to have the “Always On Display” functionality . This allows us to always see the content of the selected sphere or open application with a lower brightness and without this excessively affecting the battery consumption.

They have a “different” chip

We have already seen in the table that both start with different processor, although we have to admit that this is a slightly tricky difference, since this section could have been added perfectly in the similarities section. Why? Well, because it seems that the name of these chips responds more to marketing strategies than to real changes.

In numerous tests carried out by experts in the matter, it has been possible to show that both chips are practically twins on a technical level. And although there is a difference in favor of the Series 7, in the end it is something invaluable for the user. Because no, it doesn’t show a bit on a day-to-day basis.

Although all this is not necessarily bad. It is a chip advanced enough to offer great performance to both watches , allowing you to open applications very fluently, perform sports monitoring or health analysis with great efficiency. Also in battery management they fully comply, so in the end it is not something reprehensible either, although it is evident that it would have been appreciated that they had been called the same or at least very similar to know first that they are almost identical chips.

Improved loading times on the 7

Although in its day Apple did not count it as fast charging, the Apple Watch Series 6 already had better charging times compared to its predecessors. However, the Series 7 does incorporate a fast charge clearly, both officially on paper and in practice, that yes, it has to be with a USB-C power adapter of at least 18w that accompanies the charger with the same standard that comes with the device.

The Series 7 is capable of charging 50% in half an hour. Or what is the same, it fully charges the watch in 1 hour. This is something very interesting for those who are used to sleeping with the watch on to perform an analysis of their sleep, since it is possible to recharge it for a while before sleeping (while dining or showering, for example) and obtain enough charge for the night and the next day.

With the Series 6, of which we already said that it did not have a bad load either, the times are somewhat lower. It usually recharges its battery from 0 to 100% about 2 hours (probably a little less). These are good times in any case, although you will already have to make sure you reserve more time for it at its base so that it can fully load.

What both share in this section is the charger with Apple’s proprietary standard, which prevents both watches from being charged with Qi wireless charging bases, which is the traditional charging method and that incorporates equipment such as the iPhone or AirPods. The charger of the Watch, which is the same as the first generation, has a small downward bulge that makes it impossible to recharge with other commercial chargers.

These are their many similarities

Although you have already seen that in previous points we shared some or other similarities in sections that a priori were differences, in the following we do fully analyze those points in which there are clear similarities. In some cases they even offer the same experience, so they would be identical specifications.

Compatible size and straps

Yes, the dimensions between one generation and another change. Also the screen diagonal, but… They are the same. The overall size of the box remains the same, so that both can share straps . The Apple Watch Series 6 40mm band compatibility is with the 41mm Series 7, while the 44mm of the Series 6 is with the 45 of the Series 7. Bone, small with small and large with large.

This issue is important, given that before the introduction of the Series 7 it was rumored that they would stop offering compatible straps. Although of course, so many things were rumored about this watch that in the end did not happen, which shows that rumors are not always accurate. Be that as it may, you should know that, that the Apple Watch from the first to the last and including these two generations, can share straps without problem.

Same autonomy and insufficient?

We are not going to discover anything saying that the battery is the weakest point of an Apple Watch. Whatever it is. It is true that there have been more than appreciable improvements from the first generations to the present day (it would only be missing). But this does not mean that for some it is still insufficient.

Beyond explaining the reasons why the low autonomy offered by these is justified, we think it is more interesting to tell you how long they last in real environments away from tests done in laboratories. And we start with the conclusion and that is, use it as you use it, it is advisable to always recharge it at least once a day .

There are many uses that affect the battery of both watches to decrease throughout the day. Such as having the screen on function enabled, doing many workouts with watch tracking, the number of health records you do, if you answer a lot of notifications from the watch … With intensive use you will reach the end of the day, but you will arrive, so it is rare that you run out of battery before going to bed.

Now, if the use is more moderate, you can perfectly arrive with 50% or more battery at night with any of them. Even having the “Always On Display” enabled. This a priori is a good starting point to say that autonomy lasts for a day and a half or two , but it is not entirely recommended, since in the end the next day if you are going to be in a hurry and hence the advice of charge it every day.

Very interesting health sensors

The first thing you should know is that the Apple Watch cannot be considered a medical instrument. That is, if you manage to detect an anomaly at the expense of the results it offers you, it is not binding to argue it as a medical test. Now, does this mean that it is neither useful nor effective? Absolutely.

There are many news that we have received throughout these years in reference to how Apple Watch has helped detect certain heart diseases such as arrhythmias, insufficiencies, fibrillation … In these two cases we find watches capable of measuring heart rate , perform electrocardiograms (with a lead) and blood oxygen level. All these data can then be consulted in the Health app on the iPhone.

In various tests carried out with tested medical devices, it has been proven that they are very effective watches in their results and offer very even and even identical data. But again we insist that they are not decisive, so it is advisable that if something strange is detected, you go to a doctor for a more exhaustive diagnosis.

Special mention for the detection of falls , very useful for older people in particular, but of all ages in general, since it can be of vital importance in situations such as accidents while playing sports or even slipping at home. It is a function that allows you to configure an emergency call that in some cases has saved a life, although we hope you never have to use it.

Sports tracking for many activities

One of the most exciting challenges of owning an Apple Watch is accepting its daily challenges of closing the rings . Both Series 6 and 7 maintain this essence already introduced in the first generation and that force you to get up once every hour to avoid a sedentary lifestyle, practice sports for at least 10 minutes a day and burn at least 300 calories.

For the rest, it offers the possibility to keep track while you practice a multitude of sports. From walking, which can be used even for when you are on the way to a routine errand such as shopping, to dancing or water sports . All this through the native Trainee app that is already pre-installed. And the data related to your workouts is available in the iPhone Fitness app (formerly known as Activity).

And we highlight this from water sports because, as you already saw in the table, both are submersible to 50 meters deep . Therefore, this is an interesting point to know also in order to be able to shower without problem with the watch or put it in a pool, although we recommend you to set the water mode that appears in the control center to avoid accidental touches and be able to expel the liquid inside afterwards.

Frequent doubts and conclusion

Regarding this comparison, although we have already covered all the important aspects, you will probably have some doubts. In the following sections, and as a conclusion, we answer these questions so that you have our position and recommendation completely clear.

If you have the Series 6, is it worth the jump to 7?

We do not believe we have the right to tell someone that they should or should not buy a device if they feel like it, but trying to be objective, we do not think so. The passage from one generation to another is an interesting change at the screen level and with the point of fast charging as an interesting plus, but of course they are not changes that make it necessary or that you are going to notice a huge difference at the level. performance.

If what you want is to change the size , going from having the small Series 6 to the large Series 7 (or from the large Series 6 to the small Series 7) it can be an interesting change because we understand that you have a compelling reason for it. But in the same way, to tell you that except for the size, the change in the other aspects does not seem very justified. They are two watches practically brothers and it is that even the Series 7 could have been called ‘Series 6s’ perfectly.

What to do if you don’t have any

If you do not have any of these watches, the thing already changes because your starting point is to have a Series 5 or earlier or even not to have any. It is not that from a Series 5 you are going to notice a brutal change, but it is already more considerable and the Series 7 can be a good relief. Although from our perspective, we believe that the minimum change should be from a Series 4 or earlier .

And if you don’t have any, then hey, the bet on the latest model doesn’t seem so bad. If you found a great deal for the Series 6, maybe you should think about it, but first of all we think that your debut in the world of watchOS with the Series 7 is an excellent choice.

Where to buy them (also the Series 6)

As we said, the Apple Watch Series 7 is for sale in Apple stores, both physical and online. It can also be found at other dealers. However, the case of the Series 6 is more special, since Apple has discontinued it and it is not officially for sale. However, it can continue to be found in stores like Amazon at really interesting prices and with full guarantees of originality and with 2-year coverage.

Apple proves that change is not necessary

As a general rule, updating the same device range once a year is usually not recommended because no major changes are usually found. Although it is true that in the case of iPhones it may be justified at times, Apple has shown that this is not the case with its watches. Throughout its history we have seen small changes every year that on occasions like these two Watch are really rare.

There are two general recommendations. The first is that you renew your watch only when it stops working and the other, which seems opposite to that, is that you buy the one you want when you feel like it. Just missing. But if you really want to experience a remarkable change when buying the new one, it is advisable to change it every 3 years at least , so that you do not feel that you always carry the same device on your wrist.