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Apple Watch Series 7 Review: Does Bigger Mean Better?
By Nick Hall - News Published: , Last Updated:
When the Apple Watch Series 7 was released back in October, it slid uncharacteristically under the radar. For a tech company with the esteem and following of Apple, a new smartwatch generally encompasses a level of electric hysteria, but unveiled amongst a sea of next-gen technology headlined by the iPhone 13, the Apple Watch Series 7 took a backseat. More than one month on, it’s time the latest variation of the world’s best-selling smartwatch got the recognition it deserves.
IMAGE: Apple
Apple Watch Series 7 Review
On the outside, the new Apple Watch Series 7 isn’t exactly revolutionary. While there have been subtle design elevations across the smartwatch, it does bear a striking similarity to the previous iteration. But cast your gaze beyond the aesthetic and you’ll start to understand why Apple was so keen on getting this one out. The biggest developments aren’t necessarily tech or form, but functionality and lifestyle, bridging a gap that Apple has been toying with for years. Here’s what you need to know.
IMAGE: Apple
Design
While visually minimal, the new Apple Watch Series 7 does offer a subtle redesign of the hit smartwatch. This comes by way of the slightly rounder corners, which help to give the watch a more edge-to-edge display. To the untrained eye, it might not be noticeable, but switching between previous models, it becomes apparent just how much more premium the design looks on-wrist, even when considering the larger size.
The latest smartwatch has bumped things up, offered in both 41mm and 45mm to accommodate more display real estate. The Apple Watch 7 display is almost 20% larger than the Series 6, and over 50% larger than the Series 3 display. Better yet, the display borders are 40% thinner than before, giving you a bit more room to work without swallowing your hand. The curved edges of the screen also make it a little easier to read on an angle, a feat that is also improved with the vastly brighter always-on mode.
Speaking of bright, the latest model’s bands are seriously colourful. Available in all-new shades, including Midnight, Green, Blue and Starlight, the smartwatch is instantly differentiated from its predecessor via colour, even if the visual is eerily reminiscent. Put simply, the design might not be insanely different from past models, but it does make things easier.
IMAGE: Apple
WatchOS 8
The big change in terms of technology has been the transition over to watchOS 8. The usual sleep tracking and cycle tracking remains there, however, for Apple Watch Series 7, the tech titan has added a few user-friendly options. Most notably, the buttons are bigger, which is a major benefit when it comes to making use of some of the often-plugged features. Where previously, the concept of texting on the Apple Watch was seen as possible, but not practical, particularly if your hands are on the ‘chunkier’ side, the latest iteration brings new functionality.
The new QWERTY keyboard is one addition we didn’t think we needed and yet after a month of use, it’s hard to see how we lived without it. The option grants you access to a full keyboard for texting, WhatsApp messaging and anything else your heart desires, which is a major boost for everyday use. Sure, it’s still small and you don’t always nail it, but it sure makes the task of trying to message something detailed far easier.
IMAGE: Apple
Features
Of course, Apple has pre-loaded the new smartwatch with a host of cracking features, mostly around lifestyle and fitness options. This time around, the watch can monitor your heart rate, count your steps and track your distance through GPS, while the number of workout types has also been upped to include Tai Chi and automatic outdoor cycling tracking. The latter is seriously impressive. To accommodate the rising amount of electric bikes, the cycling algorithm has been adjusted to provide different metrics, giving a more accurate picture.
Outside of that, the Apple Watch Series 7 delivers in all the ways you would expect. The battery life is solid, lasting up to two days with minimal use, but thankfully Apple has boosted the charging power. Thanks to the new Magnetic to USB-C charger, the Apple Watch 7 is said to charge 33% faster than the previous model.
IMAGE: Apple
Apple Watch Series 7 Price
There aren’t too many surprises when it comes to the Apple Watch Series 7 price in Australia. Like past variations of the popular smartwatch, the models differ in price depending on the band you receive and if you choose to opt for the Hermes edit. In Australia, the Apple Watch Series 7 starts at A$599 inc. GST, while the Apple Watch SE starts at A$429 inc. GST, and the Apple Watch Series 3 starts at A$299 inc. GST.
IMAGE: Apple
The Verdict
While the new Apple Watch Series 7 might not look like a completely redesigned piece of technology, the smartwatch has a lot going for it. The subtle sleek visual upgrades and slimmer bezel make it far more elegant to wear and the watchOS 8 update elevates the experience to a whole new level. Is it enough to warrant the upgrade? Perhaps not, but for those looking to wade into the world of smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 7 is undoubtedly the brand’s best effort yet.
Apple Watch Series 7 Specifications
Case size: 41 or 45mm
Case thickness: 10.7mm
Weight: 32/38.8g, 42.3/51.5g or 37/45.1g depending on material and size
Processor: S7
RAM: 1GB
Storage: 32GB
Operating system: WatchOS 8
Water resistance: 50 metres (5ATM)
Sensors: gyro, HR, ECG, blood oxygen, microphone, speaker, NFC, GNSS, compass, altimeter
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5, wifi n, NFC, ultra-wideband, optional 4G/eSIM
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