Detailed review of Apple Watch Series 7: to buy or not?

Apple Watch Series 7 review: We all know that US-based tech giant Apple has already created a big space in the wearable market around the world with its smartwatches – the Apple Watch series. Apple smartwatches have always been in high demand as it offers multiple high-end features, accurate health tracking, premium design, and more. All of the Apple Watch’s predecessors have shown accuracy when it comes to fitness tracking and overall performance. Now, following the successful launch of the Apple Watch Series 6 last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has unveiled a new, next-generation Apple Watch Series 7 in India and worldwide this year.

Apple Watch Series 7 is available in two case sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and you can also choose from multiple strap options. It starts at R.41,900 in India for a 41mm GPS-only model with an aluminum body, while the larger 45mm model with the same specs is available for Rs 44,900. The GPS + Cellular Apple Watch Series 7 costs Rs. 50,900 (41mm) or Rs 53,900 (45mm). I had a 41mm GPS + Cellular unit with a green aluminum case for this review. I’ve been using the Apple Watch Series 7 for a few weeks now and here’s what I have to say about this latest smartwatch from Apple.

After you unpack the Apple Watch Series 7, the new look will make you fall in love with the smartwatch. The design itself is the same, but the dial looks elegant compared to the earlier version. The glass curves on the sides have also added extra charm to the smartwatch. The watch now has larger screens. As always, the right side has the digital crown and a multifunction button just below it. Between these two is a microphone hole. On the left you’ll find a single wide cutout for the speaker, while all the sensors for tracking are on the bottom. My Apple Watch Series 7 uses the same proprietary connectors for straps, so if you have an older version the same size it will fit.

In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 7’s screen offers nearly 20 percent more screen area and thinner bezels at just 1.7mm — 40 percent smaller than that of Apple Watch Series 6. While the wrist is down, the Always-On It Offers Indoors, the Retina display is up to 70 percent brighter than that of the Apple Watch Series 6, making it easier to see the watch face without lifting the wrist or activating the display. Apple Watch Series 7 offers two additional larger font sizes and a new QWERTY keyboard that can be tapped or swiped with QuickPat — allowing users to slide a finger to type — and uses on-device machine learning to anticipate what’s next word based on context , making text entry easier and faster.

With watchOS 8, larger menu titles and buttons in apps like Stopwatch, Activity, and Alarms also make the screen even easier to work with. This QWERTY keyboard is useful for those who struggled with spoken answers before. Also, all notifications are now easy to see on one screen and the notifications with pictures are much more logical. The narrower bezels allow the display to maximize the screen area while minimizing the size of the watch itself. The design of the Apple Watch Series 7 has been refined with softer, more rounded corners, and the display has a unique refracting edge that makes full-screen watch faces and apps appear to fit seamlessly with the curve of the case.

The really good thing about Apple’s newly launched smartwatch is that it easily connects to your iPhone. The moment you bring it close to your iPhone, you can easily find the Watch connection option. Once you follow the mandatory steps to connect the Watch to your iPhone, it won’t take much time. Battery life is significantly improved. Apple Watch Series 7 offers nearly 18 hours of battery life on a single charge — 33 percent faster charging compared to Apple Watch Series 6, thanks to a new charging architecture and magnetic fast-charging USB-C cable.

In real-life usage situations like tracking morning walks and checking emails/iMessages and more, we got close to 15-16 hours of battery life on a single charge. Apple Watch Series 7 has a stronger, more shatter-resistant front glass. It’s also the first Apple Watch to be IP6X certified for dust resistance and maintain a WR50 water resistance rating (a device with a WR50 water resistance rating can survive up to 50 meters of water). The Watch continues to provide indispensable tools for health and wellness, including an electrical heart sensor and EKG app, and a blood oxygen sensor and app.

WatchOS 8 also helps you stay healthy and connected with new types of workouts, the new Mindfulness app, innovative accessibility features, better access with Apple Wallet, and more capabilities with the Home app. It uses on-device machine learning to anticipate the next word based on context, making text entry easier and faster. With watchOS 8, larger menu titles and buttons in apps like Stopwatch, Activity, and Alarms also make the screen even easier to work with.

WatchOS 8 also introduces additional watch faces specifically designed for the larger display of Apple Watch Series 7. The new Contour watch face brings the watch face to the edge of the screen, animating smoothly throughout the day, highlighting the current hour. You will also see the Find Devices and Find Items app on the Watch this time. In terms of battery performance, the battery life is better than the previous generation of smartwatches. With heavy use, my Apple Watch lasted about 18 hours on a full charge.

verdict: With accurate blood oxygen monitoring and a fully packaged watchOS 8, Apple Watch Series 7 redefines the entire smartwatch experience. Overall, the Apple Watch Series 7 comes with better performance, a new look and an improved battery. The larger screen size allows this new Apple Watch to be the right choice over Series 5 and Series 6.

Ratings: 4.5/5