Right between COVID in 2021, Apple launched its ‘best ever’ watch yet again, and I got the chance to use both the Apple Watch 6 and the Series 7. As is obvious, Apple upgraded the good old Series 6, but is it enough not to buy the new one?
On paper, they look like twins. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll see that Apple made some subtle but smart changes to make the Series 7 feel like a small glow-up rather than a full-on transformation.
While you cannot buy both from the official store, its good to still compare how Apple improves or makes changes in its watch year after year.
Let’s settle this wrist war, shall we?
Apple Watch 6 vs Apple Watch 7: A Quick Overview
Both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7 are still hanging in there in 2025. Apple may have pulled them from the official store shelves, but they’re alive and well on refurbished sites and secondhand markets.
Think of it like this: Series 6 is your dependable, well-rounded buddy who’s smart, capable, and always shows up on time. Series 7? Same great friend, but now they have upgraded their wardrobe, got a screen glow-up, and figured out how to charge way faster. Same brain, sleeker body.
Specifications at a Glance – Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch Series 7
| Specification | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | September 2020 | October 2021 |
| Build Material | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
| Case Sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | 41 mm, 45 mm |
| Weight | 40 mm: 30.5 g44 mm: 36.5 g | 41 mm: 32 g45 mm: 38.8 g |
| Display Type | Retina LTPO OLED, Always-On, 1000 nits | Retina LTPO OLED, Always-On, 1000 nits |
| Display Resolution | 40 mm: 324 x 394 px44 mm: 368 x 448 px | 41 mm: 352 x 430 px45 mm: 396 x 484 px |
| Chipset | Apple S6 Dual-Core | Apple S7 Dual-Core |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Operating System | watchOS 7 (launch), upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 | watchOS 8 (launch), upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, Optional LTE | Same as Series 6 |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate Sensor, Barometric Altimeter, Blood Oxygen Sensor, ECG, Always-On Altimeter | Same as Series 6 |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters, plus IP6X dust resistance |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging Method | Magnetic Charging Cable | USB-C Magnetic Charger (faster charging) |
| Compatibility | iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later | iPhone 6s or later with iOS 15 or later |
| Colors Available | Aluminum: Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Blue, Red Stainless Steel: Silver, Graphite, Gold Titanium: Titanium, Space Black | Aluminum: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Green, Red Stainless Steel: Silver, Graphite, Gold Titanium: Titanium, Space Black |
| Notable Features | Blood Oxygen Sensor, ECG App, Always-On Display, Always-On Altimeter | All Series 6 features plus: Larger display, crack-resistant front crystal, IP6X dust resistance, on-screen QWERTY keyboard, faster charging |
Price Comparison
Right now, if you’re shopping refurbished or used:
- Series 6 will run you about $180-$230
- Series 7 lands around $230-$300
So yeah, the price gap isn’t huge and probably not a deal-breaker. But here’s the catch: when you’re buying secondhand, condition and warranty matter just as much as features. A slightly cheaper watch with scratches and a dying battery? Not such a steal.
Design & Display
This is where the Series 7 flexes a little.
Sure, the Series 6 looks great, but the Series 7 steps it up with some real glow-up energy:
- A noticeably bigger screen (thanks to slimmer borders)
- Stronger glass that’s harder to crack
- Dust resistance (IP6X, if you like the nerdy details)
- A softer, curvier design that just feels better on your wrist
That screen? It’s 20% bigger than the Series 6 and 50% bigger than the old-school Series 3. And it’s not just for show, it actually makes typing, swiping, and reading way easier.
Winner: Series 7, because size does matter when you’re tapping on a tiny screen.
Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Home Integration | Apple HomeKit | Apple HomeKit |
| App Store Access | Full standalone App Store on the watch | Full standalone App Store on the watch |
| Call & Text (Cellular) | Yes (LTE models) – works independently for basic tasks | Yes (LTE models) – works independently for basic tasks |
| ECG Monitoring | Yes (FDA-approved in supported regions) | Yes (FDA-approved in supported regions) |
| Sleep Tracking | Native support (from watchOS 7 onward) | Native support (from watchOS 7 onward) |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Auto-Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual Tracking | Yes (via Cycle Tracking app) | Yes (via Cycle Tracking app) |
| Always-On Display | Yes | Yes |
| Watch Face Customization | Extensive (including third-party options) | Extensive (including third-party options) |
| Gesture Navigation | No (Double Tap introduced on later models) | No (Double Tap introduced on later models) |
| Navigation (Maps) | Apple Maps with Compass | Apple Maps with Compass |
| Cross-App Handoff | Yes (with iPhone) | Yes (with iPhone) |
| Keyboard Input | No full keyboard (uses Scribble or voice) | Yes – full on-screen QWERTY keyboard |
| Dust Resistance | No | Yes – IP6X dust resistant |
| Durability | Standard glass durability | More crack-resistant front crystal |
| Charging Speed | Standard magnetic charging | Faster charging with USB-C Magnetic Fast Charger |
Performance & Storage
Apple Watch Series 6 has an S6 chip, while Series 7 has a slightly tweaked S7 chip. But I did not find any noticeable difference in their speed or responsiveness.
Apps open quickly, animations are fluid, and day-to-day tasks like checking notifications, starting workouts, or controlling music are smooth and lag-free. Storage is equally matched at 32 GB on both models, giving you more than enough room for apps, music, and health data without constantly worrying about space.
So while the Series 7 may look a bit flashier on the outside, performance-wise, these two are evenly matched. If you’re looking for speed or multitasking boosts, you won’t find one outpacing the other. They both still hold up impressively well in 2025.
Winner: Tie- same brains, different face.
Battery Life
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging Speed | ~0-80% in 60 mins | ~0-80% in 45 mins |
Battery life is a draw. They both go a full day on a charge. I usually put the watch on at 8 AM and still had around 20 to 30% left by bedtime.
But here is where Series 7 shines: the faster charging really makes a difference. I could easily get a 50% to 60% charge in just under 30 minutes while getting ready in the morning.
Series 6 is decent, but takes a bit longer and doesn’t feel as grab-and-go ready.
Overall, I am impressed with the reliability.
Winner: Series 7, for speedier top-ups.
Health & Safety Features
When it comes to health tracking, the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7 are pretty much neck and neck.
Here’s what both watches offer in terms of health and wellness:
- Blood Oxygen Monitoring
- ECG App (Electrocardiogram)
- Fall Detection
- Emergency SOS
- High & Low Heart Rate Notifications
Also, with the built-in microphone, both watches can measure the ambient sound levels around you and warn you if you’re in an environment that could damage your hearing over time.
If your main concern is health and safety features, both Series 6 and Series 7 deliver the exact same tools.
Other Notable Features
Full On-Screen Keyboard: Series 7 gives you a full QWERTY keyboard right on your wrist, and honestly, it is way more useful than I expected. Swiping out quick replies on the go was smoother than I thought. Of course, it’s not for writing essays, but for a fast “on my way” or “LOL”, it does the trick without reaching for your phone.
Tougher Glass: Series 7 isn’t just a pretty face as it’s built like a tiny tank. Let’s just say my series 7 has had a few clumsy moments on gym floors and cafe counters, but it still looks fresh. So yeah, it’s not just pretty, it’s practical too.
More Colors: It also comes dressed to impress with more color options than ever. I personally like the starlight finish. It is a soft wind of silver and gold that looks classy without trying too hard.
Whether you’re into bold, subtle, or something that screams “look at me,” there’s a shade that’ll vibe with your style.
Winner: Series 7
Software Support & Longevity
Both Series 6 and Series 7 are rocking watchOS 10 right now, so you’re not missing out on the latest tricks. But here’s where the plot thickens- Series 6 is the older sibling. And in Apple years? That’s basically senior citizen status.
Apple has a habit of slowly “forgetting” its older devices (like that one friend who never texts back after they get a new number). So while Series 6 might bow out soon, Series 7 still has a little more runway before it gets the silent treatment.
Winner: Series 7 – future-proofed just a bit more.
Sleep Tracking
Alright, so both the Series 6 and Series 7 track your sleep but let’s not get too excited, it’s not like they’re sending you off to dreamland with lullabies.
Series 6 gave us the basic “we’ll track your sleep stages, now go to bed” feature with watchOS 7. It’s decent and it tracks your light, deep, and REM sleep, then gives you a quick report in the morning.
Series 7? Same sleep tracking capabilities. The improved durability means you won’t break it if you drop it on your face when you’re too tired to even open your eyes. Fancy, right?
Winner: It’s a tie.
Women’s Health Features
Both the Series 6 and Series 7 come with the Apple cycle tracking app, which gives you the essentials for keeping tabs on your menstrual health. You can track your period log symptoms, get predictions for ovulation, and even receive alerts when it’s that time of the month.
While it covers the basics well, it is more of a smart assistant than a revolutionary women’s health tracker.
Sure, the Series 7 is a little faster at syncing and processing that data, but it’s not like it’s going to suddenly give you personalized insights or help with cramping. For that, you’ll still have to rely on some third-party apps.
Winner: Tie as neither will track your mood swings (unfortunately).
Ultimate Winner: Apple Watch Series 7
If you’re jumping from anything older than a Series 5 to the Series 7, you’re in for a treat. You get:
- A better screen that’s bigger and tougher (hello, crack-resistant glass!).
- Faster charging to keep you powered up in no time.
- A durable body that can handle a bit more rough-and-tumble.
- A little extra longevity in terms of software updates and overall use.
Now, if you’re already rocking a Series 6, don’t expect any mind-blowing upgrades. The internals are almost identical, so unless the bigger display or those fancy new colors are calling your name, there’s no urgent need to upgrade.
But when you put the Series 6 and Series 7 side by side, the Series 7 just edges out as the winner, thanks to those small but useful improvements. It’s not a massive leap, but it’s enough to make it the better choice.
