Much like the iPhone 13, the Apple Watch Series 7 at first glance doesn't look radically different from its predecessor. However, once you get to use it, there are a couple of new features that set it apart from the previous model. The question though is whether it's a worthy upgrade.
THE PROS
The first thing that users will observe on the Series 7 is that it has a larger display. If you glance at the watch at an angle, it seems as if the display is spilling out, especially when you have the Contour watch face on. The larger display is certainly welcome especially when the Series 7 now has a full QWERTY keyboard. It's understandable that people would expect typing on such a small display even with the larger screen of the Series 7 to be difficult, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it out. Despite my large sausage fingers, I was able to type out messages with surprising ease. You can also opt to just swipe at the keyboard and the Watch does a tremendous job at identifying the words you're swipe-typing. The larger display also means that it shows more text so you don't have to scroll down to read messages or lengthier-than-usual notifications. Though water and crack resistance are nothing new, the new IP6X dust resistance means you can wear the Watch to the beach without having to worry about dust getting into the nooks and crannies and messing it up. The Series 7 also comes with a new USB-C charger which makes charging exceedingly faster than the Series 6.
THE CONS
The biggest improvement the Series 7 brings is its larger screen but that is perhaps the only thing to entice you to buy it. It does charge faster than the Series 6 but it still has the same battery. It also has Assistive Touch, which allows you to control the watch by just gesturing with the hand your watch is on but this feature is a watchOS 8 feature and is also available on the Watch SE and Series 6. Basically, you'll be buying the larger screen when getting the Series 7.
THE VERDICT
The Apple Watch Series 7's larger display is a welcome upgrade. It makes reading notifications and messages easier. Its brighter wrist-down display gives you ease when simply glancing down at the watch. The larger display is also a great help with workouts so you don't have to squint and figure out what the next workout move is. Despite other improvements like faster charging and dust resistance, the larger display may perhaps be the only drawing point of the Series 7 for customers. If you're upgrading from an SE or a Series 3, it's definitely worth the buy. But if you're on a Series 6, you can definitely wait a while.
Prices for the Apple Watch Series 7 start at B13,900. Visit Apple.com/TH.
