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Apple Watch Series 4 vs Series 7 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Series 7 & Apple Watch Series 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 7 rather than the Apple Watch Series 4. 

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 7

  • The Apple Watch Series 7 features an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display for continuous visibility of time and information without wrist movement, while the Apple Watch Series 4 uses a standard Retina display that turns off when inactive.
  • Apple Watch Series 7 has a crack-resistant front crystal for improved durability against impacts and scratches, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 comes with standard Ion-X or Sapphire glass that is more prone to cracking.
  • It supports USB-C fast charging for 33% faster power replenishment during short charging sessions, while the Apple Watch Series 4 uses a slower USB-A magnetic charging cable.
  • The Apple Watch Series 7 includes a Blood Oxygen sensor to track real-time oxygen saturation for health and fitness insights, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 lacks this sensor entirely.
  • Apple Watch Series 7 features IP6X dust resistance for added protection in outdoor and dusty environments, while the Apple Watch Series 4 has no official dust resistance certification.
  • It supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands for stronger and more stable connectivity, whereas the Apple Watch Series 4 supports only 2.4GHz networks.
  • The Apple Watch Series 7 includes a larger 41mm and 45mm display size with thinner bezels for easier typing and better app visibility, compared to the Apple Watch Series 4’s smaller 40mm and 44mm design.
  • Apple Watch Series 7 has double the storage capacity at 32GB to hold more music, apps, and photos for offline use, while the Apple Watch Series 4 includes only 16GB of internal storage.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 7. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 4
ProcessorS7 SiP 64-bit dual-coreS4 SiP 64-bit dual-core
Wireless ChipW3 + U1 chipW3 chip only
Display TypeAlways-On Retina LTPO OLEDRetina LTPO OLED
Front GlassCrack-resistant crystalIon-X or Sapphire crystal
Dust ResistanceIP6X certifiedNot certified
Storage32GB16GB
Wi-Fi2.4GHz and 5GHz2.4GHz only
ChargingUSB-C fast chargingStandard USB-A charging
Charging Speed33% fasterStandard
Watch FacesContour, Modular Duo supportedNot supported
KeyboardFull QWERTY keyboardNot available
SensorsBlood Oxygen, Always-On AltimeterNo Blood Oxygen, Standard Altimeter
ECG Sensor VersionGen 2Gen 1
CompassIncludedNot included
Display CornersRounded with thinner bezelsStandard bezels
Speaker DesignLouder, redesigned ventOriginal speaker
Microphone PositionRepositioned for clarityOriginal position
Case BackCeramic and Sapphire CrystalComposite on aluminum models
Software at LaunchwatchOS 8watchOS 5
PriceCheck Apple Watch 7 PriceCheck Apple Watch 4 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Retina Display: Both watches use Retina-quality displays, ensuring sharp text, vibrant colors, and high contrast for easy readability indoors and outdoors. This provides consistent visual clarity across different brightness levels.
  • LTPO OLED Technology: Each model uses LTPO OLED panels that dynamically adjust refresh rates for power efficiency and smooth transitions, improving battery management without compromising display quality.
  • Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback: Both include the haptic Digital Crown that provides tactile feedback while scrolling or navigating, allowing for precise control without fully relying on the touchscreen.
  • Electrical Heart Sensor (ECG): Each model supports ECG functionality, enabling users to record electrocardiograms directly on the wrist for heart rhythm monitoring and early detection of irregularities.
  • Optical Heart Rate Sensor: Both models use optical sensors to measure continuous heart rate, track resting heart rate trends, and support workout-based heart rate metrics.
  • GPS / GPS + Cellular Options: Both Series 7 and Series 4 come in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular configurations, allowing users to stay connected, make calls, and use data independently of an iPhone.
  • 50m Water Resistance (WR50): Both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and general water exposure but not for diving or high-velocity water sports.
  • Fall Detection: Both models feature fall detection, using motion sensors to detect hard falls and automatically initiate emergency calls if the user is unresponsive.
  • Accelerometer and Gyroscope: Both include these sensors to measure motion, detect activity types, and track metrics like steps, elevation, and workout performance.
  • Compass Support (via software on 4): While Series 7 has native hardware support, Series 4 supports compass functions through software updates, helping users navigate using directional cues.
  • Microphone and Speaker: Each includes built-in microphones and speakers for voice calls, Siri commands, and sound alerts, ensuring convenient hands-free communication.
  • W3 Wireless Chip: Both models include Apple’s W3 wireless chip, enabling efficient Bluetooth and Wi-Fi performance and seamless connection with iPhones and AirPods.
  • Bluetooth 5.0: Both support Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring stable connectivity, lower latency, and extended wireless range with compatible devices.
  • Siri Voice Assistant: Both support Siri for voice-based control, allowing users to send messages, start workouts, or control smart home devices hands-free.
  • Emergency SOS: Both models support Emergency SOS, which lets users quickly contact emergency services and share their location when in distress.
  • Apple Pay Support: Each supports Apple Pay for contactless payments directly from the wrist, providing fast and secure transactions without needing an iPhone.
  • Fitness Tracking: Both offer comprehensive activity tracking for workouts, steps, calories burned, and standing hours, integrating with Apple’s Fitness app ecosystem.
  • Sleep Tracking (via watchOS updates): Both models can track sleep patterns after software updates, providing insights into sleep duration and consistency.
  • Aluminum and Stainless-Steel Cases: Both watches are available in aluminum and stainless-steel case options, appealing to users with different preferences for style and durability.
  • Interchangeable Bands Compatibility: Both support the same band connector system, allowing bands to be shared across models and generations for personalization and convenience.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 4
Retina DisplayYesYes
LTPO OLED TechnologyYesYes
Digital Crown with Haptic FeedbackYesYes
Electrical Heart Sensor (ECG)YesYes
Optical Heart Rate SensorYesYes
GPS / GPS + Cellular OptionsYesYes
50m Water Resistance (WR50)YesYes
Fall DetectionYesYes
Accelerometer and GyroscopeYesYes
Compass Support (via software on 4)YesYes
Microphone and SpeakerYesYes
W3 Wireless ChipYesYes
Bluetooth 5.0YesYes
Siri Voice AssistantYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
Apple Pay SupportYesYes
Fitness TrackingYesYes
Sleep Tracking (via watchOS updates)YesYes
Aluminum and Stainless-Steel CasesYesYes
Interchangeable Bands CompatibilityYesYes
Price Check Apple Watch 7 Price Check Apple Watch 4 Price

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 7 display larger than the Series 4?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 7 features a 20% larger display area with thinner bezels, providing more usable screen space compared to the Series 4’s smaller display.

Does the Apple Watch Series 7 support always-on display?
Yes, the Series 7 includes an Always-On Retina display that keeps essential information visible without raising the wrist, while the Series 4’s display turns off when not in use.

Are both watches water resistant?
Yes, both the Series 7 and Series 4 are water resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and showering but not for scuba diving or high-speed water sports.

Do both models support ECG readings?
Yes, both watches have an electrical heart sensor that supports ECG readings, allowing users to check for signs of atrial fibrillation or irregular rhythms.

Does the Apple Watch Series 7 charge faster than the Series 4?
Yes, the Series 7 supports fast charging via USB-C, allowing it to charge about 33% faster than the Series 4, which uses a standard USB-A magnetic charger.

Are there differences in battery life between the two models?
Both offer up to 18 hours of battery life, but the Series 7 is more power-efficient thanks to its optimized chip and LTPO display improvements.

Do both watches support sleep tracking?
Yes, with later versions of watchOS, both Series 7 and Series 4 can track sleep patterns, providing insights into rest quality and duration.

Does the Apple Watch Series 7 include new sensors compared to the Series 4?
Yes, the Series 7 adds a Blood Oxygen sensor and an Always-On altimeter, features not available on the Series 4.

Can both watches use the same bands?
Yes, both models are compatible with the same interchangeable watch bands, allowing users to reuse or share accessories easily.

Is the Apple Watch Series 7 more durable than the Series 4?
Yes, the Series 7 features a crack-resistant front crystal and IP6X dust resistance, making it more durable than the Series 4, which lacks dust certification.

Do both support cellular connectivity?
Yes, both Series 7 and Series 4 have GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models, enabling phone-free communication when connected to a cellular network.

Is there a difference in storage capacity between the two models?
Yes, the Series 7 has 32GB of internal storage, allowing more apps and music to be stored directly on the device, while the Series 4 has 16GB.

Can both models use Apple Pay?
Yes, both watches support Apple Pay, allowing users to make secure, contactless payments directly from the wrist.

Do both have the same water resistance rating?
Yes, both models are rated WR50, meaning they can withstand submersion in water up to 50 meters deep under standard conditions.

Is the Apple Watch Series 7 compatible with the same iPhones as the Series 4?
Yes, both are compatible with iPhones running iOS 15 or later, though Series 7 supports newer watchOS features that may not be available on Series 4.