By Winnie Lin, Rita Hsieh, Joanna Hsiao, and Betty Shen
Apple Watch Series 7 was released on October 15 in Taiwan. With the features of the larger screen and advanced health-tracking functions, the Series 7 is the most premium version ever from Apple.
Larger Case Size and Always-On Retina Display
The larger screen size enhances the entire experience, making Apple Watch easier to use and read. Apple Watch Series 7 comes in 45mm or 41 mm case size, almost enlarging 20% more screen area than Apple Watch SE and 50% more than Series 3 by reducing the borders. The screen is always turned on and kept on standby. With Always-On Retina Display, it allows users to check the time and information without touching the screen or raising the wrist. Owing to the larger display, all of the buttons have been enlarged simultaneously, so it is much easier to click on the calculator and keyboard. Moreover, the new screen is protected by the most crack-resistant front crystal and certified IP6X dust resistant, making it the most durable Apple Watch ever.
Customized Case and Band
Apple provides a collection of cases and bands for users to create their own look of Apple Watch Series 7. In addition to the usual aluminum case, stainless steel and titanium are the two new materials that are also available for Series 7. Furthermore, Apple collaborates with Nike and Hermès this time for band design. Not only the case but also the band is provided with different materials and styles, including solo loop, braided solo loop, sport band, sport loop, nylon, leather, and stainless steel. Colors range from single color to multicolor as well. Therefore, users can design their watch based on their preferences and needs.
Faster Charging Speed
As Apple Watch series 6, the brand new series continue to provide an 18-hour battery life from a single charge. However, since Apple has redesigned the charging architecture and has rolled out the Magnetic Fast Charger USB-C Cable and an 18W or higher power adapter, Apple Watch series 7 now supports fast charging. That is, Apple Watch series 7 can charge 33% faster than the previous series. For the previous series, users need to spend an hour of charging time on charging from 20% to 100%. However, for the brand new series, users only need to spend 40 minutes of charging time to charge from 20% to 100%. What’s more, Apple claims that users can now spend merely eight minutes having the watch provide an eight-hour sleep tracking.
Assistive Touch with Hands-free Control
Considering that part of the users is people with upper limb disabilities who may have difficulties touching and tapping the tiny screen, Apple has rolled out a slew of new accessibility features including Assistive Touch that allow users with disabilities to control their Apple Watch with no hands. With WatchOS 8 Assistive Touch, now we can easily perform tasks on our Apple Watch by simply clinching, shaking, and pinching. Since the new Apple Watch is able to detect hand gestures to control and navigate the display, it has become much more convenient for certain groups of users; it has also become easier when we are trying to interact with the watch but do not have an option of using the second hand. For instance, by pinching the fingers once, we can view the notification center. Also, in some applications, we can perform quick actions by using these hand gestures. For example, according to Apple obsessed, users can “ double clench to answer the calls.” What’s more, the video also points out that “the motion pointer can also be activated by simply shaking your hand.”
Workout and Mindfulness App
Apple Watch Series 7 adds new sports in the Workout app, Pilates and Tai Chi, for users to train agility, balance, and flexibility. Through the algorithm, Apple Watch can calculate the time length, heart rate, and calories burned when users are exercising. The Series 7 also updates a new function for cyclists. When users begin cycling, the Workout app can detect it; at the same time, if they do not manually open the devices, the app will automatically turn on the reminder of starting a workout of cycling on Apple Watch. This helps bicyclists to collect and track the data of working out even if they forget to switch on the app. Also, it is featured with automated pause and start, which accurately and precisely records exercising time and calorie expenditure for bikers. As for the Mindfulness app, it is one of the brand new features of Apple Watch Series 7. With the provision of a Reflection session and a Breathe session, users are encouraged to take a few minutes a day to be focused, concentrated, and perceive their bodies by reflecting and breathing. When finishing the Reflection or Breathe session, they can check out their heart rates on Apple Watch as well.
Con 1: Battery Life
Although the brand new Apple Watch Series 7 brings several attractive benefits, there are some disadvantages that you should consider before purchasing it. Battery life has been Apple Watch’s biggest weakness since it debuted because its multifunction consumes electricity very fast. According to the specification provided by Apple, Apple Watch Series 7 offers around 18 hours of battery life, which lasts much longer than the previous ones. However, compared with other brands’ smartwatches whose batteries are able to last two or three days, Apple Watch’s battery life is still very uncompetitive. Imagine that you need to take off your watch to charge every day. Even if there is only one hour needed, it still brings several inconveniences to you, right?
Con 2: Heavy Price
Despite Apple Watch’s short battery life, its heavy price really deters some low-budget customers. Indeed, Apple Watch’s price is much higher than most smartwatch brands available on the market. Apple Watch Series 7 costs at least 399 USD for the basic version, and the price is higher than the cheapest iPad which is priced at 328 USD. Most customers are not willing to pay such a high price for merely a watch, so they would consider other smartwatch brands such as Garmin, Samsung, or Millets. However, many customers choose Apple because of not only its functionality but also its brand. That being said, you get what you pay for, so you can expect high quality and the most trending functionality that is provided by Apple Watch Series 7.
Con 3: Limited Compatibility
Last but not least, if you want to wear Apple Watch Series 7 on your wrist and enjoy the professional and advanced health tracking function, it is essential that you need to have an iPhone first to set up an Apple Watch. Apple Watch only pairs with iPhone because there are some functions like Apple Pay, Siri, or iCloud that are not available on Android smartphones. Therefore, the functions that Android users can use are very limited. Whether Apple Watch would be designed to be friendly for Android users in the future or not still remains unknown and worths expecting, but for now, it is highly unrecommended for Android users to buy an Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Series 7 has launched with many appealing features. For appearance, it is easier to operate the watch with the 41 mm and 45 mm screen and Always-On Retina Display. For functionality, the performance is upgraded and diversified, including faster charging speed, Assistive Touch, Workout app, and Mindfulness app. However, compared to other brands, Apple Watch’s battery life is short; price is high, and an Android user cannot apply it. So, is it worth buying? If you are an iPhone user looking for a smartwatch with a large screen, stylish design, health track, and do not mind the relatively inefficient battery life. Apple Watch Series 7 might be a suitable choice for you.
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