Most recently, Apple presented to the general public a new version of its watch - Apple Watch 7. The new gadget turned out to be very controversial. Many users considered the update to be extremely minor and stated that they were not going to purchase this device for themselves. At the same time, Cupertino left two more models of its watches - Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch SE. Today I propose to understand the key differences and answer the question: is it worth buying the seventh watch or is it better to take a closer look at other options.
Which Apple Watch model is best to buy in 2022?
It is clear that all the key features of new gadgets appear only in the main line, so the Apple Watch 7 will a priori be cooler and better. Exactly the same as the Apple Watch 6, which is an order of magnitude higher than all the others. A flagship is a flagship. But there are other users who consider such an expensive purchase inappropriate and are willing to sacrifice some functions. To do this, it is important to understand how different Apple Watches differ from each other, which is what I propose to talk about further.
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Apple Watch Series 6: design
A review of a smart device should begin with a general impression. Visually, the watch looks rich, aesthetically pleasing, and modern. The brand offers several variations of the case, straps and color palette.
Other product features:
- High-quality, powerful processor System in Package.
- Availability of “Family Setting” options, in addition to the basic ones. New generation built-in altimeter.
- The watch size chart allows you to select products for men's and women's wrists.
- Enriched training program.
- The Health kit works offline.
Having highlighted the key features of the watch, further analysis of the model will allow us to delve deeper into the functionality and appearance of the device.
Appearance
The design of the new watch has not changed, and it would be foolish to expect a new appearance, since the line was updated only two years ago.
Almost the entire front panel is occupied by the already familiar 40- or 44-mm display with rounded corners and thin side frames.
The variants of the gadget are already familiar. The user can choose between aluminum, steel and titanium models. The rather rare and exclusive ceramic version is no longer produced.
But for the first time, red and blue colors appeared .
Externally, watches of the latest generations will look the same. It will be possible to distinguish the devices only by colors exclusive to the new product or after a detailed inspection.
Apple 6 watch line in new cases
The product will completely change a person’s opinion about sports accessories of this kind. The watch has a large case with parameters of 44 mm or 40 mm, a Retina display with high-quality data transfer. Five body colors are available – silver, grey, gold, blue, red.
Attention! People who can’t imagine life without a sports watch for a long time will understand that this device allows you to abandon your mobile device during training, monitor your physical performance and not worry about a missed call or message.
The watch display is amazing
The new dials make the watch a real work of art. The 44mm version is more welcomed by men, while the 40mm case is more welcomed by women. There is an autonomous backlight, which allows you to display data even in inactive mode. The parameters are the same as the previous version, but now the display is much brighter, so you can see messages even if the sun hits the display directly.
Attention! To customize your watch face, you no longer need to delve into the settings; just open Control Center and close the tab with a swipe gesture without activating the screen.
Apple Watch Series 6 bracelets
The versatility of this product series lies in the variety of removable straps. You can choose a sporty version made of rubberized material, or wear a watch with a wicker or leather bracelet. To ensure that the device can be worn at any time, it is enough to purchase two options: a leather strap for the office and a monobracelet as a sports accessory.
Review! I do not recommend purchasing a woven bracelet. Despite his toughness, he is afraid of sharp objects. There is always a danger that the strap will get caught and an ugly loop will appear, which there is no chance of removing.
Mono bracelets without clasps
In addition to the elegant weave, you can choose a Black unity strap, which independently adapts to a person’s wrist. The corporation offers 9 options for bracelets of various sizes. The unique technology eliminates incorrect girth: too tight or loose on the arm. Due to the elastic, high-quality material that was used to create the element, the strap significantly outperforms the braided version made from silicone threads.
Leather straps
If a person wants to wear a watch with formal suits, a leather strap is more suitable for him. There are sizes for thin wrists and people with a large girth. The accessory has a magnetic clasp, which simplifies the putting on process. The bracelet was developed by Nike. The sizing chart for Apple watches in the sixth series allows you to select products for men and women.
Is it worth buying a watch with a woven strap for sports in the pool?
Yes, everything is great
27.27%
No, it will take a long time to dry
72.73%
Voted: 11
Equipment
The box for Apple Watch 6 has become compact. As Apple promised at the presentation, a 5 volt and 1 ampere charging adapter is no longer included in the kit, only a “tablet”.
The pleasant fabric material in which the watch case was transported has been replaced with paper.
In the US, the new Watch 6 can be immediately purchased with a silicone monobracelet without any additional payment. For now, our watches come with a classic strap for all wrist sizes, and the monobracelet is sold separately for RUR 3,900.
I'll say a little about the new woven bracelet for 8900 rubles. A total of 9 sizes of the small 40mm version and 12 sizes of the large 44 version are available.
In order not to make a mistake in the selection, print the instructions from the Apple website, cut out the paper and wrap it around your wrist.
The strap clips are not plastic, but metal. The bracelet is made of polyester fiber with woven silicone threads. The material is not soft and elastic. It looks reliable, but we’ll check how it will be in practice.
Functional operating system Watchos 7
Watchos 7 Season 6 OS has a dual-core processor that guarantees smooth operation of the device. In addition to power, the smart program allowed the developers to equip the watch with additions that not all sports watches have. For example, when a person washes his hands, a stopwatch is automatically activated, which will indicate when the process should be completed (ideal time range is 20 seconds).
IMPORTANT! A budget version of the Watchos 7 watch with the abbreviation SE, which has the same operating system, is available to buyers.
Watch faces to choose from
A person can choose from several options for the Apple Watch sixth model. Some will appeal more to surfers or travelers, others to office managers. You should approach the choice of dial responsibly, because it’s not just about design. Each type is equipped with additional functionality. For example, the option for businessmen allows you to make notes, and for travel enthusiasts there is a compass, a “weather” section, and trip planning.
Siri
Apple's next-generation Siri app lets you read your message. Not just a notification that someone wrote to a person, but to see the entire text. The intelligent program offers the use of a virtual assistant, as well as activating the camera with your own voice.
Emergency call - SOS
On your Apple Watch, you can use the SOS button to call for emergency help. If a person feels unwell, falls or is injured, it is enough to activate the option for the system to transmit a call to the rescue service. The smart program will independently generate the location of the device owner and send geolocation.
Owner fall detection
The sixth model of Apple watch can track falls, which is directly linked to the SOS button. After a person falls, the gadget will immediately seek help and inform doctors of the coordinates of its owner’s location.
On a note! The call can be canceled immediately if the fall does not cause serious injury.
New level of altimeter
A useful option is an altimeter. They record the distance traveled up and down, for example, during a forced march through mountainous terrain. Statistical data is easy to analyze in real time. With a regular sports watch, you often have to activate the display to see the distance traveled and your heart rate. Due to the fact that the screen of the new watch is constantly illuminated, this is not required.
Noise app
A special program of the new Apple Watch measures the noise level near the owner of the smart device through the built-in microphone. You can set the limit yourself through the “My Watch” tab.
Cancel Force Touch (long press)
The Force Touch layer on the screen, which determines the physical force of pressing, has been removed. And with the release of watchOS 7 firmware, it was completely disabled in software; now it is replaced by separate buttons.
For example, when opening the notification center, previously you had to make a deep press to launch additional functions. menu and clear entries. Now there is a separate button - and so on everywhere.
Specs and performance on Apple Watch
The smartwatch, with the updated s6 processor, has impressive features. The operating system based on the A13 Bionic, like the iPhone 11, works very quickly, as evidenced by testing. The performance of the new model is almost 20% higher than the previous one.
Additionally:
- equipping with antennas for ultra-wideband communications;
- independent search for a wireless network;
- use of car digital keys;
- fast charging;
- high power.
The watch can work for about 18 hours without recharging, even with high levels of use.
Developers' opinion! For the most accurate measurement results of any indicators offered by the accessory, it is important to follow the recommendations for setting up the watch from the instructions for the gadget.
What's inside, performance
The taptic engine has become a little larger, but in practice this has no effect on vibration feedback.
In previous generations of Watch 4 and 5, the S4 and S5 processors were completely identical in terms of computing power. Now the new product has a new S6 processor , which is 20% more productive (according to Apple), and a new U1 chip .
The U1 chip operates at ultra-wide frequency. With minimal energy consumption, it determines the location of devices that are also equipped with UWB chips over short distances.
For example, the chip will detect short-range wireless networks or use digital keys for a new generation of cars.
The chip does not yet work in the Russian Federation, but according to RBC, Apple is already negotiating with the Ministry of Defense to lift the ban and obtain an authorized frequency for operation.
There were no differences from the Watch 5 in terms of speed of operation and launching applications. Sometimes there is a difference of a fraction of a second, but it depends rather on whether the program is loaded into the RAM or not.
Apple Watch 6 added a barometric altimeter , the error is up to 30 cm (before this, altitude was measured by GPS).
Waterproof
Most of these devices are impervious to water: you can wash your hands, even take a shower. The water resistance level is W50, which allows you not only to swim with the watch, but even to dive to a depth of 50 meters.
Special conditions of use! The “Water Lock” option must be activated.
Sports straps
The second main feature is the sports straps, created in two versions: with large perforations made of fluoroelastomer and braided bracelets made of nylon. Each option has several color options. Together with the dial, the straps give this version a special sporty style.
Large perforations are made for effective heat dissipation. With these straps, the watch looks defiant, bold and motivating. Nylon bands also provide good ventilation and have a more streamlined design. The fibers reflect light well in the dark, making you visible.
GPS
The GPS module easily finds maps of the area, and also collects information about the training performed and the general physical condition of the person. Accurate tracking of running speed, distance traveled and recording of geodata of the places where the owner of the watch was located are guaranteed. The developers of the Apple Watch Series provide full compatibility with such Internet systems as GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS.
Linking to iPhone
At the latest Apple presentation, they announced that you can now pair multiple Apple Watches with your iPhone. But in practice it turned out that for this it is necessary to fulfill 2 conditions:
- Update to watchOS 7 on your watch.
- The watch must have an LTE module.
Officially, such Apple Watches are not imported into Russia and the CIS countries. And the LTE function still does not work for our operators.
Working hours
Thanks to the Always-on Display option, a person can constantly see the inscriptions on the display, which cannot but affect the operating time of the device. The lithium-ion battery is completely discharged after 20 hours, but if the owner uses additional options, such as listening to music tracks, this time will be reduced to 11-12 hours. The highest energy consumption was recorded with constant use of the navigation system. After enabling the option, the smart watch will be completely discharged in 7-8 hours.
FAQ
Can I make calls with Apple Watch without a phone?
Apple has Watch models with a SIM card, but in Russia this Cellular functionality does not work, so you cannot use them for calls over the cellular network. However, within Wi-Fi coverage, you can make calls over the Internet, and then you won't need a phone.
Will Apple Watch work with an Android smartphone?
No, they will not do. You'll have to buy either an iPhone or another smart watch. Yes, you can find instructions online for connecting your Apple Watch to your Android smartphone using third-party apps. But, apparently, it doesn’t work at all.
Powerful selection of fitness activities
A whole range of sporting events is provided for training. The main parameters, in addition to the basic ones, are recorded: deviations from the norm, alerts if indicators exceed the prescribed value. The gadget has a unique ability to motivate, collecting extended information about the training process, comparing results with data from previous days.
On a note! The smart gadget separates indoor and outdoor workouts.
Competitions
The Fitness+ service will help you improve your athletic achievements. Thanks to the application, the owner has the opportunity to work with a personal trainer online. The sports mentor will see information on each physical discipline, which will help achieve better results.
Activity Rings
Now an athlete who has the latest generation Apple watch can share his achievements with family and friends right during training. Competitions can be held if all participants in the competition have a smart watch with the “Activity Rings” option.
Access to activity
When the user puts on the gadget, the system immediately analyzes the physical condition and makes a conclusion: whether it is recommended or not to exercise physically. Thus, Apple developers gave the owner a personal medical professional who evaluates the most important vital data.
Nike Run Club app
Nike versions of Apple's smartwatches provide an even more immersive workout experience and help you stay motivated before, during, and after your runs.
Before the run
The new interface includes a quick start button, total distance for the month, training runs with images and other content.
While jogging
New metrics help measure every step. In addition to your total number of runs, the interface allows you to view your average pace and cadence while you run.
After a run
To motivate runners to move on to the next race, the interface provides series. Do at least one workout per week and get a badge for the series. Every week you need to maintain a streak by opening the next streak icon on the watch face.
Twilight mode
If you run before sunrise or after sunset, Nike Twilight . It features a new vibrant display and design while you run.
As the name suggests, the Nike version is designed for those who are constantly involved in sports, primarily running. This version will help keep your motivation high and will become a striking attribute of your sports style. If a business environment is more typical for you, and you play sports from time to time, then your choice is the standard Apple Watch.
Apple Pay – contactless payment
Now there are many payment systems that allow you to make quick payments through a smartphone or other smart gadgets, without the use of a plastic card. Contactless payment makes it possible to forget about credit cards and virtual wallets if you add them to the Apple Pay system.
On a note! The motto of the Pay payment system is: pay for your purchases quickly. This is a guarantee of instant purchase and a transaction report on your smartphone.
Nfc payment
This type of payment is available for most modern mobile devices of the Apple corporation, but now it can be done with Apple watches. While jogging, it’s easy to pop into the store, buy a cold drink, or buy something to take home for tea. The NFC option is available to cardholders of all popular banks, as well as Internet wallets. To use the service, you just need to download the application, install it on your smartphone, add payment products, and confirm the activation of the function using the service of financial institutions.
Link on the wrist
Apple Watch guarantees uninterrupted communication with your mobile device. The Watch Series chip device instantly responds to calls and messages that come to the phone and displays them on the display of the smart watch.
Calls and messages
Communication on the Apple Series 6 watch works via Bluetooth, which allows you to make and receive calls, view personal messages, and send emails. The technology works directly, and not through an application, like most gadgets. The “Theater” tab allows you to turn off the screen backlight when necessary, as well as deactivate receiving notifications and calls.
On a note! It is better to use the call option only for short conversations, because it is not always appropriate to talk on speakerphone.
Color rendition
The same gray image is running on the watch. On the Apple Watch 6, the gray has finally gone gray, and on the Apple Watch 5 there is a shift to a green tint.
This is especially noticeable when scrolling through the menu in the dark.
The question of the unevenness of the matrix glow remains open. It depends on your luck. There is a gray image that can be opened on the watch and viewed in the dark. On the Apple Watch 6 there is a barely noticeable stripe at the bottom, on the Watch 5 there is a large highlight on the left side, and on the Watch 5 small - everything is fine.
If you don't see anything visually, forget it and enjoy using the watch.
Health Tracking
The gadget measures important vital parameters: pulse, number of steps, sleep time, calories, body temperature, heart rate, blood oxygenation level. Apple Watch also makes it possible to determine blood pressure, immune activity, and readiness for physical activity. The watch is equipped with a smart calibration mode, which allows you to adjust the accessory to your operating pressure level and see deviation statistics.
Sleep: an active day begins with a good night
There is a unique principle for tracking sleep phases. The Apple Watch Series system monitors and classifies daytime sleep and allows you to use a smart alarm clock. This kind of functionality allows you to facilitate additional control over your physical activity.
Sleep monitoring
Using monitoring, a report is generated: sleep duration, a table with hourly indicators, short and deep phases. The owner of the watch should configure each item in the “Sleep” option in order to enjoy all the privileges of this service. In addition to the sleep and wake schedule, the following settings are available: start time, end time of rest, tracking the phases of superficial, fast, deep sleep.
This is interesting! You can always deactivate this or that position and receive statistics of only individual indicators.
ECG on the wrist: constant attention to the heart
This web option is no less important, especially if the owner has a low or high heart rate. Constant analysis of the body’s functioning will allow you to prevent exacerbations of diseases and consult a doctor in time. Regular measurements are compiled into statistics, and special notifications inform a person about the presence of health problems.
An ECG allows you to detect heart rhythm abnormalities, as well as obtain a complex of additional information: current pulse, pressure. The device provides a detailed breakdown of key indices reflecting the state of heart health: heart rate variability, heart health index, fatigue. Before you start using the Apple Watch Series 6, you must activate the ECG sensor in the application or gadget menu.
Blood oxygen (O2) level
The Apple Watch Series 6 offers maximum opportunities for analyzing the owner’s health. Blood saturation measurements help diagnose low oxygen saturation during symptoms of sleep apnea or the first signs of hypoxia. The smart accessory monitors the recovery of athletes’ bodies during rest between exercises.
Apple developers have created a unique innovative algorithm that takes measurements over a wide range: from 70% to 100%. In the background, measurements are carried out regularly, even when a person is sleeping. Then you can study statistics. All information is available in the “Health” option.
Expert opinion
Olga Klepikova
The accuracy of measuring oxygen levels with smart watches raises questions and is unlikely to ever be perceived by doctors as a significant factor in diagnosis.
Check your metrics without delay
You can quickly check a particular position, even if there is no Internet connection. The most important reports are displayed on the watch's main screen. The system then transfers the data to the main application to collect all parameters for statistical analysis.
Motivation and relaxation
The Apple Watch Series model sends recommendations when a person should rest or, conversely, reminds them that they have not been physically active for a long time. The presence of additional accessories, such as a flashlight on a smart watch, will allow you to jog in the evening. If the watch is connected to Wi-Fi and the iPhone is not nearby, most options do not stop working.
Music and podcasts
There is a built-in music player, as well as “radio” and “podcasts”. The owner of a smart watch can take voice notes using a microphone or voice recorder. There is a function - a built-in “viewer” of images, which allows you to immediately see the pictures you have just taken or study the digital material sent in the message.
So what are the differences?
The differences in the two models may be enough to decide which model you choose, but they won't convert.
Ultimately, there are two reasons why you might want to buy a Nike model instead of the standard aluminum one.
Buy Nike version
Five exclusive Nike faces
One reason is that the Nike version comes with exclusive watch faces not found on any other Apple Watch. There are now five exclusive faces including Nike Analog, Nike Compact, Nike Digital, Nike Hybrid and the new Nike Bounce face. These faces are also available on previous versions of the Nike Apple Watch.
All Nike faces feature the Nike Swoosh logo, which acts as a shortcut to the Nike Run Club app. These faces look sporty and can appeal to many users.
New face of Nike Bounce
The new Nike Bounce face is especially cool because it reacts to the movement of your wrist, Digital Crown, or tap. Touch the time and it will be reflected on your display.
New Nike Sports Loop
Another plus of the Nike model is that it comes with Nike watch straps. Many users love the perforated holes in the Nike Sport Band. They also tend to come in fun colors, as well as black and grey.
If you want one of the Nike bands and don't want to purchase it separately, you'll need to purchase the Nike version for Apple Watch.
Other minor and non-significant differences include special Nike packaging, a Nike logo on the back of the watch face, and a prompt during setup to pre-install the Nike Run Club app.
We recommend that almost everyone looking for an Apple Watch choose the Nike version because the additional watch faces provide better value for money.
Why You Might Not Need the Nike Version
However, there are clear reasons why you won't get the Nike version. Mainly because the Nike version limits your options.
Aluminum Apple Watch Series 7 colors
You are also limited in your group selection. If you already have a Nike band or just don't like it, you have no other choice. All Apple bands work with the Nike model, but they cannot be paired at the time of purchase; you'll have to buy them separately on top of the Nike band that comes with the watch.
Since Apple includes part of the cost of the band in the price of the Apple Watch, buying a new watch is often a good time to get one of the best Apple band options. The Leather Link is one of our personal favorites. So if one of the other bands has caught your attention, you'll need to look beyond the Nike version.
It all comes down to what you are looking for. If you were planning on buying the aluminum Starlight or Midnight and don't mind Nike straps, you should get the Nike version. If you are thinking about a different color or case material, your decision has already been made.
What types of new watches does Apple offer?
Any type of watch from this series has advanced capabilities. Can be synchronized with a Mac iPad, where it is easy to analyze physical indicators or the training process through the service. The price of any kit varies depending on the model and place of purchase. Before purchasing a gadget, you should compare the key features of the Apple Watch Series 6 with other options for new smartwatches.
Apple Watch Series 6
Smartwatches of the sixth series are offered in cases of different sizes, a wide range of colors, with a leather, woven or sports strap. The A13 Bionic-based processor, which powers the “Flagship” line of smartphones, is specially optimized for the wearable accessory.
Advantages and disadvantages
Message and call center on your wrist
Combination of price, quality, innovative technologies.
You can install free applications from the AppStore.
Charging the battery with active use lasts for a day and a half.
Saturation measurement sensor.
There is no lock on the included strap.
High price.
Average cost: RUB 33,500.
Review! This is my first smart watch. I use them with 11 iPhones. Among the advantages I would like to note is the fast processor, loud speakers, and bright display. There are a surprising number of useful features that motivate you to wake up on time, exercise, and move more every day. My favorite apps are silent alarm and sleep. There are no complaints about the device, except for the strap. A braided monobracelet is very durable in itself, but sharp or simply thin objects can damage it very easily, and this element of the accessory is not cheap.
Apple Watch SE
The budget-friendly smart accessory is available in several color options. Unlike model 6, this device gives the user almost the same functionality, with the exception of a constantly active screen, saturation measurement, and ECG.
Advantages and disadvantages
Convenient, stylish, versatile gadget. Change of straps and dials is provided.
You can set the clock so that the display remains dark for 70 seconds.
The price is almost half that of the Watch Series 6.
There is no blood oxygen measurement or ECG.
Review! I managed to treat myself to an Apple Series 6 watch, but with the SE prefix. I have a thin wrist, so I chose the case size - 40 cm. The watch does not look bulky, but the notifications on the screen are easy to read. The purchase cost me 12,000 rubles. cheaper than the advanced model. The SE version lacks the functions of constant screen backlighting and oxygen measurement. And these are all the differences. I did not consider buying watches in exclusive colors – red, blue. I don't see any point in overpaying. You can always change the design using straps and dials. I especially want to note the quality of the bracelet - the material is pleasant to the body, does not stain, and does not collect dirt. I liked the sapphire crystal - I've been wearing the watch for six months, but there are no scratches on the screen. What else is good: water resistance, access to eSIM, offline music, many external applications. An ideal option for young, healthy people, which is no worse than an expensive model.
Average cost: 24,500 rub.
Sports oximeter, not medical
The blood oxygen sensor is designed to help the user understand how exercise affects oxygen consumption. It is not a medical device whose indications should be relied upon.
The watch directs red and infrared light to the wrist. Based on the reflected light data, the device makes a conclusion about the oxygen level. A brighter color of blood in the vessels indicates a higher degree of oxygen saturation.
You need to launch the Blood Oxygen application. Then press the start measurement button. After 15 seconds the software will display the result.
It is recommended to place your hand on your lap or table with the display facing up. In this case, it is advisable to maintain a stationary position.
Apple clarified that measurement accuracy may be affected by:
- low temperature;
- cardiopalmus;
- tattoos
