Apple Watch purchase advice – all generations in the test


Tests, accessories, used purchase

We tested all models of the Apple Watch and report on our experiences on this overview page. We also go into compatible accessories and tell you which Apple Watch we currently think is the best.

The Apple Watch has been around since 2015. Since then, Apple has continued to improve it in many different variants. (Source: Apple)

The Apple Watch is the best smartwatch for most users and an excellent fitness tracker at that. Since Apple introduced the first smartwatch in 2015, there has been a new version of the computer watch every year.

  1. Apple Watch: All models in the test

  2. Buying a used Apple Watch: From which generation does it make sense?

  3. Apple Watch with or without a cell phone contract?

  4. Current tip: Buy the Apple Watch SE!

  5. Good to know: which accessories go with which watch?

  6. Which Apple Watch offers the longest battery life?

Do you also find it difficult to keep track of the differences between the Apple Watch models and which Apple watches are still officially updated? Which bracelet fits which watch? Which Apple Watch generation has a compass, GPS, an altimeter, an always-on display? Is it worth buying a used Apple Watch? We answer such questions on this overview page.

Apple Watch Series 3Apple Watch SEApple Watch Series 6Apple Watch Series 7
specs
sizes38 and 42mm40 and 44mm40 and 44mm41 and 445mm
variantsGPSGPS or GPS + CellularGPS or GPS + CellularGPS or GPS + Cellular
compass
processorApple S3Apple S5Apple S6Apple S7 (S6)
watchOSwatchOS 7watchOS 7watchOS 7watchOS 8
HousingaluminumaluminumAluminum, stainless steel, titaniumAluminum, stainless steel, titanium
Colours2 colors3 colorsup to 5 colorsup to 5 colors
Storage8GB32GB32GB32GB
Waterproof5ATM5ATM5ATM5ATM
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Bluetooth4.25.05.05.0
U1
speaker
microphone
features
Apple Pay
family configuration
Always On Display (AOD)
ECG
altimeter
SpO2
fall detection
sleep tracking

Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch SE

Apple Watch: All models in the test

Perhaps you have just come across a particularly good offer or someone would like to buy the latest Apple Watch and sell you their used watch? Then it’s best to jump directly to the detailed test report of the respective generation to read our experiences with Apple Watch Series 0, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7 and Apple Watch SE. You can also see from the list below whether the watch is currently still available from Apple.

Buying a used Apple Watch: From which generation does it make sense?

We clearly advise against buying a used Apple Watch Series 0 or Series 2. Unless you can buy them for less than 100 euros and just want to read the time. Or you are a collector. However, the built-in processors are too weak for intensive and above all smooth use of apps. If you are interested in a used Apple Watch, it should be at least the 2017 Apple Watch Series 3, which Apple still sells as a kind of entry-level version.

Apple Watch with or without a cell phone contract?

The Apple Watch Series 3 was also the first Apple watch that you could buy in a “GPS + Cellular” variant, i.e. with a built-in cellular module. At this point we will explain what this can be good for. An LTE-enabled Apple Watch Series 3 is only available on the used market or as a residual item – Apple itself sells the watch as an entry-level version and an alternative to the slightly more expensive Apple Watch SE, always without an LTE option. At 219 euros, it is the cheapest Apple Watch.

Current tip: Buy the Apple Watch SE!

The inventor of the iPhone presented the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE at the end of September 2020. While the Apple Watch 6 is now outdated and has been replaced by its successor, the Watch SE remains in the range.

In our opinion, the best price-performance ratio is currently offered by the Apple Watch SE. At 291 euros, it only costs around 80 euros more than the much older Apple Watch Series 3, but offers the larger display, faster processor and more sensors. The LTE version is available from 340 euros.

Good to know: which accessories go with which watch?

You may be surprised, but Apple placed great importance on compatibility from the very beginning when developing the Apple Watch. So all bracelets of the Apple Watch Series 7 also fit the Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5 and the Apple Watch SE. You should be careful when buying straps for the Apple Watch Series 3, as this model is also available with a 38 mm case, while all of Apple’s more modern smartwatch models have a 40 or 44 mm case. The Apple Watch Series 7 comes in a 41 or 45 millimeter case.

Apple Watch Bands (Fall 2020)

There are no differences up to the Apple Watch Series 7 with the magnetically attached “charging puck”. Apple encloses this with the higher-quality models in a slightly more elegant version, but technically it is no different from the cheaper versions without a decorative ring. Since the new Apple Watch Series 7 has a fast charging function, the charging puck is technically different. For example, it has a USB-C port. However, the charging puck does not give you any speed advantage in combination with older Apple Watch models.

Which Apple Watch offers the longest battery life?

According to Apple, that’s enough Apple Watch battery life “all day long”, which according to the manufacturer means 18 hours. This applies to all currently available Apple Watch models! Nevertheless, the battery life of the watch can vary.

In our experience, the cheap Apple Watch SE often lasts longer in practical use than the Apple Watch Series 7. This is especially true if you use functions such as the always-on display or the blood oxygen sensor intensively.

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