Apple Watch Aluminum vs Stainless steel vs Titanium – Which is right for you?

Until a new Apple watch is released, the Apple Watch Series 7 is still the most advanced Apple watch and also the best selling smartwatch as of the first quarter of 2022. It succeeds Apple Watch Series 6 which alongside Apple Watch 4 and 5 have all been discontinued. The Apple Watch has always been available in aluminum and stainless steel until a titanium version was introduced with Watch 6. And like the Watch 6, the Watch 7 is available in aluminum, stainless steel and titanium material. Apple currently sells three watches; the Apple Watch 7, Watch SE and Apple Watch 3. However, only the Watch 7 is available in aluminum, stainless steel and titanium while the Watch SE and Watch 3 are available in only aluminum material. One of the commonest questions we have received is which of these materials is the best. It’s on this regard, we have compared the Apple Watch aluminum vs stainless steel vs titanium to help you make the right choice.

The Watch 7 comes with a larger and brighter display. It also has fast charging that’s 30% faster than that of Watch 6. And a new QWERTY keyboard as well as a more durable build. The Watch 7 is available in two sizes; 41mm and 45mm and each of these sizes is available in cellular and GPS only models. Also, each of the two sizes is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium materials. However, the GPS model is only available in aluminum material, while the GPS+Cellular model is available in all three materials.

The Watch SE and Watch 3 are only available in aluminum material. However, the Watch 3 is only available in the GPS-only model. The Watch SE is available in GPS-only and GPS+Cellular models.

Apple Watch GPS vs Cellular

Before we proceed, let’s take a look at the differences between the GPS-only and GPS+Cellular models.

First, you should know that the GPS-only name means it has inbuilt GPS, Wifi and Bluetooth but lacks cellular connectivity. The GPS+Cellular name means that it has inbuilt GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth as well as an eSIM that enables cellular connectivity. The Apple Watch communicates with your iPhone primarily via Bluetooth and secondarily via Wi-Fi.

In other words, the difference between the two models is that the GPS+Cellular model comes with an eSIM that enables cellular capabilities. As a result, it can make and receive calls as well as send and receive messages independent of your iPhone. The GPS-only model can do all these but requires your iPhone to be nearby.

And because the cellular model is a standalone smartwatch, it’s priced higher than the GPS-only model.

Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum vs Stainless steel vs Titanium: Full Specifications Compared

Apple Watch Aluminum vs Stainless steel vs Titanium – The difference

Availability – GPS model is only available in aluminum material

If you want the cellular model, then you can get it in aluminum, stainless steel and titanium materials. You will not get the GPS model in stainless steel or titanium materials. And like we mentioned earlier, the Watch SE which is a lower-end smartwatch compared to the Watch 7 comes only in aluminum material which is available in GPS-only and GPS-Cellular models.

The cellular model is a standalone smartwatch that allows you to make calls, receive calls, receive notifications and stream Apple music independent of your iPhone. Meanwhile, the GPS model needs your iPhone nearby to access these features. You can read more about the differences between the cellular and GPS models.

Material Strength and Durability – The Titanium model is the most durable

Of all the available materials, the titanium model is the most durable and this explains why it’s priced higher than the other materials. Titanium is more durable than stainless steel, while stainless steel is more durable than aluminum. Although aluminum is the lightest.

There are lots of contrasting views as to which is the most scratch-resistant out of these three materials, however, according to research, Titanium which is softer scratches more easily than stainless steel. However, you will easily notice the slightest of scratches on a stainless steel frame than on a titanium frame. This is because the brushed appearance of titanium kinda hides mild scratches unlike the polished look of a stainless steel frame that exposes it all no matter how little. Also because of the brushed appearance of titanium, it can easily be stained than stainless steel or aluminum. Nonetheless, you can always, wipe out any minor stain on a titanium frame.

In other words, titanium is more durable than stainless steel and aluminum, but stainless steel has the most scratch-resistant property than titanium and aluminum. Titanium is also less corrosive than stainless steel and aluminum.

So if you are really worried about scratching, go with stainless steel. If you want a more durable and less corrosive frame, go with titanium. And if you want a very lightweight, less durable and cheaper option, go with aluminum.

Moreover, while the aluminum model has an ion-x material protecting the display, the stainless steel and titanium models have sapphire glass for the screen. The ion-X material is very solid and durable but can easily be scratched. You can get a screen protector to prevent this. Meanwhile, the sapphire glass material is highly scratch resistant.

Clearly, the stainless steel and titanium units are more durable than the aluminum model.

Price – Aluminium model is the cheapest

Because aluminum is less durable when compared to stainless steel and titanium, it’s the cheapest. The aluminum model is the base model, it is the cheapest, yet very sturdy. While the stainless steel model is priced higher than the aluminum units, the titanium model is priced higher than the stainless steel units.

Colors – Available Colors for all materials

If you choose the aluminum material, then you can get it in blue, green, red, starlight, or midnight color.

The stainless steel model is available in graphite, silver, and gold colors. While titanium material is available in space black and titanium colors.

Apple Watch Series 7 – What is New?

Nothing much has changed with the new Watch 7. In fact, we don’t recommend upgrading unless you want to experience everything new. Although there are slight additions that are focused on ease of accessibility and convenience. On this note, the Watch 7 has a larger and brighter display, fast charging, and more.

1. There is a new QWERTY keyboard

Before now, third-party apps like FlickType and WatchKey allow you type directly on your Apple Watch. However, Apple has added a native QWERTY keyboard on the Watch 7 that makes it extremely easy to reply to messages. This in addition to scribble, dictate and voice reply as well as a larger display give you more control in replying or sending messages.

2. Apple Watch 7 is available in 41 and 45mm

Unlike the Watch 6 down to Watch 4 which are all available in 44mm and 40mm, the Watch 7 is available in 41 and 45mm. This signifies a drift from the norm that gives you a bigger size in a yet somewhat compact size.

3. Apple Watch 7 has a larger display

Apple claims the Watch 7 has a 20% larger viewing area than Watch 6 and a 50% larger viewing area than Watch 3. It also has a 40% slimmer border that indicates a very high screen-to-body ratio that allows you to see more at a glance. It’s all about accessibility.

4. Watch 7 has a brighter display

Apple also claims that the Watch 7 has a brighter display than the Watch 6. In addition to the always-on display, mode makes the watch easy to read even in low light conditions.

5. Watch 7 is dustproof and more durable

The Watch 7 is rated IP6X which means that it’s dustproof. Its also coated in a crystal cover that Apple claims is 50% thicker than that of the Apple Watch Series 6. In other words, the Watch 7 is a more durably built device.

6. Watch 7 welcomes fast charging

The Watch 7 has fast charging technology which Apple claims is 33% faster than Apple Watch 6. It should take 45 minutes to charge from zero to 80%, and 8 minutes of charging should enable 8 hours of sleep tracking.

WATCH OS 8 – WHAT’S NEW?

The WatchOS 8 is the newest operating system for Apple watches. The new OS succeeds the WatchOS 7 that was released alongside the Watch Series 6. Similarly, the Watch Series 7 runs on WatchOS 8 out of the box. Don’t worry, Apple says the WatchOS 8 will also be supported on older Apple watches down to Apple Watch Series 3. What this means is that most of the new features thaT come with the new OS will be available on older Apple Watches.

1. Stay focused

This feature can help you concentrate when you need to. You can choose from preset focus suggestions or sync custom ones you created on your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices.

2. Explore new watch faces

Apple has added new watch faces to its ecosystem. Apps like stopwatch and timer will have a bigger button that makes it easier to access these basic apps.

3. Enjoy a mindful moment

There is a new Reflect feature in the Mindfulness app that helps you establish a meditation practice by focusing on a short and thought-provoking theme.

4. Try new workouts

New workouts have been added. You can now choose from the new Pilates and Tai Chi workouts.

5. Respiratory rate while sleeping

The new OS also adds the ability to track your respiratory rate as you sleep. Knowing your respiratory rate while sleeping can give you greater insight into your sleep quality and overall health.

6. Keep keys on Apple Watch

You can now store your home key and car key in the Wallet app on your Apple watch. This ensures you’re never without it.

7. Edit on the fly

The new OS will make it easier to correct errors in the text. You can use the rotating digital crown to scroll precisely to the spot you want to edit. This makes it easy to reply to notifications. And with the new QWERTY keyboard on Watch 7, it is even easier to reply and send messages.

8. Control your home better in watchOS 8

The home app has been redesigned to make it easier than ever to control the smart devices in your home.

9. Portrait photos as watch face

In addition to new watch faces, watchOS 8 introduces the ability to set Portrait mode photos as your watch face.

10. Check volume on the go

watchOS 8 will also allow you see real‑time headphone audio levels in Control Center when you’re listening to media.

11. Find Devices and Find Items app

In addition to the find my people app that was introduced last year, Apple has added a new Find device and Find items app that makes it easy to locate your misplaced Apple devices.

12. New hand gestures control

This feature allows you to use the built‑in motion sensors in your Apple watch to answer calls, control an onscreen pointer. A similar feature has been in Galaxy watches.

13. New Contacts app

Just like Galaxy Watch 4, there’s now a contact app on your Apple Watch. This feature will allow your watch to sync contacts on your iPhone which can be accessed from the watch. Thus, making it easy for you to easily access contacts for calling or texting purposes.

14. Create Multiple Timers with new Timer app

With the new OS, you can now create multiple timers for different purposes. You can setup multiple timers with the Timer app. You can also use Siri to give each timer a label. This feature comes in handy when you want to time multiple activities at once.

15. Easily Rediscover significant people, places, and events

Photo highlights from your memories and featured photos on your iPhone now automatically sync to your watch, making it easy to keep in touch with memorable moments.

Apple Watch 3 vs Watch SE vs Watch 7 – which should you buy?

The Apple Watch Series 6 also comes in two sizes; 44mm and 40mm, both of which are available in Cellular and GPS-only models. Each of the two sizes is available in three materials; aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium with prices ranging upwards in that order. The Titanium model which is the most durable is the most expensive of them all, followed by the stainless steel and then the aluminum model which is also the most popular among Apple Watch fans. So which is right for you? The comparison chart below compares the Aluminum vs Stainless steel vs Titanium model of the Apple Watch Series 6 to help you make the best choice.

At a Glance – Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminum vs Stainless steel vs Titanium

	Aluminum Model	Stainless Steel	Titanium
Colors	Silver, space gray, gold, blue and red	Silver, graphite (DLC), and gold (PVD)	Natural titanium and space black
Weights	40mm: 30.5g 44mm: 36.5g	40mm: 39.7g 44mm: 47.1g	40mm: 34.6g 44mm: 41.3g
Dimension	40 x 34 x 10.4mm 44 x 38 x 10.4mm	40 x 34 x 10.4mm 44 x 38 x 10.4mm	40 x 34 x 10.4mm 44 x 38 x 10.4mm
Apple Watch Nike	Yes, Space gray color	No	No
Apple Watch Hermès	No	Space black	No

Apple Watch 3 vs Watch SE vs Watch 7 – which should you buy?

The aluminum model is a popular choice because it’s the cheapest. It’s available in both cellular or GPS models, unlike the stainless steel and titanium materials that are only available in the cellular model. Nevertheless, if you want a more durable device and the standalone capability of the cellular model, then stainless steel is a great choice.

And if you want the most durable of them all, the titanium model is the best Apple Watch. It’s the most durable. This is the kind of watch you want to keep as an artifact and pass it from generation to generation. However, it will cost you more money.

If you’re on a very tight budget, the Apple Watch SE is available in GPS-only and GPS+Cellular models. However, as you can see in the table above it has fewer features when compared to Apple Watch 7.

FAQs

Is aluminum, stainless steel or titanium better for Apple Watch?

In simple words, the titanium Apple Watch is the best choice. It’s the most durable and least corrosive. It however has the highest price tag. Meanwhile, the stainless steel unit is the least prone to scratch but not as durable as titanium. While the aluminum unit is the least durable but weighs the least.

So, the titanium Apple Watch is the best if you have the budget.

Does aluminum Apple Watch scratch easily?

The Apple Watch isn’t prone to scratch unless when it comes it comes in contact with a hard and sharp physical object. The stainless steel Apple Watch is highly scratch resistant followed by the Titanium unit and lastly the aluminum unit.

Does Apple Watch 7 need screen protector?

The Apple Watch Series 7 is available in three materials; aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. While the aluminum unit comes with an Ion-X screen, the stainless steel and titanium units have a sapphire screen.

The Ion-X screen is prone to scratches while the sapphire glass is highly scratch resistant. In other words, we recommend you get a screen protector if you own the aluminum Apple watch as it can easily be scratched especially if you wear it too often or you’re involved in rigorous activities.