The newest watch from Apple is the Watch Series 7 which succeeds Apple Watch Series 6. The new watch welcomes 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. Also, each of the two sizes is available in aluminium, stainless steel, and titanium materials. However, the GPS model is only available in aluminum material. This post takes a look at the differences between aluminum vs stainless steel vs titanium to help you make a more informed decision.
The aluminum, stainless steel and titanium models all have the same features except for slight differences in durability, prices, and available colors.
Table of Contents
Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum vs Stainless steel vs Titanium: Full Specifications Compared
| Product Info |
 Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) (Cellular) (Aluminum) - Full Specifications, Features and Price |
 Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) (Cellular) (Stainless steel) - Full Specifications, Features and Price |
 Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) (Cellular) (Titanium) - Full Specifications, Features and Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $579.00 | $749.00 | $849.00 |
| ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE | ABOUT DEVICE |
| Device name | (Aluminum), (Cellular), Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) | (Cellular), (Stainless steel), Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) | (Cellular), (Titanium), Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) |
| Device type | Standalone/Fitness smartwatch | Standalone/Fitness smartwatch | Standalone/Fitness smartwatch |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex | Unisex |
| Release date | October, 2021 | October, 2021 | October, 2021 |
| Predecessor | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 6 |
| Successor | — | — | — |
| Versions | Apple Watch Hermès, Apple Watch Nike+ | Apple Watch Hermès, Apple Watch Nike+ | Apple Watch Hermès, Apple Watch Nike+ |
| BODY | BODY | BODY | BODY |
| Dimension | 45mm x 38mm x 10.7mm | 45mm x 38mm x 10.7mm | 45mm x 38mm x 10.7mm |
| Weight | 38.8g (Aluminum) | 42.3g (stainless steel) | 45.1g (Titanium) |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Case material | Aluminum | Stainless steel | Titanium |
| Strap material | Leather, Silicone | Leather, Silicone | Leather, Silicone |
| Bezel material | (Ion-X glass -aluminum), Bezeless | Bezeless, Sapphire glass | Bezeless, Sapphire glass |
| Strap size | 24mm | 24mm | 24mm |
| Screen protection | Ion-X glass (aluminum) | Sapphire glass | Sapphire glass |
| Water resistance | IPX7, Yes, 5ATM | IPX7, Yes, 5ATM | IPX7, Yes, 5ATM |
| Durability test | — | — | — |
| Swim-proof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Color | (Aluminum: blue, green, red, starlight, and midnight) | (Stainless steel: graphite, silver, and gold) | (Titanium: space black and titanium) |
| DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY | DISPLAY |
| Display size | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Display type | 1000nit, LTPO OLED | 1000nit, LTPO OLED | 1000nit, LTPO OLED |
| Display resolution | 396 x 484 pixels | 396 x 484 pixels | 396 x 484 pixels |
| Pixel density | — | — | — |
| Always on | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Input type | 1 Physical button, Digital crown, Touchscreen | 1 Physical button, Digital crown, Touchscreen | 1 Physical button, Digital crown, Touchscreen |
| CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY | CONNECTIVITY |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.0 | Bluetooth v5.0 | Bluetooth v5.0 |
| Bluetooth calling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | GLONASS, GPS | GLONASS, GPS | GLONASS, GPS |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY | MEMORY |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB | 1GB |
| ROM | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No | No |
| CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY | CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| SIM type | e-SIM | e-SIM | e-SIM |
| Band | — | — | — |
| NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS | NOTIFICATIONS |
| SMS alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calls alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Event reminder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA | MEDIA |
| Audio | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 | mp3/mp4 |
| Bluetooth music | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | No | No |
| Radio | No | No | No |
| SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS | SENSORS |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient light | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HRM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pulse oximeter (SpO2) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thermometer | App | App | App |
| Other sensors | — | — | — |
| ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING | ACTIVITY TRACKING |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Pressure | No | No | No |
| Calories | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Floors climbed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stress | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Incidental fall detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Menstrual cycle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VO2 Max | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swim-tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Underwater heart rate tracking | — | — | — |
| On-screen workout | No | No | No |
| Sport modes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY | BATTERY |
| Battery type | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery | Non-removable Li-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | — | — | — |
| Battery life | Regular: up to 18hrs | Regular: up to 18hrs | Regular: up to 18hrs |
| Charging type | (Fast charging), Charging dock | (Fast charging), Charging dock | (Fast charging), Charging dock |
| Charging time | 30min-1hr | 30min-1hr | 30min-1hr |
| Solar power | No | No | No |
| PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM | PLATFORM |
| Chipset | Apple S7 (64-bit) | Apple S7 (64-bit) | Apple S7 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Dual core | Dual core | Dual core |
| GPU | — | — | — |
| Operating system | WatchOS 8 | WatchOS 8 | WatchOS 8 |
| MISC | MISC | MISC | MISC |
| Companion app | Apple Watch App | Apple Watch App | Apple Watch App |
| Compatibility | iOS 15.0+, iPhone 6s+ | iOS 15.0+, iPhone 6s+ | iOS 15.0+, iPhone 6s+ |
| Payment system | Apple Pay | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
| Interchangeable strap | 24mm, Yes | 24mm, Yes | 24mm, Yes |
| Voice command | Yes, Siri | Yes, Siri | Yes, Siri |
| Find my phone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Box content | Apple Watch Series 7, Charger, Manual, Straps | Apple Watch Series 7, Charger, Manual, Straps | Apple Watch Series 7, Charger, Manual, Straps |
| Price | $579.00 | $749.00 | $849.00 |
Aluminium vs Stainless steel vs Titanium – The difference
- GPS model only available in aluminium material
- The Titanium model is the most durable
- Aluminium model is the cheapest
- Available Colors for all materials
If you want the cellular model, then you can get it in aluminium, stainless steel and titanium materials. You will not get the GPS model in stainless steel or titanium materials.
The cellular model is a standalone smartwatch that allows you to make calls, receive calls, receive notifications, stream Apple music, and more 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.
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.
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. This clearly shows that the latter two models are more durable than the aluminum model.
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.
- There is a new QWERTY keyboard
- Apple Watch 7 is available in 41 and 45mm
- Apple Watch 7 has a larger display
- Watch 7 has a brighter display
- Watch 7 is dustproof and more durable
- Watch 7 welcomes fast charging
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Stay focused
- Explore new watch faces
- Enjoy a mindful moment
- Try new workouts
- Respiratory rate while sleeping
- Keep keys on Apple Watch
- Edit on the fly
- Control your home better in watchOS 8
- Portrait photos as watch face
- Check volume on the go
- Find Devices and Find Items app
- New hand gestures control
- New Contacts app
- Create Multiple Timers with new Timer app
- Easily Rediscover significant people, places, and events
This feature can help you concentrate when you need to. You can choose from preset focus suggestions or sync customs ones you created on your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices.
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.
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.
New workouts have been added. You can now choose from the new Pilates and Tai Chi workouts.
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.
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.
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.
The home app has been redesigned to make it easier than ever to control the smart devices in your home.
In addition to new watch faces, watchOS 8 introduces the ability to set Portrait mode photos as your watch face.
watchOS 8 will also allow you see real‑time headphone audio levels in Control Center when you’re listening to media.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aluminum, stainless steel or titanium – 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 the stainless steel or titanium material is a great choice. Although, it will cost you more money.
