The best Apple Watch to buy in 2022: the Series 7, SE and Series 3, compared, based on function, design and price – but when will Apple release its next model?
- Compatible with the iPhone, the Apple Watch currently comes in three models – the Series 7, SE and Series 3, but which is the best in performance for 2022?
- The Series 7 is the priciest but has an always-on display, ECG scanner and blood oxygen measurer, while the SE is considerably cheaper – just without the extras
The Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch in the world, and it is definitively the best choice for iPhone owners.
There are three Apple Watch models that the brand offers with different price tags and features, including the Series 7, SE and Series 3. The easiest route is to get the Apple Watch Series 7 for the latest design, but it’s also the most expensive Apple Watch, so it isn’t for everyone.
The US$280 Apple Watch SE is a great alternative that comes with a larger screen and more recent processor compared to the Series 3, but lacks an always-on display and other newer features.
The US$200 Apple Watch Series 3 had a good run, but we wouldn’t recommend buying it any longer, as it’s already starting to get a bit slow and difficult to update with its small amount of storage. We were surprised that Apple kept in its roster after the Series 7 announcement, and you’re better off saving up the extra US$80 for the Apple Watch SE.
So which Apple Watch should you get?
The best Apple Watch of all time: Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 replaces the Series 6 in Apple’s roster, but it isn’t a massive upgrade in terms of its abilities. The Series 7 is mostly a slight design refresh with a larger screen and thinner bezels. Otherwise, the Series 7 has the same health and fitness sensors as the Series 6 – it’s essentially the Series 6 with a slightly better design. Fortunately, Apple prices the Series 7 equally to the Series 6’s US$400 launch price, and the company isn’t charging a premium for a mere design refresh.
This is all to say that the Series 7 is the most advanced Apple Watch with features like blood oxygen saturation measuring, which refers to the percentage of oxygen your red blood cells distribute throughout the body. It also comes with an electrocardiogram (ECG) scanner to detect abnormalities in your heart’s rhythm.
Other notable features are a bright always-on screen and faster charging that can charge the Series 7 up to 80 per cent in 45 minutes.
Otherwise, it has the usual array of sensors you’d expect, like heart rate, steps, GPS and fall detection. There’s not much improvement in battery life or performance overall compared to the Apple Watch SE, or even the Series 6.