Which Apple Watch to choose? Series 7, introduce comparison of SE, how to use and useful functions

Apple Watch is a smartwatch produced by Apple and is gaining popularity around the world. Since the first Apple Watch was sold on April 24, 2015, new models have been announced every year, and in October 2021, the seventh generation "Apple Watch Series 7" was released.

Currently (January 2022), in the Apple Store, in addition to the latest Series 7, "Apple Watch SE" (released in September 2020) and "Apple Watch Series 3" (released in September 2017) are available. are on sale.

There are many generations, sizes and color variations, so some people may not know which one to choose. So let's take a look at what you can do with the Apple Watch and the differences between the Series 7 and SE.

Apple Watch can not only check the time as a watch, but iPhone users can receive emails and LINE notifications, and even make calls. You can also make emergency calls, log sports such as running and walking, remotely control Siri and iPhone cameras, and change the dial to your liking.

In addition, Apple Watch has a lot of health care functions. In addition to being able to check heart rate and electrocardiogram as functions from Series 7, it is also possible to record sleep time.

Apple Watch can do a variety of things, but here I will introduce the points that I find particularly useful when actually using it, based on my observations from the first model.

When using a train or bus, you can pay the fare by holding your Apple Watch over the ticket gate. Also, if you are shopping with Suica, you can touch the payment terminal as it is, and in the case of other cashless payments, you can select the type of card and pay by pressing the right button twice. For example, when you go to a nearby convenience store, it is convenient to be able to shop without having to bring your wallet or smartphone. Works with Apple Watch Series 2 and later.

I'm not the only one who feels inconvenient because face recognition on the iPhone cannot be used when wearing a mask. In that respect, if you have an Apple Watch, you can unlock it with your iPhone's face authentication even if you are wearing a mask. The setting method on the iPhone is "Settings" ▶ [Face ID & Passcode] [Unlock on Apple Watch].

What you need is an iPhone with Face ID (iPhone X or later) running iOS 14.5 or later, and an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS (OS installed on Apple Watch) 7.4 or later.

In addition, if you want to use this function, although there are conditions such as the iPhone and Apple Watch being paired, a passcode being set on the Apple Watch, and "wrist detection" being enabled. Be sure to choose a compatible Apple Watch.

There are many messenger apps available on the Apple Watch. It is also compatible with "LINE", which is widely used in Japan, and it is convenient to be able to check the message content on the Apple Watch screen.

You can also send simple fixed phrases and stamps. When you launch the "LINE" app on an iPhone paired with an Apple Watch and tap [Apple Watch], you can register up to 10 fixed phrases.

Although it can be used on all Apple Watches, it is premised that the LINE app is installed on the iPhone. In my case, I don't often exchange messages with my Apple Watch, but I find it very convenient to be able to check the contents just by looking at my hand. For example, I sometimes run between work, but it is useful because I can check the requirements on my Apple Watch.

When you set a destination on the iPhone's "Maps" or "Google Maps" app, the Apple Watch displays the navigation screen. The Apple Watch will vibrate to notify you when you reach a landmark intersection. This feature is available on watchOS 5 and above.

For example, if you navigate with your iPhone while walking, it will inevitably become a “walking smartphone”, but with the Apple Watch, you can look at your hand when it vibrates. There are also safety benefits.

When listening to music with earphones, you can play/pause the song, skip to the next song/return to the previous song, and adjust the volume.

When the iPhone is in your pocket or bag, it is very convenient because you can operate it at hand without having to take it out. It works like a remote when playing on your iPhone, but you can also sync music to the Apple Watch itself.

The number of songs depends on the version of watchOS and the storage capacity of the Apple Watch. Under watchOS 4, you can only save 2GB regardless of the storage capacity, but with watchOS 4 or later, you can save as many songs as the iPhone's storage capacity is available.

Swipe up on your Apple Watch when you can't find your iPhone at home. When you press the trembling icon on your smartphone, the iPhone will play a sound, making it easy to find. Works with all Apple Watches.

Before choosing, let's introduce the differences between each model. Currently (December 2021), 3 models of Apple Watch are on sale, and you can choose from various specifications such as size, material, and communication method according to your preferences and usage environment.

For Apple Watch, you can choose the collection (collaboration model), size, case material, and band. The collection also has collaboration models with Nike and Hermès. The size varies depending on the series, and you can choose from two sizes. The case material is either aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. Bands come in a wide variety of colors and materials. Please refer to the following for the body size of each series.

The latest Series 7 has a larger screen, which is much easier to see than SE and Series 6 and earlier models.

You can choose from two communication methods: a cellular model and a GPS model. The cellular model can communicate by connecting to the radio network of the mobile phone carrier with the Apple Watch alone without linking with the iPhone or Wi-Fi communication. Since the GPS model communicates in conjunction with the iPhone, communication cannot be performed with the Apple Watch alone unless the iPhone is within the range that can be linked (such as not being carried around). If you always carry your iPhone with you, the Wi-Fi model is fine, but if you want to be light while running, the cellular model is better.

Although the cellular model requires a monthly fee, it is possible to send an SOS in an emergency, so those who want to be fully prepared should consider it. In addition, there are case materials that are only available in cellular models, so it is also an advantage that you can choose from a wide range of lineups.

On the other hand, the GPS model is the same as the cellular model except for the specifications related to communication, but the main unit price is cheaper and there is no monthly communication fee. Recommended for those who always carry an iPhone or who want to keep costs down.

As of January 2021, the Apple Store sells two models of Apple Watch, Series 7 and SE, and you can choose the best model according to the functions and usage you need.

Series 7 (released in October 2021) has a wide range of functions and is suitable for people who want to use various functions. It can also measure blood oxygen and display an electrocardiogram, so it is recommended for those who want to use it to maintain their health. In addition, the screen of the main unit has high durability such as crack resistance and dust resistance, so it is recommended for those who want a durable model.

Also, SE can't check the display contents unless you raise your arm, but the LCD screen of Series 7 is always lit. I feel that it is very convenient to be able to check the time and other information just by looking at the watch. There is also a model with a body size of 45mm, and it may be said that it is the best option for those who want to operate on a large screen. The price is 40,000 yen for the GPS model and 60,000 yen for the cellular model.

The SE is equipped with the chip installed in the Apple Watch Series 5 (released in September 2019), and while it boasts a satisfactory processing speed for normal use, it also has excellent cost performance and is well-balanced. is an attractive model. Both the GPS model and the cellular model are in the 30,000 yen range, and if you want some functionality but want to keep costs down, the SE will be an option.

Apple Watch has a wealth of features that cannot be introduced in this article alone, and can be customized with apps. Another feature is that unlike ordinary watches, the design of the face can be customized. At the Apple Store, you can choose a combination of each model and your favorite genuine band.

There are many types of bands, and you can make one of your own specifications, but there are too many and it may be difficult to choose. In that case, it would be a good idea to visit a nearby store and try it out. Alternatively, you may purchase a reasonably priced genuine band as a retainer and purchase additional bands of your choice at a later date. Putting on and taking off is done with one touch.

It's fun to choose the perfect Apple Watch for you based on your lifestyle, desired functions, and design. Decide which model to use, choose the size, choose the color and band … How about considering your own Apple Watch with reference to this article?