[Using Apple Watch 7] Larger Screen Enhances Experience... Battery Capacity Is Disappointing

Apple New Smartwatch 'Apple Watch 7' User Review

Apple 'Apple Watch 7'

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Apple’s new smartwatch, the Apple Watch 7, is a product that confirms the proposition “Form Follows Function.” It views the current form as optimized for implementing the functions of a smartwatch and focuses entirely on refining and improving it to enhance completeness.

Since the release of the first generation in 2014, Apple Watch has consistently maintained a rectangular design. While traditional wristwatches are predominantly round, Apple pursues comfort and convenience by implementing a rectangular display on the wrist, just like smartphones and laptops, considering that a smartwatch is more than just a watch but a wearable electronic device.

This product also appears to focus on maximizing Apple’s goals. Above all, by increasing the case size and reducing the bezel (border), the screen area has been expanded, significantly improving visibility. The Apple Watch 7 is available in two slightly larger sizes than its predecessor (40mm and 44mm), at 41mm and 45mm, and the bezel thickness has been reduced to 1.7mm, the thinnest ever among Apple Watches. The corners are also more rounded and smoothly finished compared to before, which was noticeable.

Apple 'Apple Watch 7'

The larger screen was clearly noticeable when using various applications. As the screen expanded, not only the text but also the various buttons within apps appeared larger, making it visually refreshing and easier to use. The Apple Watch 7 features a full-size QWERTY keyboard newly installed, and with the larger screen, it seemed sufficiently usable in daily life without frequent typos. Especially, the gesture typing method called QuickPath, where you swipe across the keyboard without lifting your finger between letters, was recognized quite smoothly, making it fresh and convenient. However, the lack of Korean language support was a downside.

The naturally increased amount of information displayed on the screen was also attractive. The Apple Watch 7 added a new watch face called ‘Modular Duo,’ which allows setting up to two large complications such as weather, schedule, world time, heart rate, and stock price trends of favorite stocks, making it easy to arrange frequently used items as desired and check them frequently. Additionally, outdoor visibility was good, allowing comfortable use even in bright daylight.

Apple 'Apple Watch 7'

The battery remains a disappointing aspect. Since battery perception varies depending on individual usage patterns, it is an area that can be felt differently, but most users probably find the Apple Watch battery insufficient. Although the Apple Watch 7 reduced the bezel and increased the display size compared to its predecessor, it did not increase the battery capacity, so the battery life remained the same as the previous model, requiring frequent charging during use.

Of course, Apple is well aware of this issue and has improved charging speed. In fact, with a battery level at 29%, just 10 minutes of charging can fill it up to 53%, and the charging speed is fast enough to visibly see the battery level rising. However, the stress of constantly monitoring and worrying about battery levels remains, so while the improved charging speed is good, increasing battery capacity or improving efficiency would be a more desirable direction. The introduction of a USB-C port is, of course, a welcome feature.

Apple 'Apple Watch 7'

The product I used was the aluminum case in green color, and the aluminum material felt smooth with a refined and neat finish. The rubber band’s wearing comfort was also pleasant without much friction. However, personally, I thought the stainless steel and titanium cases, although more expensive and heavier, might be better choices due to their luxurious feel and wider band selection.

Although it was difficult to perceive in a short period of use, durability has also been enhanced. Starting with the Apple Watch 7, it has an IP6X dust resistance rating and supports WR50 water resistance. It seems suitable for outdoor activities with a lot of dust. Additionally, the front crystal’s thickness has increased, making it more resistant to external shocks and reducing concerns about breakage.

Apple 'Apple Watch 7'

The starting price of 499,000 KRW may be a burden compared to competing products like Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Watch 4 (starting at 269,000 KRW), nearly twice as expensive. However, compared to the previous model (539,000 KRW), it is 40,000 KRW cheaper despite improved performance, which could make it an attractive price.

This model seems to focus on overall usability improvements rather than revealing a grand ambition from Apple, so discussing whether it is an ‘innovation’ compared to the previous model may not be very meaningful. While some consumers buy new models every year, assuming that most people use a smartwatch for more than two years, it is a sufficiently attractive product unless you are a buyer of the immediate previous model.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.