Which material would be ideal for your Apple Watch? We’ll go over each option’s advantages and disadvantages.
While titanium and ceramic have been possibilities for the Apple Watch from Series 2 to 7, aluminum and stainless steel have remained the most popular and hotly contested watch materials.
Technically speaking, there are only slight differences between the two materials, but there are significant differences in other aspects like cost, weight, style, and durability. Here is a thorough guide to aid you in your quest if you’re unsure which of the two is the better choice.
Durability and Strength
The aluminum case may be more prone to severe, obvious scratches compared to stainless steel because it is softer. Although it is still very tough to break an aluminum casing on impact, this is not a major problem.
Aluminum typically has a benefit when it comes to how little blemishes and micro-abrasions seem. Although the aluminum case is not scratch-resistant, it features a sleek, matte finish that prevents even the smallest scratches from being seen on the watch.
Since stainless steel is far more durable than aluminum, it won’t fracture or crack when hit. This increases its durability, making it better suited for use in sports and other vigorous activities. However, due to its glossy finish, it is more vulnerable to tiny dings and micro-abrasions. Fortunately, when wearing the Graphite Apple Watch, the scratches are barely noticeable. However, if you have the Silver color, they are extremely noticeable.
Additionally, fingerprints stand out more on the polished stainless steel surface. This issue can be resolved by purchasing an Apple Watch case or cover from the wide selection that is currently available.
Maintaining proper care is also essential, so be sure to frequently clean your Apple Watch.
Weight
Aluminum is typically two and a half times less dense than stainless steel, making stainless steel the heavier of the two materials. When comparing the two materials for the Apple Watch Series 7, stainless steel weighs 42.3 grams, compared to 32 grams for the 41mm aluminum watch, which means that it is about 10 grams more.
Aluminum is the perfect material for you if you don’t like the way your watch feels on your wrist or if your wrist is generally smaller. If you’re an athlete or routinely work out, the lighter finish is particularly advantageous.
Display
The sapphire crystal display is standard on the stainless steel Apple Watch. This is a strong, stiff substance that offers the display excellent protection and outstanding scratch resistance. The only substance that can break through the sapphire crystal is a diamond.
Ion-X reinforced glass, which is used in the metal Apple Watch and is less durable than sapphire crystal, makes it more vulnerable to significant scratches.
Style
When compared to the aluminum model, the stainless steel Apple Watch is the finer choice. It has an aesthetically pleasing surface that is shiny and shimmering. The stainless steel variant is ideal for you if you’re a fan of traditional watches or want something eye-catching.
The aluminum Apple Watch, on the other hand, is in no way less attractive. The aluminum Apple Watch is the better choice if you prefer matte over flashy materials.
Connectivity
You can choose between GPS-only and GPS and cellular on the Apple Watch made of aluminium, while you can only select GPS and cellular on the Apple Watch made of stainless steel.
You can only receive calls and messages while your iPhone is connected to your GPS-only watch via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You can use these capabilities with or without your iPhone thanks to GPS and cellular watches. Podcasts and Apple Music can be streamed on the Series 7’s GPS and cellular networks.
You must purchase a monthly plan in order to use your Apple Watch’s cellular features. Additionally, even if you decide not to utilize cellular, the GPS and cellular options automatically raise the cost of the stainless steel Apple Watch.
For the aluminum Apple Watch, you can select the GPS-only option and decide not to pay for a monthly plan. Due to the non-cellular alternative, the cost will also be less than stainless steel.
Price Points
Each watch series has different price points, but there is a common pattern when contrasting Apple Watch models made of aluminum and stainless steel. Versions made of aluminum are generally less expensive than those made of stainless steel.
The least expensive Apple Watch made of metal the Apple Watch Series 3 is $199. Only refurbished models in stainless steel are offered for sale at the lowest price of $469.
The Series 7 Apple Watch is available for $399 for aluminum and $699 for stainless steel. However, there is only one stainless steel watch offered at that price, while the others range from $749 to $1399, on average.
Colour
The case includes a great selection of Apple Watch bands and outstanding colour possibilities as well.
The Aluminium Apple Watch comes in a wider range of colours with Series 7. Unlike the stainless steel Apple Watch, which is only offered in Gold, Silver, Black, and Graphite, it comes in Red, Green, Blue, Midnight, and Starlight.
Availability
There are presently only three watch series available from Apple: the Series 3, 7, and SE. Aluminum and stainless steel model variants are available for all three of these series. This is not the case, though, with the respective series’ Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès collections.
The Apple Watch Hermès is exclusively offered in stainless steel, whereas the Apple Watch Nike Series 7 and Apple Watch Nike SE are only offered in aluminum variants.
Charging Puck
Plastic makes up the aluminum Apple Watch’s charging puck. This is thicker than the sleek-looking charging puck made of stainless steel for the stainless steel model.
Aluminum or Stainless Steel: Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
Choosing between the two involves weighing a variety of elements, and each material has advantages and disadvantages that can be tailored to the tastes of the individual.
The aluminum model is ideal for you if you want a less expensive alternative, more color options, a matte finish with a little scratching, and a lightweight Apple Watch. In addition, if you want to switch to a newer model every few years, this is the more affordable choice. If you have changed your mood and looking for Apple watch alternatives then you must read the Whoop Vs Apple Watch comparison to see the importance of the Apple Watch.
Make sure you get the stainless steel Apple Watch if you’re prepared to spend extra money to have a fancier, more glossy Apple Watch with a classic design, more resistant material, and more weight to it.