The Apple Watch ranks among the most popular smartwatches on the market. It is available in different materials, with aluminum and stainless steel being the most common metal options. However, which is better?

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If you’re trying to decide between two materials but can’t seem to figure out which one to go for, read this Apple Watch aluminum vs. stainless steel comparison article. It covers these two materials in detail — their durability, design, cost, and experience.

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Apple Watch: Side-by-Side Comparison 

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Apple Watch: What Are the Differences?

To help you decide the right choice for you, here are some key differences between the aluminum and stainless-steel Apple watch models.

Cost

Price points vary with each Apple Watch series, but stainless steel Apple Watches are generally very expensive compared to aluminum Apple Watches. This is because stainless steel is stronger and more durable than aluminum.

For example, getting the aluminum Series 7 Apple Watch would cost you $399, while the same stainless steel model would cost you $699.  Another example is the Apple Watch Series 3, which may be purchased for as little as $199 for the aluminum model and $469 for the stainless steel one. This is $300 more than the aluminum alternative.

So if you’re searching for a low-cost solution, an aluminum model like the Apple Watch Series 8 Smart Watch with Silver Aluminum Case would be ideal! 

Weight

On average, stainless steel is two and a half times denser than aluminum. This means the aluminum Apple Watch is significantly lighter than the stainless steel model.

  • WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 8 — Your essential companion for a healthy life is now even more powerful. Advanced sensors provide insights to help you better understand your health. New safety features can get you help when you need it. The bright, Always-On Retina display is easy to read, even when your wrist is down.EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE — Available in a range of sizes and materials, with dozens of bands to choose from and watch faces with complications tailored to whatever you’re into.INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Crash Detection and Fall Detection can automatically connect you with emergency services in the event of a severe car crash or a hard fall. And Emergency SOS provides urgent assistance with the press of a button.ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Temperature sensing is a breakthrough feature that provides deep insights into women’s health. Keep an eye on your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular rhythm. And see how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with Sleep Stages.SIMPLY COMPATIBLE — It works seamlessly with your Apple devices and services. Unlock your Mac automatically. Find your devices with a tap. Pay and send money with Apple Pay. Apple Watch requires an iPhone 8 or later with the latest iOS version.

Depending on the size, the aluminum Apple Watch weighs 26-32 grams, while the stainless-steel Apple Watch weighs between 42-52 grams. The weight variance can make a noticeable difference when wearing the watch for long periods of time.

So, if you have a smaller wrist or don’t like the feel of a heavy watch, you may consider the aluminum apple watch model. Conversely, choose a stainless-steel Apple Watch model if you prefer heavy watches.

Color Options

Aluminum watches are available in five color options; Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Red, and Green. These colors give a sleek and sophisticated style that is perfect for those looking to make a fashion statement.

On the other hand, stainless steel apple watches are readily available in just three colors; Silver, Graphite, and Gold. These colors are considered perfect for those who wish to add a touch of elegance to their style.

Cellular Capabilities

The capabilities of aluminum and stainless-steel Apple watches also differ in terms of cellular connectivity. The Stainless-Steel Apple Watch only has GPS + Cellular variants. They do not have GPS-only functionality; such honor goes to the Aluminum models that feature GPS-only or GPS + cellular.

This makes stainless steel Apple watches inconvenient for some customers since they will have to pay for a monthly data subscription even if they do not utilize the cellular capabilities.

The aluminum Apple Watch takes the victory for having more alternatives, making it a more budget-friendly option. Users that don’t require the cellular function can opt for the less-expensive GPS-only model.

Durability

No question regarding the quality of the products Apple produces. That’s to say that both stainless steel Apple Watches to aluminum Apple Watches are durable. However, compared to aluminum, stainless steel is generally highly durable.

It is stronger and does not shatter or break when struck. This explains why it has a higher resistance to dents, scratches, dents, and other forms of wear and tear. Furthermore, it is more resistant to corrosion and high temperatures than aluminum.

So, if you can’t bear the thought of donning an Apple watch with fingerprints marks and small scratches, you may consider an aluminum version. Its matte finish hides strains well. However, get a watch like the , and you will have the best of both worlds — more durability and fewer scratch marks.

Aesthetics

Aesthetically, both models have very distinctive appearances. The stainless-steel Apple Watches have a more luxurious look than their aluminum counterparts. They have a glossy finish with a polished finish that gives them a sophisticated and classic look. This makes them ideal for individuals who prefer conventional timepieces or want something visually gratifying.

  • WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 8 — Your essential companion for a healthy life is now even more powerful. Advanced sensors provide insights to help you better understand your health. New safety features can…CELLULAR CONNECTIVITY — Send a text, make a call, and stream music without your iPhone, even while traveling internationally. Use Family Setup to manage Apple Watch for family members who don’t…EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE — Available in a range of sizes and materials, with dozens of bands to choose from and watch faces with complications tailored to whatever you’re into.INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Crash Detection and Fall Detection can automatically connect you with emergency services in the event of a severe car crash or a hard fall. And Emergency SOS provides…ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Temperature sensing is a breakthrough feature that provides deep insights into women’s health. Keep an eye on your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications…

On the other hand, the aluminum Apple Watches have a matte finish that gives them a contemporary look. Hence, they are a great choice for individuals who prefer a more modern style and want to don a casual and stylish watch.

Display

Another distinction between Apple Watch models made of aluminum and stainless steel is the material utilized for their separate casings. The stainless-steel Apple Watch has a sapphire crystal display, one of the most sought-after display materials for high-end timepieces. It is strong and rigid, offering the watch’s display excellent protection and high scratch resistance. Furthermore, it has a more premium appearance and feel.

The Aluminum Apple Watch, on the other hand, employs Ion-X strengthened glass, which is not as durable as sapphire crystal, thus making it more likely to scratch and crack.

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Apple Watch: 7 Must Know Facts

  • The aluminum watches are lighter than the stainless steel watches.The aluminum watches come in five colors but stainless steel only comes in three colors.The sapphire crystal material on the stainless steel display offers better protection than the Ion-X strengthened glass material on the aluminum watches.The aluminum watches are generally cheaper than the stainless steel watches.The aluminum watches have GPS-only and GPS+Cellular, but stainless steel watches only have GPS+Cellular.The aluminum watches have a matte finish, while the stainless steel watches have a glossy finish.The stainless steel models are more durable and resistant to scratches and dents, while aluminum watches are less durable and prone to scratches.

Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Apple Watch: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Buy?

It all comes down to personal preference considering all Apple Watches are superbly designed and offer a variety of features and band styles. So, no matter the material you choose, you can be sure that it will provide you with years of wear.

Nevertheless, if you are looking to invest in a lightweight and comfortable watch, make sure to opt for the aluminum Apple Watch. It has a sleek, modern design that is perfect for everyday wear. Aluminum Apple Watch models are mostly sought by Apple Watch enthusiasts who are on a budget or who prefer less flashy watches.

However, if you have eyes on a luxurious Apple Watch designed to stand up to everyday wear and tear, consider investing in a stainless steel option. This model comes with a wide range of features and modern watch capabilities like fitness tracking. Stainless steel Apple Watches are common among watch enthusiasts who like wearing luxurious watches that speak volumes.

In summary, the decision will come down to personal preference and budget. Either way, these two types of Apple Watch models — aluminum and stainless steel — will for sure provide you with an excellent user experience!