How to choose between stainless steel vs aluminum Apple Watches
There are several different colors, finishes, and sizes of the Apple Watch Series 4. There may be outward differences to the different metals, but what else separates the stainless steel vs aluminum models? AppleInsider spells them out to help you decide.
In total, there are 18 models of Apple Watch -- gold, silver, and space grey/black models in 40mm and 44mm sizes either in cellular or GPS + Wi-Fi configurations. Other than the size, the finish and color option is one of the major choices that must be made when choosing which model to buy.
With the glossy finish comes a downside -- microabrasions. These tiny scratches show up on glossy stainless steel frequently and are most perceptible on the silver option. After using the silver for a year, many little scratches will be noticed all over the case. Apple uses a diamond-like coating on the Space Black version, making it the toughest of all three. After a year, we've noticed no microabrasions.
Fingerprints also show easily on the stainless steel but can easily be buffed out for a pristine shine. The good news is that both these microabrasions and fingerprints are largely unnoticeable when worn on the wrist.
Aside from the metal, stainless steel also utilizes sapphire crystal to cover the display which is extremely resistant to scratches.
Bundled with each Apple Watch is a magnetic charging puck. Opting for the stainless steel model affords you a stainless steel covered charging puck. It has a glossy finish, a slightly heavier weight, and is slightly thinner than the common plastic version.
Lastly, the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 4 is only available in cellular, as denoted by a subtle red ring around the Digital Crown.
In short, when choosing stainless steel, you get a heavier, durable Apple Watch with a more premium charging cable, more resistant glass, and stunning glossy finishes.
Instead of sapphire crystal, Apple uses Ion-X strengthened glass on the front of the display, which while lighter, is more susceptible to scratches.
Lastly, Apple includes a thicker, plastic magnetic charging puck.
In summary, aluminum gives you a lightweight watch with matte finishes that don't show small scratches but are less durable to big marks. A basic charger is included, and the display is covered in glass rather than sapphire. There are most configurations in the aluminum, with Wi-Fi + GPS and cellular versions available.
In total, there are 18 models of Apple Watch -- gold, silver, and space grey/black models in 40mm and 44mm sizes either in cellular or GPS + Wi-Fi configurations. Other than the size, the finish and color option is one of the major choices that must be made when choosing which model to buy.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is the more costly option, as well as the more flashy. All three colors have a pristine, glossy finish that is easy to catch the eye. These models weigh considerably more than the aluminum, easily appealing to those that like the fit and finish of traditional timepieces.With the glossy finish comes a downside -- microabrasions. These tiny scratches show up on glossy stainless steel frequently and are most perceptible on the silver option. After using the silver for a year, many little scratches will be noticed all over the case. Apple uses a diamond-like coating on the Space Black version, making it the toughest of all three. After a year, we've noticed no microabrasions.
Fingerprints also show easily on the stainless steel but can easily be buffed out for a pristine shine. The good news is that both these microabrasions and fingerprints are largely unnoticeable when worn on the wrist.
Aside from the metal, stainless steel also utilizes sapphire crystal to cover the display which is extremely resistant to scratches.
Bundled with each Apple Watch is a magnetic charging puck. Opting for the stainless steel model affords you a stainless steel covered charging puck. It has a glossy finish, a slightly heavier weight, and is slightly thinner than the common plastic version.
Lastly, the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 4 is only available in cellular, as denoted by a subtle red ring around the Digital Crown.
In short, when choosing stainless steel, you get a heavier, durable Apple Watch with a more premium charging cable, more resistant glass, and stunning glossy finishes.
Aluminum
Aluminum Apple Watches are the far and away lighter than the steel. Those who frequently run may prefer the more lightweight load on their wrist.Instead of sapphire crystal, Apple uses Ion-X strengthened glass on the front of the display, which while lighter, is more susceptible to scratches.
Lastly, Apple includes a thicker, plastic magnetic charging puck.
In summary, aluminum gives you a lightweight watch with matte finishes that don't show small scratches but are less durable to big marks. A basic charger is included, and the display is covered in glass rather than sapphire. There are most configurations in the aluminum, with Wi-Fi + GPS and cellular versions available.
Why to buy the aluminum Apple Watch
- I love wearing Apple Watch while working out or playing sports and want it as light as possible!
- I prefer the matte finishes
- I want the most cost-friendly option
- I don't want cellular
Why to buy the stainless steel Apple Watch
- I want a model most like a traditional timepiece
- I love the glossy finishes
- I want the most expensive model available!
- I'm looking for the most durable Apple Watch
- I prefer a heavy watch
Comments
Depends on the sport. The glass screen on my aluminum model looks like utter hell after scraping against the walls while bouldering. Swipes with fingers coated in micro-abrasive chalk can't be helping either. I'll definitely spring for the sapphire next time.
THAT
A
SERIOUS
HEADLINE
.....
REALLY!?
I took a quick glance at my wife's Series 1 Sport last while it was on the charger and hers is littered with tiny scratches all over the watch face, and she's only had it since April. I really wish that Apple would make Sapphire standard across the board -- really sucks that I have to put up $700 just to get stainless steel, and I don't even want the LTE. I'll probably just buying it second-hand like I did my current Series 2. Let some other poor sap take the depreciation hit.
Thanks AI
The SS (black) of the S4 was an easy decision for me.
I went with Black Stainless Steel for the Series 3 last year because the Grey just didn't look as good. The Sapphire screen also was a factor, but by no means was it anything about having to own the more expensive model. I suppose there are people who think that way, but I thought that was what the Editions were for. (Although there were other advantages to the Ceramic. Less so with the Gold.)
Of course, if I'd gone with Aluminium, I'd be more likely to have bought a Series 4 this year, but the Steel cost enough that I feel i need to get a couple of years out of it at least.
And just how is B&H doing that since they are closed for the Jewish Succo Holiday? You Apple Insider folks really screwed over your readers when you pushed B&H Friday morning when orders opened up knowing that B&H was closing Friday afternoon and wouldn't even process orders until 3 October.
"Any orders placed after 6:30pm ET Fri Sep 21 will be processed when we reopen on Wed Oct 3."
Way to take care of your readers, Apple Insider! At least let 'em know what they'll give up to save the sales tax.
Why not. A lot of people ask me, and many others I'm sure, what Watch they should get. Otherwise why even make more than one Watch and more than one band? Any Watch and band they want, as long as it's black.
Like that makes any difference at this date. And any reader would know what they 'give up' to same a fair bit of change even before placing an order.
I've got aluminum Watches and a SS Watch. The SS can easily pickup small, hairline scratches on the case, though the sapphire crystal is highly resistant. They can be polished out, but not nearly as easy as getting them. The sapphire crystal is in perfect shape.
The aluminum case is very resistant to scratching, far more so than the SS, but if it does, get scratched, there's really nothing you can do, except maybe hide it with a case. One of my aluminums that gets a lot of wear, has an Ion-X crystal in perfect shape. That is, even under 5x magnification, I don't see any scratches on it, or the case for that matter.
A potential trade off is an impact that might 'only' scratch or gouge an Ion-X crystal, might crack or shatter a sapphire version.