Apple Watch Series 7 45mm Review: Refurbished Buy Verdict
A surprising finding across multiple platforms is how consistently users describe the Apple Watch Series 7 45mm Midnight Aluminum Case with Sport Band (Renewed) as “like new,” even when purchased refurbished — earning it a solid 8.7/10 in aggregated sentiment. While Apple’s marketing focuses on the larger display and durability, real-world feedback emphasizes its practicality for busy lifestyles, fitness tracking, and hands-free convenience. However, battery life and occasional cosmetic imperfections remain recurring talking points.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for iPhone users seeking premium smartwatch features at a lower refurbished price, but battery longevity may disappoint heavy users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Larger, edge-to-edge display improves readability | Battery life often shorter than advertised |
| Strong health and fitness tracking suite | Occasional scratches or cosmetic wear on refurbished units |
| Seamless iPhone integration and cellular freedom | Comfort issues with stock sport band for some users |
| Durable, crack-resistant front crystal | Heart rate accuracy can vary during intense workouts |
| Fast charging capability | Non-Apple chargers included in some renewed packages |
| Significant savings over new models | Minor setup quirks reported on refurbished units |
Claims vs Reality
Apple claims the Series 7’s always-on Retina display offers nearly 20% more screen area than its predecessor, making interaction easier. Digging into user reports, this claim holds up. Best Buy reviewer “cdub3624” explained: “now that it’s in hand i have to say i’m really impressed — the screen is a noticeable difference and charging and battery life seem much better.” For seniors and those with vision concerns, several noted the bigger face “makes it much easier to see and operate” (kimbers, Best Buy).
Durability is another headline feature, with Apple touting “the most crack-resistant front crystal yet.” While many users confirm it survives daily wear, Reddit user feedback shows mixed results: devinj admitted “the glass doesn’t seem much stronger… there are still scratches and nicks on it.” This suggests that while impact resistance is improved, scratch resistance in real conditions varies.
Battery life is officially rated at “up to 18 hours.” While some users like vira zabal reported it lasting “like for 2 days,” others such as davidh noted “battery is little weak, but expect that in a used/older device.” Refurbished buyers often receive units with battery health in the 81–92% range, affecting endurance for power users.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon Renewed, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, the Series 7’s display is the star. College student janettel described upgrading from a first-gen SE: “I went from a 40mm to 45mm… makes it much easier to see and operate.” For outdoor enthusiasts, brightness matters — Quora’s Smartechr review highlighted the “always-on OLED retina display bright enough to read both inside and outside” with 1000 nits.
Health tracking is another universally applauded feature. “Love tracking my activity levels and comparing them every day” said ccfoshizzle on Best Buy, noting quick charging lets them wear it overnight for sleep tracking. Busy parents value safety tools; one anonymous Twitter/X reviewer called fall detection “invaluable… in case of a hard fall, the watch can alert emergency services if you’re unable to respond.”
The integration with iPhone ecosystems — from Apple Pay to unlocking Macs — has daily convenience appeal. kathyb, a 62-year-old teacher, explained the cellular model “does the trick” by keeping her connected without disrupting class.
Common Complaints
Battery longevity is the most consistent gripe. Despite fast charging, some users like james (Best Buy Cellular model) found “apps when left in the background seem to drain the battery.” Refurbished buyers often expect reduced health percentages; Trustpilot reviewer noted 88% capacity but still recommended the watch.
Cosmetic imperfections occasionally sour the “like new” promise. While caro praised her unit’s flawless screen, janettel found “a slight scratch on the side, and very unnoticeable light ones… in my opinion it’s a steal” — showing tolerance varies by buyer.
Comfort issues with the sport band surface in niche cases. A Back Market buyer said the ‘starlight’ strap was “quite sturdy material and not very comfortable… grateful for the elasticated strap also enclosed.”
Divisive Features
Heart rate sensor accuracy divides opinion. Smartechr’s analysis warns “accuracy is only attained when you push the watch further up the arm,” while casual users like riyaz find it “very useful… can tell heart rate n ecg” without complaint. Sleep tracking similarly earns mixed reviews — some appreciate its consistency, others see little improvement over Series 6.
Cellular freedom is beloved by runners and hikers, but battery drain increases with LTE use. james shifted habits to close background apps, while sevillita82 enjoys hiking “without… my iphone” thanks to GPS + cellular.
Trust & Reliability
Refurbished skepticism is common, but Trustpilot and Reddit threads show high satisfaction when buying from vetted sellers. Back Market’s “excellent” condition units often arrive “like brand new — not a spec of evidence that it’s been used,” according to one reviewer. Best Buy’s Geek Squad Certified models earned praise for shipping speed and accurate descriptions — janettel received hers “in 2 days… works perfectly otherwise.”
Long-term durability stories strengthen confidence. jacob reported using his Series 7 for over two years “and never needed to upgrade,” while college users like kimbers enjoy daily use without functional decline despite cosmetic wear.
Alternatives
Direct comparisons in user data center on older Apple Watch models. Upgraders from Series 3 and SE consistently find the jump to Series 7 substantial in display, speed, and health features. devinj called it “a huge upgrade… edge-to-edge screen and way better battery life.” However, Smartechr notes “no major feature updates from last generation” in fitness tracking, suggesting Series 6 owners may only see incremental change unless they value the screen size.
Price & Value
Refurbished pricing hovers from $146.99 (Best Buy GPS model) to $179.99–$349 (Apple UK Business store), with eBay listings dipping to $167.99 for good condition GPS + cellular units. Savings over new retail (often $499+) make it compelling, especially with warranty coverage from sellers like Back Market. Resale values remain strong due to Apple’s support window — jessie 4242 expects the S7 to be “supported until between 2025–2028.”
Community tips emphasize checking battery health upon arrival and factoring in possible strap replacement for comfort.
FAQ
Q: Is the Apple Watch Series 7 suitable for fitness tracking?
A: Yes. It supports dozens of workout types, GPS mapping, and heart rate/ECG/blood oxygen monitoring. Casual users and mixed-activity athletes report accurate data, though serious runners may want more advanced interval features.
Q: How long does the battery last on a refurbished unit?
A: Varies by battery health. Many users see a full day, some up to two, while LTE use can reduce endurance. Fast charging offsets shorter life for most.
Q: Can the Series 7 work without an iPhone nearby?
A: Only the GPS + cellular models can fully function without an iPhone, letting you make calls, stream music, and use maps independently.
Q: Are refurbished models worth it?
A: For most buyers, yes — savings are substantial, and many units arrive in “like new” condition. Cosmetic wear and reduced battery health are trade-offs.
Q: Is the sport band comfortable?
A: Many find it fine for daily wear, but some report stiffness or dirt accumulation. Swapping to third-party or alternative Apple bands is common.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an iPhone user wanting premium smartwatch capabilities at a sub-$200 refurbished price, especially for fitness tracking, safety features, and a larger display. Avoid if you demand multi-day battery life with heavy LTE use or need medical-grade heart rate accuracy. Pro tip from the community: inspect battery health on arrival and budget for a replacement band for optimal comfort.
