Apple watch choices: aluminum vs stainless steel ?

The Apple Watch is available in two major variations: aluminum and stainless steel.

While both models share the same design and general specifications (sensors, screens), each has its pros and cons that we will discuss later on in this article.

Let’s start with a basic comparison of the materials used to manufacture these two watch versions.

As it happens, there are many similarities between aluminum and steel when it comes to their chemical compositions – both are alloys containing other elements. However, they do differ in some aspects, too. Aluminum alloy is much lighter than steel but also less durable. Depending on the particular mixture of metals employed while manufacturing an alloy, its properties vary greatly. For, pure iron is very soft while aluminum is very light and strong.

The Apple Watch aluminum version (Apple Watch Sport) features 7000-series aluminum alloy, which can be described as a lightweight, durable material with corrosion resistance properties. Steel, on the other hand, is a metal alloy consisting of iron mixed with carbon and varying amounts of other metals to improve its strength and durability. Different grades of stainless steel have different proportions of iron, carbon, or both. In fact, most stainless steels contain 10% chromium although some alloys also have nickel or manganese added in small quantities for increased hardness and durability.

Another difference between the materials used to manufacture these two watch versions is their price tag. Aluminum costs less than steel but it’s also less durable, which is why it’s not being used in the premium watch industry.

Now that you have a basic idea of how these materials are made and what they’re composed of, let’s find out what makes them different.

The most important difference between aluminum and steel in terms of smartwatches is their densities or weight relative to their volume. Steel has a higher density than aluminum alloy so it weighs roughly twice as much. As mentioned earlier, this makes aluminum alloy stronger but also more resistant to wear and tear caused by everyday activities such as bumping into things or scratching on surfaces. On the other hand, steel can sustain more damage because it will deform before breaking whereas aluminum alloy will fail suddenly. Needless to say, steel is the preferred choice for watches because of its durability and scratch resistance: it will last longer and look better.

Another important difference between aluminum and steel is their corrosion resistance levels. Aluminum alloy is more resistant to rusting due to its highly-protective oxide layer which forms after initial oxidation when in contact with air or water. On the other hand, stainless steel gets a passivation layer when in contact with either element, making it corrode slower than aluminum alloy. Regardless, you still have to clean your Apple Watch from time to time because sweat from your skin contains salts that can lead to corrosion if left unattended. Cleaning in this context does not only mean using a cloth or a piece of clothing but also submerging your watch in water: unless it says otherwise, never uses soap to clean your watch.

The Apple Watch Sport’s aluminum case is much harder than steel so you should take extra care when wearing it. If knocked against a hard surface such as concrete or stone, the chance of chipping and cracking is higher with aluminum alloy than with steel. This does not mean that this cannot happen to your 2014-2015 steel model but it’s unlikely.

And finally, we come to the weight difference between the two models, which is approximately 30 grams (1 oz). That doesn’t seem like much but can be an issue for people who lack physical endurance and suffer from conditions such as arthritis. If you fall under these categories, we recommend buying a watch with a stainless steel case because the added weight may become uncomfortable for you after several hours.

In conclusion, aluminum alloy is lighter and stronger than stainless steel –that’s why it’s commonly used to make aircraft parts– but less resistant to rusting and scratching. Stainless steel is heavier but more resistant to damage from minor drops and knocks. This makes it a better choice if physical endurance isn’t an issue or if you don’t do anything that could damage your watch such as cooking or working on cars. And yes, cleaning should be done with cold water only so soap residue doesn’t remain on your watch mineral glass.

With a variety of models and colors to choose from, the Apple Watch can serve as a fitness tracker, a phone or a way to send text messages. taking calls and responding to text messages. but it also comes in two different materials–aluminum or stainless steel. Which material do you think would be best for your needs? If you’re not sure which one to get, consider the following points before making your decision:

* Aluminum watches are lighter than stainless steel ones

* Stainless steel watches need less maintenance because they don’t scratch as much as aluminum versions

* What’s more important to you-a watch that looks good or one that will last through time?

Weigh these factors carefully when choosing between aluminum and stainless steel so you can make the right choice for yourself!