Apple Watch Series 8 Review: Best-in-Class Smartwatch

Wondering how the Apple Watches stack up? After a week of testing, we thought about it.

The Apple Watch has evolved since its launch. It became a full fledged device with a lot of health features. Enhancements have been both small and large with each update.

The entry-level Apple Watch SE, the middle Apple Watch Series 8 and the ultra-rugged Apple Watch Ultra will be available in the year 2022. I have already reviewed the best-in-value Apple Watch SE, and now we are going to look at Series 8.

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It’s a pro-for-everyone unit with a larger always on display and offers some of Apple’s most advanced health features to date. The extravagant finishes on the new model tie it all together.

The formula was used for the Series 7. You get a new temperature sensor with the clock hitting eight. Let’s take a look at the Series 8 and who it’s for.

• Apple Watch Series 8 41mm GPS in Midnight, Starlight, Silver or (PRODUCT) RED ($399; Amazon.com or Walmart.com)
• Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS in Midnight, Starlight, Silver or (PRODUCT) RED ($429; Amazon.com or Walmart.com)
• Apple Watch Series 8 41mm GPS + Cellular in Midnight, Starlight, Silver or (PRODUCT) RED ($499; Amazon.com or Walmart.com)
• Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular in Midnight, Starlight, Silver or (PRODUCT) RED ($529; Amazon.com or Walmart.com)

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Apple Watch Series 8: An All-Screen Premium Watch

The Series 8 is very similar to the Series 7 before it. While the screens are larger than those of the Apple Watch SEs, it still fits comfortably on most wrists. The 41mm size was tested by my colleague. The 49mm Ultra is large but manageable for most people.

Display: 41mm or 45mm

The Series 8 is a middle ground option that is suitable for most users who want an always on screen. The display is bright enough to be seen in the sun or fluorescent lights. It has been difficult to fight through the New Jersey sun, but you probably shouldn’t stare directly into it, and worked just swimmingly while in California during the heat.

The Series 8 has a screen that goes all the way to the edges and slopes. With a quick glance, you can see the number dial turning on the watch even if you don’t look at it. I made out the watch face while looking at it from an off-angle view during my testing.

There are a lot of new watch face samples in WatchOS 9. The front can be transformed by Modular and Astronomy. The latter allows you to add miniwidgets to the screen in order to complete a task. The digital display screen for the Apple Watch is the subject of customization.

Material quality and colors

The cheapest Series 8 models are made from aluminum and come in a variety of colors.

There is a very dark blue that can appear as black in some lighting. The Midnight shade is the same shade as the MacBook Air with M2 or the iPhone. If you are willing to spend more, you can also get it with a watch made of a different kind of metal.

The Apple Watch Series 8 has a durable aluminum build, and on the back of the watch, the latest sensor stack, which is a part of the new S8 SiP, sits as a piece of sapphire glass that rests on my wrist. A lot of health data can be tracked by this sensor feature.

• Heart Rate
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) by pressing your finger on the digital crown
• Blood Oxygen
• Skin temperature

On the left side of the watch there is a slit for the speaker, while on the right side there is a Digital Crown and a side button. The crown can be moved to scroll or zoom. The interface is nice and I like the built-in feedback mechanism which gives you feedback as you scroll.

Apple Watch Bands

If you have bands that match the same screen size, the Series 8 can be used. If you have a collection of bands, this is great news. The woven Nike sport loop bands are made from nylon and have the slogan “Just Do It” on them. The design is similar to the Pride Edition bands. It is excellent for daily use.

Skin Temperature and Other Health Features

If you want the health features of the Apple watch, the Series 8 is a good choice. You can take an electrocardiogram on your wrist with the Series 8. It will track steps, calories burned, exercise minutes, and workouts.

The Series 8 has a new feature that tracks skin temperature. There are two sensors under the display that measure the environment and the temperature of your skin. Data accuracy is ensured when environmental factors have changed.

Establishing a Baseline

Your baseline will be gathered by the skin temperature feature. It takes at least five nights of sleep for the Health app to learn your baseline and display the data. During my testing, it took six nights to establish a baseline, and now within the Health app, I can view a graph showing high or low changes.

Over time, being above or below the baseline should correlate with health changes. It is similar to the Oura Ring in that it is a long game and may have something to do with stress or illness.

Cycle Tracking

You can estimate a menstrual cycle with the Health app on the Apple watch. Similar features are offered by other apps.

The cycle tracking experience on the Apple Watch was elevated by the skin temperature sensor. If you already use this feature, an Apple Watch Series 8 with a temperature sensor is intended to give you more data about your menstrual cycle and fertility. A temperature swing that matches with hormones changing is what this wristwatch is trying to track.

Apple is clear that this isn’t predicting the future but rather providing historical data to help develop your personal body insights. It will take about two menstrual cycles to get baseline readings. It should be able to make predictions based on your menstrual cycle data and skin temperature.

I don’t want to give an analysis because I haven’t been able to test the ovulation features. It is an understandable concern when big tech companies have access to personal data.

At a time when women’s body rights have been under scrutiny, this comes. The company’s stance is that it is committed to privacy and that the data is locked on your watch and phone. If you have disabled this function, either device would need your password to get this information.

You can read more about Apple’s data privacy here.

Medication Reminders

My favorite health feature on the Apple Watch is not exclusive to the Series 8 and can be found on any Apple watch running watchOS 9. You can use it to remind you to take your medication.

Pick an icon for the pill bottle and then set the amount of time you take it. You will get a reminder on your phone and watch to make sure you take it. The Health app can detect interferences between medicines and alcohol.

Crash Sensors

Apple has included more than one device to detect a crash. I didn’t crash a car so I didn’t test this. The Apple Watch’s microphones and sensors have been trained to detect crashes. The same auto crash feature is baked into the Apple Watch SE, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro MAX.

It is nice to have here, but I hope no one has to use it. If it happens, the service will connect you with the authorities and let you know if there is a problem.

Finally, a Low Power Mode and Fast Charging

The Apple Watch Series 8 as well as the Series 4, 5, 6, 7 and the original Apple Watch are now available with a Low Power Mode. Don’t forget to update to watchOS 9 if you want to buy a Series 8.

Go to the battery menu at the bottom of the screen and tap “low power mode.” Notification delivery will be slowed and the always on display will be shut off. Activity Tracking is one of the other functions you’ll get. The battery life for Series 8 can be stretched to 36 hours, according to Apple.

I have had the Series 8 last for a full day on average, but with Sleep Tracking, I was able to charge it before I went to bed or after I woke up. I have had the same charge working for two full days with low power mode. I will keep updating the review as I test it.

Fast charging is one of the things that makes the Series 8 so great. You can fast charge the Apple Watch with the charging puck that comes in the box and a 20- watt power source. It takes about 20 minutes for 50% and 35 minutes for 80% of the time. The battery life issue is solved by fast charging and low power mode.

watchOS9 updates

watchOS 9 is an efficient and feature packed software release. The Series 8 is seamless because of watchOS 9. At the push of a button, the Series 8 can help you retrace your steps with the upgraded compass app.

There are larger buttons within applications and an improved on-screen keyboard that make use of the larger display here. If you have a Series 7 or 6 you can use watchOS 9.

Is the Apple Watch Series 8 Worth it?

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a great choice if you are looking for health and fitness tracking, an always on display, and upgraded battery life.

The Series 8 has small changes like a temperature sensor and crash detection. It could be worth an upgrade for you if the new features appeal to you.

If you have an older model like the Series 4, 5, or 6 you should upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 8 since it has a larger screen, better performance, and more health features.

If you don’t have an Apple Watch yet and want a fully featured one, the Series 8 is a good choice. The Apple Watch SE is a lot cheaper and brings a lot of value if you don’t need an always on display.

There is a question about the Apple Watch Ultra, which adds in a new button and offers a larger display, as well as how long it will last. I will have to check it out after I have tested it, because it looks like a lovely watch for a superhero, but it starts at $800.

It is a good idea to see what the trade-in value of your current Apple watch is through a service like Decluttr.

• Apple Watch Series 8 41mm GPS in Midnight, Starlight, Silver or (PRODUCT) RED ($399; Amazon.com or Walmart.com)
• Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS in Midnight, Starlight, Silver or (PRODUCT) RED ($429; Amazon.com or Walmart.com)
• Apple Watch Series 8 41mm GPS + Cellular in Midnight, Starlight, Silver or (PRODUCT) RED ($499; Amazon.com or Walmart.com)
• Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular in Midnight, Starlight, Silver or (PRODUCT) RED ($529; Amazon.com or Walmart.com)

How the Apple Watch Series 8 Compares to the SE and Ultra

Apple Watch FAQ

How does the Apple Watch Series 8 compare to the Apple Watch Ultra?

The Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra have a number of differences.

The Series 8 and Ultra start at $400 and $800, respectively.

You can choose between a 41mm or 45mm screen for the Apple Watch Series 8. Out of the box, the Apple Watch Ultra comes in a 49mm titanium version.

Both of them have the same health features and are powered by the S8 SiP and running watchOS 9.

The Apple Watch Ultra can endure more extreme temperatures and has a longer battery life of over 60 hours.

If I have a Series 7, should I upgrade?

Most Apple Watch Series 7 owners can skip this upgrade cycle. The Series 8 offers wrist temperature readings. It’s very similar to those experiences.

What types of bands work with the Apple Watch Series 8?

All previous Apple Watch Bands still work with the Apple Watch Series 8. 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm band sizes are compatible with the 41mm size. Forty, 42, and 44mm are supported by the 45mm. You can bring your brand collection with you when you buy a new watch.

The single model Apple Watch Ultra will work with 45mm bands, which is fun fact.

The prices are accurate and the items are in stock.