The Watch Ultra is an option for athletes and adventurer of all kinds. The most advanced option is no longer the generation 8. The relevance of what is the best-selling smartwatch series in the world will not be affected by this.
If you’re considering an upgrade from the Series 7 to the Series 8 or if you’re not sure which of the two models is right for you, keep reading.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch Series 7 compared
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Read the Apple Watch Series 7 review |
| To the offer* |
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Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Watch Series 7: Prices and availability
The Series 8 and Series 7 are available in either 41 or 45 millimeter versions. There was a titanium option last year for the Series 8, but it is not available for the Apple Watch Ultra. You can choose between Midnight, Polaris, Gold,Graphite, Silver, Space Black, and (PRODUCT)RED. The prices start at about $400.
| Model | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 7 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 mm | 45 mm | 41 mm | 45 mm | |
| Aluminum case | $399 or $499 (4G) | $429 or $529 (4G) | $399 or $499 (4G) | $429 or $529 (4G) |
| Stainless steel case | $749 | $799 | $749 | $799 |
| Titanium case (Apple Watch Edition) | – | – | 849 | $899 |
It’s important to note that Apple has removed the Series 7 from its store, and it is only possible to buy the previous generation via Amazon. The final price of the Series 7 may vary more or less depending on when you buy it.
Some Series 7 models are more expensive than the new generation on Amazon due to the manufacturer’s sales strategy.
The offer was for affiliates.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Watch Series 7: Design and screen
The two generations are very similar in design. The case sizes are the same and there is an edge-to-edge display. Given that we had a 20% jump in display size last year, it’s not surprising that Apple chose to keep the size and design.
- Related: Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Apple Watch Series 6
The screen resolution is the same and the maximum brightness is the same as the previous generation. The 41mm case bands are compatible with the 38mm and 40mm cases, and the 45mm case bands are compatible with the 42mm and 44mm cases.
The offer was for affiliates.
The Apple Watch Series 7 and Watch Series 8 are both certified for dust resistance. The watch can be used for swimming and snorkeling, but not high-speed watersports or diving.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Watch Series 7: SoC and performance
One of the big differences between the two models is under the hood, where we have seen the upgrade to the S8 chipset. The Watch Series 7 is also equipped with the U1 chip.
The watchOS 9 operating system brings a new low-power battery mode to last year’s generation of models.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Watch Series 7: Sensors
The Watch Series 8 has two new temperature sensors, one close to the skin and the other inside the display, which gives it an edge when it comes to sensors. More accurate data about the time of ovulation or the next menstrual period is provided by the sensors, which monitor body temperature all day and night.
It’s relevant to help with family planning and to avoid health concerns in the future.
Crash Detection makes it possible to alert emergency services in case of serious accidents, as well as your emergency contacts, now that it recognizes car accidents.
- Related: How to use Emergency SOS calls on your iPhone
The new model has two new motion sensors. According to the company, this means 4x better motion detection than before, making fall detection even more accurate.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Watch Series 7: Features
Both models will have support for watchOS 9 by September 16. The Workout app will have features like exercise profiles and performance metrics, as well as the ability to accurately track sleep stages.
Thanks to the new temperature sensor, the Watch Series 8 can track your menstrual cycle and ovulation period more accurately. The model announced last year won’t have Collision Detection.
Fall detection, Afib, and medication monitoring can be found in both Series 8 and Series 7.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Watch Series 7: Battery and fast charging
We didn’t have a big difference in the battery life between the two models, which is 18 hours for both models. The device’s usage time in low-power mode gives it up to 36 hours for the Watch Series 8 according to Apple.
The low-power mode is available on the older models of Apple’s smartwatch line, namely the Watch Series 4 and later. The Series 7 should be closer to the autonomy offered by this year’s models because of the battery gain we’re seeing.
The Low Power Mode stretches the battery life of the watch by limiting certain features, such as sensors or even apps that are working in the background.
Both series use a magnetic charge with ausb-C plug compatible with the company’s 20W adapter. Apple says it takes 45 minutes to reach an 80% charge.
Conclusion: Is it worth the upgrade?
It’s no surprise that the Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t bring much change from last year’s model, as Apple leads the global smartwatch market with 29.3% of shipments in Q2 2022, according to the latest report from Counterpoint Research. The Watch Ultra is the current premium watch from the giant, and it does differ quite a bit from Series 8.
Should you upgrade to Series 8 if you already own a Series 7? There are a few differences to the previous generation, so my suggestion is to wait for Series 9, which should bring a lot more to the line.
If you own an Apple Watch Series 6 or lower, and you’re not sure which variant to buy in 2022, my suggestion is to get the newer models. The price gap is small, and you’re getting the latest system-on-a-chip with some new or improved sensors. This applies to people who want to buy an Apple Watch for the first time.
You can see in our Apple Watch buying guide that there are many differences between the last year’s Apple Watch Edition and the Apple Watch Ultra.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Apple Watches, there are some good options. There is a guide on the differences between the Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch Ultra.