The Apple Watch has revolutionized the smartwatch market, but how does the original model stack up against the latest Series 8? We're diving deep into a comparison of these two iconic devices, exploring their design, performance, features, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 is the clear winner. While the 1st Gen Edition holds nostalgic charm, the Series 8 boasts significantly improved performance, a stunning display, advanced health features, and a modern design. It's a substantial upgrade in every meaningful way.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, September. Released 2015, July | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic back, 18-karat yellow/rose gold frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 42 x 35.9 x 10.5 mm (1.65 x 1.41 x 0.41 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 69 g body (3.53 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | IPX7 water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes | IP6X certified
50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.65 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | 3D Touch display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 520 MHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S1 (28 nm) | Apple S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 1.0, upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 512MB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| | Natural language commands and dictation | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh (0.94 Wh), non-removable | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | 18-karat Rose Gold/White, Midnight Blue Buckle 18-karat Yellow Gold/Black, Black Buckle | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A1554 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 13000 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st gen)
- Historical significance
- Classic design
- Wireless charging
- Outdated performance
- Short battery life
- Limited features
- No cellular connectivity
Apple Watch Series 8
- Excellent performance
- Bright and vibrant display
- Advanced health tracking (ECG, blood oxygen)
- Fast charging
- Seamless iOS integration
- Cellular connectivity option
- Premium price
- Battery life could be better (though improved over 1st gen)
- Relies on iPhone for some functionality
Display Comparison
The Series 8 features a significantly brighter and more vibrant display with thinner bezels, offering a much more immersive viewing experience. The 1st Gen's display, while functional, appears dated by comparison. Resolution and clarity are also notably improved on the Series 8.
Camera Comparison
The 1st Gen Apple Watch lacked a camera entirely. The Series 8, while not having a camera itself, benefits from seamless integration with the iPhone camera for remote shooting and other functionalities.
Performance
The Series 8's dual-core S8 chip provides a massive performance boost over the 1st Gen's single-core S1. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is dramatically improved. The 1st Gen can feel sluggish by today's standards.
Battery Life
The Series 8 offers improved battery life and significantly faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes). The 1st Gen's battery life was considerably shorter, requiring daily charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st gen)? Primarily collectors or those seeking a retro tech experience. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8? Anyone looking for a feature-rich, high-performance smartwatch with advanced health tracking and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the original Apple Watch still usable?
Yes, but its limited functionality and outdated performance make it less practical than modern smartwatches. It's primarily a collector's item now.
❓ What are the key health features of the Apple Watch Series 8?
The Series 8 offers ECG (electrocardiogram) monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, temperature sensing for cycle tracking, fall detection, and emergency SOS.
