Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 8: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a few key upgrades like temperature sensing for cycle tracking and crash detection, but the Series 7 remains a fantastic value. If you prioritize those new features, the Series 8 is worth it; otherwise, the Series 7 provides excellent performance and features at a lower price.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 15 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | 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 | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S7 | Apple S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Gold, Silver | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 7
- Excellent display
- Fast performance
- Wide app selection
- Seamless iPhone integration
- More affordable
- Lacks temperature sensing
- No crash detection
Apple Watch Series 8
- Temperature sensing for cycle tracking
- Crash detection
- Slightly improved battery life
- Latest Apple Watch technology
- Excellent display
- Fast performance
- Wide app selection
- Seamless iPhone integration
- Higher price
- Incremental upgrades over Series 7
Display Comparison
Both the Series 7 and Series 8 feature stunning Always-On Retina displays with narrow borders. The screen size and resolution are virtually identical, offering excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. There's no noticeable difference in display quality between the two.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 7 nor the Series 8 have a traditional camera. They rely on the iPhone for photography.
Performance
While both watches use dual-core processors, the Series 8’s S8 SiP offers a slight performance boost. However, in everyday use, the difference is minimal. App loading times and overall responsiveness are excellent on both devices. The S8 chip is more power efficient, contributing to slightly better battery life.
Battery Life
Both offer all-day battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. The Series 8’s more efficient S8 chip provides a marginal improvement in battery longevity, but it's not a game-changer.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7? Those seeking a premium smartwatch experience without breaking the bank. It's ideal for fitness enthusiasts and anyone wanting seamless iPhone integration. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8? Users who prioritize advanced health tracking features like temperature sensing for cycle tracking and the added safety of crash detection.