Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum vs. Series 7: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 offers subtle but meaningful upgrades like temperature sensing for cycle tracking and a slightly brighter display. However, the Series 7 remains a fantastic smartwatch, especially if you're looking to save money. The Series 8 is the clear winner for those prioritizing the latest features, while the Series 7 provides exceptional value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum | Apple Watch Series 7 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2021, October 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum 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 | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 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 | Ion-X strengthened 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 S8 | Apple S7 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 8.0, 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, 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, temperature (body) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | 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 308 mAh | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red | Graphite, Gold, Silver |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 310 EUR |
| SAR | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum
- Temperature Sensing for Cycle Tracking
- Slightly Brighter Display
- Latest Apple Watch Technology
- Low Power Mode
- Higher Price
- Incremental Upgrades over Series 7
Apple Watch Series 7
- Excellent Value
- Beautiful Always-On Display
- Comprehensive Health Tracking
- Fast Charging
- No Temperature Sensing
- Older Processor
Display Comparison
Both the Series 8 and Series 7 boast stunning Always-On Retina displays. The Series 8 has a marginally brighter display (up to 1000 nits vs. 800 nits on the Series 7), making it slightly easier to see in direct sunlight. Both offer excellent clarity and vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 8 nor the Series 7 have a traditional camera. They rely on the iPhone for taking photos and videos.
Performance
While both watches use a dual-core processor, the Series 8's S8 SiP offers incremental performance improvements. In everyday use, you're unlikely to notice a significant difference. App loading times and overall responsiveness are excellent on both devices.
Battery Life
Both offer roughly the same battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. Both support fast charging, reaching 80% in 45 minutes. The Series 8's low power mode can extend battery life in certain situations.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum? Users prioritizing advanced health tracking (especially cycle tracking with temperature sensing), a slightly brighter display, and the latest Apple Watch technology. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7? Budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium smartwatch experience with a beautiful display and all the core Apple Watch features.