Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum vs. Series 7 Aluminum: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum offers subtle but meaningful improvements like temperature sensing and crash detection. However, the Series 7 remains an excellent value, especially at discounted prices. If you prioritize the latest features, the Series 8 is the winner; otherwise, the Series 7 is a fantastic choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum | Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum |
| 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 | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum 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) | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 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 | Ion-X strengthened 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 | 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 | Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Green, Red |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,6, watch6,7, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 500 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
- Crash Detection
- Slightly Brighter Display
- Latest Apple Watch Technology
- Higher Price
- Minimal Performance Improvement over Series 7
Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum
- Excellent Value
- Beautiful OLED Display
- Robust Feature Set
- Still a Premium Smartwatch Experience
- Lacks Temperature Sensing and Crash Detection
- Older Processor
Display Comparison
Both watches feature stunning OLED displays with Always-On functionality. The Series 8 boasts a marginally brighter display (up to 1000 nits vs. 800 nits on the Series 7), making it slightly easier to read in direct sunlight. Both have the same resolution and size (41mm or 45mm).
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 7 nor the Series 8 have a traditional camera. They rely on the iPhone for photography.
Performance
While both utilize dual-core processors, the S8 chip in the Series 8 offers a slight performance boost, resulting in marginally faster app loading and smoother animations. However, in everyday use, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two models, offering approximately 18 hours of typical use. Both support fast charging, reaching 0-80% in 45 minutes.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum? Users who want the latest health features (temperature sensing for cycle tracking, crash detection), and appreciate the slightly brighter display. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum? Budget-conscious buyers seeking a premium smartwatch experience with a large, beautiful display and robust features, without needing the newest additions.