Apple Watch Series 8 Showdown: Aluminum vs. Standard
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The core functionality is identical. The Aluminum Series 8 offers a lighter, more durable build and a slightly more affordable price point. The standard Series 8 boasts premium materials like stainless steel, offering a more luxurious feel and aesthetic. It's a matter of preference and budget.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum | 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, China, HK | 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 | 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, 6, 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 | 2022, September 07 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| 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 S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, 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 | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, 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, temperature (body) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) 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 308 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum
- Lighter weight
- More durable (aluminum)
- More affordable
- Wide range of color options
- Less premium feel
- Aluminum can scratch over time
Apple Watch Series 8
- Premium stainless steel build
- More luxurious aesthetic
- More resistant to scratches than aluminum (generally)
- Higher price
- Heavier than aluminum version
Display Comparison
Both models feature the same stunning OLED display with Always-On functionality. The size varies based on the case size (41mm or 45mm) you choose, but the display technology and resolution are identical. The aluminum casing might slightly alter perceived brightness due to its reflective properties, but this is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Neither model has a camera. This remains consistent across all Apple Watch Series 8 variants.
Performance
Performance is identical. Both devices are powered by the Apple S8 SiP and dual-core processor, ensuring smooth navigation, app loading, and responsiveness. You won't notice any difference in speed or multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable, offering approximately 18 hours of typical use. Both models support fast charging, reaching 80% in 45 minutes. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns (e.g., workout tracking, Always-On display).
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum is ideal for active users, those prioritizing durability, and budget-conscious buyers. The standard Apple Watch Series 8 is best suited for those who value a premium look and feel, and are willing to invest a bit more for the stainless steel construction.