Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Series 6 Aluminum: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 offers a faster processor, temperature sensing, and faster charging, making it the superior choice for those wanting the latest features. However, the Series 6 remains a fantastic smartwatch, especially for budget-conscious buyers who don't need the newest bells and whistles.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 6 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| 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, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2020, September 18 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) | 36.5 g (1.31 oz) |
| IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.78 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 S6 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 7.0, 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 |
| 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 |
| Type | Li-Ion 308 mAh | Li-Ion 303.8 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Silver, Gold | Silver, Gold, Space Gray, Blue, Red |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376, A2291, A2292 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 420 EUR |
| SAR | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | - |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 8
- Faster Processor (S8 Chip)
- Temperature Sensing for Cycle Tracking
- Faster Charging (45 min to 80%)
- Always-On Display
- Improved Outdoor Readability
- Higher Price
- Battery life similar to Series 6
Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminum
- More Affordable
- Reliable Performance
- Always-On Display
- Excellent App Ecosystem
- Water Resistant
- Slower Processor (S6 Chip)
- No Temperature Sensing
- Slower Charging
- Older Technology
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant OLED displays with excellent visibility. The Series 8 has a slightly brighter display, offering improved outdoor readability, but the difference is subtle. Both have Always-On display functionality.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This remains consistent across both models.
Performance
The Series 8's S8 chip provides a noticeable performance boost over the Series 6's S6 chip. Apps launch faster, and overall responsiveness is improved. While the Series 6 is still capable, the Series 8 offers a smoother and more fluid user experience.
Battery Life
The Series 6 offers approximately 18 hours of battery life, while the Series 8 provides similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Series 8's faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) is a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 8 is ideal for users prioritizing advanced health tracking (temperature sensing for cycle tracking), faster performance, and the latest features. The Series 6 Aluminum is a great option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch at a more affordable price point, especially if they don't require the newest health sensors.