Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Series 7: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 offers a few key upgrades like temperature sensing for cycle tracking and a slightly brighter display, but the Series 7 remains a fantastic value. If you prioritize those new features, the Series 8 is worth it; otherwise, the Series 7 is a compelling choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 | 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 | 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 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 | Graphite, Silver, Gold | Graphite, Gold, Silver |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 330 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
- Temperature Sensing for Cycle Tracking
- Slightly Brighter Display
- Latest Apple Watch Technology
- Crash Detection
- Higher Price
- Minor Performance Upgrade over Series 7
Apple Watch Series 7
- Excellent Value
- Beautiful OLED Display
- Robust Feature Set
- Always-On Display
- Lacks Temperature Sensing
- Older Chipset
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 see in direct sunlight. Both have the same resolution and size (41mm and 45mm options).
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This remains a consistent feature across Apple Watch models.
Performance
Performance is largely identical. Both are powered by dual-core processors, offering smooth navigation and app loading. The S8 chip in the Series 8 provides a minor performance bump, but it's unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. Both handle workouts and notifications flawlessly.
Battery Life
Battery life is similar, with both offering approximately 18 hours of typical use. Both charge wirelessly and reach 80% in 45 minutes. The Series 8's temperature sensing feature can slightly impact battery life during ovulation phase estimates.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8? Users prioritizing advanced health tracking (especially cycle tracking with temperature sensing) and the absolute latest features. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 7? Budget-conscious buyers who still want a premium smartwatch experience with a beautiful display and robust features.