Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Series 8 Aluminum: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 Aluminum offers excellent value and performance for most users. The Series 8 (stainless steel) provides a more premium feel and potentially more durable build, but at a higher price. For everyday use and fitness tracking, the Aluminum is a fantastic choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 8 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, 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 | 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) | 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) | 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 | Sapphire crystal 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 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 | Graphite, Silver, Gold | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 340 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
- Premium stainless steel design
- More durable build
- Enhanced perceived quality
- Available in more premium band options
- Higher price
- Heavier than aluminum
- Can be prone to fingerprints
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum
- More affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Scratch-resistant aluminum case
- Vibrant color options
- Less premium feel
- Potentially less durable than stainless steel
- May show wear and tear more easily
Display Comparison
Both the Series 8 and Series 8 Aluminum feature the same stunning Always-On Retina display with LTPO OLED technology. The difference lies in the case material's impact on perceived quality. Stainless steel offers a more luxurious look and feel, while aluminum is lighter and more scratch-resistant.
Camera Comparison
Neither model has a camera. This remains consistent across the Apple Watch lineup.
Performance
Performance is identical. Both models share the Apple S8 SiP, ensuring smooth navigation, app loading, and responsiveness. You won't notice any difference in speed or functionality between the two.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable, offering approximately 18 hours of typical use. Fast charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) is consistent across both models.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, students, or anyone prioritizing a lightweight and durable smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 8 (stainless steel) is best suited for those seeking a premium aesthetic, enhanced durability, and are willing to invest more.