28/06/2023
Nicole Newton

Should you buy the Apple Watch 8? How Apple Watch 7 and older models compare

Since the release of the Apple Watch Series 8, you may have been thinking of upgrading your smartwatch. After all, it's hard not to get wrapped up in buying the latest and greatest Apple products as soon as they are released. However, is the latest Apple Watch worth the upgrade?

Whether you're looking for info on Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 7 or you want to know how the Series 8 compares to one of the older models, we've got you covered! Here's how the Apple Watch Series 8 holds up to the previous Apple Watch models.

In this blog:

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Ultra

Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 8 came out in 2022, but which one is better? Comparing Apple Watch Series 8 vs Ultra, it's actually the Ultra that comes out on top.

The two models feature the latest S8 chip, an Always-On Retina display, Crash Detection and temperature sensing, alongside an IP6X dust resistance rating. The Apple Watch Ultra is more rugged and larger than the Series 8, available in 49cm – so it's something to note if you want a bigger watch.

You'll also find that the Ultra has an extra programmable Action button on the left side and a flat display designed to protect the screen. The Apple Watch Ultra is made to withstand extreme environments, so all the extra features may not be needed if you're not an avid adventurer.

Apple Watch Series 8 vs SE

The Apple Watch SE vs 8 will depend on which SE model you're looking to purchase. The first generation SE Apple Watch was released in 2020, whereas the second generation SE Apple Watch was released in 2022, so there are some differences between the models.

The latest SE model offers car crash detection and a faster processor, and surprisingly, it's cheaper than the first generation SE too.

When compared to the Series 8 though, both the first- and second-generation SE lack the ability to take an ECG from your wrist, blood oxygen saturation measurements, temperature sensing and an always-on display.

Along with the extra health features, the Series 8 has a larger screen with a QWERTY keyboard, faster charging and an Always-On display, so even the newest SE model can't quite compete with the Series 8.

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 7

If you've got an Apple Watch Series 7, you may be wondering what the difference is between Apple Watch 7 vs 8. Truth is, there's not much difference at all.

Looking at the two models, they share quite a few similarities such as a larger screen, QWERTY keyboard, fast charging and a near-identical suite of health and wellness features.

Where the Series 8 excels is its temperature sensor and new gyroscopes and accelerometers capable of detecting car crashes. It also has a newer processor, however you most likely won't notice the difference compared to the Series 7 processor.

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 6

Want to know which watch is best when it comes to Apple Watch Series 6 vs Series 8? The Series 6 launched in 2020, so for most it's still 'new' enough to meet most of your needs. But how does it compare to the Series 8?

The Series 8 has a few upgrades that the Series 6 doesn't offer, such as temperature sensing, car crash detection and a new processor. You'll also find the same Series 7 upgrades on the Series 8, including a more durable and dust-resistant design, a slightly larger screen with a QWERTY keyboard for typing text replies and faster charging.

If you aren't too bothered about missing out on these features, then the Apple Watch Series 6 is still a great model to choose. The Series 6 is still new enough to have features like an always-on display and blood oxygen saturation measurements.

If you're a keen explorer, you'll be happy to note that the Series 6 is compatible with Apple's new Compass app, which includes new features for retracing your steps and setting custom waypoints. For those with the Apple Watch Series 5 or earlier, you won't be able to use this new feature.

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 5

The Apple Watch 5 vs 8 is a difficult one to explore, as both models have their own benefits. Although the Apple Watch Series 5 is four years old, it's still relatively new in terms of its features.

The Apple Watch 5 lacks the Series 8's blood oxygen measurements and temperature sensing, but it can take an ECG and has an always-on display, something which even the newest SE model lacks.

If you're not too bothered by the Series 8's new blood oxygen saturation and temperature readings and your Apple Watch Series 5 is still holding up well, there's not much need to upgrade to the 8.

The Series 8 does offer speedier charging and a faster display though, so it's something to consider if your Series 5 is starting to show its age.

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 4

While the Apple Watch Series 4 isn't the newest of the bunch, it's still perfectly fine to use if you're still happy with it. If you're having doubts though, there are a few reasons why upgrading could be beneficial.

Upgrading from the Apple Watch Series 4 to the Series 8 will give you plenty of new features to explore, including the new temperature sensor, crash detection and the ability to take an ECG and blood oxygen saturation measurements. The Series 8 also has a larger screen with a QWERTY keyboard and an Always-On display.

With all these upgrades, it's clear that the Series 8 is a better device, so it's worth the upgrade if you're looking for something new. Plus, Apple's newer watches now offer 32GB of storage compared to the Series 4's 16GB, so it's probably time to upgrade to avoid running out of storage space!

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 3

If you have an Apple Watch Series 3, it's definitely time to upgrade. The Series 3 no longer supports software updates, so those who own this model are losing out on great new updates and crucial security fixes.

Compared to the Apple Watch Series 8, the Series 3 is years behind (quite literally) in every way. The processor is over five years old, it lacks modern features like fall detection and the screen is smaller.

If you're put off by the price of the Series 8, we'd still suggest upgrading to a newer model like the Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Series 5.

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