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When Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 8, many wondered how it stacked up against the Apple Watch Series 7. Both models are feature-packed, stylish, and offer impressive performance, but if you’re debating between the two, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From price and design to features and battery life, let’s dive into the differences!

In this blog:

• General overview
• Price and age
• Design and display
• Features and battery life
• Should you upgrade?

General overview

We’ll be getting deep into the nitty gritty details soon, but if you’d rather see both models and their specs laid out for easy and quick comparison, we’ve got you covered.

Price and age

The Apple Watch Series 7 was released in October 2021 with a starting price of £369 for the 41mm GPS model and £399 for the 45mm GPS model. If you’d prefer a cellular smartwatch, the 41mm model would set you back £469, and the 45mm model would be even more expensive at £499.

Apple then went on to release the Series 8 Apple Watch in September 2022, starting at £419 for the 41mm GPS model and £449 for the 45mm GPS model – a slight rise in price compared to the Series 7 counterparts. This price hike isn’t just exclusive to the GPS models, with the 41mm cellular model costing £529 and the 45mm cellular model costing £549.

Of course, these were the original prices and you’ll likely find both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 7 for much cheaper now. However, you can no longer buy either of these models new, so you’ll be looking at refurbished models. If you’re looking to buy an Apple Watch Series 8, you’ll be paying for the newer features, but the Series 7 Apple Watch still remains fantastic value for those looking to spend a little less.

Design and display

At first glance, the Apple Series 7 Watch and the Series 8 Apple Watch look nearly identical, both featuring Apple’s signature rounded-square design with the display flowing over the edges of the casing. However, subtle differences set the two apart, particularly in colour options and materials.

The Series 7 Apple Watch stands out with blue and green colourways for the aluminium options, which are unavailable for the Apple Watch Series 8 model. Instead, the Series 8 Apple Watch comes in starlight, midnight, silver and Product Red. Both models offer gold, silver and graphite colourways for the stainless steel models.

When it comes to materials, the Series 7 has more variety. You can get the Apple Watch Series 7 in titanium, stainless steel and aluminium, while the Series 8 is limited to stainless steel and aluminium. When comparing the Apple Watch Series 7 sizes against the Apple Watch Series 8 sizes, they’re practically identical. Both models are available in 41mm and 45mm options.

Their displays are equally impressive, featuring an LTPO OLED Always-On Retina display with up to 1000 nits brightness. Durability is also the same, with both models boasting 50m water resistance and swim-proofing, making them ideal for workouts, pool use and everyday wear.

Features and battery life

This is where the Apple Watch Series 8 features begin to shine. While the Apple Watch Series 7 offers robust functionality, the Series 8 introduces a couple of key upgrades that set it apart.

One of the standout additions to the Apple 8 Series Watch is the new temperature sensor, which monitors skin temperature and provides enhanced cycle and fertility tracking. The Series 8 also includes crash detection, thanks to improved gyroscopes and accelerometers. It even measures barometric pressure changes to detect airbag deployment, offering life-saving potential in emergencies.

Both models benefit from watchOS 9, which brings exciting enhancements such as advanced running metrics, detailed sleep tracking and the Medication app to help users manage prescriptions. They also share the Low Power Mode, which extends battery life by disabling non-essential functions. The upgraded Compass app is also available on both models, making it a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts.

When it comes to performance, the Series 8 Apple Watch features the S8 chip, offering slightly faster processing compared to the S7 chip in the Apple Series 7 Watch. Both models offer 18 hours of battery life and fast charging, reaching around 80% charge in just 45 minutes. Whether you choose the Series 7 or Series 8, you’ll enjoy smooth performance and quick recharges.

Should you upgrade?

If you already own the Apple Watch Series 7, the upgrades in the Apple Watch Series 8 may not feel revolutionary unless the extra couple of features are particularly important to you. However, if you’re upgrading from an older model or are a first-time buyer, the Series 8 Apple Watch provides the latest technology and peace of mind with its safety-focused features.

Ultimately, the Apple Watch Series 7 vs 8 debate comes down to your priorities. If you value unique colour options or premium materials, the Series 7 Apple Watch might be the better fit. However, if you’re looking for the most advanced features and performance, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the obvious choice. Whatever you decide, both models deliver an exceptional smartwatch experience!

Ready to upgrade? Switch to a refurbished Apple Watch and save £100s vs buying new. Plus, you can even sell your old Apple Watch for some extra cash… it’s smart for you, smart for the planet!