{"id":17776,"date":"2024-11-27T09:46:53","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T09:46:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/?p=17776"},"modified":"2024-11-27T10:01:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T10:01:22","slug":"apple-watch-series-7-vs-8-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/11\/27\/apple-watch-series-7-vs-8-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Watch Series 7 vs 8: what\u2019s the difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019re debating between the two, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From price and design to features and battery life, let\u2019s dive into the differences!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>In this blog:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#1\">General overview<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#2\">Price and age<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#3\">Design and display<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#4\">Features and battery life<\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#5\">Should you upgrade?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"1\">General overview<\/h2>\n<p>We\u2019ll be getting deep into the nitty gritty details soon, but if you\u2019d rather see both models and their specs laid out for easy and quick comparison, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 1415px;\" width=\"724\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Features<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Apple Watch Series 7<\/b><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Apple Watch Series 8<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Screen size<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">41mm or 45mm<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">41mm or 45mm<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\">Display<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retina OLED LTPO <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">always on display<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retina OLED LTPO <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">always on display<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Processor<\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SiP S7 with 64-bit <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dual-core processor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SiP S8 with 64-bit <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dual-core processor<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Storage<\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">32GB<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">32GB<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connectivity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GPS, GPS + Cellular, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4G LTE, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wi-Fi, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bluetooth 5.0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GPS, GPS + Cellular, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4G LTE, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wi-Fi, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bluetooth 5.3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sensors<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood oxygen, heart rate, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">notifications when anomalies <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are detected, ECG app<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temperature, blood oxygen, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart rate, ECG app,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anomaly detection notifications<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Casing<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aluminium, stainless steel, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">titanium<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aluminium, stainless steel<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Battery life<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 18 hours <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(36 hours in low-power mode)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 18 hours <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(36 hours in low-power mode)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick charge<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Durability<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water resistance (50m), <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IP6X dust resistance<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water resistance (50m), <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IP6X dust resistance<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sound<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrated speaker <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and microphone<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrated speaker <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and microphone<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety features<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International emergency calling, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fall detection, noise monitoring, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emergency SOS<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International emergency calling, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">crash detection, fall detection, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">noise monitoring, emergency SOS<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aluminium: midnight, starlight, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">product red, blue, green; <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stainless steel: gold, silver, graphite; <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">titanium: space black, titanium<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aluminium: midnight, starlight, <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">product red, silver; <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stainless steel: gold, silver, graphite<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"2\">Price and age<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Series-7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15690 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Series-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Series-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Series-7-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Series-7-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Apple Watch Series 7 was released in October 2021 with a starting price of \u00a3369 for the 41mm GPS model and \u00a3399 for the 45mm GPS model. If you\u2019d prefer a cellular smartwatch, the 41mm model would set you back \u00a3469, and the 45mm model would be even more expensive at \u00a3499.<\/p>\n<p>Apple then went on to release the Series 8 Apple Watch in September 2022, starting at \u00a3419 for the 41mm GPS model and \u00a3449 for the 45mm GPS model &#8211; a slight rise in price compared to the Series 7 counterparts. This price hike isn\u2019t just exclusive to the GPS models, with the 41mm cellular model costing \u00a3529 and the 45mm cellular model costing \u00a3549.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, these were the original prices and you\u2019ll 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\u2019ll be looking at refurbished models. If you\u2019re looking to buy an Apple Watch Series 8, you\u2019ll be paying for the newer features, but the Series 7 Apple Watch still remains fantastic value for those looking to spend a little less.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"3\">Design and display<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-8.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14827 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-8-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-8-768x475.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>At first glance, the Apple Series 7 Watch and the Series 8 Apple Watch look nearly identical, both featuring Apple\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019re practically identical. Both models are available in 41mm and 45mm options.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"4\">Features and battery life<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/series-8.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-17149 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/series-8.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/series-8.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/series-8-300x188.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/series-8-768x480.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019ll enjoy smooth performance and quick recharges.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"5\">Should you upgrade?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-7.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-14825 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-7.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-7-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/series-7-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019re 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!<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Ready to upgrade? Switch to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/store\/category\/wearables\/apple\/\">refurbished Apple Watch<\/a> and save \u00a3100s vs buying new. Plus, you can even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/sell-tech\/sell-apple-goods\/sell-my-apple-watch\/\">sell your old Apple Watch<\/a> for some extra cash\u2026 it\u2019s smart for you, smart for the planet!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019re debating between the two, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. From price and design to &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":17778,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2244,2154,4],"tags":[2340,2368],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17776"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17776"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17793,"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17776\/revisions\/17793"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17778"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.musicmagpie.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}