Review | Apple Watch Series 8: the option for the Series 4 user

The Apple Watch Series 8: a strong smartwatch with little difference compared to its predecessor. A well-known story that we have been hearing for a few years now. Year after year the steps are small, but it is not the annual switchers that Apple focuses on.

The goal is to last a few years with such a product. Then when the time comes to leave your Series 3 or Series 4 behind, you will be completely amazed at what the new model has to offer.

That’s exactly the story of the Apple Watch Series 8.

The new Apple Watch Series 8

By the way, don’t get me wrong: the step from the Series 7 to the Apple Watch Series 8 is bigger than the year before. However, that has nothing to do with the design that has remained practically the same.

You get the same 1.9-inch OLED display with Always-On, the same resolution of 484 x 396 pixels and pixel density of 326 ppi. The Watches are the same size, but the weight of the Series 8 is slightly higher and the glass is slightly stronger.

In terms of design, consumers have practically the same choice as last year.

Difference under the hood

Under the hood, however, the size of the step is determined. In addition to the new S8 chip, Apple is also introducing the new sensor for measuring body temperature.

This allows the Apple Watch Series 8 to better determine the quality of your sleep within the sleep meter. For example, by measuring how deeply or lightly you have slept. Ideal, but that’s not its greatest strength.

Apple is introducing a way for women to better monitor their menstrual cycle with the new sensors. In combination with the Healthapp on your iPhone gives you more insight into your monthly cycle. I personally have not been able to test the functionality, because I do not get my period. But the stories surrounding the functionality are purely positive.

The second major addition is that of Crash Detection. The Apple Watch Series 8 detects when you’ve had an accident through various sensors and parts. Think of it like the fall detection, but more advanced and important.

As soon as the smartwatch detects an accident, it immediately calls the emergency services. In the event of a detection, the consumer has some time to switch it off before the services are actually called.

What about Low Power and watchOS 9 then?

The Apple Watch Series 8 runs on watchOS 9 and that also brings the necessary benefits. For example, the smartwatch carries a Low Power mode with it, so that the battery life can be stretched up to 36 hours.

That’s impressive, but no better than what the Series 7 can do. The smartwatch, like the Series 6, Series 5 and Series 4, is eligible for that update. The result: exactly the same battery life with an active Low Power mode and a lot of new functionalities.

Apple Watch Series 8: the ultimate upgrade after four years

If you compare the Apple Watch Series 8 with the Series 4 from 2018, it is a completely different story.

The housing of the Apple Watch Series 8 is no longer available in 40mm or 44mm, but 41mm and 45mm. The 1.78-inch display without always-on makes room for the 1.9-inch model with the functionality. The pixel density may be the same, but the resolution differs significantly.

The Apple S4 chip is replaced by an S8 chip, 16GB storage capacity becomes 32GB storage capacity and the improved (or new) sensors (body temperature and heart rate) provide a new experience.

Count the addition of the Compassapp, Ultra-wideband support, Bluetooth 5.2 (instead of 5.0) and the larger 308mAh battery (Series 4 had 292mAh) and you can see that the step is big.

Apple Watch Series 8: Buy or Leave?

If you consider that the Series 4 has been around since 2018, the size of that step is not that bad, but it is worth it. Especially when you have a Series 3 at home.

And so we come back to where this story began: the Apple Watch Series 8 is a fantastic upgrade after all these years. Do you have a Series 5, Series 6 or Series 7 and does it still work very well? Skip this new model.

The step is simply too small and the price is too high to trade in your current smartwatch. As good as that Series 8 is.

Apple Watch Series 8: Pricing and Availability

The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in the following color options and housings:
– Midnight | Aluminium
– Starlight | Aluminium
– Silver | Aluminium
– (PRODUCT) Red | Aluminium
– Midnight | Stainless steel
– Starlight | Stainless steel
– Silver | Stainless steel
– (PRODUCT) Red | Stainless steel

The different versions will cost you the following:
– 41mm aluminum | from 499 euros
– 45mm aluminum | from 539 euros
– 41mm stainless steel | from 899 euros
– 45mm stainless steel | from 949 euros

For more information: check the Apple website!