Apple Watch 7 & 8 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch 8 rather than the Apple Watch 7.
Why Do I Recommend Apple Watch 8?
- The Apple Watch 8 features an Advanced S8 SiP (System in Package), which is more powerful & faster for better performance and efficiency than the Watch 7’s S7 SiP.
- It has a temperature sensor that monitors the menstrual cycle, offering ovulation tracking for fertility management, which are not available on the Watch 7.
- The Series 8 comes with Crash Detection, which uses advanced gyroscopes and accelerometers to detect severe car crashes and notify emergency services. In contrast, the Series 7 lacks this feature.
- It has temperature-based cycle tracking, providing more detailed cycle information compared to the basic tracking on Series 7.
- It offers a redesigned compass with Backtrack, and it includes the U1 Ultra-Wideband chip, which improves spatial awareness and locates your iPhone or digital car keys. The watch 7 lacks the U1 chip.
- While both the Series 7 and Series 8 offer a battery life of up to 18 hours, the Series 8 introduces a Low Power Mode that can extend battery life to 36 hours.
- Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 in the Apple Watch 8 ensures a more stable connection, improved range, and potentially lower latency compared to Bluetooth 5.0 in the Watch 7.
Maybe the Apple Watch 7 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch 8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Apple Watch 8 | Apple Watch 7 |
Release Date | September 2022 | September 2021 |
Processor (SiP) | S8 SiP | S7 SiP |
Temperature Sensing | New Temperature Sensor | Not Available |
Crash Detection | Crash Detection Available | Not Available |
Battery Life | Up to 36 hours with the new Low Power Mode | No extended battery options |
Health Features | Temperature-based sleep tracking for deeper insights | Basic sleep tracking |
Sleep Tracking | Enhanced Sleep Tracking | Basic Sleep Tracking |
Body Temperature Monitoring | Monitors body temperature overnight | Not Available |
Operating System (watchOS) | watchOS 9 pre-installed | Launched with watchOS 8 |
Motion Sensors | Upgraded accelerometer and gyroscope | Standard accelerometer |
Safety Features | Crash Detection | No Crash Detection |
Compatibility | iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or later | iPhone 6s or later running iOS 15 or later |
Price | Check Watch 8 Price | Check Watch 7 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Design: Both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 are available in the same 41mm and 45mm case sizes, offering the same sleek and modern look. The overall design of the two watches remains virtually identical, including the choice of materials like Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium for durability and style preferences.
- Display: Both models feature an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display with 1,000 nits brightness. This ensures that both devices offer the same vibrant, high-contrast display, visible even in bright sunlight. The Always-On feature allows users to glance at the watch without needing to raise their wrist, making them equally functional for quick checks.
- Durability: Both the Series 7 and Series 8 share the same IP6X dust resistance rating and WR50 water resistance, making them durable and capable of withstanding harsh environments. Both watches are swim-proof, meaning they can be used for swimming and other water-related activities.
- Charging Speed: The fast charging feature introduced in Series 7 carries over to Series 8, allowing both models to charge from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes. This is beneficial for users who need to quickly recharge their device before heading out.
- Health Sensors: Both the Series 7 and Series 8 come with the same core health sensors, including the Blood Oxygen (SpO2) sensor, ECG sensor, and optical heart rate sensor. These health sensors allow users to monitor their blood oxygen levels, perform an ECG to check for irregular heart rhythms, and continuously track their heart rate throughout the day.
- Fall Detection and Emergency SOS: The Fall Detection feature, available on both the Series 7 and Series 8, can detect hard falls and automatically alert emergency services if the user is unresponsive. In addition, both models offer Emergency SOS and international emergency calling capabilities, which can be activated in case of a serious incident.
- Fitness and GPS: Both models include built-in GPS and are compatible with Apple’s Fitness+ service. They both support a wide range of fitness tracking features like tracking various workouts, running metrics, and even outdoor cycling. The built-in always-on altimeter measures elevation changes, making both watches great for hiking or other outdoor activities.
- Operating System: While the Series 7 launched with watchOS 8, it is fully upgradable to watchOS 9, which comes pre-installed on the Series 8. Both models have access to the same operating system features, meaning users will experience the same software functionality regardless of which model they own.
- Siri Voice Assistant: Both models integrate Apple’s Siri voice assistant, enabling users to perform a range of tasks like sending messages, setting reminders, or checking the weather by simply using voice commands.
- Music and Podcasts: Both models support Apple Music and Podcasts streaming directly on the watch, either through Wi-Fi or cellular. This allows users to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks without needing their phone, as long as the content is synced to the watch.
- Family Setup: Both the Series 7 and Series 8 support Family Setup, which allows users to set up and manage watches for family members, like children or elderly parents, even if they don’t have an iPhone. This feature is useful for families who want to stay connected and monitor loved ones’ activity or health.
- Wallet and Apple Pay: Both watches allow users to make Apple Pay payments and access the Wallet app to store payment cards, transit passes, and even digital IDs. This makes them equally useful for on-the-go transactions without needing to carry a phone or wallet.
- Third-Party Apps: Both the Series 7 and Series 8 support a wide range of third-party apps through the App Store on watchOS. Whether you want fitness tracking apps, productivity tools, or entertainment apps, both watches offer the same access to a rich app ecosystem.
Common Features
Feature | Apple Watch 8 | Apple Watch 7 |
Design | Same sizes: 41mm, 45mm | Same sizes: 41mm, 45mm |
Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 1,000 nits brightness | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 1,000 nits brightness |
Durability | IP6X dust resistance, WR50 water resistance (swim-proof) | IP6X dust resistance, WR50 water resistance (swim-proof) |
Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (Standard usage) | Up to 18 hours (Standard usage) |
Charging Speed | 33% faster charging than previous models | Same 33% faster charging technology |
Materials | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
Heart Health | ECG app, irregular heart rhythm notifications | ECG app, irregular heart rhythm notifications |
Fall Detection | Available with accelerometer and gyroscope | Same Fall Detection using accelerometer and gyroscope |
SOS Features | Emergency SOS, International emergency calling | Emergency SOS, International emergency calling |
Fitness Features | GPS, Always-On altimeter, Fitness+ support | GPS, Always-On altimeter, Fitness+ support |
Watch Faces | Wide range of customizable watch faces | Same wide range of customizable watch faces |
Compass | Built-in Compass, available for orientation | Same built-in Compass feature |
Voice Assistant | Integrated Siri functionality | Same Siri functionality |
Music and Podcasts | Apple Music, Podcasts streaming support | Same Apple Music, Podcasts streaming support |
Family Setup | Supports Family Setup (for non-iPhone users like kids) | Supports Family Setup (for non-iPhone users like kids) |
Wallet Features | Apple Pay, Wallet app for payments and IDs | Same Apple Pay and Wallet app functionality |
Third-Party Apps | Full support for App Store apps on watchOS | Same full support for App Store apps |
Price | Check Watch 8 Price | Check Watch 7 Price |
FAQ
Q: Do the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 have the same display? Q: Are the design and size options the same between the Series 7 and Series 8? Q: Do both watches have the same level of durability? Q: Is battery life the same on the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8? Q: Do both watches offer the same health monitoring features? Q: Do both models have fall detection and emergency SOS features? Q: Are the fitness features the same on both watches? Q: What about software? Do both watches run the same operating system? Q: Can both the Series 7 and Series 8 make payments with Apple Pay? Q: Do both watches have the same connectivity options? Q: Can both watches stream music and podcasts directly from the watch? Q: Are Siri and voice commands available on both models? Q: Can both watches support third-party apps from the App Store? Q: Do both watches support Family Setup? |