Is the Apple Watch Series 8 Worth the Upgrade? A Deep Dive into the Latest Features and Performance
Apple unveiled its new smartwatch lineup this year with the Apple Watch Series 8 and the highly anticipated Apple Watch Ultra, both featuring intriguing advancements. While the Ultra commands attention with its bold design and rugged features, the Series 8 takes a more subtle approach, offering incremental improvements upon its predecessor. This begs the question: is the Apple Watch Series 8 worth upgrading to, or should you stick with the Series 7 – or even consider the Ultra? Let’s delve into the details to find out.
Apple Watch Series 8 Price in India
The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in two case sizes: 41mm and 45mm, and two case finishes: aluminum and stainless steel. You can also choose between the GPS model and the GPS + Cellular model.
Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices in India:
- 41mm Aluminum Case:
- GPS: Rs. 45,900
- GPS + Cellular: Rs. 55,900
- 45mm Aluminum Case:
- GPS: Rs. 48,900
- GPS + Cellular: Rs. 58,900
- Stainless Steel Models (only GPS + Cellular): Rs. 74,900 and above
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a wide array of color options, and a diverse range of watch straps to choose from.
Apple Watch Series 8 Design and Specifications
Visually, the Apple Watch Series 8 retains the familiar design we’ve seen for several generations. The larger display introduced with the Apple Watch Series 7 remains unchanged. In fact, with the exception of the "Series 8" engraving on the back case, there are virtually no aesthetic differences between the Series 7 and Series 8. As such, older Series 7 straps (depending on case size) are fully compatible with the Series 8.
The quality of materials and the build of the Apple Watch Series 8 remains top-notch. Despite its weight of 38.8g, the Series 8 is incredibly comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. The Ion-X glass display on the aluminum model proved resistant to scratches during our review period, and the aluminum case held up well against a thick metal chain with no visible damage. For enhanced protection, the more expensive stainless steel model comes with a sapphire crystal glass display.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and has an IP6X rating for dust resistance. Apple continues to include the Magnetic Charger with a USB-C port in the box.
Here’s a rundown of the key specifications:
- Processor: S8 SiP (system-in-package)
- Storage: 32GB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, W3 wireless chip, U1 chip (Ultra Wideband)
- Sensors: Heart rate sensor, blood oxygen sensor, ECG, new high-range accelerometer and gyroscope, two-temperature sensors
- Display: 1.9-inch LTPO OLED, peak brightness 1000 nits, always-on display
Apple Watch Series 8 Performance
The Apple Watch Series 8’s 1.9-inch LTPO OLED display remains unchanged from the Series 7, offering a vivid and bright visual experience with a peak brightness of 1000 nits and up to 500 nits in its always-on state. The display’s brightness makes it easily readable even in direct sunlight. The always-on display functionality works seamlessly across all watch faces in the Face Gallery, offering a dynamic yet discreet way to view information at a glance.
The new S8 SiP coupled with watchOS 9 delivers a fluid and responsive experience, whether you’re opening and running apps, tracking workouts, or simply navigating between the beautifully designed watch faces. The new Playtime watch face offers a playful take on timekeeping with its dynamic, ballooned numbers.
The Apple Watch Series 8 features two new motion sensors: a high-range accelerometer and gyroscope that are more sensitive to a wider range of G-forces. This enables Apple’s new Crash Detection feature, which can automatically detect a car crash and call for help if the user doesn’t respond within 10 seconds. The two-temperature sensors allow for retrospective ovulation estimates for women, providing insights into their menstrual cycles, and also enhance period predictions.
watchOS 9 introduces sleep stages tracking, allowing users to view their REM, core, and deep sleep data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their sleep patterns. While sleep tracking was previously available, the addition of sleep stages offers a much richer data set to help users develop better sleep habits.
The Apple Watch Series 8 also provides two sleep tracking readings in the Health app: one for the total time spent in bed, and another for the actual time spent sleeping. However, it still lacks nap tracking, only monitoring sleep during predefined bedtime hours. While the new temperature sensors enable sleep temperature tracking, they do not provide fever alerts as they measure skin temperature, not core body temperature.
In terms of fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Series 8 provides accurate data for various activities, from walking and running to indoor workouts. Its GPS tracking performed well even in environments with significant tree cover and buildings.
The SpO2 tracking feature, when compared to a pulse oximeter, wasn’t entirely accurate. It displayed fluctuating results between 95 and 97 percent, requiring the user to hold their arm in a specific position for proper readings. This process took 15 seconds with the Apple Watch, compared to 30 seconds with the pulse oximeter, which provided more consistent results.
watchOS 9 introduces Backtrack, a new compass feature (also available on older models) that records your route using GPS, enabling you to find your way back if you get lost. While Backtrack can be activated manually, it also activates automatically when data or Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 8 boasts a battery life similar to the Series 7, offering up to two days of use on a single charge. This is with average usage, including notification management, 30 minutes of exercise on some days, and the always-on display enabled. Users who engage in extended workouts may see battery life reduced to a day and a half.
The new low-power mode in watchOS 9 can extend battery life by half a day, though this comes at the cost of disabling most automatic health features and the always-on display. The only health-tracking feature unaffected by low-power mode is sleep tracking, highlighting its impact on battery drain. The Apple Watch Series 8 retains the fast charging feature from the Series 7, enabling a full charge in about an hour and fifteen minutes.
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a solid smartwatch for health and fitness tracking, offering accurate sleep tracking data thanks to watchOS 9. However, the battery life remains relatively unchanged compared to the Series 7. Apple has addressed this concern in the Apple Watch Ultra, but this model is designed for specific users, not the average iPhone owner. The Crash Detection feature, unique to the 2022 Apple Watch models, is a noteworthy addition not yet offered by other smartwatch manufacturers.
However, the Apple Watch Series 8, much like the Series 7, provides only minor updates with minimal aesthetic changes. If you own a Series 7, an upgrade is unnecessary unless you absolutely need features like ovulation tracking and crash detection.
For users looking to upgrade from a Series 5 or earlier, consider waiting for a good sale and purchasing the Series 7 at a discounted price. The Series 7 starts at around Rs. 39,000 (online), while the Series 8 starts at Rs. 45,900.
If you’re an Apple Watch user seeking a fresh experience, consider the Apple Watch Ultra. Its larger size and rugged design cater to adventurous users who prioritize battery life and a larger display, but be prepared for a premium price.
