Une Apple Watch dans le noir

Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch 8: Is it worth the upgrade?

Updated on 17 April 2024

Published on 17 April, 2024 - In 2022, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 8. So what's changed? What's new? And above all, is it worth upgrading or choosing the series 8 over the Series 7? Where can I buy a Series 7 or Series 8 for the cheapest possible? All your questions answered below.

Apple Watch Series 8: what's new?

Before it was unveiled at the Apple Keynote 2022, we put forward a number of hypotheses as to the new features that could have been installed in the devices: 48 MP for the iPhone 14, M2 chip for the iPads, etc.

For the Apple Watch, on the other hand, it was all noise and rumour. But then the reveal was not only one Apple Watch, not just two Apple Watches, but three new Apple Watches: The Apple Watch SE 2, the Apple Watch Series 8, and the Apple Watch Ultra. However, this article is a focus between the Series 7 and Series 8 to see if the 2022 upgrade really is worth the extra investment or not?

Frankly, the Apple Watch Series 8 functions are nothing drastically different from the Apple Watch Series 7:

  • the same LTPO OLED Retina screen with an Always-On Display of up to 1000 nits, but in a 41 or 45 mm case. Ion-X glass with aluminium cases or crystal sapphire glass with stainless steel cases.

  • GPS, of course, for your whereabouts and tracking.

  • A 64-bit dual-core S8 chip.

And the rest is the same.

New features include accident detection, temperature measurement and Bluetooth 5.3.

Car accident detection is added to the fall detection, which is already available on other models.

For women, the temperature sensor can be used to predict the date of ovulation to help monitor your period.

What about the Apple Watch Ultra?

Before we talk about the Apple Watch Series 7, we can't forget to mention the first Apple Watch Ultra. It's THE watch for athletes, with a larger 49mm case, an Action button and straps designed for all types of sport.

Apple Watch Series 7

The 2021 model is still excellent, so you be the judge. Has an always-on screen, the Always-ON Display on its Retina LTPO OLED, which can reach 1000 nits in a 40 or 44 mm case (just like the Series 8 mentioned above).

It can measure the following:

  • Oxygenation of the blood.

  • Your ECG to read your heart rate.

  • Your altitude to act as a gyroscope and accelerometer.

These latest features, together with the GPS, allow you to keep track of your whereabouts. It can also detect falls and call for help.

It's all thanks to the Apple S7 chip and 32 GB of storage. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, but LTE is optional. You'll find it in aluminium, stainless steel or even titanium (an option that disappeared with the 8).

The Verdict: which Apple Watch is right for me?

As you can see, the two models presented are very similar. If you don't need the temperature sensor or accident detection, opt for the Apple Watch 7 or even the Apple Watch Series 6 for that matter.

The price difference between models is sometimes substantial. If you insist on having a titanium case, then only the Series 7 could meet your needs.

Recap side by side, differences in bold:

Feature

Apple Watch Series 7

Apple Watch Series 8

Screen size

41 or 45 mm

41 or 45 mm

Display

Retina OLED LTPO display always on at up to 1,000 nits under Ion-X glass on aluminium cases; sapphire glass display on stainless steel and titanium cases

Retina OLED LTPO screen always on, up to 1,000 nits under Ion-X glass in aluminium casings; sapphire glass screen on stainless steel casings

Connectivity

GPS and GPS + Cellular, International Emergency Calling and Fall Detection models 4G LTE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0

GPS and GPS + Cellular models International emergency calls, Accident detection and Fall Detection, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3

Processor

SiP S7 with 64-bit dual-core processor

SiP S8 with 64-bit dual-core processor

Sensors

Blood oxygen level sensor; heart rate sensor. Notifications when anomalies are detected and ECG app

Temperature sensor, blood oxygen level sensor, heart rate sensor, anomaly detection notifications and ECG app

Sound

Integrated speaker and microphone

Integrated speaker and microphone

Storage

32 GB

32 GB

Quick Charge

Yes

Yes

Where can I find an Apple Watch at the best price?

Apple doesn't do sales, that's a fact. So buying somewhere else to take advantage of a better price is inevitable.

Refurbishing a model that is no longer produced or that is still very expensive when new is an ideal solution. Not only will you get the same product with the same functions, but it will have been checked, tested and repaired if necessary by an expert chosen by us.

Prices on Back Market are between 30% to 70% cheaper than brand new. This is the best solution for optimum value for money between new and second-hand Apple Watches, which are not guaranteed for 12 months with a 30-day trial period, like we are.

And finally, reconditioning means not producing, so less electronic waste in the environment and less CO2 (91% less!).

Haziq

Written by Haziq

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