Apple Watch 6 vs 7 vs 8: Which Apple Watch Is Best?
Struggling to decide which Apple Watch to buy? You’re not alone! With the release of each new generation, the choices become more complex. This guide dives deep into the apple watch 6 vs 7 vs 8, helping you understand the key differences and ultimately choose the perfect smartwatch for your needs.
We’ll be comparing the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 7, focusing on design changes, performance upgrades, and new features. The improvements between these models may surprise you.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or buying your first Apple Watch, this comparison will provide you with all the information you need. Get ready to explore the evolution of Apple’s wearable technology and discover which model reigns supreme.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Apple Watch 6 | Apple Watch 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 40mm, 44mm | 41mm, 45mm |
| Always-On Retina Display | Yes | Yes (Brighter) |
| Chip | S6 SiP | S7 SiP |
| Water Resistance | WR50 | WR50 |
| ECG App | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular Option | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Charging | No | Yes |
| Crack Resistant Front Crystal | No | Yes |
| Case Material Options | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Apple Watch 6: Features a Retina display with up to 1,000 nits brightness. It offers a clear and vibrant viewing experience, but the bezels are slightly thicker compared to later models.
- 7: Boasts a larger display with significantly thinner bezels, offering nearly 20% more screen area than the Series 6. This provides a more immersive viewing experience and makes interacting with the watch easier.
- Winner: 7
Processor
- Apple Watch 6: Powered by the S6 SiP (System in Package), offering a performance boost compared to the Series 5. It handles most tasks smoothly, but can occasionally feel slightly less responsive than newer models.
- 7: Equipped with the S7 SiP, which is similar in performance to the S6. While not a dramatic upgrade, it maintains smooth performance for everyday use and watchOS navigation.
- Winner: Tie
Durability
- Apple Watch 6: Offers standard water resistance and is made of aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. It’s durable for everyday wear, but not as robust as the Series 7.
- 7: Features a crack-resistant front crystal, making it more durable. It maintains the same water resistance rating and is available in the same materials.
- Winner: 7
Charging
- Apple Watch 6: Charges using the same magnetic charging cable as previous generations. Charging speed is adequate, but not as fast as the Series 7.
- 7: Introduces faster charging, providing up to 33% faster charging compared to the Series 6. This is a significant improvement for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
- Winner: 7
Sensors
- Apple Watch 6: Includes an ECG sensor, blood oxygen sensor, and heart rate sensor. It provides comprehensive health tracking capabilities.
- 7: Retains the same sensors as the Series 6, offering the same health tracking features.
- Winner: Tie
Design
- Apple Watch 6: Features a design similar to the Series 5, with rounded corners and a familiar aesthetic.
- 7: Features a slightly redesigned case with softer, more rounded edges and a larger screen.
- Winner: 7
WatchOS Features
- Apple Watch 6: Runs on watchOS, with access to a variety of apps and features that are compatible with the current OS.
- 7: Runs on a newer version of watchOS, which is also available on Series 6, but may have features optimized for the larger display.
- Winner: Tie
Available Colors
- Apple Watch 6: Available in a range of colors and finishes, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium options.
- 7: Introduces new colors and finishes, including a slightly updated color palette.
- Winner: 7
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Apple Watch 7 |
| Performance | Apple Watch 7 |
| Charging Speed | Apple Watch 7 |
| Durability | Apple Watch 7 |
| Value | Apple Watch 6 |
What They Have in Common:
- Water Resistance: Both the Apple Watch 6 and 7 are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other shallow-water activities.
- Health Sensors: Both watches include essential health sensors like an ECG app and a blood oxygen sensor, enabling users to monitor their heart health and blood oxygen levels.
- Gps: Both models come equipped with GPS for tracking outdoor workouts and activities without needing an iPhone nearby.
- Fall Detection: Both Apple Watch Series 6 and 7 feature fall detection, which can detect hard falls and automatically contact emergency services if the user is unresponsive.
- Cellular Options: Both have cellular versions that allow you to make calls, send texts, and stream music without your iPhone.
Apple Watch 6 vs 7 vs 8 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch 6, 7, and 8 share a similar design language, featuring a rectangular display with rounded corners. However, subtle differences exist. The Series 7 boasts a slightly larger display with thinner bezels compared to the Series 6, offering more screen real estate. The Series 8 maintains this design. Build quality is generally excellent across all three, with durable aluminum or stainless steel cases. The Series 8 introduces a temperature sensor, a new addition not found in the Series 6 or 7, which adds another dimension to its health tracking capabilities.
Display and Screen Technology
Display technology has evolved between the three models. The Apple Watch Series 6 features a bright and vibrant Retina display. The Series 7 takes this a step further with its larger screen and the same brightness, making text and information easier to read. The Series 8 maintains the same display, offering excellent clarity and brightness in all lighting conditions. The Series 7 also introduced a slightly more robust crystal covering, improving its resistance to cracks and scratches. All three watches have always-on displays.
Performance and Processor
Performance sees incremental improvements with each generation. The Apple Watch Series 6 uses the S6 SiP (System in Package), offering snappy performance for everyday tasks. The Series 7 features the S7 SiP, which is an iterative upgrade from the S6. The Series 8 incorporates the S8 SiP, offering a modest performance boost over its predecessors. While the performance differences are not drastically noticeable in typical usage, the newer chips provide enhanced power efficiency and smoother multitasking. All three watches run watchOS, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Health and Fitness Features
All three watches are packed with health and fitness features. They all include heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, and fall detection. The Series 7 and 8 retain these, but the Series 8 introduces new features, such as temperature sensing for advanced cycle tracking and crash detection. The Series 6 is still competent but lacks the crash detection and temperature sensing of the newer models. All three track activity and offer a wide range of workout modes, making them excellent companions for a healthy lifestyle.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is similar across all three models, typically providing around 18 hours of usage with moderate use, though this can vary depending on usage patterns. The Series 7 introduced faster charging, allowing it to charge quicker than the Series 6. The Series 8 maintains this faster charging speed. The charging process is convenient, utilizing a magnetic charging cable. While all three watches offer a decent battery life for a smartwatch, heavy users may need to charge them daily, especially with GPS use.
Price and Value Proposition
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the most affordable of the three, especially now that it is no longer sold by Apple. The Series 7 offers a good balance of features and price. The Series 8 is the most expensive, but also the newest, and it includes the latest features. The best value depends on individual needs. If you prioritize the latest features and the best performance, the Series 8 is the best choice. If you’re on a budget, the Series 6 is a good entry point. The Series 7 provides a sweet spot between price and features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Apple Watch 6 If…
- You’re on a budget and want a feature-rich Apple Watch experience at a lower price.
- You don’t need the slightly larger display or faster charging of the Series 7.
- You are upgrading from a very old Apple Watch.
Buy Apple Watch 7 If…
- You want the latest Apple Watch features, including a larger and brighter display.
- You value faster charging and a more durable design.
- You want the latest chip for slightly improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, and 8?
The main differences are in design (Series 7 and 8 have a slightly larger display), processor (S7 and S8 SiPs offer incremental performance improvements), and health features (Series 8 adds temperature sensing and crash detection). The Series 7 and 8 also feature faster charging. The Series 6 is the oldest and most affordable.
Does the Apple Watch Series 6 have blood oxygen monitoring?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 includes a blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor, allowing users to measure their blood oxygen saturation levels. This feature is also present on the Series 7 and Series 8. It allows users to monitor their health and provides data that can be helpful for fitness and overall well-being. It is a key health feature across all three models.
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 waterproof?
Yes, all three Apple Watch models are water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means they are suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean. They are not recommended for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depths.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have crash detection?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 features crash detection. This feature uses advanced sensors to detect if you’ve been in a severe car crash. If a crash is detected, the watch can automatically contact emergency services and provide your location. This is a significant safety feature not available on the Series 6 or 7.
What is the battery life like on the Apple Watch Series 7?
The Apple Watch Series 7 typically offers around 18 hours of battery life with mixed usage, including fitness tracking, notifications, and app usage. Battery life can vary based on individual usage patterns and settings, such as the use of the always-on display or GPS. The Series 7 also charges faster than the Series 6.
Can I use the Apple Watch Series 6 with an iPhone 14?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 is fully compatible with the iPhone 14, as long as both devices are updated to the latest versions of their respective operating systems (watchOS and iOS). The Apple Watch requires an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 or later. Compatibility is assured across all three generations of Apple Watch.
Which Apple Watch has the best value for money?
The Apple Watch Series 6 offers a great value considering its features and lower price point, especially if purchased refurbished. The Series 7 is a good balance of features and price, offering improvements over the Series 6. The Series 8 is the most expensive but offers the most advanced features. The best choice depends on your needs.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 emerges as the winner due to its enhanced features like temperature sensing, crash detection, and incremental performance improvements. While the Series 7 offers a compelling package, the addition of these new features and the refinements in the Series 8 make it the most advanced and feature-rich smartwatch in the lineup.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8