Apple Watch Series 6 vs Series 8 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your lifestyle, your health goals, and your budget. The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series 6 both offer reliable performance and wellness features, but they cater to slightly different user needs. The Series 6 remains a solid and capable device for everyday use, while the Series 8 introduces newer safety tools and a more refined sensor suite. This article will walk you through the main differences between the two models to help you decide which one better fits your needs.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits |
| Sizes Available | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Processor | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor | S6 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (same as Series 6) | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging Speed | Fast charging supported | No fast charging |
| Body Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No |
| Cycle Tracking with Temp | Yes | No |
| Compass Waypoints & Backtrack | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | WR50 (Swimproof) | WR50 (Swimproof) |
| WatchOS Version at Launch | watchOS 9 | watchOS 7 |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
Both models feature the same basic aluminum or stainless steel build with a familiar rectangular shape. However, the Series 8 comes in slightly larger 41mm and 45mm sizes, offering a bit more screen real estate compared to the 40mm and 44mm options on the Series 6. Durability is similar, with WR50 water resistance and Ion-X glass on aluminum models. Series 8 also includes crack-resistant front crystal improvements introduced in the Series 7.
Display Quality
The Series 8 and Series 6 both offer an always-on Retina LTPO OLED display with 1000 nits brightness, making them easy to view in bright sunlight. However, the slightly larger screen sizes of the Series 8 provide a more immersive view, especially helpful for text and notifications.
Processor and Performance
While the S8 chip in the Series 8 is newer, it offers similar day-to-day performance to the S6 chip in the Series 6. Both deliver smooth app launches and transitions. The real advantage of the S8 is in supporting newer features and future watchOS updates for a longer period.
Health and Wellness Features
The Series 8 adds a skin temperature sensor and enhanced cycle tracking, giving users better reproductive health insights. It also includes Crash Detection, which uses motion sensors and machine learning to detect severe car crashes and alert emergency services. Series 6 offers core features like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and heart rate tracking but lacks the newer safety tools.
Fitness and Activity Tracking
Both watches offer the same core fitness tracking features including heart rate monitoring, GPS, and workout tracking for dozens of activity types. Series 8 adds support for compass waypoints and Backtrack navigation in watchOS 9, making it more appealing to hikers and outdoor users.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is similar across both models, rated at up to 18 hours. However, Series 8 benefits from fast charging, giving you around 80% charge in 45 minutes, which is useful for sleep tracking and active users. The Series 6 lacks fast charging.
Software and OS Support
The Series 8 launched with watchOS 9 and supports all its features, including temperature-based cycle tracking and crash detection. The Series 6 started on watchOS 7 and supports watchOS 10, but it may not receive updates as long as the Series 8 will.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 8 worth upgrading from Series 6?
If features like Crash Detection, skin temperature tracking, or fast charging are important to you, the Series 8 offers clear benefits. Otherwise, the Series 6 still performs well for most daily tasks.
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have better battery life than the Series 6?
Battery life is nearly the same for both models, up to 18 hours. However, Series 8 supports fast charging, which is a useful convenience.
What are the size differences between Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 8?
Series 6 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, while Series 8 offers slightly larger 41mm and 45mm sizes, giving a bit more screen area.
Can both models run the latest watchOS?
As of now, both models support watchOS 10. However, the Series 8 will likely receive updates for a longer period since it is a newer device.
Does the Series 8 have a new design compared to the Series 6?
The overall design remains similar, but the Series 8 features slightly larger and more durable display glass introduced with Series 7.
Is the temperature sensor on the Series 8 useful?
The temperature sensor works primarily in the background to improve cycle tracking and may offer insights into overnight body temperature trends.
Do both models support ECG and Blood Oxygen apps?
Yes, both Series 6 and Series 8 support ECG and Blood Oxygen measurements via built-in sensors.
Which watch is better for women’s health tracking?
The Series 8 is better equipped due to its temperature sensor, which enhances menstrual cycle and ovulation tracking.
How durable are the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 8?
Both have WR50 water resistance and durable casings, but the Series 8’s front crystal is more crack-resistant.
Is there a big difference in speed between the S6 and S8 chips?
In real-world use, the speed difference is minimal. Both chips handle apps and features efficiently, though the S8 is more future-proof.