Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 8 – Which Should You Buy?

Choosing the right smartwatch often comes down to how well it fits your daily routine, tech preferences, and budget. The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series 7 may look similar at a glance, but they cater to slightly different types of users. The Series 8 introduces more health-focused features and future-facing technology, while the Series 7 remains a solid option for those who want a reliable, premium smartwatch experience. This article will highlight the key differences between the two models to help you decide which one best matches your needs.

Side by Side Comparison

Detailed Feature Comparisons

Design and Construction
Both watches maintain the same premium build with an edge-to-edge display and aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium case options. They are virtually identical in design, offering the same case sizes and colors. However, the Series 8 continues the durability improvements from the Series 7, with crack-resistant glass and IP6X dust resistance, ensuring it remains reliable for active lifestyles.

Display Quality
The displays on both models are bright, clear, and always on, with no difference in resolution or brightness. The edge-to-edge design makes information easy to read and interact with. Users moving from Series 6 or earlier will notice a more expansive screen, but there is no visual leap from Series 7 to Series 8.

Performance and Processor
The Series 8 runs on the S8 SiP, while the Series 7 uses the S7 SiP. In day-to-day use, performance feels nearly identical since both are dual-core 64-bit processors. Apps launch quickly and animations are smooth. The upgrade in Series 8 is more about efficiency and future compatibility than speed.

Health and Wellness Features
This is where Series 8 takes a step forward. It includes a new skin temperature sensor and crash detection for enhanced health and safety monitoring. The Series 7 already features ECG and blood oxygen sensors, but lacks temperature tracking and crash detection, making the Series 8 more complete for health-conscious users.

Fitness and Activity Tracking
Both watches support the same fitness tracking capabilities through watchOS, including step counting, heart rate monitoring, and automatic workout detection. The Series 8 benefits slightly from the newer temperature sensor, which may assist with cycle tracking for women and sleep insights, but for general fitness, they are evenly matched.

Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is the same on both devices, rated at up to 18 hours per charge. Both also support fast charging with the included USB-C cable. This means either watch can go from low to 80% in about 45 minutes, making them convenient for overnight or quick top-ups.

Software and Compatibility
The Series 8 ships with watchOS 9, which introduces new watch faces, medication reminders, and improved sleep tracking. The Series 7 supports watchOS 9 as well, although it launched with watchOS 8. Both will likely receive software updates for several years, but the Series 8 may have slightly longer support in the long term.

Safety and Emergency Features
The standout addition in Series 8 is crash detection, which uses advanced sensors to detect severe car accidents and contact emergency services. Series 7 still includes fall detection and Emergency SOS, but does not have the enhanced crash detection capability, which could be important for frequent drivers or older users.

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 8 much faster than the Series 7?
No, both watches perform very similarly in real-world use. Although the Series 8 has the newer S8 chip, it offers minimal performance improvement over the S7 chip in the Series 7.

Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have better battery life than the Series 7?
No, both models offer the same battery life of up to 18 hours. They also support fast charging using a USB-C cable.

Can the Series 7 use all the features in watchOS 9?
Yes, the Series 7 is fully compatible with watchOS 9 and supports most of its features, including new watch faces and improved fitness tracking.

What new sensors are in the Series 8 that are not in the Series 7?
The Series 8 adds a skin temperature sensor and crash detection, which are not available in the Series 7.

Are there any differences in screen size between Series 8 and Series 7?
No, both offer the same display sizes—41mm and 45mm—with edge-to-edge screens and similar brightness.

Is the Series 8 more durable than the Series 7?
Both have the same level of durability, including crack-resistant glass, IP6X dust resistance, and WR50 water resistance.

Does the Series 8 track body temperature all day?
Not exactly. The temperature sensor in the Series 8 mainly works during sleep and helps track trends over time, especially for cycle tracking.

Can I use the same bands with both watches?
Yes, any bands compatible with the Series 7 will also work with the Series 8, as they share the same case sizes and connector design.

Is it worth upgrading from Series 7 to Series 8?
It depends on your needs. If you want temperature tracking or crash detection, the Series 8 is worth considering. Otherwise, the Series 7 remains a powerful and capable device.

Which one is better for someone buying their first Apple Watch?
Both are excellent choices, but the Series 8 offers slightly better longevity and safety features, making it a better value if the price difference is small.