Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 7: Key Differences and Upgrades

The Apple Watch Series 8 is now available in stores, making it time to compare it with the previous generation. This blog examines the differences between the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch 7, detailing what’s new in the Apple Watch 8.

Apple Watch 8 vs Apple Watch 7: Specifications

This specification overview between the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch 8 reveals several differences:

	Apple Watch 8	Apple Watch 7
Size	41mm & 45mm	41mm & 45mm
Display	1.9 inch, Always On	1.9 inch, Always On
Resolution	352 x 340 (41mm), 396 x 484 (45mm)	352 x 340 (41mm), 396 x 484 (45mm)
Battery Life	18 hours (36 hours in low-power mode)	18 hours (low-power mode available in the future)
Storage	32 GB	32 GB
Temperature Sensor	✔️	❌
Crash Detection	✔️	❌
GPS	✔️	✔️
Mobile Data	Optional (£120 extra)	Optional (£120 extra)

The Apple Watch 8 isn’t a major upgrade from the Apple Watch 7, but it includes several key enhancements, such as new sensors and features.

Apple Watch 8 vs Apple Watch 7: Design

The Apple Watch 7 introduced a significant design update, becoming more rounded with slimmer bezels around the display.

A fan of the Apple Watch 7 design? Good news—sort of—the Apple Watch 8 design remains largely unchanged. If you hoped for a fresh look, you’ll be disappointed.

The only change is in colour options. The Apple Watch 8 is available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and PRODUCT(RED). The blue and green variants of the Apple Watch 7 are no longer available in the Series 8. The pricier stainless steel options come in gold, silver, and graphite for both watches.

Looking for a radically new Apple Watch design? Consider the Apple Watch Ultra: with a bold new design fully focused on sports and adventure.

Apple Watch 8 vs Apple Watch 7: Battery Life

The battery life of the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch 7 remains the same. Apple promises about 18 hours with normal use. However, the Apple Watch 8 launches with the new Low-Power mode, extending it to 36 hours. The Apple Watch 7 will receive this update in the future.

• Battery Life Apple Watch 8: 18 hours (36 hours with low-power mode)
• Battery Life Apple Watch 7: 18 hours

Charging the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch 8 is quick: full charge takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is an upgrade from the Apple Watch 6, with the 8 and 7 charging about 33% faster than older models.

Apple Watch 8 vs Apple Watch 7: Sensors & Health

Most differences between the Watch 8 and Watch 7 are in features: sensors, apps, and OS. The Apple Watch 8 launches with watchOS 9, the latest operating system for Apple Watch. The Apple Watch 7 will get this update in the future.

watchOS 9 includes several new features like enhanced sleep tracking, a Medication app to track meds, and software for irregular heart rhythm monitoring (AFib History).

The biggest update is the skin temperature sensor, promoted by Apple for tracking cycles or fertility. A 2021 study found a significant link between wrist temperature and the female cycle.

The new low-power mode, discussed earlier, helps extend battery life. In Low Power Mode, some features are disabled while the Watch remains usable. The Watch 8 lasts up to 36 hours in this mode.

With Crash Detection, exclusive to the Watch 8, emergency help is automatically called if the Watch detects a car accident.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch remains one of the best smartwatches, and Apple continues to build on it with incremental updates. Though the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch 7 differ little, it’s a slight improvement.

There aren’t many differences between the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch 7. Own the Watch 7 and want to upgrade? You won’t notice much change, but you can trade in your Apple Watch 7 at Apple.

No Apple Watch yet, or an older one? The price difference between the Watch 8 and Watch 7 is small, so the Watch 8 is likely the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Apple Watch for women?
The Apple Watch comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm. The choice depends on your wrist size and personal preference.

What’s the cheapest Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Series 8 is available from £499.00. This is the cheapest new Apple Watch currently, though older models may be cheaper depending on the retailer.

What’s the best Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch 8 is the newest and best Apple Watch available. For avid athletes or adventurers, consider the Apple Watch Ultra.