by Last year, Apple introduced the Watch Series 8, an iteration that promised subtle yet impactful upgrades over its predecessor, the Watch Series 7.
With new Apple Watch features like the S8 chip, crash detection, and a temperature sensor, the Series 8 aimed to refine the user experience further.
This long-term review delves into the Apple Watch Series 8’s performance over six months to help you decide whether to invest in the new model or opt for the soon-to-be discounted Series 8.
Design and Build Quality
Physical Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The Apple Watch Series 8 maintains the iconic design aesthetic that has become synonymous with Apple’s wearable line. Sporting a 41mm Aluminum (GPS + Cellular) model, the watch retains the dimensions and weight of its predecessor, ensuring a familiar feel for long-time users.
This consistency in design speaks to Apple’s confidence in its ergonomic strategy, which balances a lightweight profile with robust functionality.
Material Innovation and Sustainability
In line with Apple’s environmental commitments, the Series 8’s aluminum case is crafted from 100% recycled aluminum, reflecting a stride towards sustainability without compromising on strength or quality.
The choice of materials extends to the display, covered by Ion-X glass for the aluminum models and sapphire crystal for the stainless steel variants, offering resilience against daily wear and tear.
User Interaction and Control
Hardware Interface
On the hardware front, the Apple Watch Series 8 features a layout similar to previous models, with a speaker on the left and a microphone flanked by the digital crown and a side button on the right.
The digital crown, accented with a red ring, continues to serve multiple functions, from navigating through menus to taking ECG readings.
The tactile feedback from both the crown and the button has been noted for its responsiveness, which enhances the user experience by providing a satisfying touch response to interactions.
Durability of Control Mechanisms
After six months of rigorous use, both the digital crown and the side button have demonstrated exceptional durability.
The crown’s mechanism has shown no signs of wear, offering the same level of precision as on day one. This resilience is crucial for users who rely on the watch for frequent health monitoring and fitness tracking.
Health Monitoring Capabilities
Advanced Sensor Technology
The back panel of the Watch Series 8 is a hub of health technology, featuring a heart rate sensor and an SpO2 sensor elevated on a ceramic back plate.
This design not only aids in accurate sensor readings by ensuring optimal skin contact but also prevents the buildup of debris, which could interfere with the watch’s sensors over time.
Temperature Sensing for Comprehensive Health Tracking
One of the standout features introduced with Series 8 is the dual temperature sensing. One sensor is located on the back crystal, close to the skin, and another just under the display, helping to provide a comprehensive view of the wearer’s health metrics.
This feature is particularly beneficial for women, as it supports cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates, offering valuable insights into reproductive health.
Comfort and Wearability
Strap Design and Material
Accompanying the Apple Watch Series 8 is the high-performance fluoroelastomer Sport Band, available in black and designed to fit a range of wrist sizes (130-200 mm).
The material, praised for its durability and softness, contributes to the overall comfort, making the watch suitable for all-day wear, including during workouts and sleep.
However, the pin-and-tuck closure of the strap may require an initial adjustment period for new users, especially those unfamiliar with Apple’s band design.
Personalization and Accessories
For those who prefer a more personalized touch or a different style, the Apple Watch Series 8 is compatible with a myriad of third-party straps available in the market.
This flexibility allows users to customize their devices to fit their style preferences or functional needs, such as switching to a leather band for formal occasions or a breathable silicone band for intense exercise sessions.
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Display Features and Interactions
Screen Specifications and Quality
The Apple Watch Series 8 is equipped with a 1.69″ screen for the 41mm model, featuring a resolution of 430×352 pixels.
This size is paired with Always-On Retina LTPO OLED technology, offering up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness.
Such specifications ensure that the display is crisp, with vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the overall visual experience for users.
The larger 45mm variant further extends this excellence with a slightly bigger 1.9″ display and a higher resolution of 484×396 pixels, making it ideal for those who prefer more screen real estate.
Display Durability and Visibility
Protected by Sapphire Crystal Glass, the display on the Series 8 is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use without succumbing to scratches or damage.
This durability is crucial for maintaining the watch’s aesthetic appeal and functionality over time.
Moreover, the brightness and clarity of the display ensure that it remains readable in various lighting conditions, from direct sunlight to dimly lit environments, thereby enhancing its usability outdoors.
User Experience and Interface
Touch Sensitivity and Navigation
Apple has optimized the touch interface of the Series 8 to be highly responsive, making interactions seamless and efficient.
The introduction of swipe gestures and the improved touch sensitivity allow users to navigate menus and features with ease.
This responsiveness is particularly advantageous when typing messages or using apps, where precision and speed are necessary.
Customization and Watch Faces
This Apple Watch features a wide array of customization options through its various watch faces, which can be tailored to display a range of useful information directly on the main screen.
Users can choose from dozens of designs, each adjustable to show different complications like weather updates, calendar events, or fitness metrics, ensuring that all relevant information is just a glance away.
Software Integration and Ecosystem
Compatibility and Integration
Running on watchOS 9.6.1, the Series 8 offers a smooth integration with the broader Apple ecosystem, connecting seamlessly with devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
This integration is important for users who utilize multiple Apple products, as it allows for the synchronization of notifications, health data, and app information across devices, enhancing the utility of the watch.
App Functionality and Ecosystem
The Watch app serves as the central hub for configuring and customizing the Series 8, allowing users to manage settings, download new apps, and adjust watch faces from their iPhone.
The integration with the Health and Fitness apps ensures that all health and workout data is comprehensively collected and accessible, providing a holistic view of the user’s wellness and fitness achievements.
Health and Fitness Features
Comprehensive Health Monitoring
The Series 8 excels in providing extensive health monitoring features, including an advanced heart rate monitor, an ECG app, and a blood oxygen sensor.
These tools offer users detailed insights into their cardiovascular health and overall wellness, making the watch an invaluable companion for those dedicated to maintaining or improving their health.
Fitness Tracking and Accuracy
Apple continues to refine its fitness tracking algorithms to provide accurate and useful data to users.
Whether it’s tracking a morning jog or monitoring a high-intensity interval training session, the Series 8 is adept at providing detailed metrics that help users achieve their fitness goals.
The watch’s ability to automatically detect different types of workouts ensures that all activity is recorded, even if the user forgets to start a workout manually.
Durability and Longevity
Build Quality and Resistance
The Apple Watch Series 8 is designed to endure the demands of everyday life, boasting IP6X dust resistance and a water resistance rating of 50 meters.
This makes it suitable for a variety of activities, from rigorous sports sessions to casual swimming.
The sturdy build quality ensures that the device remains functional and aesthetically pleasing, even after exposure to challenging environments.
Long-Term Wear and Tear
After six months of continuous use, the Series 8 shows minimal signs of wear and tear.
Its ability to withstand multiple accidental drops without sustaining scratches or damage to the screen is a testament to the durability of its materials, particularly the sapphire crystal glass.
This resilience is crucial for users who rely on their smartwatch daily and expect a device that maintains its functionality and appearance over time.
Battery Performance and Charging
Daily Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 8 is equipped with a battery designed to last through a full day under typical usage conditions, which includes time checks, notifications, app usage, and a standard workout session.
This endurance is vital for users who depend on their watch for continuous health monitoring, communication, and media control throughout the day.
Charging Speed and Efficiency
When it comes to recharging, the Series 8 impresses with its fast charging capabilities. The watch can be fully charged in just over an hour, minimizing downtime and ensuring it’s ready to go when needed.
This Apple Watch feature is particularly beneficial for those who track their sleep with the watch overnight, requiring a quick recharge in the morning.
Connectivity and Communication
Seamless Synchronization
The Series 8 offers seamless synchronization with the iPhone, providing a cohesive experience that allows users to manage calls, texts, and notifications effortlessly.
This connectivity is enhanced by the inclusion of the W3 wireless chip and U1 chip, which support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi connections, ensuring quick and reliable data transfer between devices.
LTE Functionality
For users with the LTE model, the Apple Watch Series 8 provides the freedom to make calls, send texts, and stream music independently of an iPhone.
This feature is invaluable for those who prefer to leave their phone behind during workouts or simply enjoy the convenience of a fully functional smartwatch that can operate autonomously.
Software and User Interface
watchOS and App Ecosystem
Running the latest watchOS, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers a user-friendly interface that is both intuitive and customizable.
The operating system facilitates smooth interactions and provides access to a vast library of apps through the Apple Store, enhancing the watch’s functionality and personalization.
Integration with Health and Fitness Apps
The integration with Apple’s Health and Fitness apps provides users with detailed insights into their health metrics and fitness progress.
This data is crucial for tracking improvements, setting health goals, and staying motivated.
The apps’ design focuses on user-friendliness and data accessibility, making it easy for users to understand and make use of their health and fitness information effectively.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
While the Series 8 offers numerous features and robust performance, areas such as sleep tracking accuracy and the management of notifications present challenges.
Improvements in these areas could enhance the overall user experience, making the Apple Watch even more indispensable to its users.
Notification Management and Interaction
Notification Efficiency
The Apple Watch Series 8 streamlines how users receive and manage notifications, making everyday interactions more efficient. Notifications are neatly organized, and users can customize settings to prioritize alerts from specific apps.
This level of customization is key for maintaining productivity and minimizing distractions throughout the day.
Room for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the notification system on the Series 8 could benefit from more nuanced controls.
Fitness Tracking Capabilities
Accuracy and Reliability
The fitness tracking on the Series 8 is highly accurate, encouraging users to remain active through its intuitive interface.
The watch effectively distinguishes between different types of physical activities, offering tailored metrics that help users track their progress across a variety of exercises, from running to yoga.
Real-World Usage
Users often highlight how the Apple Watch Series 8 serves as a motivational tool. The Activity Rings, which visually display daily movement goals, are particularly effective at encouraging users to stay active.
These features make the Series 8 not just a tool for fitness enthusiasts but for anyone looking to increase their daily activity.
Advanced Features and Usability
Music and Media Control
The Series 8 excels in providing control over music and media directly from the wrist.
With the ability to manage playlists, adjust volume, and even stream music independently via LTE, the watch offers a high level of convenience for users who enjoy having entertainment options readily available during workouts or commutes.
Third-Party App Ecosystem
The robust third-party app ecosystem further enhances the Apple Watch Series 8’s capabilities.
From navigation apps that guide you on your run route to productivity apps that help you manage your workday, the availability of diverse apps ensures that the watch can be customized to meet a wide range of user needs and preferences.
Long-Term Value and Cost-Effectiveness
Investment Justification
Considering its durable build, comprehensive health features, and the seamless integration with iOS devices, the Apple Watch Series 8 represents a sound investment.
It holds its value well, with continual software updates that keep the device relevant and technologically competitive.
Price Comparison and Affordability
When compared to other smartwatches in the market, the Series 8 stands out for its extensive features and reliable performance.
While it may come at a premium price, the value it offers, especially for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, justifies the cost.
Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
Summarizing the Experience
The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a powerful combination of style, functionality, and durability, making it a top contender in the smartwatch market.
Its integration with the Apple ecosystem and continuous improvements via software updates make it a device that can adapt to the evolving needs of users.
Anticipation for Future Models
As we look forward to the release of the Apple Watch Series 9, the Series 8 sets a high standard.
Potential buyers are keen to see how Apple will build upon this foundation, especially in areas like battery life enhancement and health feature accuracy.
