Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 8 share a badge but not a lineup, and that difference shows up in the spec sheet. These two are nearly level on the spec sheet, which means the right pick depends more on you than on them.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Health & Fitness Sensors Apple Watch Series 8 wins
- Battery Life Tie
- Smart Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Tie
- Display5.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors5.7
- Smart Features & Connectivity8.2
- Display5.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors7.1
- Smart Features & Connectivity8.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Apple Watch Series 6 has a 0.08 oz lighter case
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Apple Watch Series 6 leads 1.29 oz to 1.37 oz. Bands add weight too, so the case weight is a starting point for how the watch will feel.
-
The Apple Watch Series 8 has skin-temperature sensing
You won’t find this on the Apple Watch Series 6. With the Apple Watch Series 8, it’s part of the package. Temperature data is most useful over weeks, so it rewards people who wear their watch to bed.
Design & Size
- Apple Watch Series 6 44 mm × 0.42 in
- Apple Watch Series 8 45 mm × 0.42 in
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the smaller watch here, which some buyers will see as a plus and others as a compromise. The Apple Watch Series 8 is 0.08 oz heavier than the Apple Watch Series 6.
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | 45 mm |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | 41 mm, 45 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium | Aluminum, stainless steel |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | 0.42 in |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.29 oz (winner) | 1.37 oz |
Display
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if display was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Net result on display: level.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Apple Watch Series 8 leads
The Apple Watch Series 8 edges the health & fitness sensors section, though the Apple Watch Series 6 stays close. The Apple Watch Series 8 delivers skin-temperature sensing. Skin-temperature sensing tracks nightly changes that can help with recovery insights and cycle tracking. If health & fitness sensors is your priority, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the watch to pick.
Skin temperature
Apple Watch Series 6: no Apple Watch Series 8: yes The Apple Watch Series 8 includes a temperature sensor, which feeds into its health trends; the Apple Watch Series 6 does without.
Battery Life
Too close to call
In the battery life category, the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 8 land in almost the same place. If battery life was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The differences on smart features & connectivity are small enough to ignore in daily use. On smart features & connectivity alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED |
| Resolution (largest) | 368 x 448 | 396 x 484 |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | No | Yes (winner) |
| GPS | Built-in GPS/GNSS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 18 h |
| Rated life in low-power modeManufacturer rating | N/A (not specified) | 36 h |
| Charging | Magnetic charging cable | USB-C magnetic fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S6 | S8 |
| Storage | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Cellular option | Yes | Yes |
| Contactless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone only | iPhone only |
| Software | watchOS | watchOS |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 44 mm | 45 mm |
| Available sizes | 40 mm, 44 mm | 41 mm, 45 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium | Aluminum, stainless steel |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | 0.42 in |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.29 oz (winner) | 1.37 oz |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $399 | $399 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Money won’t decide this one: the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 8 launched at identical prices.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of September 2022. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch Series 6 if…
- you wear your watch to sleep and barely want to feel it (1.29 oz vs 1.37 oz)
- you find the Apple Watch Series 6 already covers everything you need
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
Choose the Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- you track sleep and recovery trends closely
- you want the newer generation
- you prefer a larger watch and have the room for it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 6 or the Apple Watch Series 8?
We’d point most buyers to the Apple Watch Series 8. The main exception is if your top priority is a 0.08 oz lighter case.
Is the Apple Watch Series 8 worth it over the Apple Watch Series 6?
Think about how you use your Apple Watch Series 6. If skin-temperature sensing would make a real difference, the Apple Watch Series 8 is worth it; if not, keep what you have.
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch Series 6 or the Apple Watch Series 8?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 8 are too close to call.
Which is larger, the Apple Watch Series 6 or the Apple Watch Series 8?
The Apple Watch Series 8 is the larger of the two. It measures 0.42 in, compared with 0.42 in for the Apple Watch Series 6.
Which weighs less, the Apple Watch Series 6 or the Apple Watch Series 8?
On the scale, the Apple Watch Series 6 comes out ahead at 0.08 oz lighter than the Apple Watch Series 8.
Executive Summary
The Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 8 are relatives, and relatives can be surprisingly different once you read the fine print. Here’s what matters most to me: the Apple Watch Series 8 offers skin-temperature sensing. On the other side, the Apple Watch Series 6 brings a 0.08 oz lighter case, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
The way I see it, people who prioritize portability will be happier with the Apple Watch Series 6, and those who prioritize health & fitness sensors with the Apple Watch Series 8.
My pick: the Apple Watch Series 8 for most people, with the Apple Watch Series 6 as the smarter choice if you know that a 0.08 oz lighter case would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.