Apple Watch Series 7 vs Apple Watch Series 8: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Deciding between one generation and the next? The Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch Series 8 are exactly that pair. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
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 8 has skin-temperature sensing
For anyone who wants skin-temperature sensing, the Apple Watch Series 7 is out of the running. The Apple Watch Series 8 includes a temperature sensor, which feeds into its health trends; the Apple Watch Series 7 does without.
Design & Size
- Apple Watch Series 7 45 mm × 0.42 in
- Apple Watch Series 8 45 mm × 0.42 in
The footprint is practically the same, so size is not a reason to pick one over the other. You won’t feel a real weight difference between the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch Series 8.
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 45 mm | 45 mm |
| Available sizes | 41 mm, 45 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) | 1.37 oz | 1.37 oz |
Display
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t display. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Apple Watch Series 8 leads
The health & fitness sensors numbers lean toward the Apple Watch Series 8, not dramatically but consistently. The Apple Watch Series 8 wins here with skin-temperature sensing. Temperature data is most useful over weeks, so it rewards people who wear their watch to bed. On health & fitness sensors alone, the Apple Watch Series 8 gets the nod.
Skin temperature
Apple Watch Series 7: no Apple Watch Series 8: yes Skin-temperature sensing tracks nightly changes that can help with recovery insights and cycle tracking.
Battery Life
Too close to call
Neither the Apple Watch Series 7 nor the Apple Watch Series 8 has a real advantage in the battery life category. In short, battery life is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
If smart features & connectivity matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Bottom line for smart features & connectivity: it’s a wash.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED |
| Resolution (largest) | 396 x 484 | 396 x 484 |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | No | Yes (winner) |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | 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 | USB-C magnetic fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min | USB-C magnetic fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S7 | 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 7 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 45 mm | 45 mm |
| Available sizes | 41 mm, 45 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) | 1.37 oz | 1.37 oz |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 7 | 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
Same launch price, which makes the spec differences the whole story.
Launch prices (US) as of September 2022. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch Series 7 if…
- you’re fine skipping this generation’s changes
Choose the Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- you track sleep and recovery trends closely
- you’re buying fresh and prefer the more recent model
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 7 or the Apple Watch Series 8?
For most people, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the stronger choice, unless you can keep using the Apple Watch Series 7 you already own.
Should I upgrade from the Apple Watch Series 7 to the Apple Watch Series 8?
Think about how you use your Apple Watch Series 7. If skin-temperature sensing would make a real difference, the Apple Watch Series 8 is worth it; if not, keep what you have.
Does the Apple Watch Series 7 last longer on a charge than the Apple Watch Series 8?
The official battery figures don’t separate them; the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch Series 8 land in almost the same place.
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 bigger than the Apple Watch Series 8?
They’re practically the same size. The difference between the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch Series 8 is too small to matter.
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 lighter than the Apple Watch Series 8?
Neither by much. The Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch Series 8 weigh almost the same.
Executive Summary
The Apple Watch Series 7 had its run, and now the Apple Watch Series 8 has taken over. Here’s what I think actually changed. The Apple Watch Series 8 has skin-temperature sensing, and for most people that’s not a small thing.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Apple Watch Series 7 fits better. For health & fitness sensors, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the better match.
My pick: the Apple Watch Series 8 for new buyers, while owners of the Apple Watch Series 7 can probably sit this generation out.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.