Apple Watch Series 7 vs Series 8 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Series 8 & Apple Watch Series 7 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 8 rather than the Apple Watch Series 7.

Table Of Contents hide

1 Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 8?

2 Side By Side Comparison

3 What Common Both Can Do?

4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 8?

The Apple Watch Series 8 has S8 SiP processor to deliver improved sensor control and optimized performance efficiency, while the Apple Watch Series 7 uses the previous S7 SiP.
Apple Watch Series 8 launches with watchOS 9 for enhanced fitness metrics, sleep stages, and medication tracking, while the Apple Watch Series 7 comes with watchOS 8.
It features a built-in temperature sensor for continuous body temperature tracking and advanced cycle monitoring, whereas the Apple Watch Series 7 includes no temperature sensing hardware.
The Apple Watch Series 8 comes with a high-g accelerometer capable of detecting up to 256 g-forces to enable accurate Crash Detection and fall recognition, while the Apple Watch Series 7 uses a standard accelerometer with lower sensitivity.
Apple Watch Series 8 supports a redesigned Compass app with Backtrack and Waypoints for improved outdoor navigation and location tracking, while the Apple Watch Series 7 features the earlier compass interface without these functions.
It has Bluetooth 5.3 for more stable connections and better energy efficiency with wireless accessories, whereas the Apple Watch Series 7 supports Bluetooth 5.0.
The Apple Watch Series 8 includes a Low Power Mode to extend battery life up to 36 hours during long trips or limited charging conditions, while the Apple Watch Series 7 lacks this feature and remains limited to 18 hours of runtime.
Apple Watch Series 8 features advanced motion sensors and algorithms to detect severe car crashes and automatically alert emergency services, whereas the Apple Watch Series 7 does not include Crash Detection.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 7 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Check Apple Watch 8 Best Price

Check Apple Watch 7 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

Feature	Apple Watch Series 8	Apple Watch Series 7
Chipset	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core	S7 SiP 64-bit dual-core
Crash Detection	Yes	No
Temperature Sensor	Yes	No
Gyroscope	High-g next-gen sensor	Standard sensor
Accelerometer	High-g	Standard
Bluetooth Version	5.3	5.0
Low Power Mode	Yes	No
Battery Life (Low Power Mode)	Up to 36 hours	Up to 18 hours
Compass App	Updated with Waypoints & Backtrack	Standard Compass app
Cycle Tracking	With ovulation estimate	Basic cycle tracking
Body Temperature Tracking	Yes	No
Safety Features	Crash Detection, Fall Detection, SOS	Fall Detection, SOS
WatchOS at Launch	watchOS 9	watchOS 8
Power Efficiency	Improved	Standard
Case Durability	Enhanced crack resistance	Crack-resistant front crystal
Internal Sensors	New temperature and motion sensors	Standard sensors
Processor Identifier	S8 chip	S7 chip
Price at Launch	Slightly higher	Slightly lower
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE	Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, LTE
Sensor Suite	Blood Oxygen, ECG, Temp, Optical HR, Compass	Blood Oxygen, ECG, Optical HR, Compass
Car Crash Algorithm	Included	Not included
Environmental Tracking	Temperature variation data	Not supported
Launch Colors	New Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red	Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue, Red
Price	Check Apple Watch 8 Price	Check Apple Watch 7 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

Display Type: Both models use an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, ensuring vivid colors, deep blacks, and easy visibility even when the wrist is down. This technology allows smooth refresh rate adjustment for power efficiency and clarity.
Display Brightness: Each watch reaches 1000 nits of brightness, providing excellent outdoor readability under direct sunlight and consistent brightness for viewing in bright or dim conditions.
Case Sizes: Both watches are available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, allowing users to choose a size that best fits their wrist and aesthetic preference while maintaining compatibility with the same bands.
Water Resistance: Each model is rated WR50 and swimproof, meaning they can be safely used during swimming, showering, and shallow-water activities without risk of damage.
Dust Resistance: Both have an IP6X certification, ensuring protection against dust ingress during workouts, hikes, or outdoor use, enhancing long-term durability.
ECG App: Each model includes an ECG app capable of recording electrocardiograms directly from the wrist, providing valuable heart rhythm insights for health monitoring.
Blood Oxygen App: Both feature a built-in Blood Oxygen sensor to measure SpO₂ levels, helping users monitor respiratory health and fitness performance.
Heart Rate Sensor: Each watch includes optical and electrical heart sensors for continuous monitoring and alerts for irregular rhythms or elevated rates.
Always-On Altimeter: Both include an always-on altimeter, providing continuous elevation readings useful for hiking, running, and climbing activities.
Fall Detection: Each device can detect hard falls and automatically initiate an emergency call if the wearer is unresponsive, enhancing personal safety.
Emergency SOS: Both watches include Emergency SOS functionality, allowing quick access to local emergency services directly from the wrist.
GPS / GNSS: Each model integrates GPS for precise outdoor tracking of routes, distances, and pace without needing a phone nearby.
Cellular Option: Both come in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular versions, enabling users to make calls and stream music independently from the iPhone.
Fast Charging: Each supports fast charging, allowing approximately 0–80% charge in about 45 minutes, which is convenient for daily top-ups.
Battery Life: Both models maintain an 18-hour typical battery life, designed to last through a full day of mixed use including workouts and notifications.
Speaker and Microphone: Each includes a built-in speaker and microphone for calls, Siri interaction, and voice responses directly from the wrist.
U1 Chip: Both include the U1 Ultra-Wideband chip for precise location tracking, improved AirTag interaction, and directional awareness.
Material Options: Each model offers aluminum and stainless steel cases, giving users a choice between lightweight or premium finishes.
Band Compatibility: Both support interchangeable Apple Watch bands, ensuring existing bands remain compatible when upgrading.
Fitness Tracking: Each model tracks daily activity rings, workouts, calories, and heart rate zones, providing a comprehensive fitness monitoring experience.

Check Apple Watch 8 Best Price

Check Apple Watch 7 Best Price

Common Features

Feature	Apple Watch Series 8	Apple Watch Series 7
Display Type	Always-On Retina LTPO OLED	Always-On Retina LTPO OLED
Display Brightness	1000 nits	1000 nits
Case Sizes	41mm, 45mm	41mm, 45mm
Water Resistance	WR50 + Swimproof	WR50 + Swimproof
Dust Resistance	IP6X	IP6X
ECG App	Yes	Yes
Blood Oxygen App	Yes	Yes
Heart Rate Sensor	Optical & Electrical	Optical & Electrical
Always-On Altimeter	Yes	Yes
Fall Detection	Yes	Yes
Emergency SOS	Yes	Yes
GPS / GNSS	Yes	Yes
Cellular Option	Yes	Yes
Fast Charging	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours	Up to 18 hours
Speaker and Microphone	Yes	Yes
U1 Chip	Yes	Yes
Material Options	Aluminum, Stainless Steel	Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Band Compatibility	Yes (interchangeable)	Yes
Fitness Tracking	Yes	Yes
Price	Check Apple Watch 8 Price	Check Apple Watch 7 Price

FAQ

Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have a new processor compared to Series 7?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 is powered by the S8 SiP chip, while the Series 7 uses the S7 chip. Both have similar performance, but the S8 enables new features like Crash Detection and temperature sensing.

Is the design of the Series 8 different from the Series 7?
No, the design remains nearly identical. Both watches share the same curved edges, large Always-On Retina display, and available case sizes of 41mm and 45mm.

Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have better battery life than Series 7?
Both have a standard battery life of up to 18 hours, but the Series 8 includes a Low Power Mode that can extend usage up to 36 hours when enabled.

Can both watches measure blood oxygen levels?
Yes, both Series 8 and Series 7 have a built-in Blood Oxygen sensor that measures SpO₂ levels for health and fitness insights.

Does the Apple Watch Series 8 include a temperature sensor?
Yes, the Series 8 adds dual temperature sensors for sleep and cycle tracking, while the Series 7 does not have any temperature measurement feature.

Is Crash Detection available on the Apple Watch Series 7?
No, Crash Detection is exclusive to the Series 8. It uses advanced motion sensors and algorithms to detect severe car crashes and automatically contact emergency services.

Are both watches swimproof and dust resistant?
Yes, both are WR50 water resistant and rated IP6X for dust resistance, making them safe for swimming and daily wear in dusty environments.

Do both watches support fast charging?
Yes, both Series 8 and Series 7 support fast charging through the magnetic USB-C charging cable, providing about 80% charge in 45 minutes.

Do both watches support cellular connectivity?
Yes, each model comes in GPS and GPS + Cellular variants, allowing the user to make calls, send texts, and stream music without an iPhone nearby.

Which watch launched with the newer software version?
The Series 8 launched with watchOS 9, featuring enhanced fitness metrics and health insights, while the Series 7 launched with watchOS 8 but can be updated to the same version.

Do both watches include ECG functionality?
Yes, both watches feature an ECG app that can generate an electrocardiogram similar to a single-lead ECG, helping users monitor heart rhythm irregularities.

Are the display sizes the same on both models?
Yes, both watches feature the same edge-to-edge Always-On Retina display with extremely thin bezels and up to 1000 nits of brightness.

Do the same bands fit both Series 7 and Series 8?
Yes, Apple maintained full band compatibility between Series 7 and Series 8, so all existing 41mm and 45mm bands can be used interchangeably.

Do both watches have the same durability level?
Yes, both are built with the same crack-resistant front crystal and robust materials, though the Series 8 includes minor internal improvements in structure.

Can both watches use the same chargers and accessories?
Yes, all chargers, cables, and compatible accessories that work with the Series 7 also function with the Series 8, maintaining full ecosystem compatibility.