Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) review… or Series 7S? Apple Watch Series 8 has not received revolutionary changes. Yes, this watch can feel a bit boring compared to the brand new Apple Watch Ultra. But don’t underestimate the importance of important health, security, and connectivity tracking updates. Smartwatches from Apple just got better.
Apple wants to make iPhones even more durable
The most important changes in the Apple Watch Series 8 compared to the Apple Watch Series 7 were inside the case, but, unfortunately, there are not many of them. The new watch received a long-awaited skin temperature sensor, as well as a collision or accident detection function, which works based on improved motion sensors. This allows the watch to instantly call for help if the person needs it.
Otherwise, the Apple Watch Series 8 is virtually identical to the Apple Watch Series 7. Keeping the $399 starting price while offering an affordable alternative in the form of the Apple Watch SE (2022) creates a weighted lineup of Apple smartwatches.
But who is the new Apple Watch for? In our review, we will consider this model in more detail.
Apple Watch Series 8 price and availability
The Apple Watch Series 8 will be available September 16, 2022 with a starting price of $399 for the 41mm GPS model. And for the version with GPS and cellular communication (GPS + Cellular) you will have to pay $499 already (such watches are not sold in all countries and do not work with all telecom operators). In a 45mm case, the device will cost a minimum of $429 for the GPS version and $529 for the cellular version.
But the 2022 lineup offers two additional watch models: the $799 Apple Watch Ultra and the $249 Apple Watch SE (2022). Recall that the original Apple Watch SE cost $279, so the new model was $30 cheaper from the start. This step can be called logical, since the Apple Watch Series 3 is finally out of production and disappeared from the official sale.
Apple Watch Series 8 design
It’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 7, as the new smartwatch has the same curved body and thin bezels as seen last year. This screen is 20% larger than the Apple Watch Series 6 and is optimized for features such as the Always-On Display, new watchOS 9 watch faces, and a QWERTY keyboard for messaging.
Apple Watch Series 8 comes in 45mm and 41mm cases.
Owners of the Apple Watch Series 7 will not see the changes, but the new product looks clearly fresh compared to older models. If you’re thinking about upgrading from an Apple Watch Series 5 or Series 4 or Series 3, you’ll surely love the usable amount of screen real estate.
On the side of the Apple Watch Series 8, you’ll find the now-familiar Digital Crown and side button, which are used in conjunction with the touchscreen to navigate the device. Of course, it would be nice to see an action button on the side, like the Apple Watch Ultra, but even without it, the design of the Apple Watch Series 8 remains intuitive.
Apple Watch Series 8 received the following colors: black (midnight), silver (silver), white (starlight) and corporate red (PRODUCT)RED. They don’t have blue or green options. But personalization is easily achieved by choosing one of the many straps available.
Apple Watch Series 8 and skin temperature sensor
One of the most important updates in this model is the body skin temperature sensor.
It directly helps gather information for two areas of Apple’s health suite: sleep tracking and women’s cycle tracking. In terms of sleep, deviations in base night temperature will help you keep track of external factors affecting your regular rest. It could be a tiring ride or a wild late party.
For women trying to conceive, wrist temperature, as well as other cycle tracking information, will help predict ovulation windows. It has already been proven that changes in wrist temperature are accurate indicators of probable ovulation.
On the other hand, if a woman has some problem that affects her normal cycle, then the temperature information from the wrist will allow additional checks for further possible lifestyle adjustments. The divergence of readings by periods gives a signal about the need for treatment. But the calibration of this function will take at least a month.
In terms of privacy, all cycle tracking data is end-to-end encrypted, the user can delete their personal information at any time. The watch gives you control over who you share your health data with. For example, it would be appropriate to provide information about your cycle to a physician assisting a user with infertility.
Apple Watch Series 8 and crash detection
Crash detection is a new feature in the Apple Watch Series 8. Everyone hopes this doesn’t happen to them, but sadly, car accidents do happen. The Apple Watch has had fall detection and emergency SOS for a few years now, but collision detection is a new safety option. It was made possible thanks to the updated motion sensors in the Series 8.
Apple Watch Series 8 features two new motion sensors, as well as improved gyroscope and accelerometer. This whole system allows you to detect sudden unnatural movement 4 times faster than before. So the watch will be able to detect an accident as soon as it occurs. And in such a situation, Apple Watch will automatically call emergency services and notify your emergency contacts. In such situations, you can not hesitate, the sooner help is called, the greater the chance of salvation.
It is also worth noting that the presence of collision detection will inevitably be discussed when comparing the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2 (2022).
Apple Watch Series 8 and battery life in Power Saver Mode
With the release of watchOS 9, all Apple Watches since Series 4 have received a long-awaited feature: Power Saving Mode. Earlier models had a similar function, but it was extremely inconvenient to use it. watchOS 9 borrows a handy setting from the iPhone, now turning off some power-consuming features in this mode. At the same time, the device practically does not change its mode of operation.
It’s easy to turn on Apple Watch Power Saving Mode from Control Center and then get a hint about which features it will affect.
You will temporarily lose the Always-On Display, uninterrupted health sensor, and cellular coverage. Depending on your situation, you can choose to automatically turn off Low Power Mode after 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days.
With normal use, the Apple Watch Series 8 battery lasts 18 hours. In Power Saving Mode, the watch can run up to 36 hours. Normally, Apple Watch users charge their watch every morning, but now, using Low Power Mode even for several hours during the day, the device has a lifespan well over 24 hours.
A typical charging scenario looks the same: a fast charger charges the Series 8 watch from 0 to 100% in about an hour, and 8 minutes of charging in the evening provides 8 hours of sleep tracking. It is also worth noting that the Apple Watch magnetic charger can now be used to charge AirPods Pro 2. So the owners of these two Apple gadgets will be able to optimize their set of cables and chargers.
Main functions of Apple Watch Series 8
- Case 45mm or 41mm;
- Heavy-duty front glass with crack protection;
- Dust proof: IP6X rated;
- Water protection (50 meters);
- Always-on Retina display;
- The ability to measure the level of oxygen in the blood;
- Ability to measure ECG (does not work in all countries);
- Notifications about too low and high heart rate;
- Irregular heart rhythm notifications (not available in all countries);
- Emergency call – SOS;
- Skin temperature sensor;
- Tracking the female cycle with an assessment of ovulation;
- Accident detection function;
- Fall detection function;
- Compass;
- Always on altimeter;
- Fast Charging (Charges up to 33% faster than Apple Watch Series 6 and older watches).
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Outdoor features and safety
While the Apple Watch Series 8 is the latest update to the lineup, the $799 Apple Watch Ultra is unlike any other smartwatch from Apple. It’s the largest and most durable Apple Watch, and also the most durable. There are several differences between the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, including size, design, and features.
From a marketing standpoint, it’s understandable why the Apple Watch Ultra has some features that the Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t. Not everyone needs to go deep diving with their watch, for example. But there’s one Apple Watch Ultra feature I’d like to see in the Series 8, and that’s the siren.
The siren on the Apple Watch Ultra is 86 decibels, made possible by a new speaker system in the larger watch. And even though it’s not as loud, I wish the standard Apple Watch had this useful feature too, with the ability to activate the alarm in case of an emergency. Personal safety is a major concern in the modern city.
But the Apple Watch Series 8 has a redesigned Compass app, just like the Apple Watch Ultra. A new save waypoint tool lets you save the points of interest from your last hike, and a new wayback feature helps you return to the start of a route.
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and many of Garmin’s best watches have similar GPS features, but the Apple Watch Series 8 is now one of the best sports watches for mainstream outdoor activities.
But if you’re truly adventurous, the Apple Watch Ultra still has more to offer.
Conclusion
The body temperature sensor and crash detection make the Apple Watch Series 8 a bit more capable than the Series 7. While the design and watchOS 9 aren’t exclusive to the new model, they do help make the experience truly enjoyable.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is the perfect upgrade for Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, or Series 5 owners, or simply for those who want a modern, full-featured watch. The watch will also be an excellent choice for those who have health problems. Some things the Apple Watch Series 8 can track, such as atrial fibrillation.
We always want something more, but when it comes to iPhone owners, the Apple Watch Series 8 gives users everything they need from a smartwatch. And although the market is only getting more competitive, the Apple Watch continues to set the standard for wearable technology.