Apple’s new Watch Series 8 packs in a few new features but looks just like the previous model. There’s a new processor which promises improved performance, but it’s nothing major considering there were no problems with the previous model to begin with. Should you upgrade to an Apple Watch Series 8 if you already own a Series 7? Find out in our review.
Apple launched a brand new model of its Apple Watch called the ‘Ultra‘ at this year’s ‘Far Out‘ launch event and it has been a major talking point. It’s bigger, chunkier, offers better hardware, and is designed keeping in mind a very special set of users. Another thing that the Apple Watch Ultra managed to do is steal the show from the standard Apple Watch Series 8. The new model does pack a few upgrades over the previous Series 7, but not as much as we were hoping for. Is the new Apple Watch Series 8 worth upgrading to or should you stick (or upgrade) to the Series 7 instead?
The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in two case sizes (41mm and 45mm) and two case finishes (aluminium and stainless steel). Another category you need to keep in mind when choosing an Apple Watch is connectivity. Here, you can choose between the GPS model or the GPS + cellular model.
The Apple Watch Series 8 with the 41mm aluminium case starts from Rs. 45,900 for the GPS model, and Rs. 55,900 for the GPS + cellular model. The Series 8 with the 45mm aluminium case is available at Rs. 48,900 for the GPS model, and at Rs. 58,900 for the GPS + cellular model. The stainless steel models of the Apple Watch Series 8 are only available in GPS + cellular, and are priced upwards of Rs. 74,900 (for the base 41mm case).
The 45mm case Apple Watch Series 8 GPS + cellular in the Midnight finish with the black Sport Band attached
There are a number of colours to choose from and the same can be said about the watch straps which range from simple silicone straps to rugged steel and the premium leather options. I received the Apple Watch Series 8 GPS + cellular model in the Midnight finish with the 45mm aluminium case for this review.
The design of the Apple Watch has barely changed over the years. We got a bigger display with the Apple Watch Series 7 last year and Apple has retained the same display with this year’s model as well. In fact, there are no cosmetic changes between the two watches at all, unless you flip them on their backs and take a closer look at the rear case, which now says ‘Series 8′ instead of ‘Series 7′. Even the older straps from the Series 7 (depending on case size) are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 8.
The quality, and the fit and finish of the new Apple Watch Series 8 remains the same as before, which is to say, is very good. While my watch came with the standard black Sport Band (made of silicone), I used the smartwatch with the Summit White/Black Nike Sport Band instead, which can be purchased separately for Rs. 4,500. Despite its weight of 38.8g, the Series 8 felt quite comfortable to wear while working, exercising, or otherwise, so much so that I even wore it to bed, which is something I don’t usually do with regular watches.
The back of the Apple Watch Series 8 case with the ‚Series 8‘ engraving
The Ion-X glass display on the Apple Watch Series 8 did not get scratched during the review period, and the same can be said about the aluminium case which rubbed against a thick metal chain and survived with no scratches. The more expensive stainless steel model offers better display protection with a sapphire crystal glass display, but is also priced a lot higher.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is water resistant up to a depth of 50 metres and comes with an IP6X rating for dust resistance. In the box, Apple thankfully still bundles the Magnetic Charger, with a USB-C port at the other end.
In terms of specifications, the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with the new S8 SiP or system-in-package and offers 32GB of storage which is used to store synced songs, photos and applications (apart from the watchOS software and respective app caches).
