The Apple Watch lineup has a new addition, the Apple Watch 8. Its immediate predecessor, Apple Watch 7, is probably getting phased out by Apple to ensure that the latest release brings the attention it deserves from customers. This discontinuation does not mean that the Series 7 watches are no longer available on the market. However, the prices are dropping, and they may become scarce in a few years.
The question anyone having the Apple 7 Watch or planning to get an Apple Watch for the first time will probably ask is, “Should I get the latest series or go for the more affordable Apple Watch 7?”
Answering this question requires an analysis of the similarities and differences between the two products. Perhaps we should first highlight the differences between the two in a table.
Differences
| S/N | Apple Watch 8 | Apple Watch 7 |
| 1 | Four sensors (Optical heart, electrical heart, blood oxygen & body temperature sensors) | Three sensors (Optical heart, electrical heart, & blood oxygen) |
| 2 | S8 Chip (CPU the same as S7) | S7 Chip |
| 3 | Crash detection present | No Crash Detection feature |
| 4 | Cycle Tracking using ovulation estimates | Retrospective ovulation calculation absent |
Similarities
Both Apple smartwatches share the following critical features that most users cherish.
- Case sizes (41mm & 45mm)
- ECG app
- Fall detection
- Similar starting price
Save for these few differences; it is challenging to recommend an upgrade to an S7 user. The features are similar, and I will walk you through them to check them out.
Design, Finishes, & Color Options
It isn’t easy to spot any difference in the look and design of both Apple Smartwatches. Both products come in two models of the exact sizes, which are 41mm and 45mm for their case sizes, and have the same weight. Therefore, from physical inspection alone, there is no difference, and even the few upgrades in the S8 version do not significantly impact its weight.
The only significant difference in finishing is the options available. For S8, only stainless steel and aluminum options are available. However, users can use three options for its predecessor: aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. The S7 series has more colors from its aluminum model, and users can choose from five options: Starlink, green, red, blue, and midnight. The S8 series do not have blue and green color options for its aluminum model.
Battery Life
The new Low Power Mode feature in the S8 series promises a power elongation of up to 36 hours, subject to the level of use. Of course, this is admirable, and it can be a motivation to choose the new release. However, the feature comes as part of the WatcOS 9 software update, which previous models beginning from S4 can benefit from by updating their OS. So, if an S7 user wants this Low Power Mode option, they only have to upgrade to watchOS 9.
The Low Power Mode feature conserves battery by limiting specific sensors like workout autostart, Always-On Retina Display, and several other power-consuming features. This mode gets activated when your smartwatch battery level becomes low.
Processor Speed
The new Apple Watch 8 operates with an S8 chip, which many adjudge as 20% faster than the S7 chip present in Apple Watch 7. This speed difference means that S8 users can quickly perform specific tasks more than S7 users. Nevertheless, the difference will be unnoticeable to light users.
Temperature Sensing
This feature is only available on the S8 series and can detect as small as 0.10C body temperature change. While sleeping, using this feature, the watch takes users’ body temperature through their wrists every five seconds. And for temperature-detected illnesses, this can be an early diagnostic help. Women can also utilize this temperature sensor to determine the start of their ovulation.
Crash Detection
Only the S8 series have this feature, which Apple debuted in its iPhone 14 Pro models. Apple Watch 8 can detect if you’ve just had an auto accident using its three-axis gyroscope and G-Force accelerometer. Beyond crash detection, the various sensors embedded in this upgrade can know how severe the crash is.
When it concludes that the accident is severe, the smartwatch dials 911 and notifies the emergency worker of the owner’s location. It also tells the emergency contacts on your phone of the crash after the expiration of 10 seconds. It allows the victim to respond to the notification promptings on the screen.
Prices
Only the entry-level cellular option of the S8 is $50 more expensive than the S7, and the prices of other options are the same. So, with no significant price difference, it is more difficult to conclude that an upgrade is necessary.
Apple Watch 8 Vs. Apple Watch 7: Should You Upgrade?
For you to consider an upgrade, it means that you are already an Apple smartwatch user. If you currently have the Apple Watch 7 and are not a female, an upgrade may not be worth it, especially if you have the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max. The only feature you may miss out on is the crash detection sensor. Save for that; you won’t notice any significant difference between the two Apple Smartwatches because they are of similar weight, size, design, and material.
However, if you are just joining the league of Apple Smartwatch users, opting for the latest, Apple Watch 8, is preferable. That way, you ensure you aren’t missing out on any Apple Smartwatch feature. But for anyone trying to save some cash and still not lose much on features, Apple Watch 7 is the best option. That is primarily because the price is falling in many places; after all, Apple has stopped producing it.
Bottom Line
Apple Watch 8 is a slight upgrade to its predecessor. All the features on the S7 are available on the S8, and both watches are the same functionally. However, the crash and temperature sensors, which have significant health and safety implications, can attract women and new users. Existing S7 user can update their OS to enjoy other features like the Low Power Mode for longer battery life.
