In the present moment, the primary motivation for selecting the Series 8 over the SE resides in its advanced health-monitoring capabilities. These encompass cutting-edge features like wrist temperature measurements, blood oxygen saturation readings, and the ability to conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG). While it’s essential to underscore that the Apple Watch is not a substitute for medical equipment, individuals keen on amassing comprehensive cardiac and respiratory health data for consultations with medical professionals may discover the Series 8 to be the superior option.
Over time, the advantages of the Series 8 are likely to become more apparent. The novelty of temperature sensing holds potential for unveiling correlations between fluctuations in baseline temperature and daily well-being. Moreover, the Series 8’s inclusion of ultrawideband technology, absent in the SE, may accrue more significance in a future where unlocking vehicles with smartphones or watches becomes as routine as employing Apple Pay at checkout counters.
Expanded Screen with Persistent Display
An attribute sorely missed when using the Apple Watch SE is the always-on display, a feature present in the Series 8 and other flagship Apple Watches since 2019. Devoid of this feature, the SE’s screen transforms into a blank void on the wrist, a less aesthetically pleasing experience. Contrariwise, with the Series 8 (or Series 5, 6, or 7), the user can effortlessly view their watch face without raising the wrist or interacting with the watch. Admittedly, the always-on display alone may not warrant the additional $150 cost unless the supplementary health features of the Series 8 hold appeal. Nevertheless, standardizing the always-on display across all Apple Watches seems a logical progression.
Additionally, the Series 8 boasts a larger display and is available in 41- and 45-millimeter case sizes, in contrast to the 40 or 44mm dimensions of the SE. The increased screen real estate proves advantageous, particularly for those who favor larger text sizes. Furthermore, the Series 8 introduces a QWERTY keyboard for rapid text message responses, a feature that enhances communication efficiency.
Enhanced Health Tracking Capabilities
Apple’s flagship watches, exemplified by the Series 8, have matured into comprehensive health tracking instruments. These devices can now execute ECGs and monitor blood oxygen levels. Notably, the Series 8 and Ultra models incorporate temperature sensors, facilitating overnight wrist temperature monitoring to detect deviations from one’s baseline. This data can potentially serve as an indicator of overall body temperature, highlighting fluctuations possibly triggered by illness, jet lag, or physical activity.
- Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that the Apple Watch is not a medical device and cannot diagnose illnesses. Consequently, interpreting temperature data remains a challenge for users. Despite wearing the Series 8 consistently, deriving actionable insights from this information remains elusive. Nonetheless, wrist temperature offers intriguing possibilities, and future enhancements may render it more valuable;
- One prospective application for temperature sensing is fertility tracking. The Series 8 and Ultra can provide retrospective ovulation estimates and enhanced period tracking, catering to individuals interested in family planning.
While the Apple Watch Series 8 introduces several innovative health-tracking features, it remains imperative to emphasize its non-medical nature. Its utility lies in complementing existing healthcare practices and fostering a more comprehensive understanding of one’s well-being.
Additional Features: Speedy Charging and Ultrawideband
The Series 8, beyond its health-centric features, boasts some noteworthy extras that set it apart from the SE. For instance, the Series 8 excels in rapid charging, inheriting this capability from the Series 6 and 7. A real-world test demonstrated its ability to surge from 70% to 80% battery in a mere 10 minutes, whereas the SE managed a lesser 70% to 77% during the same interval, employing identical charging equipment and conditions. Both watches incorporate Apple’s low power mode, conserving energy by curtailing specific functions like automatic workout detection.
In addition to swift charging, the Series 8, akin to its predecessors, integrates Apple’s U1 ultrawideband chip. This technology, prominent in contemporary flagship smartphones and smartwatches, serves proximity sensing purposes. It’s primarily employed for locating misplaced items via Apple’s Find My service and for unlocking vehicles with enhanced precision compared to Bluetooth.
For those with ultra wideband-compatible cars, the watch can unlock the vehicle as one approaches. Ultrawideband, regarded as more secure and precise than Bluetooth in key-based functions, presents a valuable perk, though not yet a universal necessity.
Aesthetics and Personalization
While functionality and features are paramount, aesthetics and personalization also play a significant role in choosing the right Apple Watch for you. The Series 8 and SE offer various finishes, bands, and watch faces to cater to individual style preferences.
- The Series 8 introduces new case finishes, including titanium and ceramic, in addition to the familiar aluminum and stainless steel options. These premium materials not only enhance the watch’s durability but also provide a more luxurious look and feel. The ceramic model, in particular, exudes a sense of exclusivity;
- For those who enjoy customizing their watch bands, both the Series 8 and SE support a wide range of bands, from sporty to formal. Apple’s band ecosystem continues to expand, offering endless possibilities for personalization.
Moreover, the Series 8 benefits from exclusive watch faces designed to take advantage of its larger display. These faces can showcase more complications, providing at-a-glance access to important information like activity progress, weather, and upcoming events. If having a visually appealing and informative watch face is essential to you, the Series 8’s expanded screen may be a compelling factor.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
In recent years, Apple has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. This commitment extends to the design and manufacturing of its products, including the Apple Watch.
The Series 8 incorporates recycled materials in its construction, contributing to Apple’s goal of minimizing its carbon footprint. The packaging for the Series 8 is also more eco-friendly, featuring a smaller and more compact design to reduce waste.
Additionally, both the Series 8 and the SE benefit from Apple’s recycling and trade-in programs. These initiatives encourage users to recycle their old devices responsibly and offer trade-in credits towards the purchase of a new Apple Watch. Choosing a sustainable and environmentally conscious product like the Series 8 aligns with these values.
Connectivity and Cellular Options
Both the Series 8 and the SE offer cellular connectivity options, allowing you to stay connected even when your iPhone is out of reach. Cellular capabilities enable features like making calls, sending messages, streaming music, and accessing data on the go.
However, the Series 8 may have an advantage when it comes to future-proofing your connectivity needs. As mobile networks continue to evolve, having the latest cellular technology in your smartwatch can ensure a smoother and more reliable experience. The Series 8 supports 5G connectivity, which offers faster data speeds and lower latency compared to older cellular technologies.
While 5G coverage may not be widespread in all regions at the moment, it’s an investment in the future. Over time, 5G networks are expected to become more prevalent, making the Series 8 a more future-ready option for users who want to stay at the cutting edge of connectivity.
Battery Life and Power Efficiency
Battery life is a crucial consideration for any smartwatch user. Both the Series 8 and the SE are designed to provide all-day battery life under typical usage conditions. However, there are nuances to consider.
The Series 8’s larger display and additional sensors can impact battery life, especially when using advanced health monitoring features. Users who frequently engage in workouts, sleep tracking, or continuous heart rate monitoring may find that the Series 8’s battery drains faster than the SE’s. Conversely, the SE, with its smaller screen and fewer sensors, may offer slightly longer battery life in certain scenarios. If battery longevity is a top priority for you, and you don’t require the advanced health features of the Series 8, the SE might be the more practical choice.
Fitness and Wellness Tracking
One of the central functions of any smartwatch is fitness and wellness tracking, and both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch SE excel in this department. However, the Series 8 brings a few additional features that fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals may find particularly appealing.
- The Series 8 introduces improved workout tracking capabilities, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors. It can accurately track a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to swimming and yoga. Its built-in GPS and altimeter provide precise data on distance, elevation, and route mapping, making it an excellent companion for outdoor activities. This level of accuracy is a significant improvement over the SE, which also offers GPS tracking but may not be as precise;
- For swimmers, the Series 8’s water resistance allows it to be worn while swimming in pools or open water. It can track laps, distance, and stroke type, providing valuable insights for those looking to improve their swimming technique or fitness;
- The Series 8 also incorporates an always-on altimeter, which is a boon for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re climbing a mountain or exploring a new trail, the watch can provide real-time elevation data, helping you better understand your ascent and descent.
Furthermore, the Series 8’s enhanced heart rate monitoring capabilities are noteworthy. It can not only measure your heart rate during workouts but also perform background heart rate checks throughout the day. This feature can help identify irregular heart rhythms and potential health concerns, providing users with valuable information to discuss with healthcare professionals.
Sleep Tracking and Sleep Quality
Sleep is a crucial component of overall well-being, and both the Series 8 and the SE offer sleep tracking features. However, the Series 8’s advanced sensors and capabilities may provide a more comprehensive understanding of your sleep patterns.
- The Series 8’s temperature sensor can play a significant role in sleep tracking. It can monitor your wrist’s temperature throughout the night, helping to detect fluctuations that may indicate changes in your sleep quality. For example, a rise in temperature might be linked to increased restlessness or night sweats, which could affect the quality of your sleep;
- In addition to temperature monitoring, the Series 8 employs its accelerometer and gyroscope to analyze your movements during sleep. This data can be used to determine when you’re in different sleep stages, such as light, deep, or REM sleep. Understanding your sleep cycles can help you make adjustments to improve your sleep quality over time.
The SE, while capable of tracking sleep, lacks the temperature sensor and may not provide the same level of insight into sleep-related changes. If you’re particularly interested in optimizing your sleep habits, the Series 8’s additional sensors may be a valuable asset.
ECG and Blood Oxygen Monitoring
One of the standout features of the Series 8 is its ability to perform electrocardiograms (ECGs) and monitor blood oxygen levels. These capabilities can be especially important for individuals with underlying health conditions or those who want to keep a close eye on their cardiac and respiratory health.
The ECG feature on the Series 8 allows users to take on-demand ECG readings by simply touching the watch’s digital crown. This can be immensely valuable for detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib) or other irregular heart rhythms. It’s worth noting that the Series 8 received FDA clearance for its ECG feature, underlining its accuracy and reliability.
Integration with Health Ecosystem
Another advantage of the Series 8 is its seamless integration with Apple’s broader health and wellness ecosystem. The watch can sync data with the Health app on your iPhone, creating a comprehensive health profile. This data can include everything from daily step counts and workout history to heart rate trends and sleep patterns.
This integration extends to other health-related apps and services available on the Apple platform. For example, the Series 8 can work in tandem with third-party health apps and devices, allowing you to consolidate all your health data in one place. If you’re already committed to the Apple ecosystem, with devices like an iPhone and iPad, the Series 8 becomes an even more attractive choice for maintaining your health and wellness.
Future-Proofing and Software Updates
Investing in a smartwatch is not just about its current capabilities but also its potential for future enhancements. Apple has a strong track record of providing software updates for its devices, including the Apple Watch. When you choose a Series 8, you’re likely to benefit from ongoing updates and improvements that enhance its functionality and performance.
The Series 8, being a more recent release, is expected to receive support for a more extended period compared to the SE. This means you can enjoy the latest watchOS updates, security patches, and new features for an extended period, ensuring your investment remains relevant and up-to-date.
Pricing Considerations
While the Apple Watch Series 8 offers a compelling array of features and capabilities, it’s important to consider the pricing factor. The Series 8 comes with a higher price tag compared to the SE. The decision between the two models should also take into account your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in a smartwatch.
For some users, the additional features and advanced health monitoring capabilities of the Series 8 may justify the higher cost. However, if you’re primarily looking for a capable smartwatch that covers the essentials without breaking the bank, the Apple Watch SE offers excellent value for money.
Final Verdict
When assessing the Apple Watch Series 8 against the SE, both share fundamental features and functionality. They excel in workout tracking, delivering iPhone notifications, issuing heart rate alerts (high and low), and identifying irregular heart rhythms. Moreover, they offer safety features like emergency SOS, fall detection, and the exclusive car crash detection found in Apple’s 2022 smartwatches. The upcoming Compass app, equipped with a novel feature for retracing steps, is set to debut on both watches, alongside the Series 7, Series 6, and the initial-generation SE.
- For users who favor Apple Pay and syncing their Apple Watch with gym equipment via GymKit, either the new SE or Series 8 suffices. They share the same processor, support low power mode, and operate on Apple’s WatchOS 9 update;
- Nonetheless, the distinction hinges primarily on health tracking. By opting for the SE, one foregoes the Apple Watch’s ECG app, blood oxygen sensing, and the novel temperature sensor. The necessity of these features hinges on individual smartwatch aspirations – whether the aim is primarily workout tracking or the pursuit of comprehensive health metrics for consultation with a medical practitioner.
In conclusion, the Series 8 demonstrates promise for evolving into a more potent tool with time, particularly as the temperature sensor undergoes further testing. Ultrawideband, too, holds potential for future utility in the era of mobile device-driven digital keys. However, for now, it’s the amalgamation of these facets, rather than any single one, that should guide the decision.
In this article:
- Expanded Screen with Persistent Display;
- Enhanced Health Tracking Capabilities;
- Additional Features: Speedy Charging and Ultrawideband;
- Aesthetics and Personalization;
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact;
- Connectivity and Cellular Options;
- Battery Life and Power Efficiency;
- Fitness and Wellness Tracking;
- Sleep Tracking and Sleep Quality;
- ECG and Blood Oxygen Monitoring;
- Integration with Health Ecosystem;
- Future-Proofing and Software Updates;
- Pricing Considerations.