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Apple Watch Series 4 vs Series 6 – Which Should You Buy?

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Apple Watch Series 4 & Series 6 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 6 is a more advanced model with newer sensors, a brighter always-on display, and better connectivity. The Series 4 is more affordable and still provides core fitness tracking. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Processor:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 features the S6 SiP dual-core processor that enables faster app performance and smoother animations.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 uses the older S4 chip, which is slower and lacks support for modern features.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Display:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 includes an Always-On Retina OLED 1.9 inch display that maintains high visibility in all lighting conditions.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 uses a standard 1.7 inch Retina display that turns off when not in use.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Brightness:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness that improves visibility in direct sunlight.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 reaches up to 1000 nits brightness.
Winner:

Tie

 

Operating System:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 supports watchOS 10 and future updates that ensure long-term software compatibility.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 comes with watchOS 5.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Voice Assistant:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 supports on-device Siri that processes commands quickly without internet connection.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 requires an internet connection for Siri to function.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Connectivity:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands to improve wireless performance in modern environments.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 connects over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Health Features:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 includes ECG, Blood Oxygen, and high/low heart rate notifications to support advanced fitness tracking.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 supports ECG but lacks the Blood Oxygen feature.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Speaker & Microphone:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 includes enhanced microphone and speaker that improve call and Siri clarity.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 has standard audio hardware.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Internal Storage:

  • Apple Watch Series 6 includes 32GB of internal storage that enables music downloads, app installs, and podcasts without your phone.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 comes with 16GB of storage.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Charging:
  • Apple Watch Series 6 supports fast charging that reduces wait time when recharging.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 does not support fast charging.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Battery Life:
  • The Apple Watch Series 6 offers 18-hour battery life that supports all-day use with advanced features enabled.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 comes with up to 16 hours of battery life.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6

 

Ultra-Wideband (UWB):
  • Apple Watch Series 6 includes a U1 chip that enables precise spatial awareness and integration with nearby devices.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 does not include a U1 chip.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 6
Check Apple Watch Series 6 Best Price
Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price

Specs at a Glance

Feature Apple Watch Series 6 Apple Watch Series 4
Case Material Space Gray Aluminum Space Black Stainless Steel
Display Always-On Retina LTPO OLED Retina LTPO OLED (no Always-On)
Display Brightness 1000 nits 1000 nits
Processor S6 SiP with 64-bit dual-core S4 SiP with 64-bit dual-core
RAM 1GB 1GB
Storage 32GB 16GB
Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours
Fast Charging Yes No
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz 2.4GHz only
Bluetooth 5.0 5.0
ECG Yes Yes
Blood Oxygen Sensor Yes No
UWB Chip Yes (U1) No
On-device Siri Yes No
Double Tap Gesture No No
Action Button No No
Microphone Yes (updated) Yes
Speaker Louder speaker Standard speaker

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Apple Watch Series 6 if you:

  • Want the Always-On Display for checking the time and stats without raising your wrist.
  • Need fast performance with a newer processor and support for fast charging.
  • Prefer more storage for music, podcasts, and apps.
  • Want advanced health tracking with Blood Oxygen and ECG.
  • Value future-proofing with 5GHz Wi-Fi and Ultra-Wideband chip support.

Check Apple Watch Series 6 Best Price

Buy the Apple Watch Series 4 if you:

  • Prefer a premium stainless steel case with a stylish Milanese Loop band.
  • Are satisfied with core features like ECG, GPS, and cellular support.
  • Do not need the latest sensors or faster charging.
  • Want a more elegant look with slightly more weight and a classic feel.
  • Are getting a better deal or already own compatible accessories.

Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Processor Apple Watch Series 6
Display Apple Watch Series 6
Display Size Apple Watch Series 6
Higher Resolution Apple Watch Series 6
Display Brightness Apple Watch Series 6
Dual Speaker System Apple Watch Series 6
Internal Storage Apple Watch Series 6
Wi-Fi Apple Watch Series 6
Health & Fitness Features Apple Watch Series 6
UWB Apple Watch Series 6
On-Device Siri Apple Watch Series 6
Microphone Apple Watch Series 6
LTE Connectivity Apple Watch Series 6
Rugged Case Option Apple Watch Series 6
Design Apple Watch Series 6

FAQ

Does the Apple Watch Series 6 support Always-On Display?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 features an Always-On Retina display, allowing users to view the time and other key information without raising their wrist.

Is there a difference in case material between the Series 6 and Series 4 models?
Yes, the Series 6 in this comparison has an aluminum case, which is lighter, while the Series 4 features a stainless steel case, which is heavier but more durable.

Can both Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 4 take ECG readings?
Yes, both models include ECG functionality, enabling users to record electrocardiograms directly from the wrist.

Does the Apple Watch Series 6 have a Blood Oxygen sensor?
Yes, the Series 6 includes a Blood Oxygen sensor, while the Series 4 does not support this feature.

Do both watches support cellular connectivity?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 4 in this comparison are GPS + Cellular models, which means they can connect to cellular networks independently of the iPhone.

Is there a difference in onboard storage between Series 6 and Series 4?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 6 includes 32GB of internal storage, while the Series 4 includes only 16GB.

Do both models run the latest version of watchOS?
As of now, both Series 6 and Series 4 support watchOS 10, though the Series 6 is likely to receive updates for a longer period.

Which watch has better charging performance?
The Apple Watch Series 6 supports fast charging and can reach 80 percent in about 45 minutes. The Series 4 does not support fast charging.

Is Ultra-Wideband (UWB) available on either model?
Only the Apple Watch Series 6 includes the U1 Ultra-Wideband chip, which supports precise location features. The Series 4 does not include UWB.

How do the speakers and microphones compare between these models?
The Apple Watch Series 6 has improved speaker and microphone components for clearer audio and voice interactions, while the Series 4 uses older hardware.

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