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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.