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

Specs at a Glance

FeatureApple Watch Series 6Apple Watch Series 4
Case MaterialSpace Gray AluminumSpace Black Stainless Steel
DisplayAlways-On Retina LTPO OLEDRetina LTPO OLED (no Always-On)
Display Brightness1000 nits1000 nits
ProcessorS6 SiP with 64-bit dual-coreS4 SiP with 64-bit dual-core
RAM1GB1GB
Storage32GB16GB
Battery LifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours
Fast ChargingYesNo
Wi-Fi2.4GHz and 5GHz2.4GHz only
Bluetooth5.05.0
ECGYesYes
Blood Oxygen SensorYesNo
UWB ChipYes (U1)No
On-device SiriYesNo
Double Tap GestureNoNo
Action ButtonNoNo
MicrophoneYes (updated)Yes
SpeakerLouder speakerStandard 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

CategoryWinner
ProcessorApple Watch Series 6
DisplayApple Watch Series 6
Display SizeApple Watch Series 6
Higher ResolutionApple Watch Series 6
Display BrightnessApple Watch Series 6
Dual Speaker SystemApple Watch Series 6
Internal StorageApple Watch Series 6
Wi-FiApple Watch Series 6
Health & Fitness FeaturesApple Watch Series 6
UWBApple Watch Series 6
On-Device SiriApple Watch Series 6
MicrophoneApple Watch Series 6
LTE ConnectivityApple Watch Series 6
Rugged Case OptionApple Watch Series 6
DesignApple Watch Series 6

What They Have in Common

  • Always-On Retina Display: Both Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 6 have bright OLED Retina displays, making it easy to view notifications, fitness stats, and apps even in sunlight.
  • Fall Detection: Each model includes fall detection, automatically alerting emergency contacts or services if a hard fall is detected, providing peace of mind for users.
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches feature optical heart rate sensors, allowing users to monitor resting and workout heart rates for better fitness and health tracking.
  • ECG App Support: Each watch can record an electrocardiogram directly from the wrist, offering valuable insights into heart health and detecting irregular rhythms.
  • Water Resistance: Both Series 4 and Series 6 are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and water workouts without worry.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

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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