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Apple Watch Series 8 & Series 4 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 8 is the newer and more advanced model, packed with modern features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and crash detection. 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 8 features the S8 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor that improves app launch speed and system responsiveness.
- Apple Watch Series 4 uses the older S4 chip, which is slower and lacks support for modern features.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Display:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED 1.9 inch display that maintains high visibility in all lighting conditions.
- Apple Watch Series 4 has a standard 1.6 inch Retina OLED display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Brightness:- Apple Watch Series 8 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness that improves visibility in direct sunlight.
- Apple Watch Series 4 reaches up to 1000 nits.
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Operating System:- Apple Watch Series 8 supports watchOS 10 and future updates that ensure long-term software compatibility.
- Apple Watch Series 4 comes with watchOS 5.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Voice Assistant:- Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
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Connectivity:- Apple Watch Series 8 has Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-band Wi-Fi that ensure faster, more reliable wireless performance.
- Apple Watch Series 4 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and single-band Wi-Fi.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Health Features:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes advanced fitness tracking with ECG, Blood Oxygen, and temperature sensors that provide deeper health insights.
- Apple Watch Series 4 provides basic activity and heart rate tracking.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Speaker & Microphone:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes enhanced microphone and speaker components that improve call and Siri clarity.
- Apple Watch Series 4 has a basic microphone and speaker setup.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Internal Storage:- Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
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Charging Speed:- Apple Watch Series 8 supports fast charging that reduces downtime by reaching 80% in about 45 minutes.
- Apple Watch Series 4 does not support fast charging and takes longer to charge fully.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Battery Life:- The Apple Watch Series 8 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 8 |
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Double Tap Gesture:- Apple Watch Series 8 features double tap gesture that enables one-handed control for common actions.
- Apple Watch Series 4 does not support gesture controls.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 4 |
|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina OLED LTPO | Retina OLED (no Always-On) |
| Display Size | 1.9 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Display Brightness | Up to 1000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Processor | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core | S4 SiP with 64-bit dual-core |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB | 16GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Fast Charging | Yes (charges to 80% in ~45 mins) | No |
| Operating System | watchOS 10 (preinstalled) | watchOS 5 (upgradable to watchOS 10) |
| Health Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Skin Temp | ECG only |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No |
| UWB (Ultra Wideband) | Yes | No |
| Siri on-device processing | Yes | No |
| Gesture Control | Supports Double Tap Gesture | Not supported |
| Microphones | Dual mics with beamforming | Single mic |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you:- Want the latest health sensors like blood oxygen and temperature tracking.
- Need crash detection and emergency SOS features for added safety.
- Prefer an always-on display for checking time and stats at a glance.
- Want double the storage and faster performance for apps and music.
- Rely on fast charging and better voice command support via on-device Siri.
Check Apple Watch Series 8 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch Series 4 if you:- Like the sleek black stainless steel case with the Milanese loop.
- Want a functional watch with ECG at a potentially lower price.
- Don’t mind not having the latest sensors and fast charging.
- Use your Apple Watch mainly for basic notifications and fitness tracking.
- Prefer a minimal upgrade from older models with a bigger screen than Series 3.
Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Display | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Display Size | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Higher Resolution | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Display Brightness | Tie |
| Dual Speaker System | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Internal Storage | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Battery Life | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Fast Charging | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Wi-Fi | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Health & Fitness | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| UWB | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Crash Detection | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| On-Device Siri | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Double Tap Gesture | Apple Watch Series 8 |
What They Have in Common
- Always-On Retina Display: Both watches include an OLED Retina display that stays bright and easy to read, making it convenient to check the time and notifications at a glance.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Each model features an optical heart rate sensor, allowing users to track their heart health and monitor resting and workout heart rates.
- Fitness Tracking: Both watches support comprehensive activity tracking, including steps, calories burned, and exercise minutes, helping users stay on top of their fitness goals.
- Water Resistance: Each model is water-resistant up to 50 meters, so they are safe to wear while swimming or showering.
- watchOS Compatibility: Both the Series 4 and Series 8 run on watchOS, giving users access to the same core apps, notifications, and software features for a consistent experience.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have better performance than the Series 4?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 features a newer S8 chip which is faster and more efficient than the S4 chip in the Series 4, leading to smoother app performance and quicker responsiveness.
Is there a difference in display quality between Series 8 and Series 4?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 includes an Always-On Retina LTPO display, while the Series 4 does not support the always-on feature. Both have similar brightness levels, but Series 8 offers higher resolution and a larger screen area.
Can both watches run the latest watchOS version?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 4 are compatible with watchOS 10, but the Series 8 handles it more smoothly due to its newer processor.
Do both watches support ECG monitoring?
Yes, both the Series 8 and Series 4 support ECG monitoring, though the Series 8 includes additional health features like blood oxygen tracking and skin temperature sensing.
Does the Series 8 charge faster than the Series 4?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 supports fast charging and can reach 80% in about 45 minutes, while the Series 4 does not support fast charging.
Is crash detection available on both models?
No, crash detection is only available on the Apple Watch Series 8. The Series 4 does not include this feature.
Do both watches have the same water resistance rating?
Yes, both the Series 8 and Series 4 are water resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and showering.
Does the Series 8 include more storage than the Series 4?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 includes 32GB of internal storage, while the Series 4 only offers 16GB.
Can both watches make calls without being connected to an iPhone?
Yes, both models include GPS + Cellular capability, which allows them to make calls and use apps independently of an iPhone when connected to a cellular network.
Is the Double Tap gesture available on both models?
No, the Double Tap gesture is supported only on the Apple Watch Series 8. The Series 4 does not support this newer control feature.