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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 |
FAQ
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.