Hot on the heels of the embargo for reviews of the iPhone 14 lineup, we’re now seeing reviews published for another product announced at Apple’s Far Out event. While the Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch SE didn’t steal the show, these are the latest smartwatches that most people will gravitate towards. But the following reviews give us a better idea as to whether you should actually upgrade, or if watchOS 9 brings enough to your “old” Apple Watch.
“Listen, the Series 8 doesn’t revolutionize the Apple Watch as we know it, but it doesn’t have to. Part of the reason why Apple can get away with year after year of incremental updates is because it is light-years ahead of its rivals for iOS users. We’re seeing more competition sprout up among Android smartwatches, but if the forthcoming Pixel Watch and Wear OS Samsung watches are any indication, wearable ecosystems will remain siloed for the foreseeable future. When it comes to smartwatches, Apple has a winning formula. And until someone comes up with another smartwatch that iPhone owners actually want, it has no reason to fix what isn’t broken”
“What’s not up for debate, however, is that the company has built an impressive array of features, generation by generation. Getting back to the question that kicked off this 3,000-word review, the answer is seemingly simple for Apple: you make the product better one step at a time. That involves accepting that not every update is going to be a game changer, while being deliberate about things like health, which require getting things exactly right. Dropping a notification here and there is one thing, but you really don’t want to screw around with people’s wellness.”
“Those with an Apple Watch that already features an always-on display can likely still hold onto their smartwatch and wait for the inevitable redesign. With all of that said, even though the Series 8 isn’t much of an upgrade over the Series 7, it remains a solid smartwatch.”
“So, which watch is best? It depends. If you have a Series 4 or newer, start by upgrading to WatchOS 9. If you’re ready to spend, just remember: The more you pay, the more sensors you get. If you want more health data, but aren’t interested in crash detection or temperature tracking, check out last year’s Series 7. Retailers are offering discounts on it, and Apple is selling refurbished models for up to $100 off.”
“If you don’t think you need all the bells and whistles but you do want a new device, this year’s second-gen Apple Watch SE is right there for you. You won’t get the top line health features (blood oxygen and ECG) or the Always-On screen, but you’ll still get a fast new device that runs watchOS9 like a dream—starting at $150 less for the base model.
If you have an Apple Watch that’s only one or two years old, however, you might want to sit this release out (or wait for the super-powered Ultra if its adventure specs are more appealing to you). Just make sure to install watchOS9 on your current device, and you’ll have access to all of the fitness tracking and navigation features that make it one of the most exciting software updates in recent memory.”
“The Apple Watch Series 8 gets a skin temperature reader, low power mode and crash detection to make the best smartwatch around a tick better. But the design and watchOS 9 are what really make Series 8 shine.”
“Compared to the last Watch SE, this year’s model features a larger screen and the new SiP and sensors that I mentioned earlier. If you’re considering upgrading from that model, the new SE will certainly feel fresh. If you’re choosing between a new SE and a Series 8, though, it’s less a question of what you can live without and more of how much spare cash you have. Those who don’t mind spending $150 more can buy the Series 8 for the assurance of having every feature Apple offers. Otherwise, most people will be satisfied with what the new Watch SE delivers for the money.”
“It’s great as an entry-level Apple Watch but also if you’ve been hanging on to a Series 0, 1, 2, or 3 it’s an excellent upgrade. One that improves on nearly everything, from performance to display size and activity tracking. If you already have an Apple Watch with an Always-On display, I’d recommend looking at the Series 8, Ultra, as well as a Series 6 or Series 7 if you can still get one.
In its second-generation Apple cut the price, updated the design, and tossed in a new processor. Not a bad upgrade at all, but critically it still makes the Apple Watch SE an unbeatable value.”
“The Apple Watch SE is the best choice for those who just want a smartwatch for receiving iPhone notifications on their wrist, tracking workouts and sleep and using features like Apple Pay. The Apple Watch SE feels like a general purpose smartwatch and fitness tracker, while flagship watches like the Series 8 are moving in a more health-centric direction.”
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
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