Apple Watch Buyer’s Guide: Should You Upgrade to Series 8?

The Apple Watch Series 8 continues Apple’s pattern of iterative, rather than revolutionary, updates to its smartwatch lineup. With only minor enhancements over last year’s Series 7, is the latest model worth upgrading to? To help buyers make the right decision for their needs and budget, let’s compare the Series 8 to previous generations and highlight which new features matter most.

Unboxing the Apple Watch Series 8

While not the most environmentally friendly, Apple’s product packaging has always emphasized premium quality. But in recent years, even the unboxing experience has been dialed back.

The Series 8 comes in a thin white box with basic branding. Inside you’ll find:

• The watch itself in a cardboard sleeve
• A compact instruction manual
• Safety/regulatory info
• The magnetic charging cable

That’s it – no Apple stickers or extraneous accessories. The process is straightforward but lacks excitement. The packaging conveys functionality over emotion.

Headline Upgrades on Series 8

Apple markets two main enhancements on the Series 8 compared to last year’s model:

Temperature Sensor for Women’s Health

During sleep, a minute sensor under the display tracks basal body temperature. This enables cycle tracking and retrospective ovulation estimates to aid family planning.

Crash Detection

A new three-axis gyroscope and g-force accelerometer can identify severe car crashes. The watch alerts emergency services if you’re unresponsive after an accident.

These health and safety capabilities build on the Apple Watch’s expanding focus as a personal guardian beyond just fitness. But the changes may not compel upgrades on their own.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8

The Apple Watch SE occupies the entry-level spot in Apple’s lineup. Here’s how it stacks up against the Series 8:

Apple Watch SE 2

• Identical design to Series 8
• S8 chip (same as Series 8)
• Crash detection
• Starting price: $249

Downsides vs Series 8

• No temperature sensor
• No always-on display
• No ECG app
• No blood oxygen app

Due to the stripped down feature set, I only recommend the SE for extremely budget-conscious buyers. You lose a lot of core Apple Watch capabilities to save $120.

Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum

The Apple Watch Series 8 comes in two case materials:

Aluminum

• $399 starting price
• Sporty, casual look
• Many color options
• Can feel “cheap” to some

Stainless Steel

• $699 starting price
• Premium jewelry-like look
• Limited colors (silver, graphite, gold)
• Sapphire crystal display

Stainless steel models are for fashion-focused buyers who want a watch to complement business or formal attire. Most buyers are better served by the far more affordable and versatile aluminum models.

Which Size Apple Watch to Get

All Apple Watch models are available in two case sizes:

41mm

• Better suited for smaller wrists
• Compact, lightweight
• Enough screen real estate for most

45mm

• Ideal for larger wrists
• More prominent on the wrist
• Marginally larger display

Try both sizes on in person to find the right fit based on your wrist size and style preferences. Most buyers can safely get the 41mm unless you have very large wrists.

Which Cellular Plan Do You Need?

Cellular Apple Watch models allow using certain features without your iPhone nearby:

Require iPhone

• Messages
• Phone calls
• Streaming music
• Third-party apps

Cellular Standalone Usage

• Emergency calls/texts
• Walkie talkie
• Apple maps
• Siri access

Due to the limitations, I don’t recommend cellular Apple Watches for most buyers. But they can provide peace of mind for runners, hikers and athletes who frequently leave their phone behind.

An additional $10/month is charged by carriers to add your Apple Watch to a phone plan.

Closing Recommendations

To wrap up this extensive buyer’s guide, here are my top recommendations on whether to upgrade your Apple Watch to Series 8:

Upgrade from Series 4 or Older: Absolutely – you’ll get a massive upgrade including game-changing additions like the always-on display.

Upgrade from Series 5 or SE: Worth considering for crash detection safety capabilities and women’s health features.

Upgrade from Series 6: Optional for incremental enhancements. I would wait for a future model.

Upgrade from Series 7: Almost certainly not worth it. Virtually identical to Series 8.

Hopefully this detailed comparison gives you clarity on the right Apple Watch model to meet your budget and needs! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.