Apple Watch Series 8 in the test: temperature sensor and power-saving mode in practice

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The Apple Watch Series 8 introduces accident detection and a temperature sensor, while a new design is reserved for the Watch Ultra. watchOS 9 also brings many innovations that make the Apple Watch better. In the test, it convinces again for almost all iPhone users.

Table of contents

  1. The innovations of the Apple Watch Series 8
    1. Two new temperature sensors
    2. Apple Watch 8 detects car accidents
    3. New power saving mode for longer battery life
  2. New features through watchOS 9
    1. More details on training
    2. Sleep monitoring and medication
    3. Atrial fibrillation history
    4. New compass with backtrack
    5. New watch faces
    6. International roaming for the watch
  3. More details of the Apple Watch 8
    1. ECG, blood oxygen levels and respiratory rate
    2. Case and Display unchanged
    3. S8 SiP, 32 GB, W3, U1, BT 5.0 and WLAN
  4. The Apple Watch models in comparison
      < li>Family configuration for children
  5. Sensors and vital signs
    1. Heart rate and blood oxygen measurement
    2. Reliable step counting
  6. Conclusion
    1. There is no alternative for the iPhone
    2. Two exclusive innovations, a power-saving mode
    3. Good improvements for training
    4. Who should use the Upgrade Watch 8?

The new Apple Watch Series 8 has temperature measurement for the first time and detects car accidents. In addition, the manufacturer has presented many other innovations, some of which are linked to watchOS 9 and are therefore not exclusive to the new smartwatch. This test, in which the Apple Watch Series 8 GPS + Cellular with 45 mm strong aluminum case in midnight color with sport band. The recommended retail price for this model is 659 euros.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is available from 499 euros as a GPS version with 41 mm and aluminum housing (from 539 euros with 45 mm), the LTE model is estimated from 619 euros (from 659 euros for the 45 mm Variant). In aluminum it is available in the four colors Polarstern, Midnight, Silver and (Product)Red, the stainless steel version is available in the three colors Silver, Gold and Graphite.

Apple Watch Series 8< /figure>

Apple Watch Series 8: The Activity Rings
Apple Watch Series 8: Many apps directly on the smartwatch
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8

The new items the Apple Watch Series 8

Two new temperature sensors

In contrast to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 8 has two temperature sensors that are intended to help women in particular with cycle tracking by allowing the Apple Watch to determine ovulation during the cycle based on body temperature changes and thus predict it after a learning phase. Apple installs a temperature sensor on the back of the watch and one on the top directly under the display. This combination is intended to improve the measurement accuracy by taking external influences into account during the measurement.

The skin temperature is only measured at night and only when the “Sleep” focus is activated. A manual measurement of the skin temperature is not possible. Apple justifies this restriction with the fact that measuring the skin temperature on the wrist does not allow unrestricted conclusions about the body temperature, but is primarily suitable as an indicator for a temperature change. The measurement is limited to the night, as the blood vessels dilate at night and more blood flows to the extremities.

For these reasons, Apple doesn't display the actually measured temperature prominently in the Health app at first glance, but shows the average deviation from this averaged temperature after determining an initial state. If desired, the wearer can also display the measured surface temperature via “Show all data” in the relevant skin temperature section in the Health app. The “Wrist Temperature” displayed is then the Apple Watch 8's estimate of the temperature, based on factors such as the ambient temperature measured by the top sensor.

Five nights for initial calibration

In order to be able to view data from the temperature sensor at all, the initial state, the so-called baseline, must first be defined. This is done by wearing the Apple Watch 8 for at least five nights at a time with the Sleep focus enabled. Until these five nights have been completed, the health app only indicates that further data must be collected. At night, the Apple Watch 8 measures the skin temperature every five seconds, whereby the sensor can detect a deviation of 0.1 °C. Once the initial calibration is complete, you can see how the skin temperature deviates from this mean value every day. The collection of this data worked reliably in the test.

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Apple Watch 8 wrist temperature in Health app

It is noticeable that the Watch 8 strictly adheres to the set focus “Sleep” in order to record the measured values. For example, if this focus is activated until 6 a.m., but you sleep until 9 a.m., the temperature measurement will still be stopped at 6 a.m. and the data will be stored in Health. An automatic sleep detection is not used for starting and ending the measurements.

The temperature measurement thus serves as an indicator of the general well-being of the wearer. The test has shown that the temperature always fluctuates slightly around the base line, but shows the clearest outlier of all measurements at +0.74 °C during the night after a vaccination. A thoroughly comprehensible result that underpins the otherwise difficult to assess meaningfulness of the measurements.

Apple Watch 8: Measured temperature increase after vaccination

Ovulation determination for women

The benefits of temperature measurement for women are much more extensive. Because Apple allows the menstrual cycle to be tracked based on the recorded readings, which can be used to subsequently estimate when the wearer of the smartwatch ovulated. This backward-looking data can then be used to make predictions for the future. However, as is always the case with such functions and apps, Apple points out that the Watch Series 8 is not a contraceptive aid. Before women can see ovulation data for the first time, the Apple Watch 8 must be worn for two menstrual cycles. If it is not worn for a night, however, the calibration does not stop and does not have to be run through from the beginning, but the smartwatch has to be worn seven out of twelve nights for the cycle tracking to work.

Apple Watch Series 8: Cycle Log

As with most cycle tracking apps, the Health app allows you to manually track which days of your cycle you've had intercourse to better estimate the likelihood of a resulting pregnancy. The cycle log can also be opened directly on the Watch 8 as it is installed on it as a separate app. The Apple Watch and the iPhone also give the user information if an irregular cycle occurs.

Apple does not link the display of the cycle in the health app to the selected one gender when setting up the Apple Watch, but leaves the feature open to everyone, no matter what gender they feel they belong to.

More future use uncertain

The limited use of the temperature sensor, especially for men, is reminiscent of the early days of sleep tracking on the Apple Watch. Apple initially released the function without deep insights into sleep phases, which was then initially taken over by third-party apps before Apple itself significantly expanded the function and displayed much more information than at the start. It remains to be seen whether the group will use the temperature sensor for other functions in the future. There are currently no signs of this.

Apple Watch 8 detects car accidents

The second major innovation, which is also only available on the new Watch 8, the Watch SE (2022) and the new Watch Ultra, is automatic accident detection. In addition to fall detection and the ability to call 911 from the watch, the Apple Watch 8 also detects car accidents and automatically dials 911 if the user doesn't respond. The user can cancel this automatic emergency call via the watch. The Apple Watch Series 8 uses the gyroscope and an accelerometer that supports up to 265 G. In addition, data from the barometer, GPS and microphone of the connected iPhone is used to identify typical accident patterns. The smartwatch detects accidents from the side, from the front, from behind and also rollovers with the car. Apple says it has put a tremendous amount of effort into fine-tuning the algorithm by collecting data from countless simulated accidents. While the LTE version of Apple Watch 8 can use built-in cellular for emergency calls, the GPS version relies on a nearby iPhone or Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi calling enabled.

Apple Watch Series 8 (Image: Apple)

In the test, the accident detection never triggered incorrectly. You don't have to worry that the emergency call will be dialed unintentionally. In addition, it could not be triggered by abrupt braking, but was triggered incorrectly. In the best case, it is never used. With the new iPhone 14, which also offers accident detection, the function has already been successfully tested independently with simulated accidents.

The Watch 7 does not receive accident detection with watchOS 9, since it does not have all the sensors that are necessary for this. It also offers the mentioned fall detection and the option to call the emergency number manually via the smartwatch.

New power-saving mode for longer battery life

According to Apple, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers a battery life of up to 18 hours. In the test, this value was exceeded with around 24 hours of normal use. However, if the Watch 8 is used more frequently during the day, especially with GPS, a lot of data transfer and a Bluetooth connection to headphones, the battery can run out much earlier, so that it has to be charged in the evening.

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Apple Watch Series 8: Much more battery life with the battery saving mode

What is new, however, is a power-saving mode that Apple wants to use to significantly extend the battery life. This is not to be confused with the power reserve that Apple had already introduced when the battery level of an Apple Watch is very low. In the power reserve, however, the smartwatch is not good for much more than displaying the time – unlike the new power-saving mode. If the latter is activated via the settings on the Apple Watch, the Series 8 should last up to 36 hours, i.e. twice as long. This is achieved by turning off the always-on display, cellular and Wi-Fi connections, as well as automatic heart rate detection in the background, automatic exercise recognition and blood oxygen saturation measurement in the power saving mode. A small yellow circle on the display indicates that battery saver mode is activated. When the battery level drops below 10 percent, the watch will notify users whether to turn on battery saver mode. If the watch is charged later, the power saving mode is automatically deactivated when the battery is 80 percent charged. However, the power saving mode is not an exclusive function for the Apple Watch models of this model year, but will also come to older devices from the Apple Watch Series 4 via watchOS 9. With additional options that reduce the query intervals from GPS and heart rate during training, Apple plans to further increase battery life in low power mode via a future software update.

62 hours of battery life in low power mode

In the test, the battery life actually increases noticeably when the power-saving mode is activated. The 36 hours stated by Apple are exceeded by far. The battery of the Apple Watch Series 8 with the power saving mode activated was only empty after 62 hours, with the watch being worn continuously at night and used for 30 minutes of training with heart rate and GPS recording. Incidentally, the temperature measurement at night is not switched off by activating the power-saving mode.

On the one hand, the power-saving mode is an admission that the battery life of the Apple Watch is not its best discipline, because the new generation also has to be charged every day. On the other hand, when you can't charge the watch, it's a welcome feature to extend battery life.

And so the power saving mode is one of the highlights, even if you shouldn't activate it permanently, since there is no warning when your heart rate is high or low. Being able to wear the Apple Watch Series 8 for two and a half days in normal everyday life without having to charge it is indeed a huge improvement that is easy to get used to. The deactivation of the always-on display and the actually somewhat delayed notifications on the watch due to the power-saving mode are less disruptive in everyday life than previously feared. The only annoying thing about calls is that the smartwatch doesn't signal them immediately when the power-saving mode is activated.

However, the positive effect of the power saving mode depends heavily on how much you actively use the Apple Watch when it is active. Long workouts with battery saver mode and GPS turned on, frequent activation of the display, and listening to music on the watch itself are factors that significantly reduce the usefulness, so that you actually end up back at 36 hours or even less. So it depends very much on the activity on the day and the usage how much you benefit from it – but you benefit in any case.

Innovations with watchOS 9

In addition to the power-saving mode, watchOS 9 introduces other innovations that, depending on the model, are sometimes already available from the Apple Watch Series 4, since they too new watchOS still supported.

More details during training

watchOS 9 also delivers major innovations in the areas of sports and health. The training app has been revised and now shows the user more information. When running, information such as stride length or ground contact information is displayed. Also new are the support for heart rate zones and the option to create interval workouts, for example to be notified if a measured value is exceeded or not reached. The new information is a helpful addition, especially since Apple visualizes the heart rate zones well on the display and they can also be recorded immediately during training. Depending on the training, the start is recognized automatically or can be started manually on the watch by selecting the appropriate sport.

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Apple Watch Series 8: new heart rate zones for training

The Apple Watch 8 is an even better companion for training thanks to the innovations of watchOS 9, which other manufacturers who have prioritized this area have undoubtedly offered before.

For activities like a triathlon that involve different sports, an Apple Watch with watchOS 9 now automatically recognizes each type of exercise, even if there is no break between them. Currently this automatic switch is limited to swimming, cycling and running.

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watchOS 9: More information during training

In the course of the year, Apple also wants to introduce an update with a function that uses data from Apple Maps to recognize when the user is on a running track such as a 400m stadium, which is intended to improve the accuracy of the distance and speed reported. Initially, this feature will be available in the US for 400m routes.

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Apple Watch Series 8: cycling, just one of many training programs

Moreover For outdoor running training and cycling training, a function is coming later this year with which you can compete against your own time if you run or cycle a route more often.

Nothing has changed with the new Apple Watch in support of Apple's Fitness+ fitness service (test). In addition, there is an immense selection of third-party apps in this area in particular, which the user can access.

Apple watchOS 9 (Picture: Apple)

Sleep monitoring and Medicines

In addition, Apple has improved sleep monitoring, now also shows the sleep phases on the Apple Watch and, with the medication app, offers a way for the Apple Watch to remind you of the dosage and timely intake of medication or to log the intake with entries. For the time being only in the USA, watchOS 9 also checks whether there may be complications when combining medications taken.

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Apple Watch Series 8: Sleep stages on the watch
Medication logging and reminder with the Watch 8 (Image: Apple)
watchOS 9: sleep analysis on Watch 8
watchOS 9: Sleep analysis on Watch 8
watchOS 9: Sleep data on Watch 8

History of atrial fibrillation

If the wearer of the Apple Watch suffers from atrial fibrillation, watchOS 9 can now record a history that allows an estimate of how often it occurs. It is also possible to have the respective activity circumstances recorded that could lead to this.

New compass with backtrack

Apple has completely redesigned the compass app on the Watch so that it shows more detailed information such as an orientation view and the ability to set waypoints at current locations with different names and colors and use the Backtrack feature to take you back when you should have lost orientation. For Backtrack, the route is recorded via GPS, for example when the wearer activates the function at the starting point of an excursion. However, since you may not always remember to activate the function, it is automatically switched on when you are in deserted places with little wireless coverage and no proximity to, for example, the wearer's home.

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watchOS 9: New compass app with backtrack

The Calendar and Reminders apps on the watch have also been visually revised, with more details of events now being viewed directly on the watch can be used.

New clock faces

There are also new watch faces in watchOS 9. These include a lunar calendar, an updated astronomy face that shows an animation of the earth to match the time, Metropolitan, a classic design, and the playful PlayTime face created in collaboration with artist Joi Fultion.

Apple Watch Series 8: New Astronomy Face
Apple Watch Series 8: New Astronomy Watch Face
Apple Watch Series 8: New Astronomy Face
Apple Watch Series 8: New Lunar Calendar Face
Apple Watch Series 8: New Lunar Calendar Face
Apple Watch Series 8: New Metropolitan Face

International roaming for the watch

Another new feature of watchOS 9, which should be available from autumn and relates to LTE models, is international roaming, which the Apple Watch has not yet supported despite its own eSIM. When traveling abroad, the Apple Watch was therefore dependent on an iPhone nearby to establish an Internet connection if WLAN was not available. With the “International Roaming” function, however, the Apple Watch can also log into foreign networks. Whether there is an additional fee for this depends on the respective mobile phone plan.

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figure>

Apple Watch 8 setup and configuration in iOS

More details of Apple Watch 8

ECG, blood oxygen content and Breath Rate

Functions such as the ECG and the measurement of the heart rate and blood oxygen content in the background or manually and the determination of the respiratory rate during sleep are also still available with the Apple Watch Series 8. They can also serve as an indicator of health problems and the blood oxygen content and respiratory rate have gained in importance in the private sphere, not least due to the COVID pandemic, in order to be able to keep an eye on these factors during the course of the disease and, if necessary, to seek medical help in good time take. Otherwise, the blood oxygen saturation in particular quickly falls below a critical value, which one does not perceive even without measurements.

Apple Watch Series 8

Housing and display unchanged

Nothing has changed on the housing with 41 and 45 mm and it is still protected against dust according to IP6X. The dimensions of the 45 mm model with GPS and LTE are 45 × 38 × 10.7 mm and it weighs 38.8 g. The stainless steel variant weighs 51.5 g. The tested aluminum model is protected with Apple's Ion-X glass, while sapphire glass is used in the stainless steel version. The Ion-X glass is more susceptible to scratches, even if they hardly ever occur in everyday life. Meanwhile, the sapphire glass tears faster. In fact, it has a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, while Ion-X glass has a hardness of 7, comparable to quartz. Watches should be removed when working with sandpaper, because the mineral corundum often used in it is the basis of sapphire and is correspondingly hard, so abrasion can damage the watch.

Apple Watch Series 8: Music with LTE anytime and anywhere without an iPhone

The Series 8's OLED display again offers 396 × 484 pixels on the 45mm model and 352 × 430 pixels on the 41mm model. Apple only made these changes with the step from the Apple Watch Series 6 to the Apple Watch Series 7. The screen shines up to 1,000 cd/m² when active and up to 500 cd/m² when inactive. An ambient light sensor is installed for automatic brightness control. And while the resizing seems marginal compared to a Watch 6, the larger display of an Apple Watch 8 is immediately noticeable in comparison. Since the Series 3, Apple has specified the brightness as up to 1,000 cd/m². However, if you place a two-year-old Watch 6 next to the Watch 8, the Watch 8 glows visibly brighter with identical settings.

Apple Watch Series 8 (left) next to Apple Watch Series 6 (right)
Apple Watch Series 8 (left) next to Apple Watch Series 6 (right)
Apple Watch Series 8 (right) next to Apple Watch Series 6 (left)

S8 SiP, 32 GB, W3, U1, BT 5.0 and WLAN

As a processor, the Apple Watch Series 8 relies on the S8 SiP (System in Package), for which Apple has not yet provided any precise information. Based on what we know so far, the S8 SiP is basically the same processor as the Series 7 and Series 6 with the S7 and S6. This does not affect the speed, because all menus and the operation on the Apple Watch feel as fluid as usual. The Apple Watch was not lacking in computing power before, so that it does not need a jump in this area to be able to set itself apart from many inexpensive models, where menus jerk and animations falter.

The internal memory of the Watch 8, which can be used for the local storage of music, for example, in addition to the installed apps, is always 32 GB, no matter which model you use. In addition to WLAN according to Wi-Fi 4 (802.11b/g/n), the tested model offers LTE and Bluetooth 5.3. WLAN with 5 GHz is still reserved for the models with LTE. A new Apple Watch Series 8 GPS can therefore also only handle Wi-Fi 4 at 2.4 GHz. With the W3 wireless chip, the manufacturer has been using the same model since 2018 and the Apple Watch 4. The U1 chip with ultra-wideband technology for spatial orientation is again installed in the Series 8.

Apple Watch Series 8 (left) next to Apple Watch Series 6 (right)

< figure class="thumbs__figure thumbs__figure--has-caption"> Apple Watch Series 8: Bracelets can also be combined : Bracelets can also be combined

Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8: Interchangeable Bands
Apple Watch Series 8: Even old bracelets fit again

Incidentally, the Apple Watch 8 requires an iPhone 8 or newer with iOS 16 or newer – on this point, the oldest iPhone you can use it with shifts annually with software support.

The Apple Watch models in comparison

The following table contains the most important differences between the respective models.

Series 8 SE (2nd gen.) Series 7 Series 6 SE (1st gen.) Series 5 Series 4 Series 3 Crash detection ✓ ✓ × × × × × × Fall detection ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ × Temperature measurement ✓ × × × × × × × Power saving mode ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ × International roaming (LTE models only) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ × × Always-on display ✓ × ✓ ✓ × ✓ × × 41/45 mm ✓ × ✓ × × × × × Heart rate ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ECG ✓ × ✓ ✓ × ✓ ✓ × Blood oxygen ✓ × ✓ ✓ × × × × GPS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ LTE available ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ U1 chip ✓ × ✓ ✓ × × × × 5 GHz WiFi (LTE models only) ✓ × ✓ ✓ × × × × Bluetooth 5.3 ✓ ✓ × × × × × × Bluetooth 5.0 (✓) (✓) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ × Altimeter ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Compass ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ × × Family Configuration ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ × watchOS 9 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ × Offered by Apple ✓ ✓ × × × × × × Starting price €499 €299 €429 €418.15 €291.45 ~€360.00 ~€350.00 €213.45

To the new Apple Watch Ultra, which sits above the Watch Series 8 and, in addition to a new size of 49mm, a titanium case, more microphones, better GPS, a larger battery, the new action button and stronger protection against environmental influences too can be used as a dive computer and also offers Bluetooth 5.3 instead of 5.0 is not discussed in detail at this point and reference is made to the announcement. The same applies to the Apple Watch SE (2022), which has been relaunched in the second generation, with the main differences being reflected in the table above.

Apple Watch Series 8: Rear wireless charging
Apple Watch Series 8 : Known back with sensors
Apple Watch Series 8: Known back with sensors
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8

Family configuration for children

The Apple Watch 8 and SE (2nd gen.) again offer the option of family configuration, so that an Apple Watch can be put into operation without an iPhone of your own. The manufacturer has children in particular in mind here. In this way, several Apple Watch copies can be activated via a single iPhone in the family. Especially for children, it is possible to set guidelines for when the smartwatch is available with all functions and when the focus should be more on lessons or homework. The only constraint on family configuration is the requirement to purchase a smartwatch with LTE connectivity, as each new Apple Watch added is assigned an additional phone number from the iPhone. LTE is also required, since the Apple Watch is activated via an iPhone in the family, but then works independently and therefore no internet connection would be available apart from WLAN.

New with watchOS 9, kids will be able to listen to podcasts right from their smartwatch, and with an update later this year will also be able to control HomePods and smart home devices from the watch. It should also be possible to open smart door locks with released home keys without the child having to have their own iPhone.

Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8< /figure>

Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8: Apple Cards on your wrist
Apple Watch Series 8: No Google Maps directly as an app
Apple Watch Series 8: heart rate recording during training

Sensors and vital signs

The Apple Watch 8 also uses the third generation optical heart sensor, an electrical heart sensor and a blood oxygen sensor, which is why they are tested in comparison to the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Amazfit GTS 4.

Heart rate and blood-oxygen measurement

The heart rate measurements are carried out several times with no, light and heavy loads and compared with an Apple Watch Series 6, the recently released Amazfit GTS 4 and a Polar chest strap (reference). The Apple Watch Series 8 once again proves to be a good indicator of the heart rate, even under medium and high loads, and shows no significant differences to the Series 6.

Heart rate measurements, in s/min Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch Series 6 Amazfit GTS 4 Reference 65 65 65 65 68 70 67 69 122 119 121 121 179 175 174 181

Measurement of blood oxygen saturation on the Apple Watch Series 8 can be done manually at any time or permanently in the background. A manual measurement still takes 15 seconds; in this area, too, nothing has changed with the new model.

Blood oxygen saturation, % Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch Series 6 Amazfit GTS 4 98 98 97 98 98 99 97 97 96

In the SpO2 measurements, the two Apple Watch subjects show exactly identical results. They cannot be evaluated objectively, but since they are within the realistic range, there is no reason to assume that there is a large deviation. In any case, all vital data recorded by a smartwatch are not to be seen as medically reliable measured values, but rather as reliable indicators that a more detailed examination should follow in the event of abnormalities.

Reliable Step Count

When counting steps, the Apple Watch Series 8 does not miss a beat and delivers reliable values ​​- like the older generations of Apple's Smartwatch. For the test, a distance of exactly 1,000 steps was run three times, trying to walk as exactly as possible each time. All smartwatches were worn on left arm.

Step Count Actual Steps Apple Watch Series 8 Apple Watch Series 6 Amazfit GTS 4 1,000 996 998 911 1,000 999 993 1,178 1,000 1,003 1,006 1,011

Conclusion

No alternative for the iPhone

The Apple Watch 8 is by far the best smartwatch for the average iPhone user. No other smartwatch offers seamless cooperation with the iPhone and such a wide range of software via third-party apps. There is also nothing to complain about in terms of technology, workmanship and quality of the display.

If you have special requirements for the smartwatch that make you flirt with models like the Garmin Fenix, for example, you leave the area of ​​the “average user” and will certainly find alternatives for special areas of application and niches that better cover this application. With its comprehensive functions in many areas, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the best all-rounder for everyone. For this niche and not the average, albeit broader, Apple now also offers the Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple Watch Series 8: New Metropolitan watch face

Two exclusive innovations, one power saving mode

The secret star of the new generation is not the temperature sensor at all, even if it can give indications of physical changes, as this test was able to show, or accident detection, although the value of the latter should not be underestimated and Apple has done a lot of development work here has, but actually the power saving mode. With 62 hours of battery life in the practical test, the Apple Watch 8 suddenly proves to be much more enduring and does not have to go to the charger every day. Yes, functions are deactivated for this, but sometimes this can be tolerated when weighing up. The battery life of around 24 hours in the test for a device that should always be worn continues to pose the problem of when is the best time to charge the Apple Watch – time windows such as dinner are ideal here.

Good improvements for training

Those who regularly don't have their iPhone with them during training will also appreciate the advantages of the LTE version. Because even if you often tell yourself when you buy it that you don't need a mobile phone connection on the smartwatch and would rather save the money for the purchase and the running costs for the eSIM, you get used to the advantages just as quickly when you first use them has used. Being able to use all functions without an iPhone and – not only in emergencies – to be able to make phone calls can definitely pay off in the form of increased convenience.

Thanks to the innovations in the area of ​​training with watchOS 9, the Apple Watch 8 is also an even better companion for training than its predecessors were.

Apple Watch Series 8: familiar back with sensors
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8

Who should upgrade to the Watch 8?

For owners of an Apple Watch 7, there is no reason to buy a new one, because the temperature sensor and accident detection alone do not justify this. And you get the other functions with watchOS 9 on the Watch 7, because the biggest innovations this year are the new operating system version and not the new hardware. Anyone who has a Watch Series 6 and has been squinting enviously at the larger display for the past year now has more reasons to switch to the Watch 8, but this change is not necessary either, although it would be noticeable immediately because of the display.

Apple Watch Series 8 (left) next to Apple Watch Series 6 (right)

It should also be mentioned that the Apple Watch cannot be used with Android at all and is dependent on iOS.

Apple Watch Series 8 Smartwatches product group, 10/06/2022

  • Accident detection
  • Temperature sensors
  • Power saving mode
  • Excellent display
  • Very good processing quality
  • Accurate vital data
  • SpO2 measurement
  • ECG
  • High wearing comfort
  • Bracelet interchangeable
  • Telephony and music via the smartwatch
  • Lots of third party apps
  • LTE
  • Short battery life
  • Limited use of the temperature sensor
  • No Android support at all
  • from €647 in price comparison
  • Product website

ComputerBase became the watch Series 8 on loan from Apple for testing. The manufacturer did not influence the test report and there was no obligation to publish it. There was no NDA.

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