Introduction
If you have an iPhone, it is more likely than not that purchasing an Apple Watch has crossed your mind. Apple have now released their series 8 models of Apple Watches and has unveiled a new version of the wearable tech called the Watch Ultra.
While the company has stopped selling last year's Series 7, along with older models, you can still find them at many online retailers (sometimes for a significant discount). But the best Apple Watch for you depends on what you’re looking for out of a smartwatch. Do you want an Apple Watch for health and fitness tracking? An extension of your iPhone? Or a device that can save your life in particular emergencies?
As Apple like to maintain consistency with its products, you can expect a certain baseline quality threshold with many of the Apple Watches sharing the same features. Despite the limited visible differences, each Apple Watch generation has distinct perks that make it the best smartwatch every year. Here, we break down which one is best for you, and whether older models are worth the price.
Apple Watch Series 8
On the market and for value, the Apple Watch Series 8 provides the best watch features for most Apple users. The wrist-based temperature sensing feature is a great addition particularly due to COVID 19, to allow users to monitor their internal temperature for better health determinations. This feature also gives women the ability to track their menstrual cycle alongside fertility. The latest Crash Detection feature means the Apple Watch will call emergency services if the user is unconscious and that may offer you and your loved ones a little peace of mind when out driving.
If you already own an Apple Watch—particularly last year's Series 7/6, you probably don't need to upgrade. The Series 8 does have all the health features that have been accumulating over the years in the Apple Watches, like blood oxygen levels, ECGs, and other safety features. If you need any or all of those health features, the new Low Power mode is much more necessary to keep these features operating for longer periods of time without constant charging.
With the new faces on the Series 8, the Nomad Waterproof straps go perfectly with any design.
Apple Watch SE
Like the iPhones, the SE is perfect for a first-timer option without the lofty Apple price point. It does not have the flashiest standout features, like the ability to check your blood oxygen, ECG or temperature sensing, but it is perfect for that individual who wants to extend the use of their iPhone more portably.
The SE has the latest S8 chip and is compatible with WatchOS 9, where Low Power Mode and Crash Detection are still available to the user. The SE still stands out for its great fitness tracking, safety features and budget price point to serve Apple users well.
Here is a comparison of the features between the Series 8 and the SE. Further details can be found on Apple page here.
Apple Watch Ultra
If you are more into outdoor sports, adventure and harsh terrain, this will probably be the best Apple Watch for you. The 49-mm case is made from impact-resistant titanium and military-grade materials such as sapphire glass to resist water up to 100m allowing the Watch Ultra to withstand a breadth of environments. It has a host of specialised navigation features, like a new hybrid digital-analogue compass app that lets you set waypoints at markers of interest, or backtrack if you get lost.
Certain features may aim specifically more for the outdoors, but features like a precision dual-frequency GPS is designed to work well in crowded cities, as well as three built-in microphones with special wind-reduction so you can take work calls from particularly inconvenient locations. These go hand-in-hand with the Ultra's extensive 2.5-day battery life and is perfect for those adventurous individuals.
Apple has made the Watch Ultra compatible with 45mm case straps and Nomad has made the perfect Titanium Band. The band seamlessly complements the military certified titanium of the Watch Ultra which you can get at Megamac.
Apple Watch 7 and previous models
Apple has dropped last year's Series 7 from the lineup, along with the Series 5 and 6. However, many have stated that the series 7 model was one of the best sports watches on the market, with better water- and dust-resistance and updated algorithms, a bigger screen, and a full-size keyboard for texting. WatchOS 9 works with Series 4 watches and later so users with previous models are still able to experience some of the new features.
No matter which you choose, you’ll benefit from the watchOS 9 software update, meaning all three watches will have several features in common but depending on your personal needs and day-to-day life, one series may be more suited for you.
Check out all our Apple Watch straps at Megamac. Psst… we have also released the the Ultra Orange Rugged Strap for pre-order so sign up to our newsletter to get the news first!
