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Apple Watch Series 4 Review

More people are beginning to recognise the benefits of owning a smartwatch. And it seems as though every tech manufacturer on the market is getting in on the act. As Apple is arguably leading the way with their Apple watches, however, big-name competitors like Samsung aren’t far behind.

If you’re ready to buy your first smartwatch, you’re probably wondering which one to buy. You’ll no doubt have heard of the Apple Watch 4. But what does this version of the Apple smartwatch have to offer, and is it really worth the money?

The Apple Watch 4 represents the first time the size and design of Apple’s smartwatches have been changed since their first release. This version had a bigger screen, a thinner body and a new heart sensor.

So, what do you need to know about this watch? And how does it compare to the Garmin, Samsung and Fitbit smartwatches of the time? This Apple Watch 4 review tells you everything you need to know.

Design And Appearance

Apple 4 smartwatch design
A choice of colors and wristbands

The Apple Watch Series 4 came in 40mm and 44mm version rather than the standard 38mm and 42mm version, and the screens are larger, almost reaching the edge. You’ll also notice this newer model is slightly thinner, decreasing the watch’s overall volume, and this makes a big difference when you wear it on your wrist.

If you have slim wrists, you may find it much chunkier than you’re used to in terms of size although bending your wrist is less difficult thanks to the slimmer width. And if you’re wearing this watch to play sports, you’ll appreciate the change.

Another change comes in the form of the entire black ceramic underside. This makes it hypoallergenic – great news for anyone with a nickel allergy. It also has an impressive new heart sensor as well as new grooves on the Digital Crown to make it easier to grip the case and to turn it, and additional haptic feedback which makes navigating quickly a breeze.

There are several colours to choose from in both the aluminium-bodied and stainless steel models –  silver, Space Black, and a gold finish which is especially striking.

Speaker Performance

Apple made the speaker 50% louder for this version of its smartwatch and the microphone was moved to the opposite side of the watch from the speaker to improve its calling functionality. Voices can be heard clearly now, even in noisy environments.

Latest Smart Features

The Apple Watch Series 4 offers some excellent new smart features. Firstly, it’ll warn you about upcoming things you should know about. For example, if bad traffic will affect your journey home. Or that rain is forecast to begin in a few minutes so you don’t get caught.

Even better, the Siri interface learns your habits, suggesting your regular driving playlist when you begin your commute and suggest certain HomeKit scenes when you approach your house so you’ll be able to switch the lights on in time for your arrival.

Another new feature for this version is Shortcuts. This lets apps tie into the Siri interface so they can be triggered with a single phrase.

Fitness And Medical Features

The Apple Watch Series 4 can automatically detect when you’re working out, so if you start to jog and haven’t started your workout in the app, you’ll receive a message asking you if you’d like to begin one. If you say yes, you won’t lose out on the initial few minutes since the tracking will commence from the beginning of your run.

Use your iwatch/apple watch 4 to track fitness
Tracking your fitness

Garmin versus Apple

Also, there were improved running features with pace alerts and cadence metrics, although it couldn’t compete with the running features Garmin smartwatches have to offer. When it comes to the Apple Watch vs. Garmin on this front, Garmin is still in the lead, although Apple is beginning to close the gap.

Even in today’s market, we’re wondering if Garmin is better than Apple.

There are also new features to track hiking and yoga as well as a new echocardiogram which checks for any serious issues. The Apple Watch 4 also has integrated fall detection functionality. So if you hit the ground hard, it will offer to call emergency services for you. But if you fail to respond when it speaks to you, an ambulance will automatically be called after one minute, with your location being sent to your emergency contact too. This is an excellent feature for anyone who is prone to heart problems or who is likely to be at risk of falls, and it only goes to show that a smartwatch really can save your life.

Garmin fenix 6X Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance and...
Garmin fenix 6X Pro, Premium Multisport GPS Watch, Features Mapping, Music, Grade-Adjusted Pace Guidance and...
  • Solar Powered Multisport GPS Watch with large 1.4 inches display (36% larger than previous fenix...
  • Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude...
  • Advanced training features include PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity...
Check Amazon Price

Battery and Performance

Apple’s processor in this version of its smartwatch is double the power of the Series 3, and that means it’s was swifter to use. You can switch between watch faces instantaneously and bring up the main apps menu equally quickly. You’ll find scrolling through messages very smooth and zooming in and out of photographs is also judder-free.

Even opening apps and maps is much faster, and even the network feels speedier thanks to the watch’s new ceramic back which provides an improved antenna signal.

While Apple claim their battery lasts for around 18 hours, it can often go for up to 3 or 4 days with no charging depending on how intense your usage is. For an average user, it will probably use around 30% of its total charge with a single day’s use.

How Does The Apple Watch 4 Compare With Rivals?

So, considering watches of that time, how do we compare the Apple Watch vs. Fitbit Versa, Samsung Galaxy Active Watch and Garmin Fenix 5? Let’s take a look:

  Apple Watch 4 Fitbit Versa Samsung Galaxy
Active
Garmin Fenix 5
Display Size 40mm or 44mm 34mm 40mm 38mm
Screen
Resolution
324×394 or
368×448
300 x 300 360 x 360 240 x 240
Battery Life 18 hours 3-4 days 45 hours 7 days
Material Stainless steel or
aluminium
Aluminium   Stainless Steel
or DLC
Water
Resistance
50m 50m 5ATM 50m
Contactless
Payments
Apple Pay Fitbit Pay Galaxy Pay Garmin Pay
Operating
Power
Watch OS5
16GB
Not Specified Tizen 4.0
4GB storage
Garmin OS
64GB
Compatibility iOS devices iOS, Windows &AndroidAndroid & some iOS devices iOS & Android

This comparison of the four major smartwatch contenders shows that all of the big name brands are working hard to give consumers the experience that they’re looking for from the latest technology.

However, when it comes to comparing the Apple Watch vs. Samsung Galaxy Active, Garmin Fenix 5 and Fitbit Versa, you can see that the Apple Watch 4 has a lot to offer. Speedy, slim, visually appealing and highly functional, this high-performance smartwatch is ideal for all kinds of users.

Apple 4 SmartWatch Summary

From those who want to track their sporting activity and those at risk of heart problems or falls, to those who just want a convenient way to receive notifications on the go, this smartwatch ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re buying your first ever smartwatch or going for an upgrade, the Apple Watch 4 could be perfect for you.

Note, the Apple Watch Series 4 isn’t produced by Apple any longer, but we’ve written an article on where you can find the older models, here.

Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular, 44MM) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band (Renewed)
Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular, 44MM) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band (Renewed)
  • Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by...
  • GPS + Cellular. S4 SiP with faster 64-bit dual-core processor
  • Over 30% larger display and 50% louder speaker , 50% louder speaker
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Finally, don’t miss our comparison of all the latest Apple Watch models.

Last Updated on January 17, 2021

Scott Anfield

A top of the line copywriter with more than a decade of writing experience with many high-end clients. Lots of experience and interest in writing about technology.

Currently living a rural life in South Yorkshire, and devoted to work.

By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Apple, Apple Watch 4, blood pressure smartwatches, Garmin, Garmin Fenix 5, hiking watches, watches that track cadence

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