Apple Watches were once a simple purchase with just one type of device on offer at a time. However, as the range has grown, Apple has now started offering options to suit different needs. From budget to everyday use and more, there is a lot to choose from. We’ve shared some of the main differences between the 8, 7 and SE 2 devices so that you can decide which one suits your requirements the best. For a comparison of the 7 and SE (Gen 1) see here.
Understanding Temperature – Apple Watch 8 Vs. Apple Watch 7 Vs. Apple Watch SE 2
Temperature checking has long been a consumer demand, and the Apple Watch 8 has listened! This device not only takes your temperature but uses the information to help with menstrual and ovulation tracking as well as recognizes it early onset illness signs when you compare your baseline temperature with your current temperature.
This new temperature feature cannot be found on the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Apple Watch 7, so if you are keen to keep the best overall view of your health then the Apple Watch 8 could be the best way forward!
Thinking About Safety – Apple Watch 8 Vs. Apple Watch 7 Vs. Apple Watch SE 2
Apple have always been focused on offering great safety features for users, especially when it comes to getting urgent help in a crisis and recognising when you have had a fall so that you can get the help you need. Each of the watches we are looking at come with fall detection but the Apple Watch 8 and Watch SE 2 take it one step further with the all new crash detection feature.
Crash detection does exactly what you would think and contacts the emergency services and your emergency contacts in the result of a crash when you are not responding to the watch. It’s incredibly accurate and uses the inbuilt accelerometer to work out if you have been in a crash or not. You should not have to worry about it going off unexpectedly. It’s no understatement to say that this feature is a huge new addition. It could probably leave many current Apple Watch users keen to get an upgrade.
Choosing the Best Battery – Apple Watch 8, 7 or SE 2
You would be forgiven for believing that all current Apple Watches come with the same battery life but this is just not true. The Apple Watch 7 and SE 2 will last around 18 hours before needing to be plugged in. The Apple Watch 8 does offer something new in the battery department – a low power mode that can extend the battery life to 36 hours. That also means you can use fewer functions in that mode.
This is great for those times when you need to extend your battery until you get home. However, it’s not the improvement we were all hoping for, leaving many Apple Watch fans as frustrated as ever!
We also need to mention that the new Apple Watch 8 and Watch SE 2 come with fast charging capabilities. This is an effort to make charging more accessible throughout the day. Again, this doesn’t make up for the fact that the battery has not been improved but it does make life just a little bit easier than before!
Getting the Biggest Display – Apple Watch 8 Vs. Apple Watch 7 Vs. Apple Watch SE 2
Gone are the days when consumers look for the smallest watch display on their wrists. More people than ever before want ease of use over daintiness! Both the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch 8 offer the end-to-end display. The 45mm display is better if you want to see what’s going on in detail, depending on your wrist size.
The SE 2 follows previous iterations in the size department and comes in 40mm and 44mm options. This isn’t all doom and gloom however as many people still prefer a slightly smaller watch or have smaller wrists. Those that can’t accommodate the larger 45mm Apple Watch 7 or 8 models should probably choose the 41mm.
The Price Difference – Apple Watch 8 Vs. Apple Watch 7 Vs. Apple Watch SE 2?
Pricing is an important part of watch shopping and this is as true for Apple devices as it is for any other smartwatches! The current starting prices for each of these devices are:
Apple Watch 7 – $300, Apple Watch 8 – $399, Apple Watch SE 2 – $299.
When you consider that the new Apple Watch 8 is incredibly similar to the 7, it may be worth buying the older version. If you are keen to save some cash you may even choose the Watch S2 instead. However, if you want to get all the latest features then the Apple Watch 8 is the best choice.
Which is the Best Device – Apple Watch 8 Vs. Apple Watch 7 Vs. Apple Watch SE 2?
Choosing the best Apple Watch is dependent on what you are happy to omit and what features you want. The Apple Watch 7 is the oldest device of the three we have reviewed. It offers end-to-end display, a large screen and a wealth of great features that you can enjoy.
The Watch SE 2 is a smaller option but it does have the all-new crash detection to help improve your safety. It is lower in price than the other two devices. You could also get most watch faces to work with all of these new watches with WatchOS9 and above. WatchOS 9 is available regardless of the model (apart from very old ones). Finally, the Apple Watch 8 is the newest device with the most features, but may not be worth upgrading to if you already own an Apple Watch 7. That being said, if you are keen to get temperature tracking, crash detection and a large display then the Apple Watch 8 is a great choice.
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Last Updated on March 11, 2023
A top of the line copywriter with more than a decade of writing experience with many high-end and diverse multinational clients. Lots of experience and interest in writing about and implementing technology. Scott manages the creation of content for us as a freelancer service and even though he is based in the UK, his writers can adapt and cater to our audience which is mostly US based.
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