The most recent smartwatches from Apple include the Apple Watch Ultra, Watch SE 2, and Watch 8. While the Ultra is available in only titanium build, the Watch SE 2 is only available in aluminum build. Meanwhile, the Watch Series 8 which succeeds the Watch 7 is available in stainless steel and aluminum build. And in this guide, we’ll state the differences between the Apple Watch Series 8 Stainless Steel and Aluminium models to help you make a more informed decision.
Stainless steel or Aluminum – Which Model is Better?
In fewer words, the stainless steel model is better than the aluminum model because it’s more durable and has a more commanding appearance. The aluminum model is also very durable and it’s a more popular choice.
If you really want the cellular model and have the budget for it, the Stainless steel model is a better choice.
However, the aluminum model is cheaper, yet very durable. Moreover, it’s even cheaper when you opt for the GPS model. I have never used the stainless steel model, the aluminum model has always been my choice and so far, I have no regrets.
In summary, it’s a matter of your budget.
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Full Specifications
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Apple Watch Series 7 vs 8 – What’s New?
The Apple Watch 8 looks exactly like the Watch 7 and it comes with a few additional features which include a more powerful 256-g accelerometer that can detect when a car crashes and a temperature sensor that can monitor nightly skin temperature variation and ovulation for women. Beyond this, Watch 8 and 7 are typically the same.
WatchOS 9 is the current operating system for the recently released Apple Watches and it also supports Apple Watch 4, 5, 6, 7 and Watch SE. It brings a decent amount of interesting features which include the ability to track sleep stages, a new medication app, custom workouts, more watch faces, and a revamped compass app. You can read more on how to update your Apple Watch to WatchOS 9 and all the new features it offers.
Introducing Apple Watch 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a very durable and stylishly designed smartwatch. It comes in stainless steel or aluminum build paired with silicone bands that can be swapped. It spots a 1000nit bright LTPO OLED display that’s easy to read under any light condition.
The Watch 8 is available in two sizes; 41mm and 45mm and each of these sizes is available in Cellular and GPS models. The Cellular model is a standalone smartwatch that can make and receive calls without connecting to your iPhone.
Under the hood, is the S8 64-bit dual-core chip that delivers a super-fast performance plus and it has a sophisticated user interface that’s very easy to use. Navigation is via the touch-sensitive screen, digital crown, and physical button.
The Watch 8 packs a 32GB storage capacity that lets you add music to the watch. It also has a speaker, microphone and NFC chip that enables Apple Pay.
Like the Watch 7, the Watch 8 is a comprehensive health tracker that can monitor all of your daily activities. It will track your steps, sleep, stress, blood oxygen, respiratory rate during sleep, heart rate, ECG and it features loads of workout modes.
Battery life hasn’t changed as the Watch 8 can last just up to 18hrs. Though, the low-power mode can help you get a little longer battery life.
Apple Watch Series 8 Stainless vs Aluminium – The Difference
The Watch 8 is available in aluminum and stainless steel builds. The titanium build is now reserved for the more advanced Apple Watch Ultra.
- Availability
- The Stainless build is more durable
- Colors
- Price
The Watch 8 comes in stainless steel and aluminum build, however, while the aluminum build is available in cellular and GPS models, the Stainless steel build is only available in the Cellular model.
The stainless steel model of the Watch 8 has a more durable build than the aluminum model. It spots a sapphire glass screen while the aluminum model has an ion-x screen. The sapphire glass is more durable and also highly resistant to scratches. Meanwhile, as expected the aluminum model weighs a little less than the stainless steel model.
The available colors also differ. While the aluminum model comes in starlight, silver, and red colors, the Stainless steel build is available in three colors; silver, graphite and gold colors.
As a result of the stainless steel model being more durable than the aluminum model, it’s priced a little higher. You will need to spend $100 more to get the stainless steel model. The 41mm cellular model of the aluminum build retails for $499, while the 45mm retails for $529 Meanwhile, the 41mm cellular model of the stainless steel build retails for $699 while the 45mm retails for $749.
In conclusion, the aluminum model has the same features as the stainless steel unit. However, the latter has a more durable build and only comes in the cellular model while on the other hand, the aluminum model comes in the cellular and GPS models, and it’s cheaper.