Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE Review – Consumer Reports
As I unboxed the Series 8, what struck me first is that the device is nearly identical to the Series 7 watch. While last year’s model had some subtle, but real changes—a case that’s 1 mm larger and a bigger display with thinner bezels—the Series 8 case remains the same.
The only visible difference is in the choice of colors. Gone are the cool British Racing Green and deep navy options. The sample I tried out features the not-quite-black Midnight hue that would complement a charcoal gray Armani suit quite nicely. The other colors for the aluminum case base models include a brighter Product Red, Gold, Starlight (a warmish light gray), and Silver. (Our tests of earlier generation Apple Watches have shown that the higher-end stainless models—some of which come with a spendy and stylish Hermès band—aren’t more rugged, or better performers, than the base aluminum models.)
Internally, there’s not much difference, either. The Series 8, the less expensive SE, and the upscale Ultra all use the same processor as last year’s model.
Our testers give the Series 8 solid marks. During the evaluation in our labs, the model fell just a bit short of the Ultra, performing less well in the scratch test. The heart rate monitoring isn’t as strong as that on other models and the step count accuracy is only average. The watch did excel in ease of use, water resistance, readability in low and bright light, and versatility. Overall, it ranks ahead of the new Watch SE and toward the top of our smartwatch ratings (available to CR members).
The Series 8 does add two new sets of sensors. And while they do introduce compelling functionality, it’s not something most users will be eager to play with.
The new temperature sensors are designed primarily to provide women with retrospective ovulation estimates using wrist temperature data, which can be useful in family planning and other healthcare decisions. The sensor on the watch back takes skin temperature readings. A second on the side of the case measures ambient temperatures to increase the feature’s accuracy toward thermometer-in-your-mouth levels, Apple says.
We did not test the functionality of the app because it needs two full cycles of period tracking and a large chunk of temperature data to work accurately.
But Apple does emphasize the app’s privacy aspects, noting that this sensitive, personal information is stored on the device, and if your watch is secured with a password, the data is end-to-end encrypted so Apple can’t access it.
The other new sensors support Apple’s car crash detection feature. While earlier models incorporate sensors that allow an Apple Watch to detect and report falls during a walk, a run, or a bicycle ride, the Series 8 takes that one step further.
A new three-axis gyroscope and high-force accelerometer, which can detect impacts of up to 256Gs, can be used to determine if you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident, Apple says. These sensors work in concert with the microphone (which is listening for the sounds of a car accident) and the barometric sensor (which detects pressure changes associated with an airbag deployment).
When data from those various sources indicate that you’ve been in an accident, the watch asks you if you’re injured or need assistance. If you don’t respond within 10 seconds, it can call emergency personnel or the emergency contacts on your list.
My Series 8 sample came packed with Apple’s adjustable silicone Sport Band, which I found to be very easy to install and, not surprisingly, since I’ve worn previous versions of this band, comfortable and easy to adjust, though it remains a little thick and clunky for my taste.
I also got a sample of the new Nike Sport Loop band in a striking blue called Game Royal with the company’s Just Do It motto woven in. Made of a surprisingly soft hook and loop material, it has a decent amount of stretch. It has a couple of nice features, too. The strap is infinitely adjustable, so that you can achieve a just-right fit for the best performance of heart rate monitoring and other health-related functions. The fact that it’s fabric and not plastic might also benefit users with sensitive skin who have experienced irritation or rashes with silicone bands.
