Comparing All Apple Watches – Which Apple Watch Series Should You Choose?

apple watch series

Apple watches are one of their highest-selling products. There have been many models that the Apple Watch has put out since its inception.

Apple is now selling three different watch models:

  • Series 8 
  • SE Gen 2
  • Apple Watch Ultra

If you’re looking to get the Apple Watch 7, the SE Gen 1, or the Series 3, then you just can’t.  If you already have an older Apple Watch model, and you want to upgrade, then you should keep reading.

If you have been carefully following the Apple Watch market, then you’d know almost all the watches sold in the last 4 years have been almost similar. All of them run on the same WatchOS, their appearance is almost the same, and all of them boast an 18-hour “all day” battery life.

If you’re confused about which Apple watch model to choose for yourself, then it will be confusing.

History of Apple Watch

The launch of the first-ever Apple Watch required the expertise of countless Apple staff and outsiders. Apple brought in designers Marc Newson and Angela Ahrendts, and she later became Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores.

Most users think that the Apple Watch came into existence with just one person’s vision. Jony Ive Apple’s old Chief designer said that he started working on the Apple Watch Series 1 in 2011. It took 3 years to convert that idea into a final product. The product’s development began after the death of Steve Jobs, as reported by Tim Cook.

But if you trace the history a bit before that, you may find that the idea came to existence in 2005. That is when Jony Ive and his team became serious about the idea. To fulfill this idea, they visited tons of watch manufacturers. 

“We started researching watch companies just to understand machining metals, finishing metals, product assembly,” design team creative lead Doug Satzger said in Leander Kahney’s book, “Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple’s Greatest Products.”

Two months after Steve Jobs died in 2011, the New York Times reported that Apple was designing a wearable computer device.

“A person with knowledge of the company’s plans told me that a ‘very small group of Apple employees’ had been conceptualizing and even prototyping some wearable devices,” wrote journalist Nick Bilton. “One idea being discussed is a curved-glass iPod that would wrap around the wrist; people could communicate with the device using Siri, the company’s artificial intelligence software.”

“The brain that brings all these things together is the smartphone, which, after all, is really the first wearable computer,” he continued. “Researchers note that the smartphone is almost never more than three feet away from its user.”

After the passing of Steve Jobs in 2011, the world was asking how they would work without Jobs. But this new product was an insight into Tim Cook’s new leadership. 

All Apple Watches 2015-2023

1. Apple Watch Series 1 (2015)

apple watch series 1

Apple Watch series one, launched in 2015 is one of the most successful products of Apple. The smartwatch includes a powerful battery life of 1 day. The OLED display of the watch is just right to give you a beautiful viewing experience. 

Apple Watch Series 1 is incredibly lightweight and the body is made of aluminum. The total weight of the watch is 25 grams and it is completely waterproof. 

Apple watch series 1 comes in multiple colors including:

  • Black
  • Blue
  • Grey 
  • White
  • Rose Gold
  • Space Grey

Apple Watch Series 1 Additional Details:

  • Price: $549
  • Watch OS: 1.0 (up to 4.3.2)
  • 8 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 390×312 pixels
  • 1.65” screen size
  • No video recorder
  • IPX7 water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes
  • 4.0, LE Bluetooth

Worth Buying or Not?

Firstly, Apple has discontinued Apple Watch Series 1. You can’t get it anywhere now. Even if you can, it’s just not a great idea to spend money on the watch. 

2. Apple Watch Series 2 (2016)

apple watch series 2

The Apple Watch Series 2 is faster than Apple Series 1, has a better OS, includes an onboard GPS, a brighter display, and is waterproof to 50 meters in salt or fresh water. 

However, there are some major issues with the watch. There are no changes to battery life, the GPS activity is a drain on the battery life. Apple Watch Series 2 should have included an always-on display but it doesn’t. Moreover, the watch is a bit thicker and heavier. 

Apple watch series 2 comes in multiple colors including:

Sports band colors:

  • Solver case/white
  • Black case/black

Leather band colors:

  • Silver case/blue
  • Brown
  • Orange

Stainless Steel Band:

  • Silver case/silver
  • Black case/black

Apple Watch Series 2 Additional Details:

  • Price: $369 – $1,299
  • Watch OS: 3.0 (up to 6.2.8)
  • 8 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 390×312 pixels
  • 1.65” screen size
  • 512 MB Ram
  • No video recorder
  • IPX7 water resistant up to 50 meter 
  • 4.0, A2DP Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS
  • 334 mAh Li-Ion

Worth Buying or Not?

The watch is ideal for all those who engage in sports and other physical activities. Anyone who’s not a runner or a swimmer should not go with the Apple Watch Series 2. 

3. Apple Watch Series 3 (2017)

apple watch series 3

In 2022, Apple finally stopped the sale of Series 3. The watch is 5 years old and the design actually shows that. It has a built-in GPS System and also comes with optical heart sensors. During the time of its launch, it was one of the best devices for fitness monitoring. 

Same as the Apple watch series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2, it lacks an always-on display and a built-in compass. This makes the watch not a great option for hikers and outdoor activity lovers. If you want, you can get the Apple Watch Series 3 in a GPS-only model as well. 

Apple watch series 3 comes in multiple colors including:

  • Space Black
  • Silver

Apple Watch Series 3 Additional Details:

  • Price: $369 – $1,299
  • Watch OS: 4.0 (up to 8.7)
  • 16 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 390×312 pixels
  • 1.65” screen size
  • 768 MB Ram
  • No video recorder
  • IPX7 water resistant up to 50 meter 
  • 4.2, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS
  • 341 mAh Li-Ion

Worth Buying or Not?

The straight answer is no. The watch is too old and the design looks dated. The hardware won’t support the latest OS and you’d be stuck with the same old firmware. It would be better if you spend a bit more and get the Apple Watch SE or a refurbished Series 5. But unfortunately, Apple has stopped selling these versions as well. 

4. Apple Watch Series 4 (2018)

apple watch series 3

Apple Watch Series  4 is when Apple did a redesign its watches. It boasted a bigger and better display with slimmer bezels. This design was copied by Series 5, SE, and Series 6. 

If you want, you can still get the Apple Watch Series 4 if you are a fan of the Apple ecosystem. But in our opinion, it’s just not worth spending your money on this watch. 

Apple watch series 4 comes in multiple colors including:

  • Space black
  • Silver 
  • Gold

Apple Watch Series 4 Additional Details:

  • Price: $369 – $1,299
  • Watch OS: 5.0 (up to 9.1)
  • 16 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 448×368 pixels
  • 1.78” screen size
  • 1 GB Ram
  • No video recorder
  • IPX7 water resistant up to 50 meter
  • 5.0, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS
  • 292 mAh Li-Ion

Worth Buying or Not?

Don’t spend your money on this version. Instead, go for the new SE (2022 variant). SE 2022 is one of the best entry-level Apple Watch. 

5. Apple Watch Series 5 (2019)

Apple Watch Series 5

What made Apple Watch Series 5 so successful was the always-on display. It was the first ever Apple watch to boast the feature. It’s not as big of a deal anymore as newer models offer always-on display. But it was a turning point at that time. 

If you’re looking to get your hands on a stunning-looking Apple Watch Series 5, then you’ll need to know some things. It doesn’t have electrical and optical heart sensors and isn’t able to take an ECG. So, you would be better off with a SE or an upper model. 

Apple has discontinued the sale of the Apple Watch Series 5 for 2 years now, but you can find a deal somewhere if you look hard enough. 

Apple watch series 5 comes in multiple colors including:

  • Space black
  • Silver
  • Gold

Apple Watch Series 5 Additional Details:

  • Price: $399 – $1,299
  • Watch OS: 6.0 (up to 9.1)
  • 32 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 448×368 pixels
  • Always on display
  • 1.78” screen size
  • 1 GB Ram
  • No video recorder
  • IPX7 water resistant up to 50 meters 
  • 5.0, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS, GLILEO, QZSS
  • 296 mAh Li-Ion

Worth Buying or Not?

If you’re willing to spend this much on Series 5, then it would be better for you to go with Series 8 or the new SE variant. Series 5 is old for a recommendation.

6. Apple Watch SE (2020)

Apple Watch SE

The Apple watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 6 were announced side by side. Both devices are similar in looks and specifications. Both the devices have the same display size, the same type of sensors such as a gyroscope, compass, fall detection, and an always-on altimeter, plus a similar battery life. 

The difference is that the SE doesn’t have an always-on display and doesn’t contain two wellness sensors. You won’t get an electrical heart sensor with it so, you won’t be able to take an ECG. However, it does have an optical heart sensor, the same as the series 3, so you’ll be able to see your heart rate. There’s no blood oxygen measuring sensor in the watch, so you can’t identify asthma and other conditions. 

Apple watch SE comes in multiple colors including:

  • Silver
  • Gold 
  • Space Gray

Apple Watch SE Additional Details:

  • Price: $399 – $1,299
  • Watch OS: 7.0 (up to 9.1)
  • 32 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 448×368 pixels
  • Always on display
  • 1.78” screen size
  • 1 GB Ram
  • No video recorder
  • IPX7 water resistant up to 50 meters 
  • 5.0, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS, 
  • Li-Ion battery

Worth Buying or Not?

It comes down to your personal taste if you should get this version or not. But the best choice would be to go with the 2022 SE version instead of 2020 one. 

7. Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)

Apple Watch Series 6

Another watch from Apple in 2020. Unlike the SE, it comes with an always-on display, a blood oxygen sensor, and an altimeter. Moreover, the watch has a newer processor and a better display. 

If you’re trying to decide whether to get the series 6 or the SE, it will come down to how much money you want to spend and if you want an Always-On display.

Do keep in mind that Apple doesn’t sell the Series 6 anymore, but you can find it on Amazon, Best Buy, and other third-party sites. One more thing, it will cost almost as much as the new Series 7, so you’re better off getting that for yourself. 

Apple watch series 6 comes in multiple colors, including:

  • Silver 
  • Graphite DLC
  • Gold PVD

Series 6 Additional Details:

  • Price: $349 – $799
  • Watch OS: 7.0 (up to 9.1)
  • 32 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 448×368 pixels
  • Always on display
  • 1.78” screen size
  • 1 GB Ram
  • No video recorder
  • IPX7 water resistant up to 50 meters 
  • 5.0, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
  • 304 mAh Li-Ion 

Worth Buying or Not?

If you’re just getting the Apple Watch Series 6 for its beautiful design, then absolutely go for it. But if you want an Apple watch regardless of the series, then take the Series 7. It has more power and features. 

8. Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)

Apple Watch Series 7

The highlight of the Series 7 is the color of the watch. It comes equipped with an always-on display that’s 20% bigger than the previous versions. It also contains thinner bezels and has more rounded corners compared to Series 6. 

With series 7, you get more watch faces and interfaces. But above all, what we loved about the watch is that the bigger display makes it easier to use. There’s also a larger keyboard to be excited about. 

If you’re a fan of fast charging, then this one is definitely for you. It offers 33% faster charging. It is also IP6X rated. Moreover, you get a faster chip. Coming to sensors, it has all the same sensors as the Series 6.

Apple watch series 7 comes in multiple colors, including:

  • Silver 
  • Graphite (DLC)
  • Gold (PVD)

Series 7 Additional Details:

  • Price: $399 – $849
  • Watch OS: 8.0 (up to 9.1)
  • 32 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 484×396 pixels
  • Always on display
  • 1.9” screen size
  • 1 GB Ram
  • No video recorder
  • IP6X water resistant up to 50 meters 
  • 5.0, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
  • 309 mAh Li-Ion 

Worth Buying or Not?

If you can get a really great deal on Apple Watch Series 7, then you should definitely get it. If you’re just going to pay the same amount as Series 8, then why not go for series 8 itself? 

9. Apple Watch Ultra (2022)

Apple Watch Ultra 2022

The Ultra is the latest Apple Watch from 2022. It’s one of the biggest, brightest, most rugged, and most expensive Apple Watch up till now. Apple designed the smartwatch for those who are serious athletes, and love to go on extreme adventures. 

This includes recreational scuba divers. Do keep in mind that a watch is also a great option for those who just want the best possible smartwatch that Apple has. Plus, the display is a treat to behold. 

The Apple watch ultra is available only in a single color: Titanium

Apple Watch Ultra Additional Details:

  • Price: $399 – $849
  • Watch OS: 9.0 (up to 9.1)
  • 32 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 502×410 pixels
  • Always on display
  • 1.92” screen size
  • 2 GB RAM
  • No video recorder
  • IP6X water resistant up to 100 meters 
  • 5.3, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
  • 548 mAh Li-Ion 

Worth Buying or Not?

If you just want the best possible smartwatch that Apple has right now, then absolutely go for it. Just remember the huge price tag that comes along with it. If you’re okay with the price tag, and you want the additional features, then this is the watch for you. 

10. Apple Watch SE (2022)

Apple Watch SE 2022

If you’ve used the Apple Watch SE in the past, then the 2022 variant will give you a homely feeling. The look and the feel are almost the same as the 2020 version. 

The only big difference between the SE 2020 version and the 2022 version is the new and better processor,  new colors, and lower price. But, you won’t get the always-on display in this variant as well. It doesn’t have as many health and wellness features as other series. 

Apple Watch SE 2022 comes in multiple colors, including:

  • Midnight
  • Starlight
  • Silver

Apple Watch SE Additional Details:

  • Price: $249
  • Watch OS: 9.0 (up to 9.1)
  • 32 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 448×368 pixels
  • Always on display
  • 1.78” screen size
  • 1 GB RAM
  • No video recorder
  • IP6X water resistant up to 50 meters 
  • 5.3, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
  • 296 mAh Li-Ion 

Worth Buying or Not?

For sure. It’s one of the best entry-level Apple watches that you can get in this price segment. Plus, you’re getting a faster processor, and the latest OS, so the watch is a steal.

11. Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)

Apple Watch Series 8

Series 8 is pretty much similar to last year’s season 7. It even looks and feels the same. The battery life, the display, and the cost, all of them are the same. However, the only main difference is the newer and faster processor. Series 8 also contains some more health and safety features for users. 

It contains an all-new body temperature sensor that’s designed especially for women to track their cycles.

Plus the new car crash detection feature is amazing and is powered by upgraded sensors.

Apple watch series 8 comes in multiple colors, including:

  • Graphite
  • Silver
  • Gold

Apple Watch Series 8 Additional Information:

  • Price: $428
  • Watch OS: 8.0 (up to 9.1)
  • 32 GB Storage, no card slot
  • 484×396 pixels
  • Always on display
  • 1.9” screen size
  • 1 GB Ram
  • No video recorder
  • IP6X water resistant up to 50 meters 
  • 5.3, A2DP, LE Bluetooth
  • GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
  • 308 mAh Li-Ion 

Worth Buying or Not?

It’s definitely a great option if you’re in the market for a brand new Apple Watch. However, if you already have a series 7, and you want to upgrade, then there’s no point as there’s not much difference between the two.

FAQs About Apple Watch

  1. Can I use my Apple watch without my phone?

Even if your phone is not with you, you can do a lot of things. You can use your Apple watch to make and answer phone calls, send and receive messages, use SIRI, send iMessages, and more. You can connect your watch to a cellular network or wireless network to use it. 

  1. Can I wear an Apple Watch in the shower?

If you’re wondering “Is my Apple Watch waterproof?” then you should know that your Apple Watch is water resistant, not waterproof. You can use your Apple watch to do activities that incur sweat, walking in rain,  taking a shower, washing your hands, etc. 

  1. Should I Wear my Apple Watch to Bed?

You should wear your watch to bed, and the Apple Watch can estimate the time you spend during each sleeping stage. It can recognize REM, Core, and Deep sleep as well. When you wake up, open the Sleep app to learn how much sleep you’re getting, and the quality of your sleep in the past 14 days.

  1. What are the top worse things about Apple Watch?

Here are some of the worst things that will make you not want an Apple Watch:

  • The charger is not at all user-friendly
  • The digital crown
  • Inaccurate activity tracking
  • Lack of customization
  • The breathe and stand reminders
  1. What are the main benefits of the Apple Watch?

There are tons of benefits to choosing an Apple Watch. Some major benefits include:

  • Fall detection
  • Emergency SOS
  • High and low heart rate notifications
  • Calling 
  • Texting
  • Location sharing
  1. Is the Apple watch worth buying?

It all comes down to your personal taste. Some people hate the watch, while others can’t stop talking about it. Weigh the pros and cons of the Apple watch according to your uses, and then decide whether you want an Apple watch or not. 

Final Word- Apple Watches from 2015 till Now

If you’re already a part of the Apple ecosystem, then you should get an Apple Watch. But which one is the biggest question? You can choose any of the latest models and be sorted for a couple of years. 

If you are to go by our recommendation, then you should get your hands on Series SE (2022), Series 7, and Series 8. And if you can afford it, and if you think you’d be able to use the features, then you can even try to get your hands on the Apple Watch Ultra.

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