Apple Watches are more than just a watch; apart from telling you the time, these watches offer multiple features like fitness information, weather updates, and connections to your loved ones. If you already own an Apple iPhone, then you definitely need to get your hands on the best Apple Watch.
There are many versions of the Apple Watch to choose from, which may be difficult for you. Naturally, many people go for the latest versions because they offer the best features. That is true, but what if you are someone who wants to narrow down on how each version of Apple Watch serves your needs? In that case, read this article.
Best Apple Watch To Get in 2024
We are going to provide details on the three best Apple Watches that you should get your hands on. They offer features that are useful to you in various aspects, most of which will be highlighted in this article.
Apple Watch Series 8
This version of the Apple Watch series was introduced in 2022 with an improved body-temperature sensor focused on sleep and cycle processes. It is available in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, which makes it easier to swipe up the QWERTY keyboard for iMessage. Apple Watch Series 8 boasts an Always-On retina display, which means that the screen is always on, even when your wrist is facing down. However, the display dims the light when the wrist is down to preserve the battery life.
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
The new Apple Watch SE boasts advanced features at a lower price and is great for those who are looking for a budget-friendly Apple smartwatch. It has the same processor as the Apple Watch Series 8, which makes it faster than its predecessor, the Apple Watch SE, the first generation. However, the Apple Watch SE 2 is available in a slightly smaller size, i.e., 40mm and 44mm.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Featuring the newest S9 SiP processor, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a bigger and brighter screen of 3000 nits with a 49 mm titanium case. It also boasts a faster processor than its predecessor by offering Double Tap Gesture for improved accessibility.
Diving Deeper: Comparing Key Features and Specs:
Now let’s get into the details of what makes each Apple Watch different from the other:
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch SE 2 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | |
| Size | 41mm and 45mm stainless steel and aluminum cases | 44mm or 40mm aluminum case | 49mm titanium case |
| Retina Display | Up to 1000 nits (Always-On) | Up to 1000 nits | Up to 3000 nits (Always-On) |
| Processor | S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor | S8 SiP | S9 SiP |
| Features | 1. Temperature sensing 2. Accurate cycle tracking with ovulation estimate 3. Noise monitoring 4. Siren 5. Emergency SOS | 1. Cycle tracking 2. Crash detection 3. Noise monitoring 4. Emergency SOS | 1. Temperature sensing 2. Accurate cycle tracking with ovulation estimates 3. Noise monitoring 4. Siren 5. Emergency SOS |
| Health/Wellness Alerts | High/low heart rate Irregular rhythm Low cardio | High/low heart rate Irregular rhythm Low cardio | High/low heart rate Irregular rhythm Low cardio |
| Waterproof? | 50m, swimproof | 50m, swimproof | 100m, swimproof, suitable for high-speed water sports |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours of normal use | Up to 18 hours of normal use | Up to 36 hours of normal use |
| GPS Connectivity | GPS connectivity available Cellular connectivity available Supports family setups (you can connect family members who don’t have an iPhone) | GPS connectivity available Cellular connectivity available Supports family setups (you can connect family members who don’t have an iPhone) | Precision dual-frequency GPS Cellular connectivity available Supports family setups (you can connect family members who don’t have an iPhone) |
| Price | $250-$270 | $299 | $799 |
| Suitable for iPhone Model/OS | iPhone 8 or later, iOS 16 or later | iPhone XS or later, iOS 17 or above | iPhone XS or later, iOS 17 or above |
As you can already see from the above, Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra 2 have almost all the same features, but what makes Ultra 2 better is its bigger/brighter screen, improved battery life, advanced processor, and enhanced retina display.
Apple Watch SE 2 is obviously a budget-friendly option, but it lacks some of the advanced features that are available in the other two Apple Watches.
One of the features that all three Apple Watches have in common is the ability to connect to WiFi or cellular connection. However, to function efficiently, your iPhone and Apple Watch must be connected to the same network. Site Note: To ensure smooth connectivity for both your Apple Watch and iPhone devices, make sure to sign up for reliable internet. If you are not satisfied with your current ISP, we recommend checking out Xfinity for seamless WiFi connectivity between all your devices. Contact Xfinity Customer Service today to get details about the plans and prices.
How to Pair Your Apple Watch With iPhone
If you are getting your first Apple Watch, you may need a little guidance on how to pair your iPhone with the Apple Watch. See the step-by-step guide below:
1. Turn on your Apple Watch by pressing the side button until the Apple logo appears.
2. Keep your iPhone close. As soon as the Apple Watch is turned on, a message should automatically appear on your iPhone: Use your iPhone to set up this Apple Watch. Tap on ‘Continue.’
If the message doesn’t appear, go to the Apple Watch app on your phone, tap All Watches, and then Add Watch.
3. Hold your Apple Watch under the iPhone camera as long as it comes under the viewfinder on your iPhone.
If your iPhone doesn’t read, then you can pair it manually by tapping on ‘Pair Apple Watch Manually’ below.
4. If this is your first Apple Watch ever, you can tap on ‘Set Up as New Apple Watch’. Otherwise, you have the option to restore back from your previous Apple Watch.
The next prompts will require you to log in using your Apple credentials, create a passcode for your Apple Watch, and customize settings like setting up cellular and Apple Pay. Throughout the whole process of syncing, make sure your Apple Watch and iPhone are next to each other.
Wrapping Up: Best Apple Watch for You
If you still haven’t figured out what Apple Watch you should get from the three mentioned in this blog, let us make it simple for you:
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, then you should go for Apple Watch SE 2. It includes all the basic features that you would expect from an Apple Watch, even with a slightly better processor system.
If you want a longer battery life, Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the one for you. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has almost the same features as the Apple Watch Series 8, with a slight change in price and battery life. If you want a slightly cheaper option that includes advanced features, the Apple Watch Series 8 has it all.
In our opinion, there is not much difference between the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Let us know what you think in the comments!
FAQS
Which Apple Watch has a keyboard?
Only the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra 2 have a keyboard for typing in Messages.
Which Apple Watch can you wear swimming?
Apple Watch Series 8 and SE can be worn during shallow-water activities, such as diving in a pool or ocean, but not for diving, water skiing, or other high-speed water activities. Apple Watch Ultra 2 can be used in all cases.
Can I Connect the Apple Watch to Android?
All versions of the Apple Watch are designed to sync with an iPhone, and most features will not work with an Android device. This is why the Apple Watch may not be compatible with Android devices.