Apple
Apple Watch Series 8
2022 · Fitness + health
86
/ 100
From $399
VS
Apple
Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)
2022 · Fitness + health
86
/ 100
From $429
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch Series 8 lands at 86 and Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) at 86. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Pick Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) if…
- ✓Multi-day fitness tracking
- ✓GPS + heart rate
- ✓Notification mirroring
Apple Watch Series 8 86
vs 86 Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)
Score breakdown
Apple Watch Series 8
86 battery 72
display 88
fitness 86
health 84
durability 86
Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)
86 battery 72
display 88
fitness 86
health 84
durability 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2022 | 2022 |
Apple Watch Series 8
Pros
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
Cons
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)
Pros
- +Multi-day fitness tracking
- +GPS + heart rate
- +Notification mirroring
Cons
- −Battery life varies dramatically
- −Companion phone required
- −Screen-on drains battery
FAQ: Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)
Which is better, Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band)? +
Both score 86 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple Watch Series 8 worth the price? +
At $399, Apple Watch Series 8 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in display.
Is Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) worth the price? +
At $429, Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in display.
Does Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Series 8 (Sport Band) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.