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Apple released the Apple Watch Series 8 last year, and even though it's a couple of months old now, people are still wondering which model to buy. Apple made the decision a bit easier by offering fewer options with this series, including the budget-friendly new Apple Watch SE, the standard stainless steel or aluminum Apple Watch 8, and the luxurious titanium Apple Watch Ultra.
UPDATE: Oh, by the way, the technological clock never stops ticking. Apple released the Apple Watch Series 9, so you have another generation to be excited and read about. Let's not forget the Apple Watch Ultra 2. With that being mentioned and out of the way, it's time to continue.
Now that the options have been narrowed down, let's examine the differences between the vanilla model in more detail.
The design of the Apple Watch 8 is... well, unchanged
Looking at the specs above it’s clear to see that the main difference lies in the weight, build materials, colors and price. So let’s break down the important ones first.
Let’s talk about durability for a second. Aluminum is a great material - it’s very lightweight, and also takes paint really nice, it can be anodized and so on. The only downside is that the grade of aluminum that tech companies use is pretty soft. It scratches easily and you can leave a dent into it with not much effort whatsoever.
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The glass situation is pretty similar - the Ion-X strengthened glass is a hardened version of normal glass but it still scratches and it can also break. That’s what $399 will get you in terms of materials.
On the other side of the dollar spectrum, $799 will make things much more solid, metaphorically and also literally speaking. Stainless steel is much harder, scratch resistant and shiny material. But it’s also much denser and heavier than aluminum (stainless steel aircrafts are rare as unicorns).
Sapphire glass is also much harder than normal glass, and also harder than Apple’s Ion-X strengthened glass as well. It’s not natural sapphire but a lab-produced compound with the same chemical formula and crystal structure.
The less important differences concern the color options - the aluminum version is available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver and (Product)RED, while the Stainless Steel can be purchased in Silver, Gold, and Graphite.
Which one should you buy?
Given the GPS + cellular options on both models, as well as the 41mm and 45mm cases also available in both materials, it all boils down to how sturdy and scratch resistant you want your watch to be.
Money, of course, is a big factor as well, you can have the aluminum variant for almost half the price of the stainless steel one. And lastly, the weight - if you’re not comfortable with heavy watches, maybe you should opt for the aluminum case.
For the adventurous types out there, and if you want the maximum available protection for your new Apple Watch, the new Apple Watch Ultra is the logical choice.
Watch Series 8, 41mm, (Product) RED: Get at Amazon
The Apple Watch Series 8 with a 41mm case and GPS is now available at Amazon. It sells at its standard price in select colors.
The bigger Apple Watch Series 8 in Starlight is now available in the (Product) RED at its standard price. This is the version without cellular connectivity.
What to look out for when choosing between stainless steel and aluminum
Strength and Durability: Stainless steel is generally stronger and more durable than aluminum. It has higher tensile strength and better resistance to impact and deformation. This makes stainless steel suitable for applications that require robustness and structural integrity, great for cases and chassis of various electronic devices that should resist wear and tear.
Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion and rust due to the presence of chromium. Aluminum also has good corrosion resistance but requires surface treatments or coatings to enhance its protection against corrosion. Most smartwatches made of aluminum have different coatings to protect the material.
Weight: Aluminum is significantly lighter than stainless steel. Its low density makes it an ideal choice when weight reduction is crucial, making it great for wearable devices. Stainless steel, being denser, is relatively heavier.
Cost: Aluminum is generally less expensive than stainless steel. The cost of stainless steel can vary depending on the specific grade and alloy composition. This is reflected in the Apple Watch 8 series price, as the stainless steel options are generally more expensive than the aluminum ones.
Appearance: Stainless steel has a characteristic metallic luster and is available in various finishes, including polished, brushed, or matte. Aluminum can also exhibit a metallic shine but is often used with coatings or anodization for enhanced aesthetics and protection.
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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