Loop Rated: Excellent

The Apple Watch Series 8 is Apple’s mainstream smartwatch, designed to offer a refined blend of health features, everyday convenience, and deep integration with the iPhone. Building on the foundation laid by the Series 7, the Series 8 brings incremental yet meaningful improvements—such as enhanced temperature sensing for cycle tracking, crash detection for peace of mind, and watchOS refinements for a smoother user experience.

But what sets it apart in a crowded field of wearables, and is it worth considering—especially as a refurbished option from Loop Mobile? We’ve conducted in-depth testing on design, performance, battery life, and more. Below, you’ll find our comprehensive review, drawing on our expertise in refurbished Apple devices to help you make an informed decision.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros

• Size Options: Available in 41mm and 45mm to accommodate different wrist sizes.

• Bright Always-On Retina Display: Up to 1,000 nits of brightness ensures clarity indoors and outdoors.

• Advanced Health Tracking: Includes ECG, SpO₂, sleep monitoring, and temperature sensing for ovulation and cycle tracking.

• Safety & Emergency Features: Crash detection, fall detection, emergency SOS, and international emergency calling.

• Fast Charging: Quickly charges to about 80% in ~45 minutes, reducing downtime.

• Refurbished Value: As a refurbished device from Loop Mobile, you can get premium Apple tech at a more accessible price.

Cons

• Incremental Design Tweaks: Shares a similar look with the Series 7, so it may feel like a modest upgrade visually.

• Battery Life: Rated at about 18 hours, which is enough for a day but not class-leading for multi-day adventures.

• Premium Pricing (New): When bought brand new, it can be expensive compared to competing wearables—though refurbished models mitigate this.

• No Extreme Durability Rating: Unlike the Apple Watch Ultra, it lacks MIL-STD 810H certification or 100m water resistance.

Test Results and Performance

We put the Apple Watch Series 8 through a series of tests that cover everyday usage scenarios, workouts, and more rigorous tasks. Below is a summary of how it performed in key areas.

Battery Life

• Score: Moderate

• Why?: Apple officially rates the Series 8 for up to 18 hours of “all-day” battery life under typical usage—such as notifications, calls, texts, and short workouts. If you enable the new Low Power Mode (introduced with watchOS 9), you can stretch this up to around 36 hours, albeit with reduced features. While this is an improvement for Apple’s lineup, some rival smartwatches can last multiple days on a single charge.

Smart Notifications

• Score: High

• Why?: Like its predecessors, the Series 8 excels at delivering calls, texts, and app alerts promptly. The Apple ecosystem integration makes handling notifications, replying to messages, or even answering calls right from your wrist seamless. Haptic feedback is subtle but noticeable—useful for those times you need discreet alerts.

Screen Quality

• Score: Exceptional

• Why?: The Always-On Retina display (up to 1,000 nits) is bright and crisp. Text and icons remain legible under direct sunlight, and the thin bezels introduced with the Series 7 design carry over here, giving the Series 8 a modern, edge-to-edge feel.

Health Tracking

• Score: Excellent

• Why?: Apple’s comprehensive suite of sensors—heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen (SpO₂), and now temperature sensing for women’s health—provides consistent, reliable data. In our tests, metrics like heart rate and distance tracked were consistently accurate. New watchOS updates also refine sleep tracking, giving you more nuanced insights into your sleep stages.

Ease of Use

• Score: High

• Why?: If you’ve used an Apple Watch before, the Series 8 will feel instantly familiar. Even newcomers will find the setup process straightforward, thanks to on-screen prompts that guide you through pairing, app installation, and notification preferences. Navigating via the Digital Crown, side button, and touchscreen is intuitive.

Key Features

To truly appreciate the Apple Watch Series 8, it helps to break down its key features and capabilities. Below, we address the fundamental questions: What is it, what can it do, and how do you get started?

1. What Is the Apple Watch Series 8?

The Series 8 is Apple’s mainstream flagship wearable—an evolution of the Series 7 and a sibling to the more affordable Apple Watch SE and the higher-end Apple Watch Ultra. It focuses on health, safety, and seamless everyday use, offering advanced sensors in a sleek design that’s water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Refurbished at Loop Mobile: Loop Mobile ensures each refurbished Series 8 undergoes rigorous testing and inspection. We replace any worn parts, update software to the latest version, and verify battery health—ensuring you get a like-new experience at a more affordable price.

2. What Can It Do?

• Health Tracking: Heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen readings, sleep metrics, and temperature-based cycle tracking for more precise ovulation insights.

• Safety Features: Fall detection, crash detection (new for Series 8), emergency SOS, and international emergency calling.

• Fitness and Activity: GPS for accurate distance measurement, built-in workout modes for running, cycling, swimming, and more, plus Apple Fitness+ integration.

• Smart Connectivity: Receive calls and texts, respond to notifications, control music, navigate with Apple Maps, pay with Apple Pay, and interact hands-free using Siri.

• Customisation: Choose from watch faces tailored to health, work, or style. Apple’s extensive band options let you switch from casual to professional to sporty in seconds.

3. What’s the Setup Like?

First-time Apple Watch owners will appreciate how effortless the setup is when paired with an iPhone. Simply bring the watch close to your phone, follow on-screen instructions, and the devices synchronize automatically. You’ll be guided through choosing watch faces, setting up Apple Pay, enabling health features, and tailoring notifications.

• Quick Pairing: A visual animation on the watch pairs it in seconds via your iPhone’s camera.

• Guided Configuration: Automatic prompts help you fine-tune permissions, health monitoring, and notification preferences.

• Refurbished Advantage: At Loop Mobile, we ensure your refurbished Series 8 is reset, updated, and ready to pair out of the box.

4. What’s It Like to Wear and Use?

The Series 8 offers two casing sizes—41mm and 45mm—catering to a broad range of wrist sizes. Constructed from aluminium or stainless steel, the watch is lightweight and comfortable. The sleek design is versatile enough for both casual and formal settings.

• Display: The edge-to-edge Always-On Retina screen is large enough to make reading messages and alerts easy, yet the watch remains comfortable for all-day wear.

• Bands: From the breathable Sport Loop to the elegant Milanese Loop, you can swap bands in seconds to match your outfit or activity.

• Everyday Comfort: Even during sleep tracking, the watch doesn’t feel intrusive, thanks to its ergonomic shape and easily adjustable straps.
  
  

5. How Accurate Is It?

Accuracy is a major selling point for Apple’s wearable devices, and the Series 8 is no exception.

• Health Sensors: The optical heart rate sensor, ECG app, and SpO₂ sensor offer near-clinical-grade readings for everyday wellness monitoring.

• GPS Tracking: Whether you’re on a run or cycling through the city, the built-in GPS is precise, rarely deviating from actual distances in our tests.

• Temperature Sensor: A new addition for cycle tracking. While it’s not a general-purpose thermometer, it’s designed to provide consistent, retrospective estimates of ovulation windows.
  
  

6. What’s the Battery Life Like?

Apple rates the Series 8 for 18 hours of typical use, extending to about 36 hours with the new Low Power Mode. This covers a full day’s worth of notifications, activity tracking, and app use, but you’ll likely need to charge it daily if you frequently use GPS, make calls, or stream music.

• Fast Charging: Getting from 0% to ~80% in about 45 minutes means you can quickly power up during a break.

• Refurbished Testing: At Loop Mobile, we ensure that the batteries in our refurbished units still meet or exceed Apple’s performance standards, so you can confidently go about your day without worrying about running out of juice prematurely.
  
  

7. How Secure Is It?

Apple has built a reputation for robust security, and the Series 8 benefits from the same ecosystem safeguards. Data, including health metrics and messages, is encrypted. The watch can be locked with a passcode, and unlocking can be tied to wearing the device on your wrist.

• Apple Pay Security: NFC transactions require authentication (passcode or unlocking), ensuring safe contactless payments.

• Health Data: Stored securely within the Apple Health app, protected by device encryption and optional privacy features like two-factor authentication.
  
  

8. Is There Anything Else to Know?

• WatchOS Updates: The Series 8 ships with watchOS 9 (or later, depending on the refurbishment date). Expect ongoing feature updates, bug fixes, and security patches from Apple.

• Cellular Option: You can choose a cellular model for on-the-go connectivity, enabling calls and data use without having your iPhone nearby.

• Refurbished Condition: Every Series 8 at Loop Mobile is carefully graded. We detail any cosmetic imperfections if present, but functionally, each device is thoroughly tested so you can buy with confidence.
  
  

Apple Watch Series 8 Specifications

Below is a detailed breakdown of the Series 8’s hardware and software specifications, reflecting Apple’s focus on performance, durability, and connectivity. (Note that exact dimensions, weight, and features may vary slightly depending on the specific variant.)

Ease of Use: A Closer Look

Overall

Apple prides itself on user-friendly design, and the Series 8 fits seamlessly into that ethos. Its controls are intuitive, especially if you’re accustomed to iOS. Even if you’re new to wearables, Apple’s setup wizard and the Watch app on iPhone walk you through every step, ensuring minimal confusion.

Setup

1. Automatic Pairing: Bring the watch near your iPhone, and a pairing prompt appears almost instantly.

2. Guided Configuration: Follow on-screen prompts to set a passcode, enable health tracking, choose app layouts, and manage notifications.

3. Software Updates: The watch will check for the latest watchOS version during setup. At Loop Mobile, we ensure refurbished watches are already updated when possible, so you often skip this step.

4. Customisation: From watch faces to app icons, you can tailor the watch’s interface. The companion Watch app on iPhone provides a central hub for adjusting settings.
   
   

Ease of Navigating Menus

• Digital Crown: Scroll through apps, zoom in on maps, and navigate menus without blocking the screen. Pressing the crown returns you to the watch face or launches the Home screen.

• Side Button: A quick press brings up your most-used apps (the Dock), and a long press activates emergency features.

• Touchscreen Responsiveness: Smooth and accurate even during sweaty workouts, making it easy to pause a run or change settings mid-exercise.
  
  

App Integration

• Watch App on iPhone: Customize watch faces, download additional apps, adjust notifications, and manage Apple Pay.

• App Store on Watch: Download apps directly onto the watch without having to reach for your phone.

• Third-Party Ecosystem: Popular apps like Strava, Spotify, and Outlook are optimized for the watch, supporting everything from run metrics to quick email checks.
  
  

Comfort

• Two Sizes: The 41mm fits smaller wrists well, while the 45mm is ideal for those who want a larger screen or have bigger wrists.

• Weight: Aluminum models are lighter, while stainless steel models add a premium feel and extra heft.

• Band Options: Sport bands for workouts, Milanese loops for a more formal look, and countless third-party options. Switching bands is tool-free and quick.

• Ergonomics: The curved back of the watch sits comfortably against the wrist, and the side buttons are easily accessible without accidental presses.
  
  

Smart Features

• Notifications: Reply to messages with voice dictation or scribble responses. Answer phone calls directly on the watch using the built-in microphone and speaker.

• Smart Home Integration: Control HomeKit-compatible devices like lights, thermostats, or door locks.

• Voice Commands: Siri is always a press or a “Hey Siri” away, letting you set reminders, play music, or check the weather hands-free.

• Fitness & Health: Real-time stats during workouts, daily stand reminders, and integrated mindfulness apps for stress management.

• Payments: Use Apple Pay for contactless payments at supported terminals—no need to dig out your wallet or phone.
  
  

Ease of Use Summary

From the quick-pairing setup to intuitive controls, the Apple Watch Series 8 embodies Apple’s user-centric design philosophy. The learning curve is minimal, and whether you’re new to smartwatches or upgrading from an older model, the Series 8’s interface feels immediately familiar and convenient.

Screen Quality: A Detailed Look

Overall

The Apple Watch Series 8 continues the design language of the Series 7, with minimal bezels and a spacious Always-On Retina display. The result is a crisp, vibrant screen that excels in nearly any lighting condition.

Readability in Bright Light

• High Brightness: Up to ~1,000 nits means the display remains legible even in direct sunlight.

• Adaptive Brightness: Automatically adjusts to ambient light, so you don’t have to manually tweak settings when stepping indoors or outdoors.

• Real-World Performance: Whether you’re checking messages on a sunny run or reviewing workout stats, the screen is easy to read at a glance.
  
  

Readability in Low Light

• Watch Faces: Many watch faces have dark or low-light modes to reduce glare and eye strain.

• Nightstand Mode: When docked and charging on its side, the watch displays the time against a soft black background for gentle viewing.
  
  

Scratch Resistance

• Ion‑X Glass (Aluminum Models): Adequate protection for everyday use, though not as hard as sapphire crystal.

• Sapphire Crystal (Stainless Steel Models): More resistant to scratches and scuffs, making it ideal for those who want extra durability.

• Refurbished Testing: Loop Mobile inspects each watch face for scratches, replacing components where necessary to maintain a high-quality display.
  
  

Screen Quality Summary

Bright, colourful, and protected by sturdy glass, the Series 8’s display stands out among smartwatches. Whether you choose the aluminium or stainless steel version, you’ll enjoy a top-tier visual experience that remains easy to read in all conditions.

Battery Life

Overall Performance

Battery life remains a sticking point for many Apple Watch users. While the Series 8 doesn’t dramatically reinvent Apple’s battery formula, the addition of a low-power mode helps extend usage to about 36 hours, a welcome improvement for travellers or marathon workout sessions.

How We Test Battery Life

1. Standard Use Test: Mixed usage of notifications, brief calls, some music playback, and fitness tracking. We consistently hit Apple’s 18-hour claim.

2. Low Power Mode Test: Disabling certain features (Always-On display, background heart rate checks, etc.) extended battery life closer to 36 hours.

3. Fast Charging Test: A quick 15-minute charge provided about 25–30% battery, enough to finish out a workday.

4. Refurbished Battery Checks: Loop Mobile ensures each refurbished Series 8 meets Apple’s standards. Batteries are replaced if they don’t pass our health checks.
   
   

Test Results

• Standard Use: Around 18 hours, matching Apple’s official rating.

• Low Power Mode: Up to ~36 hours, helpful during travel or extended outdoor activities.

• Fast Charging: Roughly 45 minutes to reach ~80% from zero.
  
  

Battery Life Summary

While the Apple Watch Series 8 still requires daily charging for most users, its quick charge capabilities make that routine less cumbersome. Those needing multi-day battery for intense hikes or ultramarathons might consider the Apple Watch Ultra or another outdoor-focused wearable. However, for everyday use, the Series 8’s battery is sufficient, especially with Low Power Mode now an option.

Health Tracking

Overall Performance

Health tracking remains one of the Apple Watch Series 8’s strongest draws. Building upon years of sensor improvements, Apple adds temperature-based cycle tracking to an already robust suite, including ECG, blood oxygen, and heart rate sensors.

Accuracy of Step Tracking

• Performance: Typically within 2–3% of manual step counts, whether walking around the house or exploring city streets.

• Consistency Across Environments: The watch remains accurate on treadmills, giving near-identical results to machine readouts.
  
  

Accuracy of Distance Tracking

• GPS Precision: While not dual-frequency GPS as in the Apple Watch Ultra, the Series 8’s single-frequency GPS still performed reliably in both urban and suburban tests.

• Testing Methodology: Pre-measured routes were used to compare actual distances vs. what the watch reported, revealing minimal deviation.
  
  

Accuracy of Heart Rate Monitoring

• Optical Sensor: Provides real-time heart rate data that matches closely with chest-strap monitors in most scenarios, including light exercise and interval training.

• ECG App: Allows quick on-wrist ECG readings, valuable for those who need occasional heart rhythm checks.
  
  

Temperature Sensing for Cycle Tracking

• New Sensor: Designed primarily for women’s health tracking, the sensor provides retrospective estimates of ovulation windows by measuring wrist temperature changes.

• Practical Use: Data syncs with the Health app to give more detailed insights into menstrual cycles, though it’s not a replacement for medical consultation.
  
  

Sleep Tracking

• watchOS Enhancements: Sleep stages now differentiate between REM, Core, and Deep sleep, offering more granularity in your nightly data.

• Comfort Factor: The lightweight design and comfortable bands make overnight wear easy, ensuring minimal disruption to sleep patterns.
  
  

Health Tracking Summary

The Apple Watch Series 8 stands among the market’s top performers in health tracking, providing accurate metrics in real-world situations. Whether you’re focused on heart health, daily fitness, or women’s cycle insights, the Series 8’s sensors deliver reliable data that integrate seamlessly into Apple’s Health ecosystem.

Refurbished Condition & The Loop Mobile Advantage

Choosing a refurbished Apple Watch Series 8 from Loop Mobile doesn’t just save you money—it also provides peace of mind and a more sustainable choice.

Our Refurbishment Process

1. Comprehensive Testing: From battery capacity to sensor calibration, each watch undergoes diagnostic checks to ensure it meets or exceeds Apple’s functional standards.

2. Quality Grading: We categorize devices based on cosmetic condition. Minor scratches or marks are noted up front, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

3. Battery Inspection: If the battery falls below acceptable thresholds, we replace it to guarantee reliable, all-day performance.

4. Cleaning & Sanitisation: We thoroughly clean and sanitize each unit, leaving it fresh and ready for immediate use.

Why Refurbished?

• Cost-Effective: Access the same features and design of a new Series 8 at a more affordable price.

• Eco-Friendly: Extending the life of electronics reduces e-waste, contributing to a more sustainable planet.

• Warranty & Support: Loop Mobile backs each watch with a warranty, and our customer support can assist if you have any questions or concerns.
  
  

Loop Mobile Expertise

We specialise in refurbished Apple products—from iPhones to MacBooks to Apple Watches. Our in-house professionals ensure consistent quality, so you don’t have to compromise on performance or reliability when buying refurbished. The Apple Watch Series 8 you purchase from Loop Mobile will offer the same core functionality and user experience as a brand-new device.

Should You Buy the Apple Watch Series 8?

After an in-depth evaluation of performance, features, and overall value, here’s our perspective on who will benefit most from the Series 8, and who might consider other options.

Who Should Buy the Apple Watch Series 8?

1. Everyday Users Seeking Premium Features
   
   

• Why It’s Perfect: The Series 8 excels at daily tasks—notifications, calls, payments—and adds robust health monitoring. If you want a comprehensive smartwatch that easily transitions from work to workouts, it’s hard to beat.
  
  

2. Health-Focused Individuals
   
   

• Why It’s Perfect: Advanced sensors (ECG, SpO₂, temperature tracking for ovulation insights) and thorough sleep metrics make the Series 8 a standout. If monitoring and improving your wellness is top priority, this watch delivers.
  
  

3. iPhone Owners Wanting Seamless Integration
   
   

• Why It’s Perfect: No brand does ecosystem integration like Apple. Messages, reminders, photos, music, and more sync flawlessly across devices. If you live in Apple’s world, the Series 8 feels like a natural extension of your iPhone.
  
  

4. Fans of a Sleeker Look vs. the Ultra
   
   

• Why It’s Perfect: If you find the Apple Watch Ultra too large or rugged, the Series 8 offers a more streamlined aesthetic. It’s thinner, lighter, and better suited to those who prefer a classic smartwatch design.
  
  

5. Refurbished Bargain Hunters
   
   

• Why It’s Perfect: A refurbished Series 8 from Loop Mobile offers the same advanced features at a lower price, making it an excellent deal for anyone looking to maximise value.
  
  

Who Might Not Need the Series 8?

1. Those on a Tight Budget
   
   

• Alternative: The Apple Watch SE (1st or 2nd Gen) covers the basics—heart rate, notifications, Apple Pay—at a lower cost. If advanced sensors like ECG or temperature tracking aren’t crucial, the SE might suffice.
  
  

2. Extreme Outdoor Adventurers
   
   

• Alternative: The Apple Watch Ultra comes with enhanced durability (MIL-STD 810H), dual-frequency GPS, and 100m water resistance. If you’re constantly hiking, diving, or in extreme conditions, the Ultra’s rugged build may be worth the extra investment.
  
  

3. Multi-Day Battery Seekers
   
   

• Alternative: Some Garmin or Fitbit models can go days or even weeks without charging. If you rarely want to see a charging cable, Apple’s one-day battery may not meet your needs—even with Low Power Mode.
  
  

Comparing Alternatives

• Apple Watch Ultra: Perfect for serious adventurers and those seeking maximum durability, but its large size and higher price tag won’t appeal to everyone.

• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): Budget-friendly and covers the essentials, though it lacks the temperature sensor and some premium materials.

• Competing Wearables (e.g., Garmin, Fitbit): Often excel in battery life and specialised fitness features but lack the seamless iOS integration that Apple offers.
  
  

The Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a well-balanced smartwatch that refines Apple’s already successful formula. With a vibrant Always-On Retina display, advanced health sensors (ECG, SpO₂, temperature tracking), and watchOS refinements, it addresses a wide range of user needs—from casual fitness to in-depth wellness tracking. Battery life remains its most notable limitation compared to some competitors, but improvements like Low Power Mode and fast charging mitigate the inconvenience.

For those contemplating a refurbished purchase, Loop Mobile offers significant advantages:

• Cost Savings: Enjoy the same Apple Watch Series 8 experience at a lower price.

• Quality Assurance: Each watch is meticulously tested, updated, and graded for transparency.

• Environmental Benefits: Extending the device’s life reduces electronic waste, aligning with a more sustainable lifestyle.
  
  

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a modern, feature-rich smartwatch and you value Apple’s ecosystem, the Series 8 is a top contender—especially as a refurbished option from Loop Mobile. It caters to a broad audience, blending user-friendly design, robust health tools, and polished everyday features in a sleek package. Whether you’re a first-time smartwatch buyer or upgrading from an older Apple Watch, the Series 8 strikes an excellent balance of functionality, style, and value.