Should You Buy an Apple Watch Series 8 Right Now? Here‘s My Advice

Are you considering purchasing an Apple Watch Series 8? As amazing as Apple products are, this may not be the best time to buy that particular model.

I‘ve analyzed the smartwatch landscape deeply, and there are a few important reasons why I suggest holding off on the Series 8:

An Overview of 4 Key Reasons to Wait

Before we dig into the details, here‘s a high-level glimpse at factors that influenced my advice:

1. The Series 9 is coming very soon – Expected in just 1-2 months with likely improvements to display, speed and features.

2. Limited Android compatibility – You won‘t get full functionality without an iPhone.

3. Incremental upgrades from older models – Modest changes from Series 7 and 6 won‘t matter to many.

4. Minimal current discounts – Already discontinued with prices not much lower than upcoming Series 9.

Let‘s look closer at the evidence behind each reason:

1. The Series 9 Will Likely Outshine It

We all know Apple keeps their technology roadmap very quiet before launch events. But credible leaks from major publications like Bloomberg and Ming-Chi Kuo give us clues about Series 9 upgrades such as:

• A nearly 2x brighter display for improved screen visibility – up to a blazing 2000 nits brightness mode outdoors according to Kuo
• A new S9 processor for more speed/responsiveness when managing apps and data
• Low power mode support – potentially adding several hours of extra runtime
• Car crash detection features similar to existing fall monitoring

And most intriguing, the next Apple Watch may introduce innovative gesture controls according to Kuo and Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. This could allow touch-free operation to scroll web pages, switch apps or zoom into content with just your fingers.

While not a revolutionary redesign, these add meaningful quality-of-life perks – especially the boosted brightness and smoother performance. With the Series 9 expected to launch in the usual mid-September timeframe for only $100 above the Series 8‘s cost, most buyers are better served waiting to evaluate.

I‘ll often endorse buying last year‘s model of watches, phones and other gadgets once successors release since discounts hit. But at this point, Series 8 deals are nearly non-existent – you‘ll typically pay full price anywhere between $399 to $499.

Meanwhile, rumors indicate a $499 starting price for the Series 9. For just an extra Benjamin, you‘ll probably get superior technology with a years-longer lifespan. Have some patience and avoid buyer‘s remorse!

2. Android Compatibility Remains Limited

I closely follow smart wearable technology advances, and in my expert opinion, Apple still makes the best smartwatches…if you live within their ecosystem.

One of the Apple Watch‘s biggest limitations is lackluster compatibility with Android compared to the tight integration with iPhones. You simply miss out on accessing key features and full functionality when not pairing with iOS.

For instance, the initial setup process is far more seamless with an iPhone. Health and activity data doesn‘t automatically populate into Google Fit or Samsung Health. Without iOS, you lose access to Apple exclusives like Siri, iMessage responses, ECG readings in many regions outside the US, and the App store‘s vast catalog.

Based on Apple‘s own Android compatibility details, you can only respond to notifications, make/receive calls, track fitness via Google Fit and use offline music playback. That‘s fairly barebones versus what iPhone users enjoy.

So if you currently own an Android phone like a Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel, I can‘t endorse plonking down $400+ for a handicapped device. Instead, consider feature-packed watches built specifically for Android like the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 line which start under $300. You‘ll get fuller health monitoring, fitness tools, apps and phone integration there.

And if you‘re an Apple fan planning to switch from Android later, just wait until you actually have an iPhone to pair for the proper experience!

3. Upgrades Over Past Generations Are Minor for Most

Whenever assessing the value of an aging tech product like the Series 8, I believe it‘s constructive to compare how much innovation it delivered over previous models. Does paying full price make sense for the refinements you get?

In the case of the Series 8 versus the Series 7 and Series 6, the year-over-year changes mostly amount to subtle improvements rather than game-changing developments:

Besides incremental processor and sensor refinements, the Series 8‘s marquee add-ons revolve around crash detection and temperature sensors for women‘s health. Nice extras perhaps, but hardly revolutionary if you already own a Series 6 or 7.

My take – unless those specific capabilities are absolutely vital, most folks adequately served by older generation feature sets won‘t functionally notice a difference in their daily usage.

And for casual users not overly demanding on performance, I‘d actually recommend considering an Apple Watch SE instead for nearly half the price. You‘ll still get most of the core functionality – just lacking always-on display, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. Still, solid savings that help your wallet.

Thus if you‘re not drooling for crash detection alerts or temperature readings, seriously contemplate getting a refurbished Series 6 or 7 unit which retailers like Amazon and Best Buy often sell for under $250 in great condition with warranties. Or again, evaluate the SE which sells between $249 and $299 new depending how large and connected you need.

But paying full freight for a Series 8 doesn‘t make tremendous sense when Apple‘s industry-leading warranty and software support means there‘s little worry buying older. Take the savings for nearly the same experience!

4. Better Bargains Among Alternatives

Beyond just older and cheaper Apple Watches being better values now, competitors in the smartwatch space deserve your consideration too. The wearables market has exploded with exceptional fitness focussed options as well as stylish fashion-first choices at lower costs than the premium Apple tax.

Here are my top recommendations of Series 8 alternatives to check out:

For iPhone Users

• Wait for Apple Watch Series 9: If you‘re already eyeing Apple as your ecosystem of choice, just hang tight until the next generation arrives with expected improvements to display quality, speed and gesture controls.
• Apple Watch SE – Costs hundreds less than Series 8 for a very capable smartwatch, albeit lacking always-on screen and advanced health sensors. Still, best bargain if you can live without those features.
• Apple Watch Ultra – If you need extreme sports performance, the $799 Ultra model adds sapphire crystal display, titanium casing and much longer battery in a bigger 49mm size. Overkill for many though.

For Android Users

• Samsung Galaxy Watch5 – The best Apple alternative for Android users thanks to deep integration with Samsung phones. Smooth performance rivaling Apple with attractive design.
• Fossil Gen 6 – Most fashionable Wear OS smartwatch under $300 powered by Android. Huge style variety from a classic watchmaker.
• Fitbit Versa 4 – Leading health & fitness tracking features with on-screen workouts, GPS and multi-day battery.

For Fitness Fans

• Garmin Venu 2 Plus – Robust suite for tracking runs, rides and swims with metrics galore. Also gets you basic smartwatch notifications.
• Fitbit Charge 5 – An advanced fitness band and sleep tracker rather than full smartwatch. But provides actionable insights across key vitals with 7-day battery.

And there are even more affordable smartwatches worth exploring from fashion brands like Michael Kors, Movado and Kate Spade if you want to opt out of premium prices entirely.

Time to Decide Based on Your Needs

At the end of the day, only you can decide which smartwatch option best fits your budget, phone platform and must-have features. I aimed to equip you with comprehensive advice though on why the Apple Watch Series makes little sense for most buyers today. Too many compromises for $399 compared to what else is available, or what will come soon from Apple themselves.

I‘m confident after analyzing these pros and cons, you have what you need to make an informed decision and pick the right wearable. Let me know if any other questions come up in the process!