It seems like time flies. Here we are on the fourth version of the Apple Watch, after years of speculation and rumors surrounded the company and their development of the product line in general. The Apple Watch Series 4 promises a lot, but it was not until I was able to finally get my hands on it to see if it lives up to the hype.
First, some background on myself as an Apple Watch owner. I bought the first version, and frankly, was not a fan. I then waited until buying the Apple Watch Series 3, which I really enjoyed and got a lot out of. The features coming to the Apple Watch Series 4 convinced me to give it a try, knowing that worst case scenario, I could always go back to my tried and true watch I’ve been using for the last few months.
Shop The Apple Watch Series 4 Here
New Features: 8/10
Everyone is looking for reasons to jump to the Apple Watch Series 4, especially if they just bought the Series 3 like I did. My feeling going into trying this new version was that, if it was good enough, I’d have no issue selling my Series 3 and keeping the Series 4.
Adding two millimeters to each model might not seem like a lot, but the screen size is a change for the better in my opinion. I always felt like the watches looked a little too small, especially on the wrists of men. The best news is it doesn’t feel bigger, probably because the watch is thinner than the previous version. Look below in the Overall Look/Feel section to read more of my thoughts on those changes.
Under the hood, the Apple Watch Series 4 really takes it to another level compared to the Series 3 processor. The 64-bit dual-core S4 processor performs up to 2x faster than the previous version, and it’s evident right away. The Series 3 would feel overwhelmed to me at times. I haven’t had that issue at all with the Series 4, and I’m using more apps and going in between them than ever.
Perhaps the most talked about feature is currently not available on the watch, which is a bit frustrating. The electrical heart sensor (ECG app) was hyped up prior to release as something that could really help monitor and alert people on their overall heart health. An irregular heartbeat, for example, could be identified with this app. Apple gets an incomplete for that feature, although it’s supposed to be released soon.
Fall detection is another safety feature that can benefit everyone, but it’s geared towards the older crowd in general. Fortunately, I haven’t taken a hard fall just yet, but reviews out there have stated it works well and is able to identify actual falls well.
Finally, the digital crown is now just a bit more useful, thanks to haptic feedback. This was glossed over a lot in previews for the watch, but I really like how it works. It just feels a lot better turning or pressing the digital crown during daily use. Since I’m using a ton of apps at once, I can flip through a bunch with pretty pinpoint accuracy. Before, I was never able to really solve how to do it without any hiccups from time to time.
Overall Look/Feel: 9/10
The Apple Watch Series 4 is a watch that I have always really appreciated the simplicity of the look and the overall feel of it on my wrist at all times. I am someone who does not just wear a watch from time to time but instead someone who is going to have it on pretty much the entire day. I needed to fit into a bunch of different settings whether it be a more formal one or at the gym. I’ve never had a problem dressing up the look of an Apple Watch if need be, and I usually stick with pretty neutral bands.
Nothing has really changed all that much with the overall design of the Apple Watch, other than screen size. You can still get it in a couple different sizes, but the display is bigger by 2 millimeters on each version. The Apple Watch Series 3 offered a 42 mm and a 38 mm option, while the Apple Watch Series 4 offers a 44 mm and a 40 mm version. Despite the bigger screen size, the depth of the watch shrinks from 11.4 mm thin to 10.7 mm thin.
Due to the slimmer feel and the bigger screen size, I must admit I’m looking at my watch and using it more than in the past. I’m sure that is music to the ears of Apple, as they want users to be a bit more engaged and dependent on the device.
Apple has continued their partnership with Nike to offer something that is geared towards athletes first and foremost. They also have a more dressed up Hermès version that carries a premium feel. I went with the standard version, and decided to get the the cellular option as an add-on.
Fitness Tracking: 10/10
Keeping track of fitness is a major reason why the smart watch industry has exploded so much. Simply put, this is the best fitness tracking smart watch I’ve ever used. It does everything I could possibly expect out of technology at this stage, and without any lag or technical issues.
There are more affordable options for fitness tracking out there for sure, but even looking at the Apple Watch Series 4 as ONLY something to measure workouts, it does an amazing job. In fact, a new feature on this version of the watch is that it can automatically recognize when exercise actually starts. I don’t have to set up anything to get out there and workout, I can just start to move a little more quickly and the watch will ask me if a workout is starting.
The Apple Watch has evolved into a health coach, and no matter your level of motivation, I feel like everyone can get something out of it. Prior to ever owning a smart watch, I was working out at least five times a week anyway. Most would venture to say that I don’t get as much out of a fitness coach in watch form as the average person, but I’ve grown to love trying new things, crunching numbers and staying motivated.
People who are really into tech (like me) also fall into some pretty unhealthy habits because they are using tech all day long (also me). One feature I love on my Apple Watch Series 4 is that you can customize an alert system that pretty much demands you to take hourly rests, stretch out and relax instead of being stressed throughout the work day. It’s a pretty simple concept that just works.
Not much has changed with the heart rate sensor from Series 3, but not much needed improvement. It is still the best one out there in this class, and I have no problems getting accurate readings each and every use. All the built-in apps for fitness tracking work really well together, and up to this point, I’ve experienced no issues or dreaded “restart moments” with a workout.
Perhaps the best little thing Apple does extremely well is motivate. Regardless of activity level, the watch is always pushing the owner to do more. So many people become addicted to trying to close all their rings, but even responding to all the alerts throughout the day to move around is a positive step in the right direction for a healthier life.
Performance: 10/10
A watch is something I’m always checking, quickly. That’s why performance is such a huge thing for me. With the first version of the Apple Watch, it lagged and slowed down way too much. I have not experienced anything like that at all with the Apple Watch Series 4.
Technically speaking, the Apple S4 dual-core processor inside the watch is what makes this all possible. I’m able to seamlessly go from app to app without any issues, including navigation, which often is one of the first apps to lag.
Battery Life: 7/10
Those who have owned an Apple Watch in the past know all too well that the battery life can be tough to deal with. Even though the company makes every effort to improve battery life with each new release, I hate having to charge a watch as much as I have to.
Apple claims that people should get about 18 hours of use before a charge. Maybe I fall under a heavy user, because most of the time mine limps to the end of the day, meaning I get about 15-16 hours of life out of mine. It’s a bit of a Catch-22 with all the new and exciting features, as using them a lot will drain the battery pretty quickly. I notice that the more I work out (using GPS, fitness tracking and checking the watch more in general), the tougher it is to get a day’s use.
For now, it’s not a deal breaker, but if battery is of ultimate importance, there are alternative smart watches out there with better battery life. Any smart watch that offers the features on the Apple Watch Series 4 will end up having similar battery life though.
Cellular Usage: 9/10
What made me fall in love with the Apple Watch Series 3 is that, at times, I was able to leave my phone at home. To me, that’s how a smart watch should be, and there was no turning back. That feature obviously returns for the Apple Watch Series 4, and performance across the board is strong.
I had trouble at times using the watch as a replacement for my phone, mainly when it came to sound. Whether I was trying to hear something or speak to someone, the sound was really lacking on my Apple Watch Series 3. The sound and microphone were addressed on the newest version, which is great. I already leave my phone at home more often than before.
With that said, you still can’t do that 100% of the time, unless you sacrificed a lot of things. Apple has added support with a Messenger app and WeChat App, but the lack of a WhatsApp app leaves things incomplete. It is also pretty difficult to read anything on the internet other than to check an occasional email.
Cellular usage works best, for me, when paired with headphones. I just can’t constantly talk into my wrist or put it up to my ear to hear things. Not only is it difficult, but do not be surprised if you get some weird looks.
The cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 4 is a $100 upgrade, plus the monthly fee that ranges from $5-$10 on average. It was a little tough to justify the price for me at first, but I get enough use out of the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 4 that I’m happy with the purchase. More casual users will more than likely be fine with just the GPS version.
Future Outlook: 8/10
As with any Apple product, the future outlook for the Apple Watch Series 4 is hit or miss. This is a durable, high quality watch capable of lasting years under normal use. With that said, compare the Apple Series 4 watch and all the changes that have gone into the line to the Apple Series 2. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding each new release of an Apple product.
Most features on the Apple Watch Series 4 work well on the Series 3, thanks to WatchOS 5.0 being compatible with every watch besides the first one. It just won’t have that new look and new level of performance.
Just about every smart watch loses its battery power slowly but surely starting at around 18 months. Considering the battery life is still a bit on the low side, this is another reason why the future outlook takes a bit of a hit.
All in all, the Apple Watch Series 4 is pretty standard as far as wearable tech is concerned, getting 18 to 24 months use out of it should be expected, which is good, but not great. There are always creative ways to cover upgrades, which includes eventually selling the used Apple Watch and eventually upgrading when the time comes.
What It’s Still Missing
It is pretty easy to see that I really do like the Apple Watch Series 4. However, there are two things in particular I wish it offered. These aren’t deal breakers by any means, but maybe they will be for you.
The lack of sleep tracking built in is puzzling to me. It’s going to cost a little bit extra to get some of the top apps out there for sleep tracking. There are some options for sure, I just don’t really get why Apple can put so much into the watch, but not offer that. Maybe they feel like the bulk of their customers will be too busy charging up for the following day.
Battery life might not be amazing, but as a fan of traditional watches, I’d like the option to have an “always-on” mode. There is no way to do that currently, although there have been rumors circulating for a while that things could change. At this point, battery drain and the fear of burn-in on the OLED display have been the reasoning for Apple staying away from this option. I just would like a watch that displays something without having to raise my wrist every time.
Lastly, is it really too much to ask to get third-party watch faces? There are so many creative people out there, and Apple can be so frustrating sometimes with some of their restrictions they put on developers. I just want as many options as possible with the display.
Final Recommendation
Each new version of the Apple Watch has turned me into a believer. As stated above, I was not a fan of the first Apple Watch. Then, by the Series 3 I couldn’t leave my house without mine. The Series 4 Watch takes everything to another level. It finally feels like a watch that is powerful enough to do everything at once.
When people ask me for tech recommendations, I will often say that those who are on a budget should just go with the previous generation. The Apple Watch Series 4 is just too much of a jump to really gloss over. The displays are bigger, sharper and the watch just feels different than any other one in the past. The price drop for the Apple Watch Series 3 just is not significant enough to ignore the new version that is out. For that reason, the Apple Watch Series 4 is the best option for a smart watch out right now.
Born and raised in Chicago. Former high school teacher who became sick of getting summers off so I took on a 12-month a year job.