Apple Watch Series 8 Review // Sports and Fitness...Tested! 

As a first Gen Apple watch owner having been waiting for 7 years for the best Apple watch. I will now upgrade to the AW Ultra

I love how apple implements features that are incredibly accurate. Unlike samsung implementing all sorts of gimmick only to have it not enabled on product release or there is always the disclaimer in all its health feature.

My Apple Watch 7 always has 50% battery left at the end of the day. Very impressive.

This is an excellent review. I’m getting my serious 8 next week and super excited to own my first Apple Watch!

Looking forward for Apple Watch Ultra review 👍🏻👍🏻

Great review Des! It seems to me that this is a very minor update from the series 7 hardware-wise. Watch OS9 on the other hand has some really helpful updates. So at least there’s that.

Man you’ve no idea how much I was waiting for a review from you!

A fantastic review Des! Love all the content you have been pushing out. I really enjoyed the kofuzi interview video. Also those trails and bike paths look like a blast.

I prefer apple due to the cellular feature. I like going for a run without the phone. Nothing but my watch.

Great review! I am skeptical about your comment on Apple Maps. I sometimes meet people with IPhones who get lost in our woods, and I recently had the chance to check Apple Maps - old data and almost no trails in our woods are included (Northern Germany) - so I prefer a watch which can use many types of maps, especially OSM derivatives (which are great here)!

finally!!! had been waiting for your review, keep up the good work my man!!!

the content suits my lifestyle. Glad I discovered this channel. Will upgrade from se to 8!

Do you have a source for the new generation of watches not using an iPhone’s GPS signal? I can’t find anything about that elsewhere

Great review again, and still waiting for that gold plate in the background. Is the leverage of the"watch only GPS" Series 8 thing, or a watchOS 9 thing? If it's a software thing, do you know if it trickles down to Series 7 and those below?

I traded in my 6 for the samsung watch 5 pro and couldn't be happier. Better in every way.

It’s much brighter than my Nike Series 5. When is the Nike Series 8 coming out and will there be new Nike faces?

Great review and love your speedy talking!

Great review.

Very nice review, as always 👍🏻

Hey Des!! new subscriber here, love the reviews and you are now my goto guy for new tech. I am currently debating on buying the this watch or the new ultra. I am a new runner and an avid hiker. thank you for the helpful info!

Sounds great and all, but when will Apple give us an option to stop the vibration you get with every mile you run :(

do you think HRV on this is better than garmin's HRV ?

I love my new Series 8 and that is something I never thought I’d say about ANY Apple Watch because I have hated on it since 2014 when it first came out. I never understood the usefulness of such a device until I finally broke down and gave it a chance last weekend. I am very surprised with just how useful this thing actually is and I have to apologize for being dead wrong about the Apple Watch for so many years. You guys were right, it is simply superb! I slightly regret not ponying up for the Ultra version now that I see how much I love my Series 8 but I bought this watch on a whim with the full expectation of returning it when I confirmed how useless it was. Needless to say, I will NOT be returning it and it is quite likely that I will go for that shiny new Ultra soon enough (the S8 is perfect for me honestly but I am a bit concerned about the durability of my aluminum model). The thing I have been most fascinated by has honestly been the sleep tracking which I am obsessed with at this point! I just find that combing through all of the data on what my body/brain is doing while I’m asleep is intensely entertaining and I actually can’t wait to go to bed at night to see what the next set of data is going to show me in the morning! I also love how the watch has literally severed the shackles I have unknowingly dealt with for many years, being hyper-paranoid to ever leave the house without making absolutely certain that I have my phone with me at all times! Now I still want to have my phone with me but I don’t have to go into a “panic” if I happen to forget it when getting ready for work in the morning because my cellular watch can absolutely do all the things I need my phone for (calls, texts, notifications, etc) if I do happen to forget my phone. I also really enjoy the simple elegance of WatchOS 9 and the crazy number of features it allows for. So yeah, count me in the Apple Watch fan club, and of course I simply had to pair it with my new iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPad Pro 12.9, Pencil, and M2 MacBook Pro 14! The only thing I didn’t get was the AirPods because I already have my Galaxy Buds which work just fine with my Apple devices (though I’ll definitely get the AirPods eventually for their seamless integration into the rest of my Apple ecosystem). I am now fully invested into the Apple ecosystem and am really loving it at this point! The plan worked on me to perfection Tim!

Thank you great review! One question: does Apple (or a secondary app) for metrics like Garmin does - training status, recovery time and load? Merci!!

Great review and I think you have convinced me to upgrade from my Garmin Viv. You did not cover how it performs relative to swimming and did not notice it mentioned in the comments. Any thoughts? Enjoy your content and have subscribed.

I m using Apple Watch 8 but it does not detect walking automatically I had to enter manually pls help

Quick question... Can I turn off all those tracking things in order to save more battery?

Thanks for the video! So do you think 1hr running with music and save mode is possible for a day?

Great review thanks so much, there’s one thing not covered by anyone yet as far as I know, the cardio data. I just got the Series 8 and would like to track my cardio data but I’m not sure if I need to use a separate app in conjunction with the watch or is the watch capable to do this already?

Thank you for the helpful review! I am wondering whether the total calories burned through out the day can be seen on the watch or it's only available in iphone. I saw that the activity app includes a histogram of calories burned over time but can't tell whether the total is included somewhere.

I really want to replace my 7 because of a nasty scratch but I don't know if the 8 is worth it. I think ideally I would get the stainless version but they cost as much as the Ultra so if I did get one it would be the Ultra.

Awesome video i had just gotten the series 8 going from the se first generation I was not sure what to get it was cheaper then the 9 But they have all similar features But think I made a great choice plus am happy so far 45 mm with cellular and gps

Thank you for the review. I wasn't planning on getting the series 8 due to the minor changes but from your review it seems they have improved the heart rate sensors and the bettery life. I like how you performed work outs using the lower power mode because i was wondering what the effect low power mode would have on the work outs. Thank you once again

How do you transfer the data from the Apple Watch workout app to Strava? I know I can download the Strava app on the watch but I want to see the more detailed metrics

Great review, thank you for the info! Would you recommend this watch over the Garmin venu 2?

What’s better for workouts Apple Watch or Fitbit ?

Would you say the sensors are more accurate than the Series7?

I’m trying to find reasons to upgrade from my S5, I assume the S8 has the same ohr sensor and gps chip aboard? In which case any improvements are from software or the slightly faster (S6) chip? Tbh the gps on my 5 seems fine for me.

Everything is perfectly explained!!

When your showing the data from the watch, maybe make the background the thing that you’re tracking instead of a white screen. Also, Sleep tracking has good data but it doesn’t show if you were recovered or you had a good night it just gives you the data. I would like a wellness/readiness score.

hi, I'm commenting along the way of the video, you're talking about low power mode, it also cut out the heart rate sensor. so it won''t take heart rate for the entire time that low power mode is activate witch is obvious somehow but I think it's good to know, I don't know / listen enough if you mentioned it

How do you get your run or walk or bike ride to show on a map?

Solid review! Good work, and appreciate the fitness/running focus your having! Looking to see the Apple Watch ultra review, hopefully comparing it to higher end garmins:-) Keep up the good work!

Curious to know what improvements the ultra could bring in terms of GPS tracking accuracy

Hey does do u think I should sell my fenix 7 solar sapphire for the series 8 or no

I've done literally thousands of runs with both my phone and watch and I can say without a shred of doubt that phone GPS is always more accurate. It makes sense if you really think about how antennas and power work

This is the best video I’ve found on the series 8 watch yet. Thanks for a great video.

I don't' really care about the car crash feature or the temperature sensor since I don't ovulate. I opted to go with a refurbished series 7 that was only $550 on the apple store website, upgrading from my series 4 that I got new. My only complaint is that I REALLY love the space black color of the series 4 and 5 on the stainless steel case. Not sure how I will feel about the graphite. And if I decide to get into more extreme sports, maybe I'll get the ultra as a backup.

Is there a steps goal?

Is there a difference in gps accuracy between the AW7 and AW8? Is the AW8 gps more accurate with the standalone gps or is the AW7 with the iphone gps better?

Hi pal, im a big runner 50mile a week average, long overdue but still have not got a watch yet but getting fed up of taking the iphone with me on runs now. Do you think this is the best choice for me i literally only need spotify music and strava for my runs. The other watch im looking at is the garmin 265 but really unsure. Cheers

This is a brilliant review and yes I have hit the SUBSCRIBE button as I really like the way you conduct these reviews. I still wear the 1st Series Hermés and still working. However, I wish Apple get a smaller Ultra as in 45 to fit most of our wrists LOL

Great review! Thorough! Thank you! (I'm looking forward to receiving mine next week! Can't wait to take this thing on my rides this summer!)

Does SE also have back tracker or is it a feature only of watch 8 and ultra?

About a month ago I turned off just the "always on feature" and have been really happy with the battery life on my 7.

I get my Apple Watch 8 next week so ready I currently using a SE first edition

How did you find the accuracy of the second gen HR monitor versus the third generation on the series 8 buddy 👍

Des, do you know if it’s possible to calibrate the new series 8/ultra to a thread mill? Previously I’ve had issues with thread mill accuracy with Apple Watch. 😅

The Apple Watch battery life has always been a turn off for me personally. The Fitbit smartwatches having 6+ days of battery life is so handy. When I travel for several days I don't even have to bring my charger vs. if I had an Apple Watch I'd have to charge every single day. It's a bummer because I'd love to own one.

when will the ultra review be out?

Is this the Midnight case and midnight band?

Is there a running app that will sync without interference from iPhone? Trying to just use a watch w 4g, and my iPad. The watch then working as my phone, music/podcast and streaming. Currently using Strava, where I need to upload each run on the iPhone. Is there a app which will just sync automatically, so I could watch the data on my iPad easily?

Best ever watch 8 series upgrade very cool good work

Do you know if it's possible to pair a cycling power meter with this new model of the apple watch?

Does anyone know if low power mode still tracks sleep?

DesFit, Il really Love your videos and reviews, I enjoy watching and learn from your videos, there's a lot of content creator like you but I do Love the way you make it compare to other that's why I just stick with your content, keep up the good work and take care always

Basically its the depth review and comparison to other devices... great job man

Thanks Des, appreciate the review. Just a question on the sleep tracking. Will the watch track our sleep when we just on the Sleep Focus, without setting up the sleep schedule? I work at night and sleep in the day, so sleep data is quite important.

I upgraded to the series 8 from the series 4, and I'm beyond happy with it. I got the 41MM, because I have a very tiny wrist.

My 1st Apple Watch will be the series 8. Thank you for your insight! So informative.

I tweeked the settings without using "low power mode" and was able to ride a Century ride and the battery was fine. I really like the audible HR zone coaching and the lap splits. But it lacked some typical data like total distance not as a split

How to get notification from whatsapp call??? Even in cheap smartwatch can get notification when there is a call from whatsapp. But not apple watch....

Your videos are always very well made and informative Thank you

I’m looking for a watch I could wear for adventure motorcycles and dirt bike riding. Any suggestions.

I get mine tomorrow and I'm going to definitely use it for fitness... fit'n niss pizza in my mouth =P haha jk, I'm in a transitional point in my life so I do actually want to get in better shape and start achieving more of my goals so this will be a good tool to help reduce distractions and keep track of my progress.

How is the average time for the split reading calculated? Example: My splits are 1 mile. After 1 mile I get a notification to my headphones saying "Split 1 8:30, Average 8:30". Mile 2 may read something like "Split 2 8:35, Average 8:36". The reading for the average doesn't make sense for the average pace of the current split or overall average, so how is it calculated?

Should of been call Apple series 7.5 watch. Honestly really no big update if you have S7, stay with the 7.

Unfortunately this device costs more than a fat cow in my country. 😢

45mm?

on the heart rate monitor, does this check 24/7 and does it put that info in a graph for my dr. to see? I got a versa 2 and am taking it back to best buy to get this watch if it has everything I need or the sense 2 fitbit trying to decide.....hard ......

Since 14Pro has the dual band GPS are you sure Series 8 won’t take advantage of that?

@8:34 I want to love the Apple Watch so much. Seems like they're high quality in terms of accuracy, but look at that screenshot. How has Apple become so lost with design? Can this be customized? What am I missing?

Hey guys hoping you could help in the comments here. So I currently have a Apple Watch Series 6 and wanted to upgrade. The choices are currently Garmin venu 2 plus vs Apple Watch series 8. Torn between the two but the only thing that bothers me is the battery life on the Apple Watch. I think features are great but I feel like I need to be carrying a charger with me constantly. Also like sleep tracking means that I need to charge it up before bedtime and again after a workout in the day. Am I right in my assumption? On the other hand garmin gives me the option to wear it for days workout and sleeping without the need to recharge. The question is really will the battery hold up on the Apple Watch? Also how are people finding the integration with iPhone? Seeing as apple closes off lots of things

Wow FANTASTIC REVIEW 🎩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

My ultra keeps telling me to turn on precise location in the setting on my phone and they are on.. because of this I’m not able to set a waypoint! Help?

Hi there, thank you very much for your review. I am a runner and after having used Garmin watches for 10+ years, I am thinking of switching to an Apple watch 8. Since I don't have an iPhone though, do you think I am going to have any issues regarding the athletic data, Strava integration etc?

Thanks a lot, such a great video. That helps a lot.

The only thing stopping me from getting one are my wrist. I am big boned, my wrist are thick. When I went to the store to look at one the biggest size look so tiny on my wrist.

Which one do you prefer? This apple watch (8) or the garmin forerunner 255s music ?? Apparently, cost is the same for both… please give me a reference or could do a video comparison😊

So nothing different from series 7 other than the temperature sensor

Nice review. Does the running/walking default Apple app show a map too; like Google Fit?? I am curious.

tbh every updates since the S5 are minor for me. I'll sell my S5 and buy myself a Garmin venu 2 since my focus is mainly Sport and I've watched your video about the great batterie life. Thank you like always for the great review Des :)

finally a professional review 💪🙏

I’ve had this watch for almost 2 weeks now. I’m honestly frustrated at the inconsistency of a lot of things not working like they should.

At 3:35 you mentioned Apple's quote of 7h of GPS. Isn't that using the watch's GPS? From the video it looked like you had your phone connected and were using it's GPS, saving a lot on battery.

Hey Des ! Your reviews are top notch, thank you heaps ! I’ve ordered the Ultra straight after you’ve posted your Apple event vid. I’m both a scuba and a free diver and it should suit me to perfection👌🏽1 week wait and yeah ! One question : is nap sleep now supported ? Thanks !

Why carried a Fenix watch? 😂 throw Apple Watch away in the rubbish bin hehe 😜

Another hyped product from Apple with no real difference from last model.

I want a watch that has the Apple Watch sensors, but Garmins software ( Training metrics, Health metics ) :(

I have a Wyze watch to track my steps and other activities. It is a great watch and does everything I need very well, The battery lasts a full week or more. I was considering the Apple Watch but the short battery life in comparison to the Wyze seems annoying.