Apple Watch Series 4: Everything You Need To Know
Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the Apple Watch Series 4, a smartwatch that revolutionized the wearable tech scene. Released in 2018, the Series 4 brought a significant redesign and a host of new features that set a new standard for smartwatches. If you're considering getting one or just curious about its capabilities, you're in the right place. We'll explore everything from its design and performance to its health and fitness tracking features, so you'll know everything about the Apple Watch Series 4.
Design and Display: A Breath of Fresh Air
The most striking aspect of the Apple Watch Series 4 was its design overhaul. Apple increased the display size by over 30% compared to the previous Series 3 models, with much thinner bezels that make the screen feel like it goes edge-to-edge. This allowed for more information to be displayed at a glance without increasing the overall size of the watch too much. There are two sizes available: 40mm and 44mm, and both offer a more modern and sleek aesthetic. The Digital Crown also got a redesign. It included haptic feedback for a more tactile and intuitive feel when navigating the watch's interface. The speaker was made 50% louder, improving call quality and making it easier to hear notifications and Siri responses. The back of the watch is made of ceramic and sapphire crystal, which is the same as the prior generations. This combination of materials enhanced durability and improved the watch's ability to monitor heart rate effectively. The physical redesign wasn't just about looks. It significantly improved the user experience. The larger display made it easier to read notifications, see complications, and interact with apps. The thinner bezels created a more immersive experience, and the redesigned Digital Crown made navigation feel smoother and more natural.
The build quality is top-notch. Apple uses premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The Series 4 feels like a premium product, and the variety of bands available allows for personalization to match any style or occasion. The design changes made the Apple Watch Series 4 a more appealing and functional device. The larger display, improved speaker, and refined Digital Crown combined to make it a significant step up from its predecessors. This is a must if you're looking for a smartwatch.
Performance: Speed and Efficiency
Under the hood, the Apple Watch Series 4 got a significant performance upgrade. It's powered by the S4 SiP (System in Package) with a 64-bit dual-core processor, which is up to twice as fast as the S3 chip found in the Series 3. The Series 4 also features a new GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which enhanced the overall speed and responsiveness of the watch. Apps launched faster, animations were smoother, and the watch felt snappier in general. This improvement was especially noticeable when navigating the watch's interface, using apps, and multitasking. The faster processor also improved battery life, allowing users to get a full day of use from a single charge, even with more intensive use. The Series 4 can handle more complex tasks without the performance lag sometimes found on older models. These performance gains made for a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience. The Series 4 felt like a true step forward in smartwatch technology, offering a level of speed and efficiency that wasn't previously available.
The improved performance also had a positive impact on the watch's overall usability. The faster processor allowed for more complex applications and features. The Apple Watch Series 4 felt like a more powerful and capable device than its predecessors. The S4 chip made the Apple Watch Series 4 a more reliable and efficient device, making it a great smartwatch option.
Health and Fitness Features: Your Personal Health Assistant
Apple Watch Series 4 significantly enhanced its health and fitness features. It introduced the ECG (electrocardiogram) app, a groundbreaking feature that allowed users to take an electrocardiogram directly from their wrist. This feature could detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a potentially serious heart condition, and alert the user if irregular heart rhythms were detected. The ECG feature was a major selling point, making the Apple Watch Series 4 a device that could potentially save lives. The watch can also detect falls, using an improved accelerometer and gyroscope, and automatically contact emergency services if the user is unresponsive after a fall. This added a new level of safety and peace of mind for wearers.
Beyond these headline features, the Series 4 also continued to offer comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities. It tracked a wide range of workouts, including running, swimming, cycling, and more. The watch provides detailed metrics, such as heart rate, pace, distance, and calories burned. The watch also offers personalized coaching and recommendations to help users achieve their fitness goals. The Series 4 is a great device if you want to track your fitness and health. The health-focused enhancements were a major selling point, making the Apple Watch Series 4 a device that could potentially save lives. This set it apart from other smartwatches on the market. The ECG feature, fall detection, and comprehensive fitness tracking make the Series 4 a powerful tool for monitoring and improving health.
watchOS 5: The Software Powerhouse
The Apple Watch Series 4 runs on watchOS 5, which included a range of new features and improvements. It introduced the Walkie-Talkie app, which allowed users to communicate with each other via voice messages, adding a fun and convenient way to stay in touch. watchOS 5 also enhanced the Activity app, providing more detailed insights into users' activity levels and goals. Siri became more proactive, offering suggestions and reminders based on the user's routine and context. Notifications were improved, with more interactive options and support for richer content. The new software also enhanced the Apple Watch's performance, making the watch faster and more responsive. The software updates brought significant improvements to the user experience. The Walkie-Talkie app was a fun and unique feature, and the enhanced Activity app helped users stay motivated to achieve their fitness goals. The new software made the Apple Watch Series 4 a more user-friendly and feature-rich device. It is a must if you want a smartwatch.
Battery Life: Keeping You Connected
Apple Watch Series 4 offers all-day battery life, typically lasting up to 18 hours with a mix of usage, including activity tracking, notifications, and app usage. The actual battery life can vary depending on how intensely you use the watch. Using GPS during workouts, making frequent calls, and streaming music will drain the battery faster. Apple provides a magnetic charging cable that attaches to the back of the watch. Charging the watch from 0% to 100% usually takes around two hours. For most users, the battery life is enough to get them through a full day of use. You can easily charge the watch overnight. The Series 4 strikes a good balance between features, performance, and battery life, making it a reliable companion for daily use.
Pricing and Availability: What You Need to Know
The Apple Watch Series 4 was initially released at a starting price of $399 for the GPS-only model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular model. The price varied based on the case material and band selection. The Apple Watch Series 4 is no longer sold directly by Apple. You can still find it through third-party retailers, both new and refurbished. The price of used or refurbished models will vary depending on the condition and seller. You can get the model at a good price if you consider buying a used model.
Apple Watch Series 4: Is It Worth It?
Now, let's address the big question: Is the Apple Watch Series 4 worth it in today's market? While it is no longer the latest model, it still offers a compelling package for many users. If you're looking for a smartwatch with a large display, improved performance, and advanced health features like the ECG and fall detection, the Series 4 is a solid choice. You can find it at a lower price point compared to the newer models. It's a great option for those who want a premium smartwatch experience without breaking the bank. However, if you're looking for the absolute latest features, the newest chip, and the longest battery life, you might want to consider the newer models, such as the Series 5, Series 6, or later.
Before deciding, consider your budget, the features that are most important to you, and whether you are willing to buy a used model. The Apple Watch Series 4 still holds its own in terms of performance and features, making it a viable option for many. It is a good choice for those who are interested in fitness tracking.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Apple Watch Series 4
The Apple Watch Series 4 was a pivotal moment for Apple's smartwatch lineup. It introduced a bold new design, significant performance improvements, and innovative health features that set a new standard for wearable technology. Even though newer models have been released since, the Series 4 remains a popular choice for its balance of features, performance, and affordability. If you're in the market for a smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 4 is still worth considering. It's a testament to Apple's design and innovation. Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed this article. Let me know if you have any questions.