Walmart has recently dropped the price on the Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS smartwatch down to only $229 after a $200 off isntant discount. That’s $200 less than buying an Apple Watch Series 9 with the exact same specs and the Series 8 is still nearly as good. This is easily the nicest smartwatch you can get at this price point and would make an awesome gift (for yourself).
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS for $229
The Apple Series 8 was released in 2022 and it’s only one generation removed from the newest model, the Seres 9. The Series 8 has all the premium features you’d expect in an Apple Watch like the always-on Retina OLED display, the very capable dual-core S8 processor, a rugged IP6X dust resistant and swimproof (to 50mm) casing, and a wealth of health features like ECG, blood oxygen, and heart rate meters. This particular model has the larger 45mm casing (the default size is 41mm).
If you’re wondering what the differences are between the Series 8 and the Series 9, there aren’t many, especially considering the (currently) $200 price discrepancy. The Series 9 upgrades include the new Apple S9 SiP processor with about 30% faster performance, a display that’s up to 2000nits brighter, a longer 18 hour battery life, and a new “double tap” feature that lets you perform functions with simple hand gestures. The Apple Watch Series 8 is already a great watch so none of these upgrades are game changers, and certainly not worth the $200 premium. Check out our picks for the best Apple Watches to buy in 2024 for a more in-depth comparison of the two models along with the Apple Watch SE and Ultra.
Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
