Apple Watch Series 4: Pros And Cons

By Annie Baker ● Updated August 6, 2019

The Apple Watch Series 4 was unveiled at an Apple event on September 12th. And some of the most noteworthy features include a larger display, new watch faces, and a built-in electrocardiogram.

Here are some of the Apple Watch Series 4 pros and cons that you should know about.

Pulse 2.0 Score: 4 out of 5 Stars

The Apple Watch Series 4 has received a Pulse 2.0 Score of 5 out of 5 stars. The reason why the score was on the higher end is due to the electrocardiogram feature, the beautiful display, speedy performance, and impressive specifications.

Apple bumped up the screen size of the Apple Watch Series 4 to 40mm and 44mm sizes, up from the 38mm and 42mm we have seen in previous models. And the bezels have been reduced, making the display feel even more immersive than before.

The 44mm Apple Watch Series 4 has a 368×448 pixel resolution compared to the 312×390 on the 42mm Series 3. And the 40mm Series 4 has a 324×394 pixel resolution compared to 272×340 on the 38mm Series 3.

With the larger screen, you can see more complications — which are apps that run on the Watch face in the form of smaller icons and also act as launchers to open them when you want to see more information. Some of the most popular complications include the weather, the battery life, workout statuses, and heart rate. And the larger display makes it easier to read text messages, look at websites, and view photos.

Even though the display has been upgraded in size, it does not feel bulkier on your arm. This is because Apple made the Watch Series 4 body thinner than its predecessors. Specifically, the depth has been reduced to 10.7mm from 11.4mm.

Plus the larger size allows for louder speakers. So it makes it easier to hear responses from Siri. The speaker on the Apple Watch Series 4 is 50% louder than its predecessor.

The processor in the Apple Watch Series 4 has been upgraded. Specifically, the 64-bit dual-core S4 processor is up to two times faster than the third-generation Apple Watch.

And the Bluetooth connectivity in the Apple Watch Series 4 has been upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0, up from 4.2 on the Series 3. And all of the Series 4 models now have 16GB storage capacities.

Apple moved the microphone on the Watch Series 4 so that when you make phone calls, it makes it easier for recipients to hear you as it reduces echo.

The Apple Watch Series 4 has a built-in electrocardiogram (EKG). The EKG built into the Apple Watch Series 4 already has FDA clearance. This is especially useful for those who may be suffering from arrhythmia.

There are electrodes built into the digital crown and an electrical heart rate sensor on the back of the Apple Watch Series 4 that performs a reading when the digital crown is pushed down for 30 seconds. The EKG recordings can be saved in the Health app and can be sent as a PDF to your doctor.

Even though some of the previous models of the Apple Watch has cellular connectivity and GPS, the original version does not. So you can stream music, listen to podcasts, send text messages, and call people through a data connection without requiring the Watch Series 4 to be connected to an iPhone.

Plus Apple improved upon the cellular connectivity since it switched over to ceramic. This makes it easier for data signals to be transmitted through the Watch Series 4.

Apple added haptics to the digital crown on the side of the Watch Series 4. So now there will be subtle feedback as you turn it.

In case you have a bad fall, the Watch Series 4 is able to automatically call emergency services.

The Apple Watch Series 4 comes shipped with watchOS 5. watchOS 5 is able to automatically detect when you start working out. So if you go to the gym and start working out on an elliptical, then it may automatically start tracking the activity. watchOS 5 also allows you to set up seven-day competitions with your friends.

The starting price of the Apple Watch Series 4 is $399 for the standard version and $499 for the LTE model. At this price point, many consumers may strongly consider purchasing an older model of the Apple Watch or a competing wearable device made by Fitbit.

Apple substantially improved the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 4 compared to its predecessors. Apple was able to make the Watch Series 4 last more than 24 hours even with active use throughout the day.

If you are specifically looking for a wearable device with very long battery life, then the Watch Series 4 may not be the right fit for you. Because you will likely have to charge the Watch Series 4 every night.

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Want to buy an Apple Watch Series 4? You can buy one here:

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