The <https://9to5mac.com/2020/09/17/apple-watch-series-6-reviews/> Apple
Watch Series 6 has officially arrived, bringing new health-monitoring
features, new colors, and more to the Apple Watch lineup. Im a die-hard
Apple Watch user, but unlike my iPhone, its not something I upgrade every
year. Last year, I made the decision to skip the Series 5 and stick with my
trusty Series 4 for another year.
This time around, the addition of the blood oxygen sensor, an aging battery
in my Series 4, and a desire to finally have the always-on display prompted
me to make the jump to the Series 6. But while the decision to upgrade has
already been made, there are still several other factors to consider.
My Apple Watch Series 4
Because I dont upgrade every year, I tend to opt for the higher-end
stainless steel model of the Apple Watch. My Apple Watch Series 4 was the
stainless steel space black model in 44mm, and I absolutely adored the
design. The glossy space black finish went well with virtually any band sold
by Apple, and not that Im a fashion expert, but it never looked out of
place with any particular style of clothing.
My Apple Watch Series 4 also featured an active cellular connection through
AT&T, which got varying levels of usage over my two years with the Series 4.
As Ill touch on further down in this article, whether or not the cellular
connectivity is worth the added up-front cost and $15 per month to AT&T.
Finally, battery health. watchOS 7 introduced a new Battery Health
Management feature for the Apple Watch, one aspect of which is the ability
to see the maximum capacity of your Apple Watchs battery. My Apple Watch
Series 4 had a maximum capacity of 82% after two years, which effectively
takes the 18-hour battery life of the Apple Watch down closer to 14 hours.
Switching things up
If it were available as an option, I would have instantly purchased the
Apple Watch Series 6 in the same space black finish as my Series 4, but
Apple is switching things up in several ways this year. In turn, this means
that I too have some decisions to make.
The stainless steel gold and aluminum (PRODUCT)RED finishes are gorgeous but
immediately off the table for me, because I think theyre a tad too flashy
and bright for my taste. The space gray and silver aluminum cases are
classic options and ones I was considering until I saw the blue aluminum, at
which point I knew that if I was choosing aluminum, I was going to choose
the blue option.
Meanwhile, the graphite stainless steel option was also intriguing, but
Apples website doesnt do a great job of showing how it looks in the real
world, particularly when compared to my adored space black steel finish.
In non-pandemic times, I would head to an Apple Store to get an in-person
look at the blue aluminum and graphite stainless steel in person, compare
them to my space black Series 4, and see how different bands look with the
blue finish. Nonetheless, Apple Stores in Texas are still rightfully closed,
and Best Buy doesnt showcase display units of the stainless steel options.
So, I did what any Apple fan would do: I ordered the graphite stainless
steel model and the blue aluminum GPS model. I plan to compare them
head-to-head, try out different bands with the blue finish, and make a
decision on which one to keep.
* Note: Apple still technically sells the Apple Watch Series 6 in
space black stainless steel, but only as part of the Hermès lineup starting
at $1299 for 44mm. The price of this configuration means its not practical
for me.
* Note 2: The <https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch>
product page for the Apple Watch Series 6 is incredibly confusing, and I say
that as someone with a relatively intricate awareness of the Apple Watch
lineup. I can easily imagine someone going to Apples website to purchase an
Apple Watch, but getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of configurations
available.
* The Apple Watch Studio helps solve this problem, but I feel like
its still not as straightforward as it could be.
Quick first impressions and considerations
My Apple Watch Series 6 stainless steel graphite order arrives later today,
but Ive been using the blue aluminum model all weekend. My early
impressions of the color, as well as new features like blood oxygen testing
and the (new-to-me) always-on display, are very positive.
* The blue is far more subtle than I expected, which Im very happy
about. Ive been using it with a navy blue sport band so far.
* The always-on display is a game-changer while working out.
* Blood oxygen testing is a bit finicky, but once you figure out the
correct wrist placement, it works like a charm.
Ill have more details on my impressions over the next week or so, but here
are a few things Ill specifically be considering.
Do I need cellular?
As I mentioned earlier, the cellular connection on my Series 4 received a
varying degree of usage throughout its two years. Whether or not cellular
connectivity is worth the hardware and monthly cost is something Ill be
considering this year.
Long-term display durability without sapphire finish
The stainless steel Apple Watch models include a sapphire finish on the
display that has proven to be incredibly resistant to scratches and scuffs.
The Ion glass on the aluminum models is not nearly as resistant.
The blue
The blue aluminum is gorgeous and much more subtle than I initially
anticipated. Nonetheless, I still have concerns related to how well it will
pair with different colored watch bands.
Battery life
Finally, I did some basic Apple Watch Series 6 battery life testing over the
weekend, and Im very optimistic about the results so far. In my testing,
with workout tracking, the Series 6 seems to be exceeding
Ill have more details on Apple Watch Series 6 battery life and new fast
charging features in a future diary piece.
The options:
* Option 1: Apple Watch Series 6 GPS in blue
* Option 2: Apple Watch Series 6 stainless steel in graphite, but
cancel the cellular plan
* Option 3: Apple Watch Series 6 stainless steel in graphite +
cellular
More to come
More to come soon, but for now, the Apple Watch Series 6 is proving to be an
excellent upgrade over the Apple Watch Series 4, with my every-other-year
upgrade strategy proving to be a solid decision. There are still some
decisions to make, but for now, Im at least confident in my decision to
retire the Series 4.
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