Apple Watch Series 4 Review: A Revolutionary Leap in Technology

The Apple Watch Series 4 marked a significant leap in smartwatch technology with its release in September 2018. Featuring a 30% larger display and a slimmer profile, it offers an enhanced user experience.

Series 4 introduced advanced health features, including an ECG app and fall detection, making it a standout choice for health-conscious users. Powered by the S4 chip, it ensures swift performance and improved efficiency.

With options for GPS and Cellular models, and a variety of stylish bands, the Apple Watch Series 4 combines innovation with style, supplying diverse lifestyles and needs.

Release Date and Price

The Apple Watch Series 4 was officially released on September 21, 2018. At launch, the Series 4 was available in two configurations: GPS-only and GPS + Cellular. The GPS-only models were priced at $399 for the 40mm version and $429 for the 44mm version.

The GPS + Cellular models were priced higher, starting at $499 for the 40mm version and $529 for the 44mm version. For those opting for the premium stainless steel versions, which included cellular connectivity by default, the starting price was $699.

Technical Specs: Apple Watch Series 4

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• Apple Watch Series 4 full specifications

Design and Built

The Apple Watch Series 4 introduced the first major design overhaul since the original Apple Watch. The most noticeable change was the larger display, which was 30% larger than previous models. Apple achieved this by reducing the bezels, allowing for a more immersive, edge-to-edge display.

The Series 4 was available in two new sizes: 40mm and 44mm, replacing the previous 38mm and 42mm models. The larger screen made it easier to read notifications, messages, and app interfaces, improving the overall user experience.

Display

The LTPO OLED Retina display offered a resolution of 324×394 pixels for 40mm and 368×448 pixels for 44mm. With 1,000 nits of brightness, the display ensured easy readability in bright sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Rounded corners enhanced its modern aesthetic, while the digital crown with haptic feedback provided a responsive, tactile feel.

Performance and Processor

The Apple Watch Series 4 ran on the new S4 dual-core 64-bit processor, offering double the S3 chip’s performance. This enhanced processing power made the Series 4 faster and more responsive for apps, workouts, and ECG features.

Equipped with the W3 wireless chip, it improved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless interaction with Apple devices.

Health and Fitness Features

One of the most revolutionary aspects of the Apple Watch Series 4 was its advanced health monitoring capabilities. The Series 4 was the first smartwatch to feature an electrocardiogram (ECG) app, allowing users to take an ECG directly from their wrist. This feature, approved by the FDA, could detect signs of atrial fibrillation (Affix), a serious heart condition.

The introduction of the ECG app positioned the Series 4 not just as a fitness tracker but as a potentially life-saving health device. In addition to the ECG, the Series 4 also introduced fall detection, a feature that could automatically detect if the user had taken a hard fall. If the user did not respond within a certain time frame, the watch would automatically call emergency services and send a message to the user’s emergency contacts.

This feature was particularly beneficial for older adults and those with mobility issues, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind. The Series 4 continued to offer comprehensive fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and GPS capabilities.

It also included a new optical heart sensor and an electrical heart sensor, providing more accurate and detailed health data. The watch was swim-proof with water resistance up to 50 meters, making it suitable for tracking swimming workouts.

Battery Life: Consistent and Reliable

Despite the larger display and more powerful features, the Apple Watch Series 4 maintained the same 18-hour battery life as its predecessors.

This battery life was sufficient for a full day of use, including workout tracking, notifications, and app usage. Charging was done via a magnetic charging cable, which connected easily to the back of the watch. While some users may have hoped for longer battery life, the Series 4’s performance and features balanced this limitation.

Software and Features

The Apple Watch Series 4 launched with watch OS 5, bringing a range of new features and improvements. Watch OS 5 introduced advanced workout tracking, automatic workout detection, and new workout types, including yoga and hiking.

It also added features like Walkie-Talkie, which allowed users to communicate directly with other Apple Watch users, and Podcasts, which enabled users to listen to their favorite shows on the go.

The Series 4 also supported Apple Pay, allowing for contactless payments directly from the wrist, and Siri, which could now speak responses, thanks to the improved speaker and microphone. The watch OS platform continued to receive updates, ensuring that the Series 4 remained up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

Connectivity: Enhanced Wireless Performance

The Apple Watch Series 4 offers robust connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with iPhone and other devices.

• Bluetooth:0
• Wi-Fi:11b/g/n 2.4GHz
• GPS: Built-in
• Cellular: Available in select models, enabling phone-free usage

The Series 4 features Bluetooth 5.0, which provides improved range and faster data transfer compared to previous versions. The optional cellular model allows users to make calls, send messages, and stream music directly from the watch without needing to have their iPhone nearby.

Comparison: Apple Watch Series 3 vs. Series 4 vs. Series 5

Here’s a comparison of the Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5 in a tabular format, using clear and professional language based on the provided input:

The Apple Watch Series 3, 4, and 5 cater to different users. Series 3 is an affordable, basic option with essential fitness tracking. S4 upgrades to larger displays, ECG, and fall detection for enhanced health features. Series 5 adds an Always-On Display, more storage, and premium case materials. Each model suits varying budgets and needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Larger, brighter display with excellent resolution.
• Innovative health features like ECG and fall detection.
• Sleek and durable design with water resistance.
• Smooth performance with the Apple S4 processor.
• Upgradable to the latest watchOS.

Cons:

• Battery life requires daily charging.
• Lacks advanced features like an always-on display (introduced in Series 5).
• Limited storage compared to newer models.

Conclusion: Is the Apple Watch Series 4 Still a Top Choice?

The Apple Watch Series 4 was a groundbreaking model that set new standards for smartwatch design and functionality. With its larger display, powerful S4 chip, and advanced health features, including ECG monitoring and fall detection, the Series 4 remains a highly capable and desirable device.

Although it has been succeeded by newer models with additional features, the Series 4 continues to offer excellent performance, reliability, and value. For users seeking a high-quality smartwatch that combines advanced health monitoring with everyday convenience, the Apple Watch Series 4 remains a compelling choice.

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