Here's how the new $400 Apple Watch Series 4 compares to last year's model, the Apple Watch Series 3 (AAPL)
Apple debuted a brand-new Apple Watch earlier this fall, the Apple Watch Series 4.
The new watch has a larger display, upgraded heart-tracking sensors, and a faster chip than last year's model, the Apple Watch Series 3.
But it also bears several similarities to last year's model: the new watch gets the same amount of battery life (18 hours) and the design looks nearly identical to the Series 3, and to previous versions before that.
So whether you're a first-time Apple Watch buyer, or you're just trying to decide if you should upgrade from last year's watch, here's how the Apple Watch Series 4 compares to the Apple Watch Series 3.
SEE ALSO: There were two major no-shows at Apple's big iPhone event
The Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch Series 3 bear a lot of similarities. Both watches come with the option for GPS only, or GPS plus cellular connectivity.
There's a price difference if you opt to add a cellular connection — plus, the Apple Watch Series 4 is more expensive than the now-discounted Apple Watch Series 3.
Here's the price breakdown:
- Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS — $279
- Apple Watch Series 4 with GPS — $399
- Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS and cellular — $379
- Apple Watch Series 4 with GPS and cellular — $499
On the design front, there is a change from last year to this year in regards to the cellular version. The Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular had a red digital crown, while the Apple Watch Series 4 with cellular just has a thin red stripe on the crown. Apple also added haptic feedback to the digital crown on the Series 4.
Both watches get 18 hours of battery life, and are water resistant up to 50 meters.
There are a few key design differences between the two watches. The Apple Watch Series 4 has a bigger case size than the Apple Watch Series 3, and it also has a bigger screen.
The Apple Watch Series 4 has a slightly larger case size than the Apple Watch Series 3.
Both watches come in two sizes: the Apple Watch Series 4 in 40 mm and 44 mm, and the Apple Watch Series 3 in 38 mm and 42 mm.
The upside of the larger case, however, is a larger screen:
- Apple Watch Series 3, 38 mm — 563 sq mm display area
- Apple Watch Series 3, 42 mm — 740 sq mm display area
- Apple Watch Series 4, 40 mm — 759 sq mm display area
- Apple Watch Series 4, 44 mm — 977 sq mm display area
See the rest of the story at Business Insider