Apple Watch Series 8 45mm Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
A surprising pattern across multiple platforms shows that the Apple Watch Series 8 45mm Midnight Aluminum Case with Sport Band (Renewed Premium) earns an impressive 8.8/10 from most owners — but that rating hides a gap between short-term satisfaction and longer-term consistency. In the first weeks, users gush about the smooth UI, crisp display, and deep health metrics. Months later, some report features silently failing. One Reddit user said: “Loved it for a month, then common features stopped working… now it’s basically a paperweight.”
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy — best for iPhone users who value design, health tracking, and safety features, but not immune to quirks over time.
| Pros (User-Reported) | Cons (User-Reported) |
|---|---|
| Sleek, modern design pairs well with any style | Some features stop working after months (auto workout detection, RHR tracking) |
| Always-on Retina display stays readable even in sunlight | Minor to deep scratches in refurbished units |
| Accurate GPS for outdoor activities | Occasional incorrect band size in refurbished models |
| Battery life rated highly in refurbished models (4.7/5) | Charger often non-original and slower |
| Crash detection and advanced health sensors praised | Packaging sometimes damaged on arrival |
| Seamless iPhone integration | Price can feel high compared to SE |
| “Like new” condition from premium refurbishers | Units without charger require extra purchase |
Claims vs Reality
Apple’s marketing emphasizes “always-on Retina display, 1000 nits brightness,” “advanced health sensors,” and “crash detection.” In practice, those claims initially align with user experiences but can lose reliability over time.
For example, the display quality wins immediate praise. Reddit user u/GeekMuffin said, “The larger display is crisp and vibrant… easy to read notifications and navigate through apps.” Multiple Best Buy reviewers used “like new” to describe refurb units, confirming that renewals don’t diminish the viewing experience.
The health tracking is more complex. While early adopters find the metrics exhaustive — “double support time, asymmetry, step length, RHR, respiration rate” all tracked automatically at first — the same Reddit author later reported, “My resting heart rate… hasn’t been updated in over a week… now just random times, no consistency.” This contradicts the claim of continuous insight and suggests stability issues in certain metrics.
Crash detection, however, maintains its reputation — no negative reports emerged about its reliability. In fact, on Apple’s own refurb store, it’s still touted as a core feature with no contradictory feedback. This safety functionality seems least affected by the recurring theme of degraded tracking performance.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Trustpilot entries, the Series 8’s design and comfort remain high points. Many describe it as “elegant and modern” and note the comfort of the sport band, even for all-day wear. For fashion-conscious users, it works as both fitness device and accessory. Best Buy customer Sheila762 remarked, “I love the big face, battery life and how fast it charges. It’s a great watch for the price.”
GPS accuracy emerges as a reliable strength. Buyers using it for running or cycling emphasize consistent tracking. One user on Trustpilot noted, “The GPS is very accurate — I often use the timer, messages, email, fitness, health, weather, calendar, workout, Strava, Nike Run Club…” indicating it supports professional training in multiple app ecosystems.
Battery performance in refurbished units draws near-universal approval, often scoring 4.7/5. Best Buy customer Parks described upgrading from a Series 3: “Battery was still at 100% max… in great condition… saving a couple hundred was a great choice.”
Common Complaints
The most recurring issues in refurbished purchases involve cosmetics and accessories. Scratches on the display range from “barely noticeable” to “deep scratch on the screen” in rare cases, as noted by reviewer Ernestor. Packaging defects, including dented boxes or units arriving open, also mar the buying experience for some.
Incorrect band sizes occasionally appear in reports, meaning prospective buyers should double-check compatibility upon delivery. Charger quality is another sore spot — Ryana warned, “Make sure you get an official Apple charger block, as the one that comes… charges really slow.”
On functional grounds, long-term owners on Reddit raised alarms about disappearing or sporadic metrics: features like auto workout detection for walking, RHR logging, and Vo2 max tracking sometimes cease after software updates or over time, reducing the watch’s appeal for dedicated fitness tracking.
Divisive Features
Cycle tracking and temperature sensing receive mixed reactions. Apple’s claim that it provides ovulation estimates impresses some, especially couples using it for family planning. Others consider it a niche feature and underuse it. Sleep tracking inspires similar division: while many enjoy its breakdown of REM, core, and deep sleep stages, the Reddit review author stopped finding it useful after the more pressing daily metrics degraded.
Trust & Reliability
For refurbished buyers, trust hinges on accurate “like new” claims. On eBay, premium refurbishers advertise professional cleaning, inspection, and at least 80% battery health, backed by a one-year warranty — reassuring, but not foolproof. Trustpilot patterns reveal no widespread scam, but scattered complaints about cosmetic flaws in “excellent” listings highlight the need to vet sellers.
Durability-wise, some Series 8 units hold up excellently after months: user Fernandos shared, “It’s like new… works excellently and I always use it.” Others watch performance slip rapidly, as in the Reddit case. The divide suggests refurb quality varies by vendor and original wear level.
Alternatives
Several buyers compared the Series 8 with the Apple Watch SE. While the SE wins on price, users like SarahC chose the 8 for “better tools and upgraded functionality.” The SE lacks advanced sensors like ECG and blood oxygen, which many Series 8 owners rely on.
The Apple Watch Ultra sits above the Series 8 in ruggedness and water resistance, but for most users without deep-sea diving needs, the smaller, lighter Series 8 is preferred.
Price & Value
Resale values for Series 8 vary widely — from $159 for used GPS-only models to $529 for Apple’s own refurbished stock. Best Buy and eBay refurb offers around $169–$409 often satisfy buyers seeking flagship features without full retail.
Community buying tips stress checking battery health stats in refurbished listings and budget for an original charger. The consensus: if the Series 8’s advanced health suite matters, it’s worth paying a modest premium over the SE.
FAQ
Q: Is the refurbished Series 8 as good as new?
A: Many say yes — “could be brand new,” wrote Jonathann — but scratches and non-original accessories occasionally occur. Always verify return policy.
Q: How accurate is the GPS?
A: Users consistently rate GPS accuracy highly, supporting reliable outdoor tracking in apps like Strava and Nike Run Club.
Q: Does battery life meet Apple’s 18-hour claim?
A: In refurb units with healthy batteries, owners often exceed a day of mixed-use. However, heavy tracking drains faster.
Q: Are health metrics dependable long-term?
A: Initial accuracy is strong, but some report gradual loss of certain metrics (RHR, auto workout detection). Reliability can vary.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an iPhone user valuing style, advanced health tracking, and GPS precision — especially at a refurbished discount. Avoid if consistent, long-term health metric reliability is mission-critical. Pro tip from community: secure an original Apple charger and inspect cosmetics promptly after delivery.
