Aluminum vs SS - which Apple Watch 4 you get?

[vintagekeys]

I have been debating really hard but decided Aluminum as its 200 dollar cheaper for me and i am going to hand the device down next year to my son when the S5 comes out.

The lack of Sapphire glass is a massive bummer, but i felt 200 dollar price difference was quite alot of money kept in the pocket for the S5 next year.

 

[ray737]

I have had the original Apple Watch as well as series 3 and series 4 will be arriving at my doorstep tomorrow. Never had any issues and they were all aluminum.

 

[44267547]

Stainless. Simply because of the Sapphire and I do like the weight of the stainless steel. But by no means do I want to see any scratches or scuffs on my 44 mm display when using the watch, which the sapphire will prevent. And no, I don’t like screen protectors.

 

[MacWorld78]

For your information i really really really want Stainless Steel Apple Watch series 4.

I look at the following process:

Stainless steel:

1: Apple Watch Space Black stainless steel case with Black Sport Band / 44mm / GPS+Cellular - £749
2: Apple Watch Space Black Stainless Steel Case with Space Black Milanese Loop / 44mm / GPS+Cellular - £849

Aluminium:

Apple Watch Nike+ Space Grey Aluminium Case with Anthracite/Black Nike Sport Band / 44mm / GPS - £429
3: Apple Watch Nike+ Space Grey Aluminium Case with Anthracite/Black Nike Sport Band / 44mm / GPS+Cellular - £529

Result:

For Aluminium if i want Cellular it will cost me £100 more. If i want stainless Steel it will cost me more like (1) £220 or (2) £320. With or without AppleCare+/cellular that's gonna be more expensive.....

Again you might need AirPods for the music/cellular - £159

Conclusion

I've pre-order for the Apple Watch Nike+ Space Grey Aluminium Case with Anthracite/Black Nike Sport Band / 44mm / GPS - £429, that will save me money if don't buy (1: £320 / 2: £420 / 3: £100) + i don't have to worry too much about resell value.

I always take iPhone x with me every times i go out, obviously it's much easier to use it. why would i leave my iPhone at home, flat, office or car just in case of burglar break-in.

 

[supertomtom]

I’ve had both and I love my SBSS. As I go to the beach quite a bit, having sapphire was a must. I had a Nike one previously and it suffered minor scratches on the glass after my first trip to the beach, whereas the SS with its sapphire glass is still in good shape after 2 years.

Just be aware that the stainless steel is noticeably heavier than the Aluminjm so it comes down to preference. I personally quite like the extra heft of the SS but some may not.

 

[maflynn]

Given the cost difference and how people upgrade these watches fairly regularly. I think the alu is a better option imo.

 

[Nozuka]

i'm going to try the SS version for the first time to see if it is worth it for me.

since it's visible and on me pretty much all the time, i like it to look and feel as good as possible.

 

[SHKLMRE]

My last two watches were SS models, but the value drops so much once a new one is released, I’m going with aluminum so I can continue my annual upgrades without shelling out $400+ after I sell my old model.

 

[Rangers94]

Going with the SBSS this time around. Reason being I’ve always had the Aluminum and want to step up to the Stainless Steel. I’ve always thought it looked much better but the price scared me off.

I plan on keeping the Series 4 SS 2-3 years before upgrading again so the price isn’t as much as a factor since I won’t be upgrading every year like I have been with the Aluminum. I feel the changes Apple made with the series 4 warrrants the move to SS. Bigger display, thinner, faster processor to name a few.

 

[Robdmb]

I’ve had both and I love my SBSS. As I go to the beach quite a bit, having sapphire was a must. I had a Nike one previously and it suffered minor scratches on the glass after my first trip to the beach, whereas the SS with its sapphire glass is still in good shape after 2 years.

Just be aware that the stainless steel is noticeably heavier than the Aluminjm so it comes down to preference. I personally quite like the extra heft of the SS but some may not.

Has the beach/sand caused any scratches in the SBSS?

 

[canyonblue737]

The SS models look better IMHO. That said I wouldn't have a problem choosing the space gray if not for one very, very big thing... the glass vs. sapphire crystal screen. I bang my watch around. There is NO doubt I would scratch a glass screen on an aluminum model in the first week and have to stare at it for the next year or two and by the time I got rid of the watch it would be scuffed all to heck. My 10 month old (worn 24/7 and worn hard) SBSS doesn't have a single mark, not one. The sapphire is flawless and even the body with the diamond coating doesn't have so much as a hairline mark. It's flawless. THAT to me is worth the extra money and why I will always pay for the SS. What I *need* to do is NOT upgrade every year like I do most Apple devices, sadly these watches do lose a tremendous amount of their value when the new model launches (unlike an iPad or iPhone) and so paying $700+ a year and only being to sell the old one for $250-350 makes this a pretty pricey hobby. I'm fortunate to be in a position that I can do that but still, it feels unnecessary so I just need to hold on to these longer.

 

[macduke]

SS all the way. I've worn a stainless steel watch since third grade—I'm not going to change now, lol.

 

[tkukoc]

My last two watches were SS models, but the value drops so much once a new one is released, I’m going with aluminum so I can continue my annual upgrades without shelling out $400+ after I sell my old model.

That is exactly why I've never purchased a SS. I upgrade yearly with the watch because I build apps for it. As much as I love the SS for the weight factor alone.. I just can't shell out that much yearly for an item that really doesn't have great resale value.

 

[Cnasty]

Where is the both option?

Ordered a Nike SG and a 44mm SS Gold. 2 very different watches for 2 very different scenarios.

 

[tgara]

Where is the both option?

Ordered a Nike SG and a 44mm SS Gold. 2 very different watches for 2 very different scenarios.

Which are......?

 

[KarimLeVallois]

Where is the both option?

Ordered a Nike SG and a 44mm SS Gold. 2 very different watches for 2 very different scenarios.

I did this with Series 2 (Nike SG and Hermès), but got a grey ceramic for Series 3 as it was great for all occasions. Knackered again now as I can't justify buying two watches.

 

[ectospheno]

Series 3 tech specs: https://support.apple.com/kb/sp766?locale=en_US

Series 4 tech specs: https://support.apple.com/kb/SP778?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

SS series 3 were 42.4g and 52.8g. SS series 4 are 39.8g and 47.9g. Another data point for people who were put off by the weight of the SS model. They weigh less now. The 40mm SS only weights 5 grams more than the aluminum 42mm while retaining the same screen size.

 

[Cnasty]

Which are......?

I look at the Gold as a more formal, professional option for work and going out and such and will utilize the Nike one for the weekend.

With that being said I got both to kind of see if the gold will have any casual options in bands that dont look ridiculous. If it doesnt, I will return or sell my Nike option. If it looks too much for weekend/casual wear I will keep the Nike and sport that.

 

[KarimLeVallois]

The weight was a non-issue for me and actually makes the SS feel much more premium.
[doublepost=1537454588][/doublepost]

I look at the Gold as a more formal, professional option for work and going out and such and will utilize the Nike one for the weekend.

With that being said I got both to kind of see if the gold will have any casual options in bands that dont look ridiculous. If it doesnt, I will return or sell my Nike option. If it looks too much for weekend/casual wear I will keep the Nike and sport that.

I can't imagine wearing the gold in the gym to be honest...

 

[Cnasty]

The weight was a non-issue for me and actually makes the SS feel much more premium.
[doublepost=1537454588][/doublepost]

I can't imagine wearing the gold in the gym to be honest...

Luckily I work out at home

 

[KarimLeVallois]

Luckily I work out at home

I'm not going to ask what you workout at home...

 

[supertomtom]

Has the beach/sand caused any scratches in the SBSS?

Nothing glaringly visible, the DLC coating on the SBSS really helped keeping it in good shape. And most importantly the sapphire glass has remained perfect.

 

[tgara]

I look at the Gold as a more formal, professional option for work and going out and such and will utilize the Nike one for the weekend.

With that being said I got both to kind of see if the gold will have any casual options in bands that dont look ridiculous. If it doesnt, I will return or sell my Nike option. If it looks too much for weekend/casual wear I will keep the Nike and sport that.

Nice, I have a similar outlook. I bought an Aluminum Series 3 for use as a workout watch, and will purchase a Stainless Series 4 for everyday use at work, going out, etc.

The gold will look great with some nice leather bands, but I believe there will be some delay until we see bands with lugs and buckles having the proper gold color and finish to match. It will happen though. And I can see some nice metal bands with gold plate being available soon too. It may take some time, but I'm sure the options will eventually come.

 

[Cnasty]

Nice, I have a similar outlook. I bought an Aluminum Series 3 for use as a workout watch, and will purchase a Stainless Series 4 for everyday use at work, going out, etc.

The gold will look great with some nice leather bands, but I believe there will be some delay until we see bands with lugs having the proper gold color and finish to match. It will happen though. And I can see some nice metal bands with gold plate being available soon too. It may take some time, but I'm sure the options will eventually come.

Nice idea with the series 3 sports option and cost, I didnt consider that. I do hope you are right and we get to see some leather bands come out with the gold lugs as I think a classic leather band in brown or navy would look great with the gold. Surprised Apple got rid of their leather bands besides the modern buckle which I am not a personal fan of.

Happy 2 Watches to you.

 

[SHKLMRE]

That is exactly why I've never purchased a SS. I upgrade yearly with the watch because I build apps for it. As much as I love the SS for the weight factor alone.. I just can't shell out that much yearly for an item that really doesn't have great resale value.

Absolutely!! Usually I wait to get a SS model on discount, but I have my aluminum preordered for pick up tomorrow morning. Hopefully I sell my SBSS 42mm series 3 for a good price to almost call it an even upgrade.