Making the Jump from AW4 SS -AW 6 Sport

[mbhforum]

For those of you interested, Amazon is selling the 44 Sport GPS/Cellular for $429, which is $100 off: AW6 Deal

I can probably get around $300 for my AW 4 SS 44mm and it won't cost me much to upgrade. Frankly, I am tired of spending so much on the Stainless Steel versions when it's an identical watch from a functionality perspective except the Sapphire screen. Due to the pandemic, I don't really dress up much these days and don't plan on probably for at least another year.

So what will I miss about the Stainless Steel? I plan on getting Applecare in case I break or significantly scratch the screen.

 

[ruslan120]

What features are motivating you to upgrade?

(Just wondering as a fellow SS Series 4 user)

 

[mbhforum]

The Always On Display is really the only thing I really care about although I do like the longer battery and faster processor as well. I do find it annoying sometimes when I flick my wrist on the AW4 sometimes the display doesn't activate. This was too good for a deal to pass up getting an AW6 with Cellular for $429.

 

[Monkswhiskers]

I will probably go to the series 7 alu/sport from 4 SS. Less reflective screen (I like outdoor swimming), stronger haptics, and cost of course will win out this time. I will always have my SS4 for dressing up.

 

[hotr32]

From someone who just sold a Series 4 SS and purchased a Series 5 Aluminum, the only thing that I can remember is the weight, obviously the SS was tad bit heavier, and that can be good or bad depending on the user. I will say I love the always on display, definitely my favorite feature, and the upgraded chip is nice, and battery life is decent.
Obviously going up to the 6 is probably more noticeable then the 5, I’d say go for it!

 

[mbhforum]

Thanks all. I get it Thursday. I am going to be selling my SS AW4 as refurbished as I am having it replaced by Applecare(had a small scratch) before I sell it. I will probably list it here and on Swappa once I get the refurbished unit to take pictures.

I am nervous that I am going to scratch up the Sport model as I have a couple of times walked quickly past a corner and banged my wrist. We shall see.

 

[44267547]

Thanks all. I get it Thursday. I am going to be selling my SS AW4 as refurbished as I am having it replaced by Applecare(had a small scratch) before I sell it. I will probably list it here and on Swappa once I get the refurbished unit to take pictures.

I am nervous that I am going to scratch up the Sport model as I have a couple of times walked quickly past a corner and banged my wrist. We shall see.

Actually, the sport model doesn’t really ‘scratch’ that easily on the casing, thanks to the 7000 series anodized aluminum. However, the caveat is once it does scratch on the aluminum, it’s permanent. Where as with the stainless, you can remove the scratches relatively easy with a polishing cloth. The other posing issue with the aluminum, is its prone to chipping. Once it has that first chip after an impact, it will actually spread. But again, everybody’s situation will vary depending on what you come in contact with. But nonetheless, this is information you should probably know migrating to the aluminum.

 

[mbhforum]

Actually, the sport model doesn’t really ‘scratch’ that easily on the casing, thanks to the 7000 series anodized aluminum. However, the caveat is once it does scratch on the aluminum, it’s permanent. Where as with the stainless, you can remove the scratches relatively easy with a polishing cloth. The other posing issue with the aluminum, is its prone to chipping. Once it has that first chip after an impact, it will actually spread. But again, everybody’s situation will vary depending on what you come in contact with. But nonetheless, this is information you should probably know migrating to the aluminum.

Thanks. Good to know. I got the AW6 today. Snappier performance than the 4, like the AOD and charges pretty quick. I also light how lighter the Sport model feels compared to SS.

A nice upgrade.

 

[staggerlee41]

I've had 2 sport models and 1 stainless model. The case on aluminum models is more durable than some give it credit for. Two I have owned were as pristine as the day I received them. Traded in a S4 Aluminum GPS model for a S6 recently. Still have a S4 Stainless model. Sure there are improvements between models but they are fairly minor in my opinion--a testament to the S4 on up. Definitely not as significant of an improved experience as say the jump I had going from S2 to S4. I never had a problem getting a full day of battery on my S4's, they could always get me into day 2. New features are nice on the S6 for sure. It's certainly faster but not by much. AOD, I know some love it, but it honestly does nothing for me. Mine is turned off. Raise to wake is more beneficial to suit my needs when exercising, otherwise I leave it off and just tap the screen or use the crown.

 

[nordique]

Durability is the main difference. The sapphire coating will keep your screen looking new whereas the ion x will pick up micro abrasions out of no where and the odd scratch. Apart from that, not really any difference. It’s a more aesthetic difference than anything. Also, if you’re more of a gym goer, I do find it’s more comfortable to wear an aluminum model because it’s easier to justify a nick on it Vs say banging the sapphire screen into a barbell or something

I find owning aluminum models is better for people who upgrade more regularly, as you can sell it for less of a net loss whereas steel is better long term investment for durability purposes (or if you like space black, which is no longer a colour option)

 

[mbhforum]

All - I just put my refurbished AW SS 4 up for sale:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/refurbished-stainless-steel-apple-watch-4-44mm-space-black.

 

[mbhforum]

Just a little update to this thread. The biggest thing I like about the AW6 is the AOD. I didn’t notice much of a difference with the faster processor coming from the AW4.

Best Buy now has the AW5 Stainless Steels for $449, only $20 more than I paid for the AW6 Aluminum. Since Amazon is honoring returns, I am going to send back the aluminum AW6 and go back to the Stainless Steel model. I do not care about the faster charging, the BO2 and 2.5x brighter display that the AW6 offers as I find that all very gimmicky. I’d rather have the SS as I already slightly nicked the Aluminum Bezel when I banged my wrist against my car’s rear view mirror.

I don’t feel the SS versions are worth $800, but at $449, I do think it’s worth it.