Replace Battery or Watch

[roland.g]

I have a Stainless Steel Space Black DLC Apple Watch Series 4 that I love and the battery is down to 70% and when I go to exercise I find my watch dead or dying during the workout.

Do I replace just the battery on this 5 year old watch or get a new Series 8?

 

[wilberforce]

Apple will “replace the battery“ for $79 (in U.S.), which actually means they replace the entire watch with a pristine one. They may even give you a later Series watch if they are out of S4.
If you are happy with the S4 it is a good deal. You could probably even sell the replacement for more than the $79. The current SE is equivalent to the aluminum S4 to put it in perspective.

 

[DotCom2]

I had a SS series 4 as well and was debating the same as you. I finally decided to just go with the SS series 8 and sooooo glad I did. Just a world of difference and the battery is great. Plus the screen is a tad larger and helps.

 

[roland.g]

Apple will “replace the battery“ for $79 (in U.S.), which actually means they replace the entire watch with a pristine one. They may even give you a later Series watch if they are out of S4.
If you are happy with the S4 it is a good deal. You could probably even sell the replacement for more than the $79. The current SE is equivalent to the aluminum S4 to put it in perspective.

From what I can tell my SSSB AWS4 is pristine. Not sure what was the last Series 4, 5, or 6 that that AW came in the DLC coated Space Black, but it is amazing.

I had a SS series 4 as well and was debating the same as you. I finally decided to just go with the SS series 8 and sooooo glad I did. Just a world of difference and the battery is great. Plus the screen is a tad larger and helps.

I love the idea of faster and newer, but I like my 4. The look. I actually bought a Space Black Series 7 Titanium off eBay in October and sent it back because it wasn’t the same DLC as my AW4. It was a matte black with a deep charcoal color.

Truth is I probably won’t get the Graphite SS AW8 if I get a new one as I don’t have or use the cellular plan, and would go with an Aluminum GPS only Midnight AW8 if I go that route. I know one downside is the lack weight, and I like a bit of weight to my watch. The other is the screen glass surface is not as nice as the stainless steel.

One of the great genius things about the AWS4 in Space Black is that the case is so close of a match to the screen that when the screen is not lit up, OR when it is but elements don’t go to the edge and parts of the screen are black, you honestly cannot tell where the screen ends and the casing starts. I don’t like that on the newer Series, you can see that.

 

[bodonnell202]

From what I can tell my SSSB AWS4 is pristine. Not sure what was the last Series 4, 5, or 6 that that AW came in the DLC coated Space Black, but it is amazing.

The series 5 was the last generation where the SSSB was available without springing for a Hermès edition. After that they introduced “graphite” for the regular SS which is PVD instead of DLC. I love my Series 5 SSSB and if the battery starts to go I would probably replace the battery rather than upgrade.

 

[Apple_Robert]

It depends on budget, how happy you are with your current watch needs and if you want to spend more money on a new watch. You sound like you are happy and keep watches a while. I would get the new battery.

 

[CharlesShaw]

… and when I go to exercise I find my watch dead or dying during the workout.

Hehe, the cheaper option is to avoid exercise.

Kidding aside, I think the new battery sounds like a good idea for your particular situation.

I upgraded from SS 4 to the Ultra and it was significant but only because I prefer the new screen design. If you’re loving your current hardware then the new battery will get you some more time with it (pun intended).

 

[wilberforce]

Just to be clear: they will NOT replace the battery in your particular watch. They will replace the entire watch with the same, or equivalent

 

[Howard2k]

Apple will “replace the battery“ for $79 (in U.S.), which actually means they replace the entire watch with a pristine one. They may even give you a later Series watch if they are out of S4.
If you are happy with the S4 it is a good deal. You could probably even sell the replacement for more than the $79. The current SE is equivalent to the aluminum S4 to put it in perspective.

The original SE was like a Series 4.5. The new SE is improved further. It’s significantly better than the S4.

 

[OriginalAppleGuy]

When I moved from the SS4 to SS6, the speed was night and day. I now have the Ultra. OP - mentioned going the aluminum route if Series 8 is in the cards. One thing to keep in mind is the difference between the screen glass. SS is Sapphire while Aluminum is ION-X Glass. There is a big enough difference for me to stay sapphire, hence my SS history.

Highly recommend upgrading, though. Even a new series 7 would be okay if you don't care about the newer features of the 8. The processor is essentially the same between series 6, 7 and 8. Equally snappy.

 

[Jackbequickly]

It sounds like it is beyond the capability of the local Apple store’s ability to change batteries on our Apple Watches. They replace with a factory fresh battery at a designated specialized facility and put that unit in stock for trading for another needing a new battery. Good to hear as this specialized facility hopefully has the technology to seal and make the Watch water resistant.

 

[doolar]

It sounds like it is beyond the capability of the local Apple store’s ability to change batteries on our Apple Watches. They replace with a factory fresh battery at a designated specialized facility and put that unit in stock for trading for another needing a new battery. Good to hear as this specialized facility hopefully has the technology to seal and make the Watch water resistant.

I'm not so sure that they reuse the casings and screens though. When I had the battery service done on my S5 the replacement watch was 100% new, at least the outer parts (and the battery one might assume...).

Totally worth getting the battery replacement, you will get more for the watch second hand than what the battery service cost.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I'm not so sure that they reuse the casings and screens though. When I had the battery service done on my S5 the replacement watch was 100% new, at least the outer parts (and the battery one might assume...).

Totally worth getting the battery replacement, you will get more for the watch second hand than what the battery service cost.

‘How do you know the case was 100% new? The certainly have the equipment to but out micro scratches.

 

[akash.nu]

I have a series 4 and it’s still in pristine condition. I’m only on the series 8 because my other half gifted that for my birthday but I’m surprised that your series 4 has gone down to 70%, mine is still amazing.

But per your question, it’s probably better to take it to apple since they’ll probably replace it with a better version for £79.

 

[doolar]

‘How do you know the case was 100% new? The certainly have the equipment to but out micro scratches.

How do you know it wasn't?

 

[DotCom2]

If you go from a SS to aluminum you are probably not going to be happy. I had a spare for a while and it felt like a junkie toy. That's just me though.

 

[Jackbequickly]

How do you know it wasn't?

Just do not see them giving us a new watch for under $100. They are not still making them so they got to refurbish the trade in units, but do not want to ruin your experience. I, too, will,one day will have them replace the battery in my Series 7 SBTi. As long as it looks new to be I will be very happy.

 

[wilberforce]

It sounds like it is beyond the capability of the local Apple store’s ability to change batteries on our Apple Watches. They replace with a factory fresh battery at a designated specialized facility and put that unit in stock for trading for another needing a new battery. Good to hear as this specialized facility hopefully has the technology to seal and make the Watch water resistant.

I've not heard of this "specialized facility" refurbishing before. Are you just assuming they do this, or do you have some information or source?
The only information I have heard is experiences of many people on this and other forums that they get an apparently new watch (it is pristine and flawless) in return for the $79 battery replacement fee, and hence Apple will refuse to do so if the battery is 80% health or greater. Apple probably loses money on this, but it is made up for by the massive markups on the new watches, and that only a very small percentage of watches have less than 80% battery health. (There are several threads of people complaining that their watch battery health is just above 80% and are unable to get it "replaced.")

 

[roland.g]

When I moved from the SS4 to SS6, the speed was night and day. I now have the Ultra. OP - mentioned going the aluminum route if Series 8 is in the cards. One thing to keep in mind is the difference between the screen glass. SS is Sapphire while Aluminum is ION-X Glass. There is a big enough difference for me to stay sapphire, hence my SS history.

Highly recommend upgrading, though. Even a new series 7 would be okay if you don't care about the newer features of the 8. The processor is essentially the same between series 6, 7 and 8. Equally snappy.

If you go from a SS to aluminum you are probably not going to be happy. I had a spare for a while and it felt like a junkie toy. That's just me though.

I am concerned about going from SS to Aluminum aka Sport. And I get the glass is different.

Pros to the 8 are always on, bigger screen, faster of course, new battery.
Cons are no longer DLC, and if I go aluminum, no sapphire, and lighter weight. I like the heavier watch.

But my AW4 is not on cellular and I don't really want to pay the $$ for a SS w/ cellular if I don't have to.
I also don't like the look of the AW8 SS Graphite (and I have seen the brushed Titanium S7 and didn't like that either). But no way I'm paying for a Hermes.

 

[doolar]

Just do not see them giving us a new watch for under $100. They are not still making them so they got to refurbish the trade in units, but do not want to ruin your experience. I, too, will,one day will have them replace the battery in my Series 7 SBTi. As long as it looks new to be I will be very happy.

I've never heard of this facility you talk about - please tell me more. What you think is reasonable (which I agree it is) does not hold any value without knowledge. I will admit the same regarding me stating my watch were 100% new. But it sure as hell looks like it, packaging and all.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I've never heard of this facility you talk about - please tell me more. What you think is reasonable (which I agree it is) does not hold any value without knowledge. I will admit the same regarding me stating my watch were 100% new. But it sure as hell looks like it, packaging and all.

I have not either. Just saying that the Watch batteries are not being changed at the stores and are being serviced at a more “specialize” facility. That would be more logical than have a local geek give it a try And hope for the best.

Just what do you think they are doing with the Apple Watches that are being returned?

 

[Jackbequickly]

I've not heard of this "specialized facility" refurbishing before. Are you just assuming they do this, or do you have some information or source?
The only information I have heard is experiences of many people on this and other forums that they get an apparently new watch (it is pristine and flawless) in return for the $79 battery replacement fee, and hence Apple will refuse to do so if the battery is 80% health or greater. Apple probably loses money on this, but it is made up for by the massive markups on the new watches, and that only a very small percentage of watches have less than 80% battery health. (There are several threads of people complaining that their watch battery health is just above 80% and are unable to get it "replaced.")

“New watch or a refurbished pristine and flawless“.

I am betting on pristine and hopeful flawless.

 

[OriginalAppleGuy]

I am concerned about going from SS to Aluminum aka Sport. And I get the glass is different.

Pros to the 8 are always on, bigger screen, faster of course, new battery.
Cons are no longer DLC, and if I go aluminum, no sapphire, and lighter weight. I like the heavier watch.

But my AW4 is not on cellular and I don't really want to pay the $$ for a SS w/ cellular if I don't have to.
I also don't like the look of the AW8 SS Graphite (and I have seen the brushed Titanium S7 and didn't like that either). But no way I'm paying for a Hermes.

If the SS Graphite DLC was pleasing to you, you'd buy it even though it had cellular, right? Why don't you buy the Sport in a color you like and try it out? You have 15 or so days to try it out. If you don't find you like it, take it back - or otherwise return it. Can't hurt. Then you'll know and can contemplate if you really need the durability.

There are sales at Amazon on Apple watches....consider those as well.