The Apple Watch Series 4 marked a significant redesign in Apple's smartwatch evolution, introducing ECG capability and a larger display. Choosing a refurbished Apple Watch Series 4 means accessing advanced health monitoring features whilst making a more sustainable choice. Find the smartwatch that brought medical-grade sensors to the wrist at an accessible price point.
What are the key features of the Apple Watch Series 4?
- ECG capability: first Apple Watch with on-demand electrocardiogram readings for heart rhythm analysis
- Larger display: over 30% more screen area than Series 3 with reduced bezels
- Fall Detection: automatic emergency alerts if a hard fall is detected
- Electrical and optical heart sensors: dual heart rate monitoring with irregular rhythm notifications
- S4 dual-core processor: up to 2x faster performance than Series 3
- Digital Crown with haptic feedback: tactile clicks when scrolling through menus and apps
- Built-in GPS: accurate route tracking for outdoor activities
- Water resistant to 50m: suitable for swimming and water sports
- Available sizes: 40mm and 44mm case options
- Improved speakers and microphone: 50% louder audio for calls and Siri
What are the differences between a refurbished and a used Apple Watch Series 4?
A used smartwatch is resold without professional inspection or guaranteed functionality. By contrast, a refurbished Apple Watch Series 4 from Back Market has been thoroughly tested by trusted refurbishers according to our Quality Charter. Each watch undergoes comprehensive checks covering the larger display, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, ECG sensor, optical heart sensor, GPS accuracy, and water resistance.
All our products come with a minimum 12-month warranty and a 30-day return period. You receive reliable technology that integrates smoothly into your daily routine whilst reducing electronic waste. Choosing refurbished means accessing Apple's groundbreaking ECG technology with confidence and peace of mind.
Who is the Apple Watch Series 4 best for?
The Apple Watch Series 4 suits users seeking advanced health monitoring at accessible refurbished pricing:
- Health-conscious individuals: ECG capability and Fall Detection provide meaningful health and safety insights
- Older adults: Fall Detection with automatic emergency calling offers reassurance for independent living
- Budget-conscious buyers: access to ECG and the larger display redesign at more affordable pricing than newer models
- iPhone users: seamless ecosystem integration makes it the natural smartwatch choice
- First-time ECG users: those wanting to monitor heart health without investing in the latest models
Which Apple Watch should you choose?
Apple's smartwatch range has evolved considerably since the Series 4's 2018 release. The Apple Watch Series 4 represented a major redesign with over 30% more screen area, the first ECG capability, and Fall Detection. It introduced the electrical heart sensor alongside the optical sensor, enabling ECG readings directly from your wrist. The S4 chip delivered significantly faster performance than Series 3. The Series 4 remains capable for users wanting these health features at an accessible refurbished price, though it lacks sensors introduced in later models.
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) offers newer technology including the S8 chip, Crash Detection, and similar display size but removes ECG capability to achieve a lower price point. The Apple Watch Series 6 adds blood oxygen monitoring whilst maintaining ECG and introducing an always-on display and faster charging. The Apple Watch Series 8 and 9 bring temperature sensing for cycle tracking, brighter displays, and the latest performance improvements.
If ECG capability is your priority and you want the larger display redesign at the most affordable price, the Series 4 offers excellent value when refurbished. It lacks blood oxygen monitoring (Series 6+), always-on display (Series 5+), temperature sensing (Series 8+), and Crash Detection (Series 8+/SE 2nd gen). The Series 4 remains functional for heart health monitoring and fitness tracking, though software support may become limited as the watch ages. For users primarily interested in ECG and Fall Detection without needing the latest sensors, the Series 4 provides meaningful health insights at competitive pricing.
Buy a refurbished Apple Watch Series 4 at the best price on Back Market
Back Market offers the Apple Watch Series 4 refurbished at competitive prices without compromising on quality. Each watch is tested and verified by trusted refurbishers, complete with a minimum 12-month warranty. You'll benefit from excellent value on Apple's first ECG-capable smartwatch whilst supporting a more circular economy.
Our professional refurbishers conduct rigorous quality checks, examining everything from the larger display to ECG sensor accuracy and haptic Digital Crown functionality. Choose from different cosmetic grades (Pristine, Excellent, Good) depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences. With fast delivery, secure payment, and responsive customer service, buying refurbished Apple technology has never been more straightforward.
What was new in Apple Watch Series 4?
The Apple Watch Series 4 introduced transformative changes when it launched in 2018. The complete redesign featured over 30% larger displays (40mm and 44mm replacing 38mm and 42mm) achieved through reduced bezels and edge-to-edge screens. Most significantly, the Series 4 introduced ECG capability using a new electrical heart sensor in the Digital Crown, making it the first over-the-counter ECG device available to consumers in many countries. Fall Detection used the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect hard falls and automatically contact emergency services if you're unresponsive. The Digital Crown gained haptic feedback with tactile clicks. The S4 chip delivered up to 2x faster performance than Series 3. Speakers became 50% louder whilst the microphone was repositioned for clearer calls. The back crystal was redesigned with sapphire and ceramic for improved durability and sensor accuracy.
Does the Apple Watch Series 4 have blood oxygen monitoring?
No, the Apple Watch Series 4 does not include blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. This feature was introduced with the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. The Series 4 includes ECG capability, continuous heart rate monitoring, irregular rhythm notifications, and Fall Detection, but lacks the blood oxygen sensor. If SpO2 monitoring for respiratory health or altitude tracking is important to you, consider the Series 6 or later models (Series 6, 7, 8, 9, Ultra).
Does the Apple Watch Series 4 have an always-on display?
No, the Apple Watch Series 4 does not include an always-on display feature. The screen turns off when you lower your wrist and wakes when you raise it, tap the screen, or press the Digital Crown or side button. The always-on display was introduced with the Series 5 in 2019. Whilst the Series 4 has a significantly larger and brighter display than Series 3, it still requires wrist raising or tapping to view the time and complications. If having a constantly visible watch face is important to you, consider the Series 5 or later models.
How accurate is the ECG on Apple Watch Series 4?
The Apple Watch Series 4 ECG has been cleared by regulatory bodies including the FDA (US) and CE marking (Europe) for detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common irregular heart rhythm. Clinical studies showed the ECG app correctly identified AFib in eligible participants with 98.3% sensitivity and 99.6% specificity. To take an ECG, rest your arms on a table, open the ECG app, and place your finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds. The watch analyses your heart rhythm and classifies it as AFib, sinus rhythm (normal), low or high heart rate, or inconclusive. ECG results are stored in the Health app and can be shared with healthcare providers. However, the ECG is not a substitute for traditional medical diagnosis—it's intended for informational purposes and wellness tracking. Consult healthcare professionals for medical decisions regarding heart health.
Are refurbished Apple Watch Series 4 devices covered by warranty?
Yes, all refurbished Apple Watch Series 4 devices on Back Market come with a minimum 12-month warranty. This warranty covers functional defects in essential components including the display, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, side button, ECG sensor, optical heart sensor, GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope, and water resistance seals. You also benefit from a 30-day return period if the watch doesn't meet your expectations. Our customer service team is available to assist with any questions about your refurbished Apple Watch Series 4.