Anyone know .What is the minimum seri... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,400 members38,735 posts

Anyone know .What is the minimum series Apple watch and iPhone for HR monitoring and or ECG

kkatz profile image
12 Replies

I have heard and researched Apple watch & iPhone and really think they are the best for HR monitoring & taking ECG.However buying both is so out of my price bracket and I have never even looked at an iPhone.

However music magpie does quite reasonable rentals on refurbs so might go that route.I understand it has to be at least Apple watch series 4 onwards for ECG & Apple phone 6 onwards though might look at 7 or 8 .It doesn't have to be all singing all dancing or even that big as I have a big Android phone.So just looking for phone for my AF.

All help appreciated.

Written by
kkatz profile image
kkatz
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
12 Replies
Threecats profile image
Threecats

Hi kkatz, I had an iPhone 6s which I bought from MusicMagpie and was very happy with it. I did recommend the company on here a while back when someone was asking a similar question but someone else replied saying they weren’t good🤷‍♀️ Can only speak from my experience, though. .

I went for the iwatch 6 series as I wanted the oxygen monitoring function as well and must say I’ve been very happy with it and had no problems linking it to my 6s iPhone. I believe the 4 series has the ecg function /a fib detection and is still supported by Apple, so certainly worth considering if you’re not bothered about O2 monitoring.

Frances123 profile image
Frances123

I wouldn’t touch musicmagpie with a barge pole I’m afraid. I bought an iPhone from them a few years back for elderly friend and after only having it a few weeks it started to go wrong. Musicmagpie didn’t want to know. I took it to Stormfront who is a certified Apple dealer/shop to be checked and repaired if necessary as I felt responsible to be told it wasn’t a real IPhone. It had been cobbled together to look exactly like one. I took it to another phone place (Cex) without telling them what Apple had said and they told me the same thing. The difference was minute and if you didn’t know you wouldn’t be able to tell.Upshot was musicmagpie wouldn’t take responsibility and said they only check phones are working and have to take it on good faith from seller it’s the real thing. I argued they were selling it as an iPhone etc but they got quite lairy. They also said they don’t have the time when dealing with 100s of phones daily to check validity etc.

I ended up buying a new phone from Apple at my expense and lied to friend it was a replacement.

Stormfront said it wasn’t the first time they had had trouble with musicmagpie like this.

I have bought from Cex a few times and they are top notch and check things thoroughly. You also get a 3 month warranty. I couldn’t get an iPhone from them at the time for friend otherwise this wouldn’t have happened. x

MummyLuv profile image
MummyLuv

I have Apple Watch 6 and is has ECG, afib detection plus I use an app called Cardiogram which tracks the heart rate throughout the day/night.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

Apple Watch 4 is the earliest with ecg facility. I love mine. Apple have just announced that iOS 16 won’t be available on some early models. Think 8 is the lowest but I would check

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

Hi - to save yet more money you could buy from Facebook. At this point, an iPhone SE might be the best option second hand, but also a good condition 7 or 8 would be fine. All you need to be sure of is that the battery has enough power left in it. The Apple iPhone has an app to show just this so the owner will be able to tell you (Seetings > Battery > Battery Health > %). You need over 90% battery life remaining for the battery to last easily all day. You can also easily check that the phone is genuine from within the phone itself - Settings > About > IMEI number.

The Apple Watch 4 would also be an excellent buy and the same battery health applies (on the watch Settings > Battery > Battery Health > %). Apple Watches don't last so long on battery but you should get a full day from it. The ECG app on this is identical to that on the new 7 (I have just upgraded myself).

I've bought from Music Magpie and Amazon (refurbished) in the past. Both have been excellent, but Apple products are so reliable that, given that the battery is good, any second hand one from a reliable source would be fine and save money.

If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM.

Steve

kkatz profile image
kkatz in reply toPpiman

Thanks for the info Steve.Music Magpie appeals because they guarantee for 12 months and if I go for good condition cosmetically only I can rent an iPhone 7 for 6.99 . Pristine 9.99 a month But don't intend to use as main phone.But I guess I would need data when out and about and so would have to share my main phone data.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman in reply tokkatz

I think that’s a good idea. I’d go for a new SE, or a s/h XR or 11 myself! The cameras are wonderful. I’ve used all kinds of phones over time and have settled this last few years on Apple as they’ve been by far and away the most user friendly and reliable.

There’s another company call CEX that have shops in major cities who offer I think 2 year warranty.

They don’t go wrong though and a new battery or screen in an SE, 7 or 8 is very reasonable.

You’ll enjoy it!

Steve

kkatz profile image
kkatz in reply toPpiman

Thanks Steve after a cheap years rental I maybe be a convert & buy newer.

beach_bum profile image
beach_bum

6s for sure, and they can be had for cheap. I sold mine for $150 CDN with case 2 months ago. Full disclosure to the buyer that the battery was down to 92%...98-100 is optimal. Make sure you know how to check the battery health on an iPhone (not hard) ...I only sold it to buy the 12 as it has a far superior camera, and I take a LOT of pictures. It was the 6s that alerted me to my afib 🙂

kkatz profile image
kkatz in reply tobeach_bum

You will not be able to upgrade os on 6s after sometime this year.

beach_bum profile image
beach_bum

Good info! Hopefully 7 to 12 will be supported longer 🙂

mav7 profile image
mav7

Apple operating system IoS 16 will be released in September. The below phones will be supported. Apps may continue to work on older phones but eventually will lose support. Read the entire article for more info.

My experience has been the SE model is supported the longest.

iPhone 14 series (out of the box)

iPhone SE 2 and SE 3

iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max

iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and XR

iPhone X

iPhone 8, 8 Plus

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

beebom.com/ios-16-features-...

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Anyone know what this could be on my smart watch ECG

So I am now on flecainide and Bisoprolol for AF and SVT. I have an Apple Watch that does my ECGs...
Amy2805 profile image

Apple Watch - ECG function - Is it any good?

Hi all Im wondering whether to buy the new Apple Watch to monitor my AFib. Id be really interested...
Guitar335 profile image

ecg on Apple Watch different to the red heart section

Hi myself and my husband are a bit confused as his Apple Watch on the ecg says average 110/120...

Apple Smart Watch?

Apple Watch Series I believe I have had Atrial Fibrillation for five or more years, but my doctor...
0ldSeadog profile image

Pvcs and pacs following acute afib episode and Apple watch ecg/ekg

Following my first (confirmed) afib attack a month ago(with rvr) I seem to have an occasional flip...

Moderation team

See all
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.