Apple continues to dominate the smartwatch market with its lineup, and the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch SE offer two compelling choices at different price points. Both models are well-designed and packed with useful features, but they cater to slightly different audiences. Here’s a detailed comparison and review of both models.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Series 9  | Apple Watch SE  |
| Display | Always-on Retina display, brighter (up to 2,000 nits) | Retina display, no always-on option (up to 1,000 nits) |
| Processor | S9 chip (faster and more efficient) | S8 chip |
| Health Sensors | Blood oxygen sensor, ECG, temperature sensor | Heart rate sensor (no blood oxygen, ECG, or temperature sensor) |
| Size Options | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Durability | IP6X dust resistance, WR50 water resistance | WR50 water resistance (no dust resistance) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (with fast charging) | Up to 18 hours |
| Key Features | New Double Tap gesture, enhanced Siri, Precision Finding with UWB | Core features like fitness tracking, notifications, Siri |
| Material Options | Aluminum, stainless steel | Aluminum only |
| Price | Higher price due to advanced features | Lower price, more affordable |
| Target Audience | Ideal for those seeking advanced health tracking and the latest features | Great for users wanting core Apple Watch features at a lower price |
Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch SE share a similar design language, with curved edges, a square display, and interchangeable bands. However, the Apple Watch Series 9 takes a step forward with its always-on Retina display, which reaches an impressive brightness of up to 2,000 nits. This makes it significantly easier to view in bright sunlight and ensures that you can see the time and notifications without lifting your wrist. The SE, on the other hand, lacks the always-on feature, and its display is limited to 1,000 nits, which is still bright but not as eye-catching as the Series 9.
The Series 9 is powered by Apple’s latest S9 chip, which delivers faster performance and improved energy efficiency. The addition of a more powerful processor means smoother navigation and quicker response times for apps and features. The SE is equipped with the S8 chip, which is still plenty fast but doesn’t offer the same level of performance enhancements. If you’re looking for top-tier performance and longevity, the Series 9 has the edge.
This is where the Apple Watch Series 9 truly shines. It is equipped with advanced health sensors, including a blood oxygen sensor, ECG, and temperature tracking—features that are absent from the SE model. The Series 9 is a fantastic choice for those who want comprehensive health monitoring, especially with the ability to track advanced metrics like oxygen saturation and heart irregularities.
The Apple Watch SE, while more affordable, offers the essentials with its heart rate sensor and basic fitness tracking, but it lacks the sophisticated health sensors found in the Series 9. If you’re mainly interested in step counting, workout tracking, and heart rate monitoring, the SE will meet your needs.
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes with some innovative features that set it apart from the SE. Most notably, the new Double Tap gesture allows users to control the watch with a simple tap of their fingers, making it easier to interact with the device hands-free. It also has Precision Finding with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, making it easier to locate a misplaced iPhone.
The Apple Watch SE doesn’t have these advanced features, but it still includes useful functionalities like notifications, Siri, Apple Pay, and basic fitness tracking, which are more than enough for many users.
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers greater durability with IP6X dust resistance, in addition to WR50 water resistance. It also comes in more premium materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel. The Apple Watch SE only comes in an aluminum case and lacks the dust resistance, but it still retains WR50 water resistance, making it suitable for swimming.
Both watches offer up to 18 hours of battery life, which is the standard for Apple Watches. However, the Series 9 supports fast charging, allowing you to top up more quickly, which is a slight advantage for users who need to recharge frequently.
The Apple Watch SE is significantly more affordable, making it an excellent entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem. If you’re on a budget and don’t need the advanced health sensors or the latest chip, the SE offers fantastic value for money. The Apple Watch Series 9, with its higher price, is aimed at those who want the most cutting-edge features and comprehensive health tracking.
- Apple Watch Series 9: The best choice for users who want the latest features, including advanced health tracking, a brighter always-on display, and innovative gestures like Double Tap. It’s ideal for those who are serious about their health and fitness or want the most premium Apple Watch experience.
- Apple Watch SE: A great option for users who want the essential Apple Watch features at a more affordable price. It’s perfect for those who are less concerned about advanced health metrics but still want a reliable, high-quality smartwatch for daily use.
Both models are excellent, but the Apple Watch Series 9 is for those who want the best of what Apple has to offer, while the Apple Watch SE is perfect for those seeking great value without the extras.
