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Apple Watch Series 9 Review: Worth Your Time and Money?

by Vincent
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The Apple Watch Series 9 has arrived, bringing incremental yet significant upgrades to Apple’s popular smartwatch lineup. With enhanced performance, a new double-tap gesture, and a brighter display, the Series 9 Apple Watch aims to refine the smartwatch experience. But is it worth the upgrade? And how does it compare to the Apple Watch SE vs Series 9 debate? Let’s dive into an in-depth review to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

Apple Watch Series 9 Overview

Apple has made subtle but meaningful improvements with the Apple Watch Series 9. While it retains the classic design of its predecessors, this model features a more powerful S9 chip, a brighter display, and new interaction methods.

Key Specifications:

  • Display: Always-on Retina LTPO OLED, up to 2000 nits brightness
  • Processor: S9 SiP with a 4-core Neural Engine
  • Battery Life: 18 hours (with low power mode extending it to 36 hours)
  • Health Features: ECG, Blood Oxygen Monitoring, Temperature Sensing, Heart Rate Tracking
  • New Features: Double Tap Gesture, Faster Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone
  • Operating System: watchOS 10
  • Apple Watch Series 9 Price: Starts at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular version

Design and Display: Familiar Yet Brighter

Series 9 Apple Watches follow Apple’s design formula. Same rounded corners, digital crown, and rectangular display. The Series 9 has 2000 nits, double the brightness of the Series 8. Outdoor visibility improves with less glare and higher reading.

It may now dim to 1 nit in low-light conditions, making nighttime and sleep tracking easier on the eyes. 

Build Quality & Colors:

The Series 9 comes in aluminum (Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, and Product Red) and stainless steel (Gold, Silver, and Graphite). If you prefer a more premium feel, the stainless steel model is the way to go, but it does come at a higher price point.

Performance Boost: The Power of the S9 Chip

Apple Watch Series 9 uses the S9 SiP, its most advanced smartwatch chip. It performs 30% faster and more efficiently than its predecessor. Siri reacts faster, apps load faster, and animations are smoother.

The 4-core Neural Engine also allows the watch to process Siri voice instructions without internet connectivity. Setting reminders or starting an exercise is faster and safer. 

Double Tap Gesture: A Game-Changer?

One of the most intriguing features of the Series 9 is the Double Tap Gesture. This allows users to interact with the watch without touching the screen. By tapping your thumb and index finger together twice, you can answer calls, stop timers, scroll through widgets, or control music playback.

While this feature is useful, its practical applications are limited. It works well when your other hand is occupied, such as when carrying groceries or cooking, but it’s not a replacement for direct touch interactions.

Health & Fitness Tracking: A Strong Contender

Apple has consistently excelled in health tracking, and the Series 9 continues this tradition. The watch includes:

  • ECG & Heart Rate Monitoring – Detects irregular heart rhythms and provides detailed heart rate analysis.
  • Blood Oxygen Sensor – Measures oxygen saturation levels, helpful for athletes and those with respiratory conditions.
  • Temperature Sensing – Tracks changes in body temperature, particularly beneficial for women’s health tracking.
  • Sleep Tracking – Monitors sleep duration and quality, providing insights into sleep patterns.

Additionally, the watchOS 10 update introduces a new cycling mode, more advanced running metrics, and hiking enhancements, making the Series 9 an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 9: Which One to Choose?

When comparing the Apple Watch SE vs Series 9, the key differences come down to features and price.

Different people use these watches, with the Series 9 having greater functionality. Apple Watch Series 9’s S9 SiP is 30% quicker than SE S8. For outdoor visibility, the Series 9’s 2000-nit Always-On Retina display doubles the SE’s 1000-nit. Series 9 has ECG, BOM, and TS; SE measures heart rate. SE lacks the Series 9 Apple Watch Double Tap Gesture and UWB Precision Finding. Improvements make the Apple Watch SE $249 and Series 9 $399.

The Apple Watch SE is great for budget-conscious those without complex health features. For the latest innovation, brighter display, and enhanced health tracking, the Series 9 is best. 

Battery Life: Any Improvements?

Apple claims an 18-hour battery life, but real-world usage suggests it lasts a full day comfortably. With Low Power Mode, you can extend it up to 36 hours. While still not on par with some competitors, it’s decent considering the advanced features.

Apple Watch Series 9 Price: Is It Worth It?

  • GPS Model: Starts at $399
  • GPS + Cellular Model: Starts at $499
  • Stainless Steel Model: Starts at $699

For Apple users looking for the latest smartwatch features, the Series 9 is a solid buy. However, if you already own a Series 8, the upgrades may not be enough to justify upgrading.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Apple Watch Series 9?

Apple Watch Series 9 enhancements include a speedier CPU, Siri, a brighter display, and a Double Tap Gesture. It’s the greatest iPhone smartwatch, but it’s not revolutionary. This is a wonderful upgrade from an older model. For Series 8 owners, wait for the Apple Watch Series 10.

Would you buy the Series 9 Apple Watch or keep your current model? Share in the comments! 

FAQs

1. What is the main difference between Apple Watch SE and Series 9?

The Series 9 Apple Watch has a brighter display, faster S9 chip, ECG, blood oxygen, temperature tracking, and the Double Tap Gesture. While the SE lacks these features, it is more affordable.

2. How much does the Apple Watch Series 9 cost?

The Apple Watch Series 9 price starts at $399 for GPS and $499 for GPS + Cellular.

3. Is the Double Tap Gesture worth it?

While convenient, its usability is limited. It’s handy in situations where you can’t use your other hand, but it’s not a must-have feature.

4. Should I upgrade from Apple Watch Series 8 to Series 9?

If you already own a Series 8, the changes aren’t groundbreaking. However, if you have an older model (Series 6 or earlier), the Series 9 Apple Watch is a worthwhile upgrade.

5. How does the battery life of the Series 9 compare to previous models?

Battery life remains the same at 18 hours but extends to 36 hours in low-power mode. There is no significant improvement over previous models.

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