Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE: Which Smartwatch is Right for You?
If you’re debating between the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch SE, you’re not alone. Both are popular choices, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comparison should help you decide which one suits you best.
My Journey with Smartwatches
I’ve always been skeptical about smartwatches. Whether it was the Google Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or Apple Watch, they all seemed unnecessary if you already have a smartphone. Friends and enthusiasts tried to sell me on the fitness features, but as someone who never prioritized exercise, it didn’t sway me—until recently.
After a stern talk with my doctor about my high blood pressure, I decided it was time to take my health seriously. This new commitment to fitness made me consider an Apple Watch, particularly for its ability to monitor my heart rate during workouts, ensuring I hit the right intensity for burning calories.
One of the best tools for tracking heart rate is the Apple Watch, but I found myself in a dilemma: Should I go for the budget-friendly SE (second generation) or invest a bit more in the Watch Series 9? To settle the debate, I decided to try both.
Note: Apple is expected to announce the new Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 on September 9. For the latest updates on these upcoming models, check out our Apple Watch 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumor hubs.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Price and Specifications
I opted for the most affordable versions of both models. The Apple Watch SE (second generation) set me back $249, which I purchased directly from Apple’s website.
Apple Watch SE Specifications:
- 40mm case size
- Silver finish
- Aluminum chassis
- GPS (no cellular)
- Ocean Blue solo loop
Certain features, such as a stainless steel chassis or a larger 44mm case, come at an additional cost. Adding cellular support will also increase the price.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 9 costs $399, again for the base model.
Apple Watch Series 9 Specifications:
- 41mm case size
- (Product) Red finish
- Aluminum chassis
- GPS (no cellular)
- Product (Red) sport band
Like the SE, you can upgrade the Series 9 with a stainless steel chassis or cellular support, albeit at a higher cost.
In terms of price, the Apple Watch SE clearly wins this round.
Winner: Apple Watch SE
Display Comparison
The first thing I noticed about the Watch SE was its thicker bezels, which slightly reduce the screen size. While the Series 9 has slimmer bezels and sharper visuals thanks to its higher resolution (430 x 352 pixels compared to the SE’s 394 x 324 pixels), I found both screens perfectly adequate for navigation.
Brightness is another area where the Series 9 stands out, boasting up to 2,000 nits compared to the SE’s 1,000 nits. However, even in bright sunlight, I didn’t notice a significant difference.
The biggest distinction is the always-on display (AOD) feature of the Series 9. Initially, I didn’t think I’d miss it on the SE, but having to constantly tap the screen or flick my wrist to check the time became annoying. The AOD on the Series 9 not only keeps the screen active but also adds a touch of elegance.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Design and Aesthetics
I selected different color options for both watches to see which one I’d prefer. Surprisingly, I was drawn to the bold, striking look of the Series 9’s (Product) Red. It’s a vivid yet elegant hue that stands out without being too loud.
In contrast, the Silver finish of the SE paired with the Ocean Blue solo loop didn’t impress me. The loop seemed to attract dirt easily and didn’t fit as snugly as I’d like, unlike the adjustable sports band of the Series 9.
Both watches feature the same general design, with a digital crown and side button on the right. However, the larger display of the Series 9 gives it an edge in this category.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Texting and Calling Features
When it comes to texting, the Series 9 offers a QWERTY keyboard, which, while small, is manageable with patience. The SE lacks a keyboard and instead uses a scribble function to input text.
Both models support dictation, which I found to be the most practical way to send messages. However, in a surprising twist, a friend I called noted that I sounded clearer on the SE than on the Series 9.
Despite this, the Series 9’s better texting capabilities make it the winner.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Double Tap Feature
Don’t buy the Series 9 solely for the Double Tap feature; the SE supports it as well, albeit with some limitations. While the Series 9 offers more flexibility in how Double Tap can be used, the SE’s version only works when prompted by an on-screen command.
That said, the Series 9’s broader functionality with Double Tap gives it an advantage.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Siri and Health Data
Apple promoted the Series 9’s ability to access health data through Siri. For example, asking Siri about my sleep or calorie burn yielded direct responses on the Series 9, whereas the SE directed me to the relevant app.
The Series 9’s S9 chip also makes Siri faster, particularly when accessing health data.
However, both models fall short when it comes to ovulation tracking, as Siri directs you to the iPhone app for that information.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Health Tracking Capabilities
For health tracking, the Series 9 is the better choice. It offers temperature sensing, ECG testing, and more advanced cycle tracking, which the SE lacks.
The Series 9 also features noise detection and alerts, although I found it odd that the SE, despite having similar capabilities, didn’t alert me to loud environments.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Fitness Tracking
In terms of fitness tracking, both models perform well. Whether you’re tracking steps or monitoring heart rate during a workout, either watch will meet your needs.
However, if you’re into high-speed water sports or diving, consider the Apple Watch Ultra 2 instead.
Winner: Draw
Battery Life
I expected the Series 9 to have significantly better battery life, but in practice, the difference was minimal. The Series 9 lasted only about an hour longer than the SE in my tests.
However, the Series 9 does support fast charging, which is a plus if you’re often in a hurry.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Which One Should You Buy?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the better choice if you’re interested in comprehensive health tracking, ovulation estimates, and faster access to data via Siri. However, if your focus is more on fitness and you can live without the always-on display, the Watch SE offers great value.
One last tip: avoid the solo loop band for your Apple Watch. It tends to loosen over time and isn’t as durable as the sports band.