Apple Watch SE 3 vs Series 9 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch comes down to understanding your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. The Apple Watch Series 9 is designed for users who want advanced health tracking, a brighter display, and the latest technology for seamless everyday use. The Apple Watch SE 3, on the other hand, delivers essential features at a more affordable price for those who want a simple, reliable wearable. This comparison will walk you through the most important differences between the two models so you can decide which watch fits your needs best.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 2000 nits brightness | Retina LTPO OLED, up to 1000 nits brightness |
| Size Options | 41mm and 45mm | 40mm and 44mm |
| Processor | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine | S8 SiP |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours with fast charging | Up to 18 hours, standard charging |
| Health Features | Blood Oxygen app, ECG app, temperature sensing | Heart rate monitoring, fall detection |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, U1 chip, Wi-Fi, optional Cellular | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, optional Cellular |
| Special Features | Double Tap gesture, on-device Siri processing | Core Apple Watch features only |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Build Quality: The Series 9 uses premium materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium with a more vibrant Always-On display that looks great at all times. The SE 3 keeps a similar case design but lacks the Always-On feature, which means the screen turns off when not in use. Both watches are swimproof and durable for daily wear.
Display Quality: The Series 9 display reaches up to 2000 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use under direct sunlight. The SE 3’s display maxes out at 1000 nits, which is still bright but can be slightly harder to read in bright conditions.
Processor and Performance: The S9 chip in the Series 9 provides faster response times and improved energy efficiency. It enables on-device Siri and smoother animations. The SE 3 runs on the S8 chip, which is still fast but lacks the advanced Neural Engine for newer gesture controls.
Storage Capacity: With 64GB of storage, the Series 9 lets you store more music, apps, and podcasts directly on your watch. The SE 3 includes 32GB, which is sufficient for most users but can fill up quicker if you store offline playlists.
Health and Fitness Tracking: The Series 9 stands out with advanced features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature tracking for cycle tracking insights. The SE 3 covers the basics with heart rate monitoring, emergency SOS, and fall detection but skips the advanced sensors.
Battery and Charging: Both watches last up to 18 hours on a charge, but the Series 9 supports fast charging that can reach 80% in about 45 minutes. The SE 3 charges at a slower pace, which might matter if you wear it overnight for sleep tracking.
Connectivity and Smart Features: Both models offer Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and optional cellular connectivity. The Series 9 includes a U1 Ultra Wideband chip, which improves precision finding for devices like AirTags and enables a more seamless experience with iPhone handoff features.
Special Features: The Double Tap gesture on Series 9 allows you to control the watch with one hand, making it convenient for quick actions like answering calls. The SE 3 does not include gesture-based controls and focuses on core smartwatch functions.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 worth the upgrade from SE 3?
Yes, if you value features like Always-On display, advanced health sensors, faster performance, and gesture controls. If you only need basic tracking and notifications, the SE 3 is more cost-effective.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 support Always-On display?
No, the SE 3 does not have an Always-On display. The screen turns off when not in use, which can save battery life.
Can both watches take an ECG?
Only the Apple Watch Series 9 supports ECG readings. The SE 3 does not have the electrical heart sensor required for this feature.
Do both watches have the same battery life?
Yes, both offer up to 18 hours of battery life, but the Series 9 supports faster charging which is useful for quick top-ups.
Which watch is better for outdoor activities?
The Series 9 is better thanks to its brighter display and advanced sensors like blood oxygen monitoring, which is helpful for hiking or high-altitude tracking.
Do both support cellular connectivity?
Yes, both watches have optional cellular models, allowing you to make calls and use data without your iPhone nearby.
Is there a difference in durability between the two?
Both are swimproof and meet the same water resistance rating. The Series 9 offers more premium case materials like stainless steel or titanium for better scratch resistance.
Do both watches work with Family Setup?
Yes, both are compatible with Family Setup, allowing you to set up watches for children or older family members without their own iPhones.
Can I use the same bands on both models?
Yes, bands are interchangeable as long as you match the case size (40/41mm or 44/45mm).
Which watch is better for sleep tracking?
Both track sleep well, but the Series 9 offers faster charging, making it easier to top up battery quickly before bed or after waking up.