Apple Watch SE vs Series 9 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right Apple Watch depends on your lifestyle, your tech preferences, and how much you are willing to spend. The Apple Watch Series 9 is built for users who want advanced health sensors, a brighter display, and powerful performance. The Apple Watch SE, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that still offers excellent core features. Each model has its own strengths that appeal to different needs. This article will outline the key differences between the Series 9 and the SE to help you decide which watch is the better fit for your daily life.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina, 2000 nits brightness | Retina Display, 1000 nits brightness |
| Processor | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine | S8 SiP |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Case Material | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Aluminum only |
| Sizes Available | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Health Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Temperature, HR | Heart Rate only |
| Crash Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Siri On-Device Processing | Yes | No |
| Precision Finding | Yes (for iPhone with U1 chip) | No |
| Double Tap Gesture | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Fast Charging | Yes | No |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Series 9 offers more premium materials, including a stainless steel option, while the SE is limited to aluminum. The Series 9 also features thinner bezels and an always-on display, enhancing visibility and style. Both watches are available in two case sizes, though Series 9 sizes are slightly larger.
Display Quality
The Series 9 includes an always-on Retina display that reaches up to 2000 nits, making it easier to view in sunlight. The SE lacks the always-on feature and maxes out at 1000 nits. This makes a significant difference if you want to glance at the watch without raising your wrist.
Performance and Processing Power
The Series 9 runs on the newer S9 SiP chip, which includes a 4-core Neural Engine for faster on-device Siri and improved responsiveness. The SE uses the S8 chip, which is still solid but lacks some of the processing enhancements introduced in the Series 9.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Series 9 includes advanced health features like ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature sensors. The SE omits these and sticks with heart rate monitoring. If you rely on your watch for deeper health insights, Series 9 is the stronger choice.
Smart Features
Series 9 adds on-device Siri with faster responses and the new double tap gesture for one-handed control. It also supports Precision Finding for iPhones with a U1 chip. These features are not available on the SE, which limits smart capabilities to the basics.
Battery and Charging
Both watches offer up to 18 hours of battery life. However, the Series 9 supports fast charging, allowing a quicker top-up when you’re in a rush. The SE does not include this feature, which might be a drawback for heavier users.
Durability and Water Resistance
Both models are swimproof with 50 meters of water resistance. However, the Series 9 offers better crack resistance due to its front crystal design, particularly in the stainless steel models.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 worth the upgrade from the SE?
If you want a brighter display, more advanced health sensors, faster performance, and features like the double tap gesture or on-device Siri, then the Series 9 is a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, the SE still handles core smartwatch tasks very well.
Does the Apple Watch SE have an always-on display?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not support the always-on display feature. You need to raise or tap the watch to view the screen.
Can I take an ECG with the Apple Watch SE?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not have an ECG sensor. This feature is only available on models like the Series 9 and higher-end versions.
Is the battery life different between the Series 9 and SE?
Both offer up to 18 hours of battery life under normal use. However, the Series 9 has fast charging, which can be convenient for daily top-ups.
Does the Series 9 support the new double tap gesture?
Yes, the Series 9 introduces a new double tap gesture that lets you interact with the watch using just one hand. The SE does not support this feature.
Which model is better for iPhone Precision Finding?
Only the Series 9 supports Precision Finding when paired with an iPhone that has a U1 chip. The SE does not include this capability.
Do both watches support Family Setup?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE support Family Setup when using a cellular model, allowing setup for users who don’t have their own iPhone.
What’s the biggest design difference between the SE and Series 9?
The Series 9 has a more refined look with thinner bezels and the option for stainless steel. It also has an always-on display, unlike the SE.
Can I use the same bands on both models?
Yes, Apple Watch bands are interchangeable as long as they match the correct case size. A 40mm SE fits bands made for 38mm and 40mm, and the 44mm model fits bands for 42mm and 44mm. The same applies for the 41mm and 45mm Series 9 models.
Which Apple Watch is better for kids or first-time users?
The Apple Watch SE is a better fit for kids or users who want basic functionality at a lower cost. It offers essential features without the complexity or price of higher-end models.