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The Apple Watch Series 9 has been out for 6 months now, giving us enough time to fully compare it to its predecessor, the Series 8.
Whilst the launch of the Apple Watch Series 9 directed attention towards a shiny new display, with 2000 nits of brightness, we wanted to know if there were any real improvements under the hood. Was there any reason to buy a new Series 9, or could you just buy a Series 8 and roll with it?
Well, Apple says the Series 9 boasts a faster processor, better battery life and double-tap gesture control amongst other things. But does any of this actually make a difference in the day-to-day experience between the two?
Let’s find out!
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Battery Life
Short battery life is one of the biggest pet peeves regarding smartwatches and the Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t do much to alleviate those concerns. The Series 8 has an 18-hour battery life in full power mode and 36 in low power mode. Whilst 18 hours is fine, it quickly becomes annoying if you forget to charge it which, trust me, you will!
Charging the Apple Watch Series 8 takes about 45 minutes to get to 80% and over 75 minutes for a full charge. This doesn’t sound too bad but when you compare it to something like the Google Pixel Watch 2, which has a 24-hour battery, it begins to look rather meek.
Thankfully, the battery life on the Apple Watch Series 9 is more impressive. With more efficient power management technology, the Series 9 can last up to 48 hours on a single charge, although this obviously depends on how you are using the device. However, it hasn’t managed to best the Series 8 in the actual charging time, as it still takes 75 minutes to reach 100%.
Whilst the charging time is slightly disappointing, the additional 12 hours of battery is a handy improvement if you’re out and about all day without a charger.
Overall, you can’t grumble at significantly more battery life on a smartwatch. It is the most annoying thing about smartwatches, and something Apple struggles with. So it’s good to see Cupertino’s flagship watch equipped with a battery that will last you a day at least.
It’s an easy win for the Apple Watch Series 9.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Processor
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are powered by different chips. The Series 8 hosts the S8 chip, which has a 64-bit dual-core processor with 32 GB of memory. If you’ve used an Apple Watch Series 8, you’ll know that this is more than enough power to get you by.
But if you really think you need more oomph, then the Series 9 has something better…
The Apple Watch 9 is made with a new Silicon S9 chip with double the memory of the Series 8 at 64GB. Meaning more space for things like audiobooks and podcasts. It has a new dual-core CPU that Apple claims hosts 60% more transistors than the S8.
But what does that actually mean for the Apple Watch Series 9’s performance?
Well, it all sounds more exciting than it actually is and the average user probably won’t notice the changes. More transistors mean the Watch can carry out calculations and access memory more quickly. In short, you get smoother and speedier animations, faster app launches and the addition of on-device Siri request processing.
But if you aren’t a big Siri user (we don’t blame you if that’s the case, it’s pretty bad!), then the Series 8 should suit you just fine. Unless the watches are side by side, you won’t notice the difference anyway. Hence why I haven’t awarded it the win this round.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Weight and Dimensions
If you are hoping the Series 9 will be a lighter, more comfortable model, you’re about to be disappointed.
Remarkably, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are the exact same in this department. It’s true, we’ve weighed them! The aluminium variant of both smartwatches weighs 31.9g for a 41mm model and 38.7g for the 45mm. The stainless steel Apple Watch weighs 42.3g for a 41mm model and jumps to 51.5g for the 45mm model.
Let’s face it; the weight and dimensions of the Series 8 are fine the way they are. While people have their own preferences, we find that Apple Watches are amongst the most comfortable out there…which is why Apple didn’t mess with it.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Display
The resolution on the Apple Watch Series 8 display is nice and crisp, and those qualities have been translated over to the Series 9. Both models are protected by Apple’s Ion-X front glass, and the stainless steel smartwatch alternative utilizes a Sapphire front crystal glass. From our experience, this makes both the Series 8 and Series 9 extremely hard to scratch unless you try really hard with something sharp.
In terms of resolution, the Series 8 and Series 9 are the same. Both have a resolution of 396 x 484 pixels (45mm) and 352 x 430 pixels (41mm).
However, there is one significant difference, especially for those who wear dark shades like me (I’m super light-sensitive).
The Apple Watch Series 9’s display gets wayyyy brighter than the 8. Its peak brightness of 2,000 nits is double that of the Series 8 model, making it easier to use in direct sunlight. And it is very vibrant. There isn’t a better smartwatch display out there.
However, the Series 8’s display isn’t a deal-breaker. It can be slightly faded in sunlight but everywhere else it does the job.
But, if you value brightness highly, the Series 9 takes the biscuit.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Double Tap Feature
For me, this is one of the more significant differences between the two models. The Apple Watch Series 9 double tap feature allows you to quickly access your favourite apps or features by simply tapping your index finger and thumb together.
This partially solves some of the Series 8’s button complaints that some felt were too small and easily obstructed by debris. I personally haven’t had an issue with the Apple Watch’s buttons, but the addition of double tap is undoubtedly useful and innovative.
It also improves the accessibility of the Apple Watch. Instead of having to fiddle around with tiny buttons, people who have restricted fine motor skills for example can use the device much more easily.
While it can take some getting used to, and it isn’t always accurate, double tap is a nice-to-have innovation. Most people don’t need it, but if you make the effort to integrate it into your daily life, it is genuinely useful.
For more on double tap, you can read our ‘how to’ guide here.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Ultra Wide Band
One of the notable features of the Apple Watch Series 8 was the inclusion of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology. UWB enables precise spatial awareness, allowing your watch to understand its proximity to other UWB-enabled devices and objects. You can even use it to unlock your car!
The Series 9 has a slightly better U2 ultra-wideband chip, so finding your iPhone is easier due to improved location accuracy and device communication.
But the change isn’t major, in fact, I bet many of you reading this don’t even care.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Colour
So the size and general appearance of the Apple Watch Series 8 and 9 is pretty much the same except…
The pink rose-gold Series 9 Apple Watch!
Whether you care about this depends on how much weight you place on the Apple Watch as a fashion accessory. Some people might argue this is the main reason to buy! Maybe that’s an unpopular opinion, but people have forked out $100 for much less than a pink aesthetic before.
This one’s simple; do you want a rose-gold Apple Watch? If yes, buy the Series 9.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Eco-Friendly
The Apple Watch Series 9 is not only more environmentally friendly than the Series 8, Apple claims it’s their first completely carbon-neutral product.
Supposedly, they’ve managed it by implementing recycled materials into the cases, wristbands, and retail packaging.
There’s an obvious winner for this category if Apple is to be believed…
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: Price
Neither watch is exactly cheap.
The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at £399/ $399 for the GPS model and £499/ $499 for the GPS + Cellular model. The price does vary depending on the case material, band options, and additional features you choose.
The Apple Watch Series 9, being the latest model, comes with a slightly higher price tag. The GPS model starts at £499/$499, while the GPS + Cellular model starts at £599/ $599. That’s a 20% increase.
That might seem expensive for a smartwatch considering the alternatives on the market such as the Google Pixel Watch 6 which starts at £289/$299. Uniquely for Apple, the Series 9 is pitched as a mid-range watch in terms of price. For example, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at £799/$799 or the Garmin Epix 2 at £749.00/$899.99.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9.
So, Is The Apple Watch Series 9 Worth The Upgrade From The Series 8?
The Series 9 won 6/9 categories, so I guess yes, the extra $100 is worth it…right?
Paying $100 more will give you a more environmentally friendly smartwatch with slightly improved features, longer battery life, rose gold colouring, a brighter display, and a useful answer to small button frustrations.
Overall, I think it is just about worth paying the money. You won’t ever regret having more battery life. However, most can make do with the Series 8, specifically if they aren’t taking their device out on long hikes in strong sunlight, away from charging ports.
If that is what you want to do with a smartwatch, then a standard Apple Watch in general isn’t the best option. You’ll want something more robust like the Apple Watch Ultra or Garmin Fenix 7 Pro…but that’s a whole other debate!
Do you prefer the Apple Watch Series 9? Let us know below!
