The release of the Apple Watch Series 9 has left many Apple enthusiasts wondering if it’s worth upgrading from the Apple Watch Series 8 or if it’s a better choice for first-time buyers. In this article, we will delve into the specifications, design, screen, processor and software, battery and charging, fitness and health tracking, price and availability of both models to help you make an informed decision.

Specs Comparison

Let’s start by comparing the specifications of the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 9.

	Apple Watch Series 8	Apple Watch Series 9
Materials	Aluminum, Stainless Steel	Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Sizes	41mm, 45mm	41mm, 45mm
Colors	Aluminum: Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Product RedStainless Steel: Gold, Silver, Graphite	Aluminum: Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Product Red, PinkStainless Steel: Gold, Silver, Graphite
Display	Always-on Retina LTPO OLED, 1,000 nits peak brightness	Always-on Retina LTPO OLED, 2,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit lowlight
Processor	S8	S9
Sensors	Temperature sensor, blood oxygen sensor, electrical heart sensor, third-generation optical heart sensor	Temperature sensor, blood oxygen sensor, electrical heart sensor, third-generation optical heart sensor
Battery Life	18 hours	18 hours
Fast Charging	Yes	Yes
Ultra Wideband	U1	Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip with Precision Finding for iPhone 15

Design and Display

When it comes to design, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 9 follow the classic square design with curved edges. They are available in aluminum or stainless steel casing options, and you can choose between the smaller 41mm or the larger 45mm sizes.

In terms of color options, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product Red for aluminum models, while the stainless steel models come in Gold, Silver, and Graphite. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 9 retains the same color options for aluminum models and introduces a new Pink color. The stainless steel models maintain the Gold, Silver, and Graphite options.

Moving on to the display, both models feature an always-on Retina LTPO OLED display. The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, while the Apple Watch Series 9 takes it up a notch with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. This increased brightness level enhances visibility in bright sunlight. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 9 can go as low as 1 nit in low-light environments, preventing any discomfort caused by excessive brightness.

Processor and Software

The Apple Watch Series 8 is equipped with the S8 chip, which is similar to the S7 chip in the Apple Watch Series 7 and the S6 chip in the Apple Watch Series 6. However, the Apple Watch Series 9 introduces the new S9 chip, which boasts significant improvements in performance.

The S9 chip incorporates new chip technology that hasn’t been seen in previous Apple Watch models. It features 5.6 billion transistors and a GPU that is 30% faster than the S8 chip’s GPU. Additionally, the S9 chip includes a four-core Neural Engine that processes machine learning tasks up to twice as fast as its predecessor.

One notable enhancement with the S9 chip is the ability of the Apple Watch Series 9 to process all Siri requests on the watch itself. This eliminates the need for Wi-Fi or cellular data for simple requests and improves the accuracy of dictating text. Moreover, Siri can now provide health-related information and log health data directly from the watch.

Another exciting addition to the Apple Watch Series 9 is the second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip. This enables Precision Finding for the iPhone 15 series, allowing you to locate your misplaced iPhone with visual, haptic, and audio guidance. The UWB chip also enhances integration between the Apple Watch and HomePod, enabling convenient control of HomePod media when in close proximity.

Battery and Charging

Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 9 offer approximately 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. Although there have been improvements in other aspects of the Apple Watch Series 9, the battery life remains the same as its predecessor. However, it is important to note that both models support fast charging, allowing you to reach 80% charge in around 45 minutes.

Fitness and Health Tracking

In terms of fitness and health tracking capabilities, the Apple Watch Series 9 does not introduce any new sensors compared to the Apple Watch Series 8. Both models offer SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, ECG, 24/7 heart rate monitoring with notifications for high and low heart rate, irregular rhythm notifications, low cardio fitness notifications, temperature sensors, sleep tracking, fall detection, and Crash Detection for car accidents.

Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are compatible with watchOS 10, which introduces various improvements for cyclists and hikers. Cyclists can take advantage of new metrics, views, and experiences tailored specifically for them. Hikers, on the other hand, benefit from the Compass app automatically generating two new waypoints and a new Elevation view.

Additionally, both models offer mood tracking for mental health and ambient light sensors that provide insights into time spent in daylight, promoting overall well-being.

Price and Availability

The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for the aluminum version, while the stainless steel models start at $749. It is currently available for immediate purchase from Apple’s website and other major retailers and carriers. As for the Apple Watch Series 8, it has been discontinued, but you may still find remaining stock at discounted prices from various retailers.

Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 9 brings significant improvements, particularly with the introduction of the S9 chip and the enhanced display brightness. The new chip allows for on-device Siri requests, a double-tap gesture for one-handed control, and the integration of a second-generation UWB chip for Precision Finding. However, if you already own the Apple Watch Series 8, the upgrade may not be necessary as both models offer similar fitness and health tracking capabilities, battery life, and charging speeds.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 9 or choose the Apple Watch Series 8 as a first-time buyer depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the new features and improvements offered by the Apple Watch Series 9, weigh them against the price difference, and make a decision that aligns with your requirements.

Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest Apple Watch releases and features to make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and preferences.