Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8 vs. SE 2: Which One Should You Buy?

The world of smartwatches has seen significant advancements in recent years, and Apple’s line of Apple Watch continues to lead the way. With the release of the Apple Watch Series 9, many potential buyers are wondering whether it’s worth the investment, or if they should consider the Series 8 or the more budget-friendly SE 2. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the differences between these Apple Watch models, helping you make an informed decision.

Overview: Series 9, Series 8, and SE 2

Before we delve into the details, let’s have a quick look at the key features and differences among these three Apple Watch models:

Feature	Apple Watch Series 9	Apple Watch Series 8	Apple Watch SE 2
Display	Brightest, Always-On	Bright, Always-On	Bright, On Demand
Performance	Powerful S9 Chip	Fast S8 Chip	SE Chip
Battery Life	Impressive	Excellent	Good
Sensors	Blood Oxygen, ECG	ECG, Heart Rate	Heart Rate
Connectivity	Ultra Wideband, LTE	LTE, Wi-Fi	LTE, Wi-Fi
Storage	64GB	32GB	32GB
Water Resistance	Swimproof	Swimproof	Swimproof
Keyboard Support	Full Keyboard	Limited Typing	Limited Typing
Price (Starting)	$399	$279	$249

Now, let’s explore these features in detail to help you decide which Apple Watch suits your needs best.

Display: Brightness and Always-On

The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts the brightest display ever, capable of reaching up to 2,000 nits of brightness. This improvement is a significant leap, especially when used outdoors in direct sunlight. Additionally, the Series 9 offers an Always-On display, which means you can check the time and glance at your notifications without raising your wrist.

In contrast, the Series 8 also offers an Always-On display but with slightly less brightness compared to the Series 9. The SE 2, while bright, lacks the Always-On feature. If having an ultra-bright display and the convenience of an Always-On screen is essential to you, the Series 9 is the clear winner.

Performance: The Heart of the Watch

Under the hood, the Series 9 is powered by the new S9 chip, built on a 5-nanometer process. This chip offers significant performance improvements, making the Series 9’s performance noticeably snappier. Tasks like dictation and handling Siri requests are now faster and more accurate. It’s also capable of running upcoming features like double-tap interaction.

The Series 8, on the other hand, uses the S8 chip, which is slightly less powerful than the S9. While it provides good performance, it may not handle upcoming intensive features as smoothly as the Series 9.

The Apple Watch SE 2, designed as a budget-friendly option, features a different chip, simply referred to as the “SE Chip.” While it’s still capable of handling day-to-day tasks, it lags behind the Series 8 and 9 in terms of raw processing power.

Battery Life: A Day’s Endurance

Battery life is a critical consideration when choosing an Apple Watch. While all three models are designed to last a full day on a single charge, the Series 9 stands out with impressive real-world endurance, thanks to its more efficient S9 chip. Users have reported extended battery life, sometimes even exceeding two days of use.

The Series 8 also offers excellent battery life, making it suitable for most users who don’t need the absolute best. The SE 2, while decent, may require more frequent charging, especially if you use power-intensive features like GPS and cellular connectivity.

Sensors: Health and Fitness

Apple Watch’s health and fitness capabilities are a major draw for many users. The Series 9 introduces additional health sensors, including blood oxygen measurement and an ECG feature. These additions enhance its health tracking capabilities, making it a valuable tool for those concerned about their well-being.

The Series 8 also includes an ECG feature and heart rate monitoring, catering to users who prioritize their heart health. The SE 2, while capable of heart rate tracking, lacks the advanced health sensors found in the Series 9 and 8.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

Connectivity options are vital for an Apple Watch, and all three models offer LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, the Series 9 takes a step forward with the introduction of the Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip. This chip enables precise location tracking and interactions with UWB-enabled devices, enhancing your overall smartwatch experience.

The Series 8 also offers LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, but without the UWB capabilities of the Series 9. The SE 2, while still a capable connected device, doesn’t have the advanced connectivity features found in the Series 9 and 8.

Storage: Room for Your Data

Storage capacity is essential for those who wish to store music, apps, and data directly on their Apple Watch. The Series 9 comes with a generous 64GB of internal storage, offering ample space for your digital life. This is especially beneficial if you want to download and store large apps or music playlists.

The Series 8 provides 32GB of storage, which should suffice for most users but might feel limited if you intend to store a lot of data on your watch. The SE 2 matches the Series 8 with 32GB of storage.

Durability: Built to Last

All three Apple Watch models are water-resistant and suitable for swimming. However, the Series 9 takes it a step further with an IP6X dust resistance rating. This added protection ensures that your watch can withstand more challenging environments.

The Series 8 and SE 2 are also swimproof but lack the dust resistance of the Series 9. If you plan to use your watch in dusty conditions or simply want that extra layer of durability, the Series 9 is the way to go.

Keyboard Support: Typing Made Easy

One exclusive feature of the Series 9 is full keyboard support. This means you can type on your Apple Watch’s screen instead of relying solely on voice dictation or scribbling individual letters. It’s a convenient addition that can make responding to messages and entering text much more efficient.

Both the Series 8 and SE 2 offer limited typing options, which may not be as convenient as the full keyboard on the Series 9.

Price: The Bottom Line

Finally, let’s talk about the bottom line—the price. The cost of these Apple Watch models can vary significantly based on your preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices:

• Apple Watch Series 9: Starting at $399
• Apple Watch Series 8: Starting at $279
• Apple Watch SE 2: Starting at $249

When it comes to pricing, the Apple Watch SE 2 is the most budget-friendly option. It offers many essential features and is a great entry point for someone new to the Apple Watch ecosystem. However, if you can stretch your budget a bit, the Series 8 offers a substantial upgrade over the SE 2 without breaking the bank.

The Series 9, while the most expensive of the three, offers a premium experience with the brightest display, the most advanced health sensors, improved performance, and extended battery life. If you’re looking for the best Apple Watch experience available, the Series 9 is worth the investment.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

In the end, choosing the right Apple Watch model boils down to your individual needs, preferences, and budget. To make your decision easier, here’s a quick summary:

• Apple Watch Series 9: Go for it if you want the absolute best with a brilliant display, advanced health sensors, superior performance, and impressive battery life. It’s the top choice for those who demand the best.
• Apple Watch Series 8: Opt for this model if you want an excellent balance of features and affordability. It offers many high-end capabilities without the premium price tag.
• Apple Watch SE 2: Consider this option if you’re on a budget or if you’re new to the Apple Watch ecosystem. It provides essential smartwatch functions at a more affordable price point.

Remember that your choice should align with your specific requirements, whether it’s health tracking, connectivity, battery life, or budget constraints. Regardless of which Apple Watch you choose, you’ll be entering the world of cutting-edge wearable technology, enhancing your daily life with convenience and functionality.