Hey there! Are you on the hunt for a new smartwatch and torn between the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch SE? Lucky for you, I’ve been in your shoes and did a deep dive into both to help make that decision easier for you. Let’s compare these two popular choices and see which one might fit your needs best.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE: Price and Specifications
Let’s kick things off with price, one of the most critical factors for many of us. The latest Series 9 is listed at a cool $399 on Apple’s site. On the other hand, the SE (2nd generation) is the budget-friendly option at $249. Essentially, if you’re looking to save some cash, the SE is the winner here.
Features and Specifications
- Apple Watch SE:
- 40mm case size, Silver aluminum finish, GPS only
- Optional extras: stainless steel chassis ($50), larger case size ($30), cellular support ($50)
- Apple Watch Series 9:
- 41mm case size, (Product) Red aluminum finish, GPS only
- Optional extras: stainless steel chassis ($50), cellular support ($100)
Display Delights
Here’s where the screens come into play. The SE features thicker bezels but still offers a decent viewing experience with a 394 x 324 pixels resolution. But for those who love sharp and bright visuals, the Series 9 packs a serious punch with 430 x 352 pixels and up to 2,000 nits of brightness. Also, let’s not forget the AOD (Always-On Display) feature of the Series 9, so you don’t have to keep touching the screen to check the time.
Design Decisions
When it comes to style, the Series 9’s striking Product (Red) color scheme looks stunning and grabs attention, while the SE offers a more understated look. However, the SE’s solo loop band leaves room for some inconvenience, being less durable and hard to adjust compared to the Series 9’s sporty adjustable strap.
Texting and Calling Capabilities
Both watches allow you to stay connected. The Series 9 sports a QWERTY keyboard, making texting a breeze once you get the hang of it. Meanwhile, the SE offers a scribble feature, which can be slightly more cumbersome. Voice dictation stands out as the best texting tool on both, converting speech to text efficiently.
Health and Fitness Features
If you crave thorough health metrics, the Series 9 is unbeatable thanks to advanced sensors for temperature, ECG, and cycle tracking. For casual health tracking, the SE covers basics with heart rate notifications and cycle tracking, minus predictions.
Fitness Tracking and Battery Life
Both watches offer strong fitness tracking capabilities, making them viable options for runners and gym-goers. Want to know the battery life? Expect about a day’s worth of juice from both. The Series 9, however, supports fast charging, unlike its budget counterpart.
Which Watch Should You Pick?
If you’re seeking a robust health tracking companion with an expanded screen and a sharper display, then splurging on the Series 9 might be worth it. But for those who value simplicity and a budget-friendly price, the SE holds its own quite well.
FAQ
Will the Apple Watch Series 9 be on sale on Prime Day?
Yes, there’s a good chance the Series 9 will see some discounts during Prime Day. Older models, like the SE, also might receive attractive price drops, making it the perfect time to buy.
Is the Solo Loop band a good choice for the Apple Watch?
The Solo Loop band is comfy but tends to loosen over time. If durability and adjustability matter to you, the sports band might be a safer bet.
Looking for Cellular Plans for Apple Watch?
Here’s a breakdown of all the plans that are currently available in the US.
| Carrier | Cost (per month) | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | FREE with Unltd Premium Or $6.5/mo annually Or $9.5/mo Taxes & fees included! | Works with any plans. |
| Verizon | $15 + tax & fees | $7.50 credit with certain plansVerizon |
| AT&T | $10 + tax & fees | |
| T-Mobile | $12 + tax & fees | Only works with certain planswww.iphonelife.comiMore |
| Xfinity Mobile | $10 + tax & fees | Pairs well with Xfinity home internet www.iphonelife.comCoverage Critic |
| C Spire | $10 + tax & fees | Only available in select regionsWear To TrackiMore |
