Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch SE 2 have some important differences, it’s all about balancing features with budget. The Series 9 is the newer, more advanced model with premium health sensors, a larger Always-On display, and faster performance. The Apple Watch SE 2 is a simpler, more affordable option that still delivers core Apple Watch functionality. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which model is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Apple Watch Series 9 has the all-new S9 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core CPU and improved neural engine for faster performance and better battery efficiency.
- Apple Watch SE 2 uses the older S8 chip, which is slower with modern apps and updates.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Display Size:- Apple Watch Series 9 features a larger 1.9-inch display with thinner bezels to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has a 1.57-inch display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Always-On Retina LTPO OLED Display:- Apple Watch Series 9 features an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display with up to 2000 nits brightness to ensure better visibility in bright environments.
- Apple Watch SE 2 lacks Always-On display and only reaches 1000 nits brightness.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Internal Storage:- Apple Watch Series 9 comes with 64GB of internal storage, which allows for extensive app installations, playlists, and offline data.
- Apple Watch SE 2 includes 32GB of storage.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Battery Life:- Apple Watch Series 9 provides up to 18 hours of battery life on a full charge.
- Apple Watch SE 2 lasts up to 18 hours on a full charge.
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Fast Charging:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports fast charging and reaches 80% in about 45 minutes.
- Apple Watch SE 2 lacks fast charging support.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Optical Heart Sensor:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes the third-generation optical heart sensor for ECG, high and low heart rate notifications, and irregular rhythm alerts.
- Apple Watch SE 2 features a 2nd-gen heart sensor with less precision.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Wi-Fi:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for faster wireless speeds and more stable connectivity for quicker data transfers and improved responsiveness especially in crowded areas.
- Apple Watch SE 2 supports only 2.4GHz.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Higher Resolution:- Apple Watch Series 9 delivers 484 x 396 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has lower 368 x 448 resolution.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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ECG App:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes the ECG app for advanced heart health tracking to take electrocardiograms anytime.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not support the ECG app.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Blood Oxygen App:- Apple Watch Series 9 features a Blood Oxygen app for checking oxygen saturation levels, especially useful during exercise or at high altitude.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not support blood oxygen monitoring.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Temperature Sensor:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes a skin temperature sensor for enhanced health tracking, including menstrual cycle insights and sleep data.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not include temperature tracking.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Ultra Wideband Chip:- Apple Watch Series 9 features the second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for improving Precision Finding and device integration.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not include a UWB chip.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Bluetooth:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes Bluetooth 5.3 for better efficiency.
- Apple Watch SE 2 also uses Bluetooth 5.3.
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On-Device Siri:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports on-device Siri that allows to process commands and access health data directly on the watch without internet connection.
- Apple Watch SE 2 relies on iPhone for Siri.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Double Tap Gesture:- The Apple Watch Series 9 introduces the double tap gesture to control the watch with a quick finger movement for added convenience.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not support the Double Tap feature.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Overall Performance Score
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch SE 2
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch SE 2 |
|---|
| Case Size | 45mm | 40mm |
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Retina Display |
| Display Brightness | Up to 2,000 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Processor | S9 SiP | S8 SiP |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Fast Charging | Yes | No |
| Connectivity | GPS + Cellular | GPS |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Sensors | Blood oxygen, ECG, temperature, optical heart sensor | Accelerometer, gyroscope, heart sensor |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| UWB | Yes (U1 chip) | No |
| Siri | On-device Siri | On iPhone only |
| Double Tap Gesture | Yes | No |
| Crash Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | WR50 | WR50 |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you:- Want advanced health features like ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature tracking.
- Need a brighter, always-on display for better readability in any light.
- Prefer faster performance, cellular connectivity, on-device Siri, and future-ready connectivity like Bluetooth 5.3 and UWB.
- Want fast charging for convenience on a tight schedule.
- Value gesture control like Double Tap for one-handed operation.
Check Apple Watch 9 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you:- Are looking for an affordable Apple Watch with core fitness and notification features.
- Don’t need ECG, SpO2, or advanced health sensors.
- Prefer a lighter, smaller watch for slim wrists.
- Want a reliable Apple experience without paying for extras.
- Plan to use it mainly for basic activity tracking and messaging.
Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Series 9 |
| Display Size | Series 9 |
| Always-On Display | Series 9 |
| Brightness | Series 9 |
| RAM | Draw |
| Storage | Series 9 |
| Battery Life | Draw |
| Fast Charging | Series 9 |
| Ultra Wideband Chip | Series 9 |
| Optical Heart Sensor | Series 9 |
| Wi-Fi | Series 9 |
| Temperature Sensor | Series 9 |
| Higher Resolution | Series 9 |
| ECG App | Series 9 |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Series 9 |
| On-Device Siri | Series 9 |
| Double Tap Gesture | Series 9 |
| Bluetooth | Draw |
| Crash Detection | Draw |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) have an Always-On display?
No, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) does not feature an Always-On display. You need to raise your wrist or tap the screen to view the time and other information.
Can the Apple Watch Series 9 take an ECG?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 includes an ECG app that allows you to take an electrocardiogram directly from your wrist, helping detect signs of irregular heart rhythms.
Is there a size difference between the two models?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 comes in a larger 45mm case, while the SE (2nd Gen) is smaller at 40mm, which may suit users with smaller wrists or who prefer a lighter device.
Does the Apple Watch SE support cellular connectivity?
No, the SE (2nd Gen) model in this comparison is GPS-only and does not include cellular capabilities, meaning it requires an iPhone nearby for full functionality.
Can both watches detect crashes and call emergency services?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE (2nd Gen) include Crash Detection, which can alert emergency services if you’re in a severe car accident.
Is there a significant performance difference between the S9 and S8 chips?
Yes, the S9 chip in the Series 9 delivers faster performance, smoother animations, and enables on-device Siri, while the SE’s S8 chip lacks these enhancements.
Do either of these watches have a temperature sensor?
Only the Apple Watch Series 9 includes a temperature sensor, which is useful for cycle tracking and analyzing overnight skin temperature trends.
What are the storage capacities of these models?
The Series 9 has 64GB of storage, which allows for more apps, music, and data, while the SE (2nd Gen) has 32GB, which may feel limited for heavy users.
Can I use the new Double Tap gesture on both models?
No, the Double Tap gesture is exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9 and is not supported on the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen).
Is the display brightness the same on both watches?
No, the Apple Watch Series 9 has a brighter display at up to 2,000 nits, making it easier to see in direct sunlight, whereas the SE (2nd Gen) reaches up to 1,000 nits.