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Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 9 are two popular choices for iPhone users. Both offer fitness tracking, smart notifications, and seamless integration with iOS. But how do they really compare? Is it worth spending more for the advanced features of the Series 9, or does the SE meet everyday needs just fine? This article breaks it all down so you can decide which Apple Watch is right for you.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Retina LTPO OLED without Always-On | Retina LTPO OLED with Always-On |
| Display Brightness | Up to 1,000 nits | Up to 2,000 nits |
| Chipset | S8 SiP | S9 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine |
| Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
| Siri on-device processing | Not supported | Supported |
| Double Tap gesture | Not available | Available |
| Blood Oxygen sensor | Not included | Included |
| ECG app | Not supported | Supported |
| UWB Chip | Not included | Included (U2 chip) |
| Temperature sensing | Not included | Included |
| Case Material Options | Aluminum only | Aluminum and Stainless Steel |
| Back Material | Nylon composite | Sapphire and ceramic |
| Fast Charging | Not supported | Supported |
| Display Glass | Ion-X front glass | Ion-X (Aluminum), Sapphire (Stainless Steel) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours (36 in Low Power Mode) |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch SE has a lightweight aluminum build with a nylon composite back. The Series 9 adds a more premium feel with optional stainless steel and a sapphire crystal back, offering better durability. Both are swim-proof and available in 40mm and 44mm or 41mm and 45mm case sizes.
Display and Visibility
The Series 9 features an always-on display with up to 2,000 nits brightness, making it easier to view outdoors. The SE lacks the always-on feature and maxes out at 1,000 nits, which is bright enough for indoor and moderate outdoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight.
Performance and Processing
Powered by the newer S9 chip, the Series 9 offers faster performance, smoother animations, and supports on-device Siri. The SE uses the older S8 chip which is still reliable but does not support the latest Siri functions or machine learning enhancements.
Health and Wellness Features
The Series 9 includes advanced health tools like ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensing. These are missing in the SE, which limits health tracking to heart rate, step count, and sleep monitoring.
Smart Features and Controls
Series 9 introduces the Double Tap gesture for hands-free control and improved voice assistant features. The SE lacks these enhancements. Both models support Apple Pay, emergency SOS, and fall detection.
Charging and Battery Life
Battery life is similar at around 18 hours. However, the Series 9 supports fast charging, reaching 80% in about 45 minutes. The SE charges at a standard rate.
Storage and Usability
With 64GB storage, the Series 9 allows more music, apps, and files compared to the SE’s 32GB. This is especially useful if you use the watch independently of your phone.
Wireless and Connectivity
Series 9 comes with a second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip, enhancing precision for locating devices and interacting with smart home elements. The SE does not include UWB, limiting its spatial awareness features.
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch SE have an always-on display?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not support an always-on display. The screen only lights up when you raise your wrist or tap the screen.
Can the Apple Watch SE take an ECG reading?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not include the ECG app or electrical heart sensor required to perform ECG readings.
What is the main difference in chip performance between SE and Series 9?
The Series 9 uses the S9 chip with a 4-core Neural Engine, allowing faster processing and on-device Siri. The SE has the S8 chip, which is solid but less powerful.
Does the Apple Watch SE support fast charging?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not support fast charging. It charges at a regular speed using the included USB-C cable.
Is there a difference in storage capacity between the two?
Yes, the Series 9 has 64GB of storage while the SE offers 32GB. This affects how much media and apps you can store locally.
Does the SE include temperature sensing for cycle tracking?
No, only the Series 9 includes temperature sensing for more advanced health tracking, including cycle predictions.
Is blood oxygen monitoring available on the Apple Watch SE?
No, blood oxygen monitoring is only available on the Apple Watch Series 9 and higher-end models.
Are both models water resistant?
Yes, both the SE and Series 9 are water resistant up to 50 meters and are suitable for swimming in pools or open water.
Can both watches be used with Family Setup?
Yes, both support Family Setup, allowing a child or senior to use the watch without having their own iPhone.
Which watch is better for users on a budget?
The Apple Watch SE is a more affordable option and still covers essential smartwatch functions. It’s ideal for users who don’t need advanced health features.