Digital Trends

TheApple Watch Series 9andApple Watch SE 2are two first-class Applewearablesthat you could use for just about everything you ’d await a smartwatch to do . While both gadget are similar in several ways , it ’s the difference that become the deal - breaker . That ’s why we ’ve create this side - by - side comparing to help you make an informed buying decisiveness .

Whether you ’re upgrading an quondam Apple Watch , or this is your very first wearable leverage , you ’ll take the air aside from this article knowing everything you should about both popular Apple gadgets .

An Apple Watch SE 2 next to an Apple Watch Series 9.

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Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: specs

Stainless Steel

44 mm

45 mm

Midnight , Starlight , Silver , Product Red , Pink

Stainless Steel :

Gold , Silver , Graphite

2,000 nits peak brightness ,

1 nit lowlight

36 hour in Low Power mode

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: design

protrude with the Apple Watch Series 7 , Apple changed the shell sizes for its flagship Apple Watches . As a upshot , the Apple Watch Series 9 is usable in two sizes : 41 mm and 45 mm .

On the other hand , the second - contemporaries Apple Watch SE stick to the previous size of 40 mm and 44 mm . These differences in size of it are subtle and can only be detect when the watches are set side by side . However , a larger case size of it means a slightly better show , which is detectable

The Apple Watch Series 9 is available in Al and unsullied blade . The aluminum variant come in five colors ( Midnight , Starlight , Silver , Product Red , and Pink ) while the unstained steel version is offered in three colors ( Graphite , Silver , and Gold ) . The current Apple Watch SE is only available in aluminum and come in three colors ( Midnight , Starlight , and Silver ) .

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: display

Regarding the display , there are some detectable differences between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE beyond just size . The latest Apple Watch manakin features an always - on Retina LTPO OLED show . The 41 mm version has a resolution of 352 x 430 pixels , while the 45 mm version has a resolution of 396 x 484 pixel . This means that the clip and other information can be display on the sentry even when it ’s not actively being used , which is convenient .

The Apple Watch Series 9 display offer a brightness of up to 2,000 nit , 2nd only to the 3,000 nits found on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 . The sentinel can foreshorten its brightness to a minimum of 1 nit in lowlight conditions , which is quite impressive for a smartwatch .

On the other hand , the Apple Watch SE also features a Retina LTPO OLED display . However , it lack the always - on functionality , and its maximum brightness is 1,000 nits . Although Apple does not unwrap the minimum luminance on this model , it does n’t get as dim as the 1 nit lower limit on the Series 9 .

The Apple Watch SE has a resolution of 324 x 394 on the 40 millimeter model and 368 x 448 on the 44 mm model .

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: internal hardware

Unsurprisingly , the 2023 Apple Watch Series 9 has in effect hardware than the 2022 Apple Watch SE . The newer S9 chip provide several scheme enhancements compared to the S8 chip on the Apple Watch SE . With the update processor , you could expect smoother and faster app transitions . The S9 also enables new feature on the twist itself , such as using Siri . This lineament allow you securely and in private accession and put in your health data from your Apple Watch . Even more telling , quest that do n’t demand an internet connexion will be work without Wi - Fi or cellular data .

The S9 found on the Apple Watch Series 9 also activatesthe newfangled Double Tap featurethat allow you to run various daily actions using your index finger and thumb with just one hand . The more alone chip includes a secondly - gen Ultra Wideband chip that enable Precision Finding . The feature of speech draw it much flying to find your lose tech , and the placement information you receive is more accurate .

The Apple Watch Series 9 is also observe for having 64 GB of storage , while the Apple Watch SE includes 32 gigabyte . This surplus storage allows for more photograph , podcasts , music , and other metier to be added directly on the watch .

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: battery life

The Apple Watch has not made significant procession in terms of bombardment liveliness . The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE both proffer up to 18 hours of use between charges , with the former having a Low Power manner that can stretch shelling aliveness up to 36 hour .

The Apple Watch Series 9 also has tight - charge capabilities , which the Apple Watch SE lack .

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: health and fitness

There are some departure in health and seaworthiness features between these two modeling of the Apple Watch . The Apple Watch Series 9 has extra feature not present in the SE , include blood oxygen and ECG sensing element that measure the amount of O in your blood and register the electrical activeness of your middle . These detector can give you a undecomposed understanding of your overall health over time . The Apple Watch Series 9 also includes a temperature sensor that measures your wrist temperature while you slumber . This sensor can detect change in your physical structure temperature that may be triggered by ovulation , illness , or other factors .

Both wearables have an optical warmness sensor that uses light to measure philia charge per unit and calculate metric such as calorie burn . The newer optical fondness sensor version in the Apple Watch Series 9 furnish slenderly more accurate readings .

Both Apple Watches share health features such as high / low heart charge per unit notifications , temporary rhythm espial , sleep stage , genial well - being tool , and cycle trailing .

On the fittingness side , both support the same activeness tracking , including newfangled metric for cycling , which arrived onwatchOS 10 . The S9 cow chip is more powerful than the S8 and provides more precise info , although the difference will likely be minimal depend on the metric .

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: environmental impact

During the launch consequence of the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 , Apple announced a important development . For the first time , certain combinations of Apple Watch case and bands are now carbon neutral .

These wearable devices are now produced using 100 % recycled stuff , including uncommon earth elements . This is a significant tone toward reducing the carbon copy step and advertize a more sustainable future . These advance have also been made to the two - year - onetime Apple Watch SE .

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: price and availability

The Apple Watch Series 9 is available in GPS and GPS + Cellular versions , with price starting at $ 399 and $ 429 , severally . The stainless steel options are more expensive .

On the other bridge player , the Apple Watch SE , which is only available in Al , has fewer feature and is , therefore , a little flash , starting at $ 249 for the GPS option and $ 279 for the GPS + Cellular fashion model .

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: which is right for you?

If your budget is your top priority , the Apple Watch SE is the good option , as it can save you at least $ 150 . However , by choose this model , you will overleap out on some key lineament such as bigger and better display , more health metrics , the option to choose stainless brand , and more .

Still , the less expensive example does n’t compromise on many of the Apple Watch Series 9 feature . It is compatible with watchOS 10 , has many of the same health - tracking features , nearly identical fitness options , 50 m piss electric resistance , up to 18 hours of battery life , and more .

If you have the John Cash and require the best Apple Watch experience you may get , go with the Apple Watch Series 9 . But if you want something that ’s easier on your wallet , the Apple Watch SE is a fantastic lower - cost alternative .