You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.
Every year, when Apple launches new products, we get confused about which is better. The same question arose again when Apple revealed the Apple Watch Series 9 alongside the iPhone 15 during its Wonderlust event on September 12, 2023. In this article, we will compare the Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8 and see the newly added features in Series 9. We will look at the new features and updates added in Series 9 and if it is worth buying.
Apple Watch Series 9 overview
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a new and powerful S9 SiP chip. It is the most powerful watch chip developed by Apple to improve the performance of its new Series 9 devices. And if you’re wondering if the Apple Watch 9 is worth it, you’ll want to compare it against the previous model.
This new watch series features a new array of bands developed by Nike and Hermès. These new bands will enrich the look and feel of the Apple Watch Series 9 on your hands. Apple has introduced a new pink color for the aluminum cases to further increase the visual appeal. Besides, four more options are available: starlight, midnight, silver, and (PRODUCT) RED.
The table below compares the display, battery, body, and other specifications of the Apple Watch Series 9 vs. 8.
| Detail | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 45 × 38 × 10.7 mm (1.77 × 1.50 × 0.42 in) | 45 × 38 × 10.7 mm (1.77 × 1.50 × 0.42 in) |
| Weight | 41mm: 42.3 g45mm: 51.5 g (45mm) | 41mm: 42.3 g45 mm: 51.5 g |
| Display Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Display Size | 1.9 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Resolution | 484 × 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 × 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| watchOS | watchOS 9.0 | watchOS 10 |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Apple S9 SiP |
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| Storage | 32GB | 64GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Colors | Aluminum: Starlight, midnight, silver, (PRODUCT) REDStainless Steel: Silver, Graphite, Gold | Aluminum: Starlight, midnight, silver, (PRODUCT) RED, pinkStainless Steel: Silver, Graphite, Gold |
| Price | Aluminum 41mm Case With GPS: $399Aluminum 45mm Case With GPS: $429 Aluminum 41mm Case With GPS + Cellular: $499 Aluminum 45mm Case With GPS + Cellular: $529 Stainless Steel 41mm: $699Stainless Steel 45mm: $749 | Aluminum 41mm Case With GPS: $399Aluminum 45mm Case With GPS: $429 Aluminum 41mm Case With GPS + Cellular: $499 Aluminum 45mm Case With GPS + Cellular: $529 Stainless Steel 41mm: $699Stainless Steel 45mm: $749 |
Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8: watchOS and more
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8 may look similar at first glance, but when it comes to their operating systems, they’re worlds apart. The Series 9 runs on the latest watchOS 10, while the Series 8 is still on watchOS 9. Let’s delve into the key differences.
New watch faces: Snoopy and Palette
One of the most noticeable upgrades in watchOS 10 is the new watch faces—Snoopy and Palette. These aren’t just visually appealing; they add a touch of personality to your smartwatch experience.
Smart Stack: Customizable widgets
Another significant upgrade is the introduction of the Smart Stack feature, which allows for customizable widgets similar to those found in iOS Smart Stacks. These widgets can integrate with various applications such as Alarms, Calendar, Activity, and more, making your daily interactions more seamless.
UI changes in key apps
The user interface has also received a facelift in essential apps like Weather, Contacts, Heart Rate, Activity, and Workout. These changes make navigation easier and more intuitive.
Additional features in Series 9
Precision finding and ultra-wideband
The Series 9 also comes equipped with an ultra-wideband chip that enables precision finding. This is particularly useful if you misplace your smartwatch.
Temperature sensor and blood oxygen
Health monitoring is more advanced in the Series 9, thanks to new sensors for measuring temperature and blood oxygen levels. These features are not available in the Series 8.
Apple Watch Ultra: A step further
If you’re looking for even more advanced features, the Apple Watch Ultra offers additional capabilities, including a more robust temperature sensor and enhanced blood oxygen monitoring.
Timer and button functionalities
The Series 9 also introduces a more responsive timer function and redesigned buttons for better tactile feedback under your thumb.
By comparing these features, it’s clear that the Series 9 offers a more comprehensive and advanced smartwatch experience, making it the better upgrade option for most users.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8: Chipset and performance
When it comes to the chipset, the new Apple Watch Series 9 clearly outshines its predecessor, the Series 8. Let’s dive into the specifics to understand why the Series 9 might be the better option for you.
Advanced S9 SiP chipset
The Series 9 is powered by the advanced S9 SiP (System in Package) chipset, which significantly boosts its performance. This chipset features a 64-bit dual-core processor and a staggering 5.6 billion transistors, making the CPU 30% faster than the Series 8.
4-core Neural Engine
Another standout feature is the new 4-core Neural Engine in the Series 9. This engine offers up to twice the speed, enabling faster and more efficient processing of tasks.
On-device Siri processing
The powerful S9 chipset allows for on-device Siri processing. This means that Siri requests are processed faster because they don’t rely on the cloud. This is a feature that the Series 8 lacks, leading to a lag in responses for common queries.
Similarities in hardware
Despite these upgrades, it’s worth noting that both the Series 9 and Series 8 have the same GPU, accelerometer, and gyroscope. So, if these features are your primary concern, the Series 8 might still hold value for you.
Additional features in Series 9
Emergency SOS and fall detection
The Series 9 also comes with enhanced safety features like Emergency SOS and fall detection, making it a more reliable device in times of need.
ECG and health data logging
The new Apple Watch also allows you to log health data more efficiently, including ECG readings, which can be crucial for medical tracking.
Wi-Fi and connectivity
Both watches offer robust Wi-Fi connectivity, but the Series 9 delivers a more stable and faster connection, thanks to its advanced chipset.
Customization and watch face
When it comes to customization, the Series 9 offers a wider range of watch faces and even allows for a leather strap, adding a touch of luxury to your wrist.
By examining these features, it’s evident that the Series 9 offers a more robust and feature-rich experience, making it the better choice for those looking to upgrade.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8: Display and visibility
When it comes to the display, the Apple Watch Series 9 takes the cake with some significant improvements over the Series 8. Let’s delve into the details to see how the Series 9’s display sets it apart.
Brightness levels
The Series 9 features a brighter display with a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, which is double the 1,000 nits peak of the Series 8. This increased brightness ensures that you can clearly see the watch face even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the Series 9 allows you to reduce the brightness to as low as 1 nit during nighttime, ensuring that you don’t disturb anyone else.
Adaptive brightness algorithm
What makes the Series 9’s display even more impressive is its adaptive brightness algorithm. This feature automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness based on your surroundings, making it easier on your eyes and more energy-efficient.
PC Guide View
While the Apple Watch Series 9 has much in common with the Series 8, it is still more advanced, thanks to the S9 SiP and watchOS 10. Many new updates, like a brighter display, on-device Siri, and double tap gesture, make the Apple Watch Series 9 worth it.
You can pre-order the Apple Watch Series 9 now or purchase it on September 22, 2023, when it will become available to everyone.
