When choosing the right Apple Watch, the options can be overwhelming. The Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 9 are popular models that are often discussed. Both offer unique features and cater to different user needs. In this blog post, we will delve into the specifics of each model to help you make an informed decision.
1) Design and Build Quality
This Apple Watch SE design looks like the Series 6 that Apple has released into the market. The smartwatch has a Retina display that makes it convenient to use in direct sunlight, as the display doesn't appear to be washed out. This innovative SE watch is available in 40mm and 44mm diameters, and you will find multiple straps to create the desired appearance. The Apple Watch SE's screen is off when not in use. Of course, you have to rotate your wrist or tap to get to the screen, which could be more convenient.
The Series 9, at the same time, dares to go further with the Always-On Retina display, which helps the face of the watch to always be visible. This model gains additional convenience at the cost of battery life not being decreased. Although similar to the SE, it has 40 and 44mm sizes. This light sensor does not actually switch off the display but just reduces the brightness and goes to the standby mode, where it displays the time and the notification at any time.
2) Performance
The Apple Watch SE has good performance, boosted by the S8 dual-core processor. It includes features that may be critical, like falls, noise, and emergency SOS. However, it misses more enhanced health functions, such as ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, supported in Series 9. However, it has simple functionality and operates based on default signs.
However, all new products can be appreciated in Series 9 due to modern technologies. It also incorporates the S9 SiP, which is quicker and more efficient. The second-generation U1 chip also enriches the double-tap feature and proper iPhone locating. The new features include blood oxygen, ECG capability, and an enhanced heart rate sensor. Thus, these features make Series 9 more suitable for health and fitness enthusiasts.
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3) Case Materials
The Apple Watch SE comes in three aluminum case colors: Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. The Apple Watch Series 9 adds two more color options, Pink and Red, and features crack-resistant INX glass. It also offers premium stainless steel options for excellent durability and scratch resistance.
4) Health Tracking
Some models have better health-tracking capabilities. If that is what you are looking for, it should be the Watch Series 9. A feature that we find missing in the Apple Watch SE is the temperature sensing present in the Series 9. Both models have cycle tracking, but the Series 9 has ovulation estimates. Both have irregular rhythm notifications and high/low heart rate alerts.
The Series 9 has an ECG app that analyzes the heart's electrical pulses by touching the digital crown. However, this feature is not supported on the Watch SE. Thus, the FDA approved the Series 9 AFib detection as an efficient watch for detecting atrial fibrillation. Regarding monitoring ovulation, the Series 9 relies on temperature readings taken every fifth second at night, a functionality unavailable in the SE. Cycles can be recorded to plan the subsequent one in both watches.
Series 9 allows for temperature reading check under Settings > Health > Health Data > Body Measurements > Wrist Temperature, though practical use may be limited. Both watches have microphones to check for sound pollution in the environment. The Series 9 can notify you if the noise level is too loud, while the Watch SE also has this feature. However, it may not always send notifications.
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5) Texting and Calling
Comparing texting and calling with the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Watch SE, it is possible to define the peculiarities. To the Series 9, they made this Apple Watch practical enough to text with patience due to the inclusion of a QWERTY keyboard.
On the other hand, Watch SE does not include a keyboard and comes with a scribble field where, with the help of a finger, one can write the letters or the words to convert them into digital text. Nevertheless, both devices can be better for texting, and both gain the most from the Dictation option, which translates speech into writing with increased speed.
6) Double Tap Feature
The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Watch SE support the Double Tap feature, but their implementation varies. Double Tap is more innovative on the Watch Series 9 and is used in more circumstances. They can be applied to answer and end the call, to stop the alarm sounds, and for pausing/managing the music.
On the other hand, the Watch SE's Double Tap feature works only if the screen tugs are possible. Other functions include the ability to snap photos with a connected smartphone's camera and move through widgets unavailable on the Watch SE.
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7) Siri Functionality
The Apple Watch Series 9 enhances Siri's capabilities, directly enabling access to health data through voice commands. For instance, asking Siri about sleep duration or calorie burn yields immediate responses with specific data on the Series 9.
However, with the Watch SE, Siri only directs users to the relevant app without providing direct answers. This upgraded Siri experience on the Series 9, enabled by its S9 chip, offers faster and more efficient access to personal health information. However, both watches still refer to the iPhone app for ovulation estimates, showing some limitations in their functionalities.
8) Fitness tracking
The only difference in fitness tracking between the Watch Series 9 and SE is that the Watch 9 has more features. The Watch SE is sufficient for steps and closing rings at the end of the day. It is easy to set both watches to alert when achieving the optimum heart rate for running, 146 to 156 bpm when using both watches to run on the treadmill daily. This can be done under the "Indout Run" option under the iPhone's "Workout" app. Both devices perform seamlessly. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, with high-speed water sports and recreational diving, could be the best for swimmers or divers.
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9) Battery Life and Charging
Both models have excellent battery life, scoring up to 34 hours of usage on a single charge. This allows you to run the watch all day without the battery running out of charge. With the advanced processor used in the Series 9, the Always-On display incorporates power consumption. It has the same or even slightly worse battery longevity but has the advantage of faster charging—to 80% within 45 minutes.
10) Price Comparison
As for the price, the Apple Watch SE is cheaper, so if you want to get an Apple Watch but do not want to overpay for it and still use all the main functions, the SE is just right for you. While the Series 9 offers more advanced functions and superior functionality than the Series 8, it is a more expensive product, and there are features that some clients would be willing to invest more in. The Apple Watch SE is commonly $249, closer to the starter model. However, the Apple Watch Series 9 has more features and a premium build, with a much higher price of around $399 for the base model.
Buying Refurbished Smart Watches from Roobotech
If you are considering a cheap smartwatch, here is an excellent chance to get a refurbished smartwatch from Roobotech. Our recommended store is Roobotech, an authorized store that sells refurbished smartwatches with brands like Apple and Samsung. These devices are closely examined, checked, and brought to optimal working conditions, as seen with a new device. By buying refurbished, you cut costs while at the same time diminishing the circulation of used electronics in the market. Using Roobotech, you can find affordable smartwatches of excellent quality from Apple and Samsung. These are examples of smartwatches one can get from Roobotech.
Which is Best for You?
The Apple Watch SE is great for those who want a budget-friendly watch with essential features. However, it lacks an always-on display and advanced health monitoring. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 9 is ideal for users who want the latest features, an always-on display, and premium materials, offering a faster processor, advanced health tracking, and better build quality. The Apple Watch SE is a solid choice for most people due to its affordability and critical features. The Series 9 has several upgrades, but the extra cost might only be worth it for some. Choose based on your needs and budget for the best Apple Watch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Apple Watch SE or the Apple Watch Series 9 is more suitable?
In this case, Series 9 performs better in health tracking, including ovation, ECG, and skin temperature detection.
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 better than the SE?
The Series 7 is 20% faster with an S7 Chip, blood-oxygen sensor, and ECG capabilities.
Is the Apple Watch SE better than the Series 8?
If you only need basic features like texts, calls, step tracking, and checking time, the SE (2nd generation) is perfect. The Series 8 offers a larger screen, added durability, and more health-tracking features.
Is the Apple Watch SE any good?
The SE is good and includes basic health features and sleep tracking.
Can you text on the Apple Watch SE?
Yes, press the Digital Crown, tap the message icon, select the message, and use the microphone to send a text.
