Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: A Comprehensive Comparison

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Series 9: A Comprehensive Comparison

Are you debating which Apple Watch Series to buy between the Series 8 and 9? You're not alone! As the Apple watch series gets updated occasionally, new features and changes are introduced to the device, which may make users think twice. This blog post will describe significant improvements, changes, and advancements incorporated into these two models. So whether you are a fitness freak or a tech lover or simply need a stylish piece of equipment, read on, and we will provide you with all the information you need. Please follow us in this exciting analysis and stay with us to find out more and assist you in making the right choice!

Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Series 9: Which Model Should You Buy?

Considering that a new model of Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 9, is out there, buying a smartwatch may be a considerable investment. Although both the Series 8 and Series 9 have great features, the differences will enable you to make the right choice.

Feature

Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 8

Launch Date

Announced: September 12, 2023

Announced: September 7, 2022

Release Date

Released: September 22, 2023

Released: September 16, 2022

Dimensions

45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in)

45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in)

Weight

42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm)

42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm)

Build

Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame

Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame

SIM

eSIM

eSIM

Protection

IP6X certified, 50m water resistant, ECG certified (region dependent)

IP6X certified, 50m water resistant, ECG certified (region dependent)

Display Type

Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak)

Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak)

Display Size

1.9 inches

1.9 inches

Resolution

484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density)

484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density)

Display Protection

Sapphire crystal glass

Sapphire crystal glass

Always-on Display

Yes

Yes

Operating System

watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 10.5

watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.5

Chipset

Apple S9

Apple S8

CPU

Dual-core

Dual-core

GPU

PowerVR

PowerVR

Internal Memory

64GB

32GB 1GB RAM

Main Camera

No

No

Selfie Camera

No

No

Sound

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

3.5mm Jack

No

No

WLAN

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band

Bluetooth

5.3, A2DP, LE

5.3, A2DP, LE

Positioning

GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS

GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS

NFC

Yes

Yes

Infrared Port

No

No

Radio

No

No

USB

No

No

Sensors

Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body)

Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body)

Additional Features

Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy), Ultra Wideband (UWB) support (gen2 chip)

Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy), Ultra Wideband (UWB) support

Battery Type

Li-Ion 308 mAh, non-removable

Li-Ion 308 mAh, non-removable

Charging

Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min (advertised)

Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min (advertised)

Colors

Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red

Graphite, Silver, Gold

 

Check Out: Apple Watch SE vs Series 8: Key Differences and Which is Right for You

1) Display and Brightness

The Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are available in 41mm or 45mm Retina display, and the Series 9 pushes it further with enhanced brightness. The Series 9 has a peak brightness of 2000 nits, meaning texts and apps can be easily read and used even in bright light, for example, in the sun. On the other hand, the Series 8 has a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, which might be okay for regular use but does not offer the improved visibility of the Series 9.

2) Performance Comparison

The new Apple Watch Series 9 has an S9 chip, an improved chip from the previous watch models. The design has enhanced the animation and the speed, especially the use of Siri. If you are an everyday Siri user or want the apps to look and work even better, then Series 9 is the best. On the other hand, the Series 8 has an S8 chip while the S5 has an A13 Bionic chip, though the latter is slightly more advanced. It is still fast and reliable but slower and more efficient than the Series 9 because the battery drains relatively fast. The S9 chip has 60 percent more transistors than the S8 chip and is 30 percent faster; hence, the interaction between the watch and the user is very smooth.

Check Out: Apple Watch SE vs Series 9: A Comprehensive Comparison

3) Siri Functionality

Concerning Siri, the Series 8 uses cloud-based processing. This entails that it has to access the Internet to provide you with the answers you seek, which can be rather time-consuming. On the other hand, the Series 9 handles most of the Siri commands on the watch. This makes it easier and more efficient to answer questions related to health and fitness. Like any Apple device, the Series 9 will provide a faster and more efficient service if you often use Siri.

4) Connectivity

Most operations are performed through the connection to the Internet, which results in certain lags while processing the requests. The Series 9, on the other hand, has improved connectivity features, which make it capable of performing many operations even if it is offline. This is convenient and efficient for users, especially when they require information quickly while on the move.

If you need better performance, better Siri, and better connectivity, then the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best choice. The Series 8 still makes for a good buy, especially if one wants to avoid acquiring the most current gadget.

Check Out: How to Change the Apple Watch Band

5) Unique Features

The best feature of the Series 9 is the one-handed Double Tap interaction, which lets the user control their watch with a simple thumb and index finger tap. This improvement mainly helps people with fine motor disabilities, as it helps with answering calls and opening applications. The Series 8 is still a durable gadget, but it does not boast this feature that might matter to people needing a more straightforward way of controlling their devices.

6) Eco-Friendliness

Regarding the environment, the Apple Watch Series 9 takes the lead regarding the construction of the model. This Series 9 is made with 100% post-consumer aluminum, and new watch bands have been made using up to 68% recycled materials. Thus, this commitment to sustainability can appeal to buyers who want to reduce the effects of their consumption on the environment. The Series 8, which was released earlier, uses different sustainable materials.

Check Out: How to Pair an Apple Watch With a New Phone

7) Storage and Band Options

The Series 8 has 32 GB of storage, and the Series 9 has twice that, at 64 GB. This additional capacity might be helpful for those who often download media files to the watch. Regarding design, both models are available in different colors. While the Series 8 comes with aluminum models in Starlight, Midnight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED, the Series 9 adds one more option, Pink, hence more variety.

8) Price Consideration

Price is always a concern when making any purchase. The Apple Watch Series 9 GPS model is available at $399 and $499 for GPS and LTE, while the Series 8 was launched at $429. Nonetheless, cheap deals for the Series 9 are often offered, where the device can be purchased for $299, depending on the dealer. The Series 8 could be a more affordable choice without depriving you of the basics of a smartwatch if you're working with a limited budget.

Check Out: How to Unpair an Apple Watch

Budget-Friendly Smart Watches and Tech Gadgets from Roobotech

Roobotech is a one-stop shop for smartwatches and other latest smartphone technologies in Australia at a very reasonable price. It is now possible to get reliable products at affordable prices, thus enabling many people to own gadgets.

Benefits of Shopping at Roobotech

  • Affordable Prices: We further provide the best prices in the market for all our products; we guarantee to offer you the most affordable prices.
  • Wide Selection: From smartwatches to other smart devices, Roobotech offers a variety of products to meet consumers' needs.
  • Quality Assurance: All the products are selected and tested to ensure they meet the set quality standard, thus providing the customer with value for his/her money.
  • Excellent Customer Service: We at Roobotech offer friendly and helpful customer service to ensure you get assistance with any issues you may encounter. It is an Australian-based company, so shipping is faster and more convenient for returning anything.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, it all comes down to your preference; would you prefer the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Series 9? To get a higher brightness level, comfortable touch controls, and more environmentally friendly casing – Series 9 is the right choice. However, if all these do not concern you, then the Series 8 is still a good smartwatch, and you'll spend less bucks. Consider your daily routine and how much you will pay for a perfect watch. For many people, the Series 8 is good enough and is a great deal, especially for owners of the earlier models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Apple Watch 8 and 9? 

The new watch has better Siri functions integrated within it, twice the storage space of 64GB, and a new two-tap operation method.

Is it even worth upgrading from the Apple Watch 8 to the Apple Watch 9?

Yes, the Apple Watch 9 has some nice improvements in speed and hands-free features, making it a good choice if you're upgrading from an older version.

Does Series 9 have a blood oxygen monitor? 

No, the Apple Watch Series 9 does not come with a working blood oxygen sensor anymore.

Does Series 8 have ECG?

Yes, the ECG app is available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later, including Series 8, and it is a single-lead ECG.

Back to blog