Apple Watch Series 7 vs Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade?

Though the Apple Watch Series 10 is now officially vying for shoppers’ attention, older Apple smartwatch are still attractive buys at reduced prices. The Apple Watch Series 9 in particular packs a few key upgrades under its hood, that keep it in league with the newest generation. Though Apple’s design has remained largely unchanged since the Series 7 landed in 2021, a closer look shows important improvements and additional features. To determine the differences between these two older generations, we compare the Apple Watch Series 9 vs Series 7.

Apple Watch Series 7 vs Apple Watch 9 specs

Features found in Apple Watch Series 9 and not in the Series 7

Meanwhile, when a user has only one hand free, they can use Double Tap, which allows users to “click” their watch hand’s index finger and thumb twice to complete basic actions. I find it useful for actions like starting music, ending a call, and scrolling through my Smart Stack. Additionally, the Series 9’s U2 chipset facilitates more precision for Apple’s Find My Phone feature. The device will guide you to the exact location of your paired smartphone as long as it is within 20 feet of the watch.

An Apple Watch Series 9 vs Series 7 comparison shows two more major differences on the health and fitness tracking front. First, the Apple Watch Series 9 also supports sleep apnea detection while the Series 7 does not. This tool is only available on the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2. Secondly, Apple did not add temperature sensors to its devices until the Apple Watch Series 8. Without this sensor, the Series 7 does not offer the same sleep-tracking accuracy as the Series 9. It also cannot be used as effectively for women’s health tracking purposes. This is a valuable tool worth considering when choosing which watch is best for you. Beyond the temperature sensor, the two devices feature the same ECG and heart rate sensors and the same workout suite. Our original review found the Series 7’s heart rate monitoring finicky while, in contrast, the Series 9 proved virtually flawless during our testing.

Finally, the Series 9 arrives with watchOS 10 out of the box, but anyone with a Series 7 can download the update as well, so the software is not a factor when comparing the two devices. In fact, both devices are eligible for the even newer watchOS 11 software now available.

How does the design compare?

The Apple Watch Series 7 and 9 share nearly identical design specs, from dimensions to weights to display sizes. These are not the same specs found on the newest models, as Apple issued a redesigned case in the Series 10. Unlike the Series 7 and Series 10, the Series 9 is also not available in titanium. The Series 7 and Series 9 dol use the same interchangeable bands, mirror each other’s durability certifications, and come in many of the same colors. In stainless steel, the devices share available colors. In aluminum, the Series 7 comes in Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue, and Product Red. The Series 9 drops the Green and Blue and adds a pink option.

In addition to its trendy colorway, the Series 9 offers a second bright spot. The newer model doubles display brightness compared to the Series 7, offering a maximum brightness of 2000 nits. The display also drops to a single nit to make readability possible in all situations. This upgrade isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it is certainly noticeable when holding the devices side by side. Finally, Apple has significantly emphasized sustainability in its product launches over the years. The Series 9 is a more eco-friendly device built with sustainable practices and recycled materials.

Colors, price, and availability

The Apple Watch Series 9 launched on September 12, 2023, with a starting price of $399. From there, prices vary depending on the case size and material shoppers select. An LTE model Series 9 starts at $499. The device is available with an aluminum case in Starlight, Midnight, Silver, Product Red, and Pink, or with a stainless steel case in Silver, Graphite, and Gold. Now that the Series 10 has arrived, shoppers can find the Series 9 at reduced prices from third-party retailers.

The Apple Watch Series 7 debuted in September 2021 with identical starting prices to the newer model. However, now that it is three generations old, the Series 7 can be found for much cheaper. As mentioned, it is available in the same colors as the newer in titanium but doesn’t feature a Pink option in aluminum. Instead, the older line features a Blue and Green aluminum case in addition to Starlight, Midnight, Silver, and Product Red.

Which Apple Watch should you buy?

Slow and steady is the best way to describe Apple’s growth pattern regarding the Apple Watch. Each generation adds just enough to warrant interest but not enough to make older models obsolete. Sure, there is plenty on the Apple Watch Series 9 to get excited about. It provides a robust experience with exciting convenience features. Its powerful processor also leaves room for future development. It’s also available for less now that the Series 10 exists.

If you already own a Series 7, there likely isn’t enough newness on the Series 9 to drop a bunch of cash and not go all the way for the Series 10. The Series 9’s fitness suite and general smartwatch experience are largely unchanged. Its design is the same as the Series 7 beyond available colors. Even battery life is identical after two full years. For those who menstruate, the Series 9’s temperature sensor is a valuable feature worth considering, but only if you feel it may significantly impact your cycle-tracking methods. Meanwhile, the Series 10 offers all the same updates plus a larger, thinner case, more screen real estate, and better specs.

For those shopping for their very first Apple Watch, the Series 9 is a great entry point to the watchOS ecosystem. We have no doubt the processing power will translate to a fantastic user experience and that it will play an important role in future feature releases as well. If you’re an adventurer with a loose budget, it may also be worth checking out the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

That’s it for our Apple Watch Series 9 vs Series 7 comparison. Which do you think is the better buy? Let us know in the poll below.

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