Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch SE 2: Which should you buy?

Apple’s ninth series wearable delivered some powerful improvements, and though now outdone by the newer Series 10, is still a fantastic smartwatch. Compared to Apple’s budget-friendly SE 2, the Apple Watch Series 9 stands out with advanced sensors and a more powerful processor. It can also now be found on sale thanks to the arrival of a newer generation. So, which device is best for you? Read this Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch SE 2 to find out.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch SE 2 specs

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch SE 2: Features

However, Apple did significantly update the Series 9 with a more powerful S9 chipset than the S8 found in the SE 2. During my Series 9 review, this translated to faster processing speeds and an overall smoother smartwatch experience. The S9 silicon also features a four-core neural engine that processes Siri commands on-device, so Series 9 users don’t need a data connection to control their devices via voice assistant. Users can ask Siri to access general health data or prompt workouts.

Similarly, the Series 9 also features Double Tap gesture control which allows users to perform actions with just one hand. Thanks to the device’s powerful processor, it leverages data from its motion and heart rate sensors to identify when users tap their fingers together. I used Double Tap for everything from starting a phone call to snoozing an alarm to swiping through Smart Stacks. It’s responsive and helpful in more situations than I anticipated. Meanwhile, the upgraded ultra-wideband (U2) broadens the Apple Watch Series 9’s Find My device capabilities. Users can ping their iPhone from their wrist, and the device will navigate to any location within 20 feet. In short, the Series 9 is a powerful device.

Another area where the devices truly deviate is health tracking. Both watches cover the basics, offering everything from activity and step tracking to sleep and heart rate monitoring. During both my Series 9 and SE 2 reviews, heart rate tracking, in particular, was highly reliable on both devices. They also provide potentially life-saving crash detection, fall detection, and menstrual cycle tracking.

For more advanced health monitoring, though, the Series 9 pulls ahead. The pricier model packs ECG capabilities, an SpO2 sensor (though currently disabled in the US), and a useful body temperature sensor that offers more detailed sleep tracking and cycle tracking capabilities. The temperature sensor is fantastic for women’s health tracking purposes, and I’ve personally grown to depend on it. It also features a newer heart rate sensor than the SE’s 2nd gen sensor. Thanks to watchOS 11, the Series 9 also offers sleep apnea detection.

Both devices claim 18 hours of battery life per charge, with low-power mode extending run time by another 18 hours. Notably, we typically find Apple products outperform their quoted battery specs. The Series 9 offers faster charging speeds than the SE 2, powering from zero to 80% in just 45 minutes compared to the SE 2 model’s 90-minute lag.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch SE 2: Design

At first glance, the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE 2 are hard to distinguish. They both feature the same rounded rectangle shape, shared bands, and colorful displays. They each rely on a single back button, a digital crown, and a responsive touchscreen.

The company’s most affordable device, the Apple Watch SE 2, is available in 44mm and 40mm cases made of a nylon composite material. This helps the line cut production costs as well as weight. It does not feel cheap, though, and certainly looks refined. The SE 2 does not feature sapphire glass protection. The display also has a lower resolution than the Series 9 and doesn’t offer always-on capabilities. The lack of an always-on display is disappointing, especially during workouts.

The Series 9, meanwhile, is available in stainless steel or aluminum, each in various colors. Shoppers can find the flagship device in 45mm and 41mm cases with Sapphire glass protection and IP6X certification. Notably, this design is now outdated compared to the Series 10 which features larger case sizes and displays and swaps stainless steel for titanium.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch SE 2: Price and colors

The Apple Watch Series 9 launched on September 12, 2023, with a starting price of $399. Prices vary depending on case size and material, and adding LTE to the lineup will cost shoppers an extra $100 upcharge. As for colorways, the series includes aluminum options in Starlight, Midnight, Silver, Product Red, and Pink and stainless steel picks in Silver, Graphite, and Gold. Now that the Apple Watch Series 10 is available, shoppers can likely find the older model at reduced prices from third-party retailers.

The Apple Watch SE 2 debuted in 2022 alongside the Apple Watch Series 8. The device starts at $249. It’s also available with LTE support for an extra $50. Both Apple Watch SE 2 sizes are available in Starlight, Midnight, and Silver. Since we did not see an Apple Watch SE 3 land as we expected in 2024, the SE 2 is still the newest device in this lineup and therefore remains at full price.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch SE 2: Which should you buy?

The Apple Watch line is a story of interactive change. With a few exceptions, shoppers often find very similar devices year after year. That’s not necessarily bad, as the company offers the best smartwatch experience for iOS users. However, it also means that upgrading isn’t always necessary. When comparing the Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE 2, the decision is more nuanced. The SE 2 represents Apple’s budget offering, sacrificing a few features for a cheaper price tag. It forces shoppers to ask, do I want more or to pay less?

Boiled down, the SE 2 doesn’t offer the same protection, display features, or advanced sensors. We think there are tremendous benefits to the temperature sensor, ECG, and SpO2 monitoring on the Series 9, but that doesn’t mean they are entirely necessary. Sure, if you want the best of the best, the pricier device is the right choice. If you don’t need these health tools and are willing to make a few sacrifices for your wallet, I highly recommend the SE 2. It’s a great entry-level device for any iOS user. On the other hand, if you can find the Series 9 at a good sales price, opting for the more powerful watch is definitely worth it.

That’s it for our Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch SE 2 comparison. Which do you prefer? Let us know in the poll below.

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