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

The new Apple Watch Series 9 looks almost identical to the Series 8. Additionally, we don't get any new health features in the latest version. However, Apple launches the new watch The name means “smarter, brighter, and more powerful.” So, we dive in and compare the Apple Watch 9 vs. Apple Watch 8 to understand what’s new and what’s stayed the same.

The Apple Watch Series 9 features the most powerful watch chip yet and a 2x brighter display. Furthermore, it's Apple's first carbon-free product ever. However, the real question is whether the new Series 9 is just a spec bump or a worthy upgrade. Let's find out.

What's New in the Apple WATCH SERIES 9: Everything About the S9 Chip

While it's Apple's custom to call its latest product the best ever, we need to give credit where credit is due. The new, powerful S9 chip features a dual-core CPU with 5.6 billion transistors, a 60 percent increase over the S8 chip.

Furthermore, the new quad-core Neural Engine can perform machine learning tasks up to three times faster. While there isn't a new standout feature that takes advantage of this power, overall power and performance have certainly been improved.

Tip: Want to know what's new in the iPhone 15? Check out our detailed article on all of them. New features of the Phone 15 Series.

APPLE WATCH SERIES 9 VS. SERIES 8: SPECIFICATION COMPARISON

Display

Apple Watch Series 9 continues the slim, shatter-resistant design with the Always-On Display of Series 8. However, it offers a screen that is 2x brighter, with a maximum brightness of 2000 nits (similar to the Apple Watch Ultra). 1).

Additionally, its brightness can go down to as low as 1 nit, working smoothly in low-light situations (such as stage) as well as full-sun occasions.

Battery life and performance

On paper, both the Series 9 and Series 8 offer all-day battery life, up to 8 hours of battery life and up to 18 hours of battery life in low-power mode. However, before we raise an eyebrow or ask a question, we'll have to address the 36x brighter display mode.

Additionally, we'll have to wait for real-world usage reports to fully understand whether the new watch offers improved battery life. While it doesn't offer any significant improvements on this front, there are some performance improvements thanks to the S9 chip.

Apple Watch Series 9 improves the Siri experience

The S9 chip's fast processing power makes Siri on the Apple Watch "Siri-able" (pun intended). With the Series 9, Apple has enhanced Siri's capabilities on-device for the first time.

So, you can now access Siri offline to perform tasks that don't require an internet connection, such as setting a timer or starting a workout. Furthermore, Siri can also record health data and access health and fitness data from your Health app, even when you're offline.

Most importantly, it speeds up Siri by reducing latency and dependence on internet speed. Additionally, on-device processing improves privacy, making it a win-win.

Series 9 makes finding your iPhone easier.

The S9 also includes a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, which improves search accuracy, making it easier to find your misplaced iPhone. It will not only provide distance and direction, but also visual guidance andtactile And the audio.

Additionally, it paves the way for deeper integration with HomePod. You can play or control media from your Apple Watch if you're within 4 meters of HomePod.

APPLE WATCH SERIES 9 vs SERIES 8: Gesture Support

Although Apple is promoting the new double-tap gesture as a unique feature of the Apple Watch Series 9, it's not entirely new. Whether it's a Series 8 or Series 9, you can Using AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch To control your Apple Watch with gestures.

However, gesture control and capabilities have been limited until now. Now, with the Series 9, you can double-tap your index finger and thumb to pick up or hang up a call, stop the timer, play/pause music, and more.

Although it's not a make-or-break feature, it will definitely make your life easier, especially if your other hand is busy.

WATCHOS 10 support

Whether Smart Stack feature Whether it's a newly designed watch face, a new cycling workout, or a new cycling workout, almost all watchOS 10 features will be available on both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9. However, people using the watchOS beta experienced a delay in some features while using the Series 8, something we hope the powerful S9 chip in the Series 9 will overcome.

Although this was a beta version, we can't judge performance from it. So, let's reserve judgment on this until we test watchOS 10 on both devices.

Environmentally friendly

While Apple Watch Series 8 contributed to Apple's carbon-neutral goals, it's Series 9 that takes the cake. Select case and band combinations for Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch SE are Apple's first carbon-neutral products ever.

So, if you're concerned about the environment and don't mind spending a little more to help Mother Nature, you know which watch to choose, right?

APPLE WATCH SERIES 9 VS. SERIES 8: THE FINAL VERDICT

While Apple claims the Apple Watch Series 9 is "smarter, brighter, and more powerful," we're not impressed. It boasts smarter Siri, helpful gesture support, better carbon neutrality, and is 2x brighter than the Apple Watch Series 8, but is that enough?

Certainly not if you already own a Series 8 and are considering upgrading. Again, not if you're considering the price difference (the Series 8 may be available for less from third-party sellers).

But yes, if you own a Series 6 or earlier, the newer version will always last longer and offer more software support. And yes, of course, if you want a carbon-neutral product.