Apple Watch Series 9 vs Watch Series 8: A detailed comparison

The Apple Watch Series 9 design is identical to the Watch Series 8 to the millimetre, but the brighter display and the new SiP makes all the difference.

Apple Watch Series 9 in various band options (Image credit: Apple)

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The Watch Series 9 and the Watch Ultra were among the highlights of Apple’s Wonderlust event. Apple Watch Series 9 is the successor to the Watch Series 8, launched in 2022. The latest generation of Apple Watch Series comes with an array of features.

In case you are unsure whether to wait for a week to get the latest iteration, which goes on sale from September 22, or to opt for the Watch Series 8, which is now slightly cheaper than the Watch Series 9? This technical comparison between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8 should help you understand which Apple smartwatch is better suited for your needs.

Design: Undoubtedly identical and eco-friendly

The Apple Watch Series 9 design is identical to the Watch Series 8 (review) to the millimetre. Just like the Watch Series 8, the new watches are available in Aluminum and Stainless Steel casing. However, this time around, the new Watch Series 9 is more environmentally conscious than its predecessor and is also the first fully carbon-neutral product from Apple, which is being achieved by incorporating various recycled materials in straps, casing, and retail packaging.

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The Watch Series 9 also ships with newer environmentally friendly watch straps made out of recycled materials, and Apple has also discontinued the leather strap. However, your existing Apple Watch band collection will continue to be compatible with the Apple Watch Series 9.

Double tap controls the primary button in an app so it can be used to answer a phone call, stop a timer, play and pause music, or snooze an alarm. (Image: Apple)

Display: Similar size, better capabilities

Just like Watch Series 8, the new Watch Series 9 is available in two sizes — 41mm and 45mm. The new display, although looking identical to its predecessor, has gotten better and can achieve up to 2000 nits of peak brightness for better outdoor visibility, which is double that of the Series 8. The brightness on the Watch Series 9 display can now go as low as one nit to reduce eye fatigue during nighttime usage. Looking for a watch that is brighter than the Watch Series 9, then consider the Watch Ultra 2, which offers 3000 nits of peak brightness.

Also read | Apple Watch Series 9’s ‘Double Tap’ gesture explained: Why it’s a game changer

Performance: New and efficient chip

Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the S9 SiP (system-in-package), which according to the company is the most powerful chip that it has ever put on a smartwatch. In fact, the same chip is also featured on the more premium Watch Ultra 2. The new chip, despite making the watch a bit faster, also adds an array of new features like a double tap, on-device Siri processing, and the ability to access and log health data, which are not available on Watch Series 8.

The S9 SiP also packs a new ultra-wideband chip, which also adds new capabilities to the Apple Watch Series 9 such as deeper integration between HomePod and precision finding for iPhone 15 family.

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Apple Watch Series 8 comes with a temperature sensor (Image credit: Shruti Dhapola / Indian Express)

Battery life remains the same

Despite the more efficient chip, there is no improvement in the battery life of the Watch Series 9, which continues to offer 18 hours of battery life like the last few generations of Apple Watch. On top of that, there is also no improvement in the charging speeds, which is also a bummer. The Ultra 2, on the other hand, continues to offer 36 hours of battery life.

Verdict: Same looks, different character

Thanks to the new SiP, the Apple Watch Series 9, priced at Rs 41,900 for the 41mm GPS-only model, offers several new features and capabilities, which makes it a clear winner. However, most of these new features aren’t groundbreaking, especially for those who already own a Watch Series 8 (available for around Rs 39,000), which is also officially discontinued. However, with very minimal price difference between the two, if you have to pick one, going with the latest Watch Series 9 is definitely a more sensible thing to do.