Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8 Unleashing the Juicy Upgrades and Mind-Blowing Features | ENBLE
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8 Discover all the Exciting Updates and Changes | ENBLE
The Apple Watch Series 9 (left) and Apple Watch Series 8 Andy Boxall / ENBLE
Apple has unleashed its mega iPhone 15 event, and alongside the new iPhone 15 lineup, we were also introduced to the sensational Apple Watch Series 9.
But wait, how does it measure up against its predecessor, the remarkable Apple Watch Series 8? Is it worth the upgrade? And for those Apple Watch newbies, which one should you opt for?
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: specs
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: design
The Palette watch face on the Apple Watch Series 9. Andy Boxall / ENBLE
When it comes to design, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 stick to the classic square shape with curved edges. It’s like they adhere to a tradition, just like your grandmother’s secret pie recipe. Both models are available in either aluminum or stainless steel casing, with a choice of 41mm or 45mm sizes.
For colors, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product Red for aluminum, while the stainless steel options include Gold, Silver, and Graphite.
On the other wrist, the Apple Watch Series 9 shook things up with the usual Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product Red shades for the aluminum version, but also introduced a delightful Pink color. Don’t worry, it’s not a vibrant neon hue that will blind your neighbors. The stainless steel option kept the Gold, Silver, and Graphite finishes, just like a classic trilogy.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: screen
A person wearing the Apple Watch Series 9, showing the Snoopy watch face. Andy Boxall / ENBLE
When it comes to the display, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 offer an always-on Retina LTPO OLED display. The Series 8 features a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, while the Series 9 ramps it up to a dazzling 2,000 nits. That’s like stepping out into the sun wearing sunglasses while holding a disco ball. It’s perfect for those sun-soaked adventures, or even just trying to make your friends jealous of your watch.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: processor and software
The curved screen on the Apple Watch Series 9. Andy Boxall / ENBLE
Hold on tight, folks, because this is where things start to get juicy!
The Apple Watch Series 8 comes with the reliable S8 chip, which is pretty much a spitting image of the S7 chip in the Apple Watch Series 7, which, in turn, resembles the S6 chip in the Apple Watch Series 6. It’s like a family reunion where everyone is basically the same person but with different names.
But, fear not, my tech-savvy comrades, because the Apple Watch Series 9 has arrived with the revolutionary S9 chip, a chip technology that smacks of innovation. With 5.6 billion transistors and a GPU that’s 30% faster than its predecessor, this watch is basically The Flash of the smartwatch world. And that’s not all, folks! The S9 also boasts a four-core Neural Engine, processing machine learning tasks at lightning speed.
But wait, there’s more! The S9 chip gives the Apple Watch Series 9 the ability to handle Siri requests right on the watch itself. No more relying on Wi-Fi or cellular data for simple tasks. It’s like having a personal assistant on your wrist who doesn’t hang up on you when you ask them for help.
And that’s not even the best part! The S9 chip introduces the Double Tap gesture, where you can control your Apple Watch without touching the display. Just imagine having the power to stop a timer, control audio, snooze alarms, answer phone calls, and even take a photo with your iPhone camera, all with just a quick tap of your fingers. It’s like having magic powers, but instead of waving a wand, you tap your fingers together like a secret agent.
And there’s more! The Apple Watch Series 9 also flaunts a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip. It’s like having a secret treasure map that guides you to your misplaced iPhone 15 series. The new UWB chip also enables better integration with HomePod, allowing you to control your media with ease when you’re in proximity. It’s like having a personal DJ who knows your favorite tracks before you even think of them.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: battery and charging
The Apple Watch Series 9 on charge. Andy Boxall / ENBLE
I hate to burst your bubble, but in terms of battery life and charging, not much has changed between the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9. They both offer around 18 hours of battery life, which means you’ll still need to give them a little juice before the day is done. However, the good news is that they both support fast charging, so you can get up to 80% battery in just 45 minutes. It’s like turbo-charging your smartwatch to keep up with your electric lifestyle.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: fitness and health tracking
Exercise ring closed alert on the Apple Watch Series 9. Andy Boxall / ENBLE
When it comes to fitness and health tracking, both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8 are a force to be reckoned with. They both offer a range of features such as blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, heart rate monitoring, irregular rhythm notifications, sleep tracking, and even Crash Detection for those clumsy moments.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Both watches run on watchOS 10, which introduces exciting new experiences tailored for cyclists and hikers. It’s like having a personal fitness coach and hiking guide on your wrist.
Not to mention, both watches can track your mood, because let’s face it, we all have our ups and downs. And with ambient light sensors, they can even help you track your time spent in daylight, because vitamin D is like a superpower for your health.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: price and availability
The Nike Globe watch face on the Apple Watch Series 9. Andy Boxall / ENBLE
The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for the aluminum version and $749 for the stainless steel models. It’s available for immediate purchase from Apple’s website and other major retailers. As for the Apple Watch Series 8, it has gracefully retired and is now a collector’s item, but you may still be able to find remaining stock at discounted prices. It’s like finding a hidden gem at a flea market.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: verdict
The Apple Watch Series 9 (top) and Apple Watch Series 8. Andy Boxall / ENBLE
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a mighty leap forward in the world of wearables. The S9 chip brings a world of possibilities right to your wrist, with Siri requests processed on the watch itself and the incredible Double Tap gesture for seamless control. Not to mention the second-generation UWB chip that helps you locate your iPhone with ease.
And let’s not forget about the dazzling 2,000 nits of peak brightness, making the Apple Watch Series 9 your best friend in the sun. However, the battery life remains unchanged, which means you’ll need to charge it up just like its predecessor.
If you’re already rocking the Apple Watch Series 8, the Series 9 may not be a necessary upgrade. The Series 8 can still hold its own and offer a similar display, battery life, and health-tracking experiences. But if you’re itching for that S9 chip and the added brilliance of peak brightness, then go ahead and treat yourself to the latest and greatest.
You deserve it, my tech-loving comrades!
So, the choice is yours. The Apple Watch Series 9 is a captivating upgrade, but if it’s not within your budget, don’t worry; the Series 8 still has plenty to offer. Remember, there’s always another year and another Apple Watch just around the corner.
Happy smartwatch shopping, folks! May your wrists be adorned with all the technological wonders you desire.
