This Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE face-off will obliterate all of the questions you have got concerning the fashionable smartwatches — properly, that is the plan no less than.
I’ve all the time been a smartwatch skeptic. Whether or not it is the Google Pixel Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch, or the Apple Watch, all appeared superfluous for anybody who has a telephone. When folks tried to steer me to hitch the smartwatch squad, they all the time introduced up health as a use case, which has by no means been a precedence for me — till now.
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After listening to my physician inform me that my blood strain is simply too excessive, I made a decision to take train extra severely. What actually drew me to contemplate an Apple Watch, nonetheless, is that I need to make certain I am hitting — and sustaining — a goal coronary heart price whereas operating on the treadmill, making certain efficient calorie burning.
Top-of-the-line methods to trace coronary heart price is to make use of an Apple Watch. However I have been confronted with a dilemma. Ought to I get the SE (second era) or spend just a little extra for the Watch Sequence 9? I made a decision to get each to find out their variations.
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Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: worth and specs
I obtained the most affordable mannequin for each variants. This implies I spent $249 for the Apple Watch SE (second era), which I bought from Apple’s official website.
Apple Watch SE
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
The mannequin I’ve comes with the next specs:
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40mm case dimension
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Silver end
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Aluminum chassis
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GPS (no mobile)
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Ocean Blue solo loop
Some options require you to shell out just a little extra. For instance, a stainless-steel chassis is an additional $50. A bigger case dimension (i.e., 44mm) is an additional $30. If you’d like GPS and mobile help, that can set you again $50.
The Apple Watch Sequence 9 prices $399 on Apple’s official website (once more, that is the most affordable you may get on this mannequin).
Apple Watch Sequence 9
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
This is my configuration:
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41mm case dimension
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(Product) Purple end
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Aluminum chassis
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GPS (no mobile)
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Product (Purple) sport band
As with the Watch Sequence 9, you possibly can spend an additional $50 to get a stainless-steel chassis. If you’d like mobile help, that can set you again one other $100.
With the Watch SE being the cheaper of the 2, it is the plain winner on this spherical.
Winner: Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: Show
The very first thing I seen concerning the Watch SE is that it has thicker bezels, which reduces its display screen actual property — and the show is minimal to start with.
Apple Watch Sequence 9 and Apple Watch SE side-by-side.
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
The Watch Sequence 9’s bezels are loads much less obstructive, however both means, I nonetheless discovered show navigation to be high-quality on each screens. Thicker bezels, for my part, aren’t an enormous deal.
It is also price nothing that the decision is completely different for the watches:
Watch Sequence 9 (41mm) – 430 x 352 pixels
Watch SE (40mm) – 394 x 324 pixels
Taking a look at them facet by facet, the Watch Sequence 9 positively delivers a sharper, clearer visuals. But when I had been wanting on the Watch SE independently, I’d suppose that the show high quality is adequate sufficient.
Now, let’s speak brightness:
Watch Sequence 9 (41mm) – as much as 2,000 nits
Watch SE (40mm) – as much as 1,000 nits
The Watch Sequence 9 is supposedly brighter than Sequence 9, delivering a max of two,000 nits over the SE’s 1,000-nit display screen. Nonetheless, whereas evaluating each watches within the solar, I might see each of them simply high-quality, even with the rays shining vibrant on them like a highlight.
Apple Watch SE (left) and Apple Watch Sequence 9 (proper)
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
You possibly can inform the Watch SE is barely dimmer, however the distinction is negligible to the bare eye.
The principle distinction between the 2 screens, nonetheless, is the always-on show. I assumed I would not care concerning the Watch SE not having an always-on show (AOD). (For the uninitiated, AOD signifies that the display screen is all the time feeding you visible data.)
Nonetheless, I discovered myself getting annoyed that I needed to hold both touching the Watch SE’s display screen or flick my wrist towards myself to verify the time. In the meantime, the Watch Sequence 9, properly, stays on. As you possibly can see within the picture under, the Watch SE’s display screen is totally darkish, however the Sequence 9’s show continues to be “lively” (although it’s dimmed).
Apple Watch SE (left) and Apple Watch Sequence 9 (proper)
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Additionally, from a vogue standpoint, an always-on show appears extra engaging.
Winner: Apple Watch Sequence 9
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: Design
I made a decision to go together with two shade decisions to find out whether or not I would choose the extra refined, refined design of the Watch SE — or the conspicuous, putting presence of the Watch Sequence 9.
Apple Watch SE displaying sleep information
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
To my shock, I choose the Watch Sequence 9’s beautiful (Product)Purple look. I feared that it could be too purple — just like the eyesore of a hue that drapes the blindingly orange Rabbit R1. Nonetheless, the Product (Purple) has the right steadiness of vividness and elegeance. It is such an attention-grabbing ruby purple.
Apple Watch Sequence 9 displaying Indoor Run app
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
I went with the Silver end for the Watch SE together with the Ocean Blue solo loop — and I remorse it. Oddly, the solo loop collects grime simply. And in contrast to the sports activities band that is featured on the Watch Sequence 9, the solo loop requires customized sizing. Mine is a dimension 3, which inserts OK, but it surely might stand to be a smidge tighter.
Apple Watch SE with solo loop
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
The sports activities band has an adjustable strap, permitting me to make it as tight or unfastened as I would like it to be. The solo loop, alternatively, is only a stretchy bracelet band. I additionally do not count on it to have good sturdiness. As you’re taking it on and off over time, I foresee it getting too stretched out.
Apple Watch Sequence 9 sports activities band
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Aside from that, the Watch Sequence 9 and SE have the identical squircle design, with a digital crown and facet button on the precise.
Mashable Mild Pace
Merely due to its bigger watch face, Sequence 9 is the winner right here.
Winner: Apple Watch Sequence 9
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: Texting and calling
I examined texting and calling with each the Apple Watch Sequence 9 and the Watch SE.
Texting with the Apple Sequence 9
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
With regards to texting, the Apple Watch Sequence 9 includes a QWERTY keyboard. I assumed it would be an ungainly mess attempting to textual content on the Apple Watch Sequence 9 with one finger, but it surely wasn’t half unhealthy when you’ve got just a little little bit of endurance in you.
The Watch SE has one thing completely different. You possibly can nonetheless textual content, however there isn’t a keyboard out there. As a substitute, you may get a area that allows you to scribble the letter or phrase you need to write — and it’ll remodel it into digital textual content.
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
To be truthful, neither the Watch Sequence 9 nor the Watch SE are perfect for texting, however probably the most helpful characteristic for messaging — a perk that each gadgets have — is Dictation. I discovered that Dictation, a utility that transforms your speech into textual content, is the perfect for texting on the Sequence 9 and SE.
There are ready replies available, too, like “Thanks” and “OK.”
After calling a buddy with the Watch Sequence 9 and Watch SE, I blind-tested him and requested him to choose which smartwatch sounded higher. Surprisingly, he stated I sounded higher on the Watch SE. I could not inform a marked distinction between the 2 when it comes to sound high quality.
As a result of its superior texting options, the Watch Sequence 9 wins this spherical.
Winner: Apple Watch Sequence 9
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE 2: Double Faucet
Do not buy the Apple Watch Sequence 9 due to its Double Faucet characteristic. The Watch SE helps the Double Faucet, too.
Double Faucet with the Apple Watch Sequence 9
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
With the Apple Watch Sequence 9, you merely want to verify it is turned on in Settings — and you should use Double Faucet to simply accept and finish calls, flip off alarms, play and pause songs, and extra. Nonetheless, with the Watch SE, you possibly can solely use Double Faucet when prompted. For instance, a blue-outlined immediate that claims “Finish name” will seem on the Watch SE, permitting you to hold up.
It is price noting, although, that the Watch Sequence 9’s Double Faucet characteristic enables you to do extra with it. For instance, you should use Double Faucet to set off the shutter button on the Digital camera app or scroll by means of your Widget stacks (issues you possibly can’t do with the Watch SE’s Double Faucet).
Winner: Apple Watch Sequence 9
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: Siri
Apple boasted that the Watch Sequence 9 enables you to faucet into Siri to your well being information. One time, I requested, “Siri, what number of hours did I sleep final night time?” In response, it stated, “5 hours and 51 minutes.”
Siri on the Apple Watch SE
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
In response to “What number of energy did I burn at the moment?”, it stated, “You burned 285 energy at the moment.”
If I had been to ask Siri the identical questions on the Watch SE, Siri would not reply with a direct reply. It might, as an alternative, present me the app that would offer me the precise reply.
Apple claims that the Watch Sequence 9’s S9 chip yields a sooner on-device Siri, permitting you to have zippier entry to your well being information.
The one disappointment I would add for each gadgets is that Siri directed me to the iPhone app after I requested for ovulation estimates.
Winner: Apple Watch Sequence 9
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: Well being monitoring
If you’d like a watch with the perfect health-tracking options, get the Watch Sequence 9. Listed below are the sensors and trackers you may get with it:
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Temperature sensing (not on Watch SE)
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Cycle monitoring (out there on Watch SE, however would not present ovulation estimates)
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Irregular rhythm notifications (out there on Watch SE)
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Excessive or low coronary heart price notifications (out there on Watch SE)
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ECG testing (not on Watch SE)
On the Watch SE, you’ll not discover the ECG app, a tracker that analyzes your coronary heart’s electrical pulses. Nonetheless, you will discover it on the Apple Watch Sequence 9. It prompts you to carry your finger on the digital crown for 30 seconds. You will then get a studying that tells you your beats per minute (bpm) — and whether or not your heartbeat is “sinus,” “AFib,” “low coronary heart price,” “excessive coronary heart price,” or “inconclusive.”
ECG on Apple Watch Sequence 9
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Its price noting that its AFib detection is the first digital-health tech to qualify for the FDA’s MDDT program. In different phrases, an official authority within the medical system house has green-lighted the Apple Look ahead to testing atrial fibrillation. Candy!
As for ovulation monitoring, once more, you would be higher off with the Watch Sequence 9. Ovulation monitoring depends on taking temperature readings whilst you sleep each 5 seconds in a single day. And, properly, the Watch SE would not have a temperature sensor.
Nonetheless, whether or not I used to be on the SE or Sequence 9, I might nonetheless log my menstrual cycle, permitting me to verify when my subsequent estimated cycle will arrive.
Apple Watch Sequence 9
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Talking of the temperature sensor, on the Watch Sequence 9, you may get temperature readings of your pores and skin by going to Settings > Well being > Well being Information > Physique Measurements > Wrist Temperature. Unsure why I must know that my proper wrist is 96 levels Fahrenheit, however er, it is there in case anybody asks, I suppose.
Apparently, I additionally seen that each watches take a look at for environmental noise utilizing the mics. Earlier than turning off a whistling teapot, I obtained an alert from the Apple Watch Sequence 9 that the decibels in my environment are too excessive.
Apple Watch Sequence 9’s loud setting alert
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Oddly, I did not get that alert on my Watch SE, although it has a noise detector characteristic, too.
Be aware: The Apple Watch Sequence 9 no longer supports the blood-oxygen monitor for U.S. shoppers.
Winner: Apple Watch Sequence 9
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: Health monitoring
I have not noticed a lot of a distinction between the Watch Sequence 9 and SE with regards to health monitoring.
Apple Watch Sequence 9
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
If you’d like one thing that tracks your steps and allows you to shut your rings on the finish of the day, the Watch SE will just do high-quality.
Whereas sporting the watches to run on the treadmill on a regular basis, I set each gadgets to inform me after I’ve hit my goal beats per minute (i.e., 146 to 156 bpm) whereas operating. (I did this by fidgeting with the “Indoor Run” preferences underneath the “Exercise” app.) My expertise with each have been seamless.
When you’re a swimmer or a diver, nonetheless, chances are you’ll need to take into account the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as an alternative; it helps high-speed water sports activities and leisure diving.
Winner: Draw
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: Battery life
I assumed that the Apple Watch Sequence 9’s battery life can be considerably higher than the Watch SE, however the variations of their energy effectivity are minimal.
Apple Watch Sequence 9 textual content dialog
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
Sooner or later, to check each gadgets’ battery life, I charged the Apple Watch Sequence 9 and Apple Watch SE to 100% at 4:30 p.m. The Apple Watch SE tapped out the following day at 8:10 p.m. whereas the Watch Sequence 9 lasted just a little longer by an hour and a few change.
Apple Watch SE – 1 day and three hours and half-hour
Apple Watch Sequence 9 – 1 day and 4 hours and 36 minutes
The utilization profile included utilizing Siri to ask questions all through the day (e.g., climate, math calculations, asking for well being information), setting timers for exercises, monitoring my coronary heart price throughout jogs, sleep monitoring, texting buddies, controlling Apple Music, glancing at emails, and extra.
Pictures app on the Apple Watch SE
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
It is price noting, although, that Apple Watch Sequence 9 helps quick charging; the Apple Watch SE doesn’t. Which means, on the Watch Sequence 9, the battery can go from 0 p.c to 80 p.c in 45 minutes, in keeping with Apple.
You need to use a USB-C Apple charging brick like this one from Amazon to get the fast-charging job accomplished.
Winner: Apple Watch Sequence 9
Will the Apple Watch Sequence 9 or Apple Watch SE be on sale on Prime Day?
We won’t say for positive whether or not the Apple Watch Sequence 9 or the Apple Watch SE might be on sale on Prime Day, however sometimes, Apple smartwatches get some type of markdown in the course of the Prime Day festivities. Final yr, the Watch Sequence 9 was tremendous new, so it did not get a lot shaved off discount-wise, however the Watch SE obtained about $50 knocked off its original price.
Now that the next-generation Apple Watch is more likely to launch alongside the iPhone 16, the Watch Sequence 9 might even see some worth slashes throughout Prime Day on July 16 and July 17. Similar for the Apple Watch SE. Count on $50 to $100 off.
Apple Watch Sequence 9 vs. SE: Which one do you have to purchase?
Apple Watch Sequence 9 is best at monitoring your well being. When you’re in search of a tool that may give you ovulation estimates, ship ECG readings, hold tabs in your pores and skin temperature (in case you care about that type of factor), and allows you to entry most of that information by way of Siri, get the Sequence 9.
Apple Watch Sequence 9 with Snoopy watchface
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
When you’re extra fitness-focused, and you do not thoughts the thicker bezels and lack of always-on show, the Watch SE is a stable selection.
You, like me, could assume that the Watch Sequence 9 has higher battery life as a result of it is pricier, however in my expertise, each held up fairly properly when it comes to energy effectivity (although the Sequence 9 edged out the Watch SE by an hour or so).
The one factor I would warn in opposition to is getting the solo loop band to your Apple Watch. It appears to get unfastened after a while — and it isn’t very sturdy. As a substitute, get the sports activities band, permitting you to regulate the Apple Watch to your wrist as you prefer it.