Apple Watch 9 vs. Apple Watch 8 – What does the new Apple Watch have to offer?

It’s here! The new Apple Watch 9 has arrived and with it some improvements and new features compared to the Apple Watch 8. For that reason, we are going to make a comparison between both models.

The question is whether it is worth hitting the price of the Apple Watch 9 and enjoying all those improvements. As everything is relative, we will explain to you what the differences are and whether, in our opinion, it is worth paying that higher amount or not. Of course, we will do so by comparing the most determining points of these Smartwaches.

Let’s start!

Apple Watch 9 vs 8 – Comparison Table

As always, we are going to add a comparison table where you can see the characteristics of these two Apple Watches.

Are there any changes to the design?

Both the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch 8 continue Apple’s legacy of sleek, minimalist design. With aluminum or stainless steel construction options and identical dimensions of 41 mm and 45 mm, both models offer a refined and versatile aesthetic when it comes to dressing. The OLED touch screen integrates perfectly into the case, providing a quite pleasant visual experience.

Although the Apple Watch 9 does not feature any significant changes from the Apple Watch 8 in terms of design, the most notable feature is the new model’s eco-friendly approach. It is the first Apple product available in completely carbon-neutral options, using recycled aluminum and a Sport Loop strap made from recycled materials. This represents an important step towards sustainability and could be a determining factor for certain consumers committed to the environment.

A clear winner in screen quality

This is where we find one of the significant differences. While both models have Ion-X LTPO OLED displays, the Apple Watch 9 stands out for its superior brightness. With an impressive ability to reach up to 2000 nits, the Apple Watch 9 surpasses the Apple Watch 8, which has a maximum brightness of 1000 nits. This improvement is particularly useful for clear outdoor viewing, and if you spend a lot of time outdoors you’ll end up grateful for it.

Which one offers better performance?

The Apple Watch 9 is equipped with the Apple S9 chipset, which has 60% more transistors than its predecessor, the Apple Watch S8. This improvement results in a 30% faster GPU and significantly improved machine learning capabilities. The most notable advantage is the ability to process Siri requests directly on the device, which improves the user experience, especially in poor network situations. Additionally, the new second-generation UWB chip also makes it easier to find your iPhone and interact with HomePod devices.

Tell me about the battery

In terms of battery, both versions offer up to 18 hours of use with fast charging, which means there are no improvements in this aspect. In our option, battery life is still something in which Apple should improve and even more so if we compare it with other Smartwatches on the market.

What sensors do these Apple Watches have?

Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch 8 are equipped with a variety of sensors that provide accurate and detailed health and fitness tracking.

• Heart Rate: They have optical heart rate sensors that monitor your heart rate in real time. This is essential for tracking exercise and heart health.
• Blood Oxygen: They can measure blood oxygen levels, which provides valuable information about the body’s oxygenation during sleep and exercise.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Both the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch 8 have the ability to perform an electrocardiogram, a vital feature for detecting potential heart problems.
• Fall Detection: They are equipped with sensors that can detect falls and send emergency alerts if a hard fall is detected.
• Body Temperature: They also have body temperature sensors, which can be useful for monitoring health and fertility.

What else is new?

The Apple Watch 9 introduces a new interaction feature called “Double Tap,” which allows users to activate the main button using a specific gesture. Although this feature is unique to the Apple Watch 9, Apple Watch 8 users can emulate it via Assistive Touch in the accessibility settings, albeit with a slightly different experience.

Is it worth upgrading to the Apple Watch 9?

In conclusion, the choice between the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch 8 comes down to your individual needs and priorities. If you are looking for the latest technology and additional features, the Apple Watch 9 would be your choice. With its brighter screen, innovative “Double Tap” gesture and its eco-friendly approach as Apple’s first completely carbon-neutral product, it offers an enhanced and sustainable experience. Additionally, the S9 chipset, with its ability to process Siri requests directly on the device and the second-generation UWB chip for better interaction with other devices, represents a significant improvement in performance.

On the other hand, if you already own an Apple Watch 8 and are happy with its performance, the improvements offered by the Apple Watch 9 may not be significant enough to warrant an immediate upgrade. Previous models still offer excellent health and fitness tracking.

Thank you for trusting us and we hope that this comparison has been useful to you. See you soon!