• Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 9

    Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 9 – Should you Upgrade?

    simon Assela Posted on

    Apple has maintained its position at the forefront with the constant innovation and refinement of its smartwatches. Today, we embark on a head-to-head comparison between the well-established Apple Watch Series 7 and the recently unveiled Apple Watch Series 9.

    Both devices promise an array of features designed to enhance your daily life, but the question remains: Is the Series 9 a worthy successor, or does the Series 7 still hold its ground? Let’s dive deep into the details to uncover the nuances that may influence your decision. Check out the latest prices here: the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch Series 9.

    1. Price Point Battle: Series 7 Takes the Lead

    To kick things off, let’s talk about the price. The Series 7 has seen a drop in price, making it a compelling option for those looking for a more budget-friendly Apple Watch. As of now, you can snag a Series 7 for around £250, or perhaps even less if you scout platforms like eBay or Amazon.

    On the other hand, the Series 9 comes in at the usual launch price of £399. While the Series 9 undoubtedly brings new features to the table, the Series 7 might be more appealing for the cost-conscious consumer.

    2. Build Quality and Design: A Stalemate in Aesthetics

    Physically, the Series 7 and Series 9 are indistinguishable. Both sport aluminum casings with ion X front glass, providing a sleek and durable exterior. They share the same water resistance capabilities, with a caveat—Apple doesn’t explicitly mention an IP rating, cautioning that water resistance is not a permanent condition. If aesthetics are your priority, the identical design of both watches might make it challenging to justify the upgrade to the Series 9.

    3. Display Showdown: Series 9 Emerges Brighter

    When it comes to the display, the Series 7 and Series 9 go toe-to-toe with identical 1.69-inch LTPO displays boasting a resolution of 352 by 430.

    Both support always-on displays, but the Series 9 edges ahead with a brighter 2,000 nits peak brightness compared to the Series 7’s 1,000 nits. While the average user might not notice a significant difference, those who crave the brightest display possible might find the Series 9 more appealing.

    4. Dimensions and Weight: A Near-Identical Affair

    In terms of size and weight, the Series 7 and Series 9 mirror each other closely. Both are 41mm by 38mm, with the Series 9 being marginally thicker at 10.78mm compared to the Series 7’s 10.4mm.

    The weight remains the same at 56.8 grams with straps on. Although the Series 9 is slightly thicker, the difference is negligible, and both watches feel exactly the same size on the wrist.

    5. Comfort and Wearability: Two Peas in a Pod

    On the wrist, both smartwatches deliver a comfortable and lightweight experience. With a circumference of seven inches, the 41mm models suit the average wrist perfectly. The inclusion of two buttons on the side, featuring a scrollable crown button and a secondary flat button, adds to the ease of use. Microphone holes and loudspeakers on both watches mirror each other, making the physical experience identical.

    6. Health Features: A Tie with a Twist

    Under the hood, both Series 7 and Series 9 pack a punch with a range of health sensors, including optical heart rate, SpO2, temperature sensor, sleep monitoring, and stress tracking. Additional features such as always-on altimeter, fall detection, gyroscope, accelerometer, and ECG are present in both watches.

    The Series 9, however, introduces crash detection and enhanced capabilities in tracking Women’s Health, thanks to the temperature sensor. While these are valuable additions, users of the Series 7 might find them incremental rather than revolutionary.

    7. Charging and Battery Life: Familiar Territory

    Charging remains consistent across both watches, utilizing fast Type-C to Magnetic wireless charging pads. The Series 9 does come with a slightly improved braided cable, but the real story lies in the battery life.

    With both Series 7 and Series 9 offering the standard 18-hour battery life, heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger daily. The 45-minute charge time from zero to full is a saving grace, making it manageable for users to keep their watches charged.

    8. Processing Power: Series 9 Takes the Baton

    Both watches are powered by Apple’s 64-bit chipset, but here’s where the Series 9 introduces an upgrade. The Series 7 runs on the Apple S7 dual-core chipset, while the Series 9 boasts the new Apple S9 dual-core.

    Despite this, both watches maintain parity with 1GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The real-world impact of the upgraded chipset might not be immediately noticeable for the average user.

    9. Connectivity and OS: A Tie in the Apple Ecosystem

    In terms of connectivity, both watches feature multi-satellite GPS, 5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for Apple payments. Running on the latest version of watchOS (10.0.2), both Series 7 and Series 9 offer a seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, complete with Siri voice assistant. Compatibility remains exclusive to iOS devices, so Android users need not apply.

    10. Upgrade Dilemma: A Consideration of Needs

    As we wrap up this exhaustive comparison, the burning question remains—should you upgrade? If you’re currently rocking the Series 7, the incremental improvements in the Series 9 might not justify the expense.

    However, for users with older Apple Watches or those considering their first foray into smartwatches, the Series 9 offers an enticing package of new features and the latest hardware. The decision to upgrade hinges on personal preferences, budget constraints, and how much you value the additional features of the Series 9.

    Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 9 Pros And Cons:

    Apple Watch Series 7:

    Pros:

    1. Cost-Effective Upgrade: The Series 7 has seen a price drop, making it an attractive option for users looking for a budget-friendly yet capable smartwatch.
    2. Familiar Design: Shares the same sleek and recognizable design with the Series 9, providing a sense of continuity for long-time Apple Watch users.
    3. Consistent Performance: Powered by the Apple S7 dual-core chipset, it delivers a smooth and responsive user experience for everyday tasks and fitness tracking.
    4. Value for Money: Offers a compelling package with a vibrant display, robust health features, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem at a more affordable price point.
    5. Proven Reliability: As a mature product in the Apple Watch lineup, the Series 7 benefits from extensive user feedback and refinements over previous models.

    Cons:

    1. Not the Latest Chipset: While it performs well, it doesn’t boast the latest Apple S9 dual-core chipset found in the Series 9, potentially affecting future software compatibility.
    2. Incremental Improvements: Lacks some of the new features introduced in the Series 9, making it less appealing for users seeking cutting-edge technology. Get it here: Apple Watch Series 7>>.

     

    Apple Watch Series 9:

    Pros:

    1. Brighter Display: Features a brighter 2,000-nit display compared to the Series 7’s 1,000-nit display, offering better visibility in various lighting conditions.
    2. Enhanced Health Tracking: Introduces crash detection and advanced Women’s Health tracking, making it a more comprehensive health and wellness companion.
    3. New Apple S9 Chipset: Equipped with the latest dual-core Apple S9 chipset, potentially offering improved performance and future-proofing.
    4. Updated Cable Quality: Comes with a slightly better quality braided cable for charging, adding a touch of durability and premium feel.
    5. Latest and Greatest: Appeals to users who always want the latest technology and are willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge features.

    Cons:

    1. Higher Price Tag: Commands a higher launch price compared to the Series 7, making it less accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
    2. Incremental Design Changes: Physically identical to the Series 7, making it challenging to differentiate based on aesthetics alone. Get it here: Apple Watch Series 9.

    How to Choose: Making the Right Decision for You

    If You Currently Own an Apple Watch:

    • Series 7: If you already own an Apple Watch and are considering an upgrade, the Series 7 offers a cost-effective option with solid features and performance.

    If You Own an Older Apple Watch or It’s Your First Smartwatch:

    • Series 9: For those with older Apple Watches or individuals venturing into the smartwatch realm for the first time, the Series 9 provides the latest technology and additional health features.

    If Budget is a Priority:

    • Series 7: If cost is a significant factor, the Series 7 delivers a compelling package without the premium price tag. Get it here:  Apple Watch Series 7>>

    If You Crave Cutting-Edge Technology:

    • Series 9: If you’re an early adopter who wants the latest and greatest, the Series 9’s brighter display, advanced health features, and updated chipset might be worth the investment. Get it here: Apple Watch Series 9.

    If Aesthetic Changes Matter:

    • No Clear Winner: Both watches share the same design, so if aesthetics are a primary consideration, the decision between the two becomes more challenging.

    Conclusion:

    In the grand battle of the wrists, the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9 stand as formidable contenders. While the Series 7 maintains its appeal with a more attractive price point, the Series 9 comes in swinging with a brighter display, enhanced health tracking, and a more powerful chipset.

    As a user, your choice will depend on your specific needs, whether it’s a budget-friendly yet capable smartwatch or the latest and greatest in Apple’s wearable technology. The Apple Watch Series 7 versus Series 9 saga is a testament to Apple’s commitment to continuous improvement, leaving users with the delightful burden of choice.

    After all, in the world of smartwatches, the battle for your wrist is a battle of inches, or in this case, millimeters. So, are you Team Series 7 or Team Series 9? The choice is yours. Check out the latest prices here: the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Apple Watch Series 9.

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    simon Assela
    Simon is a technology writer and researcher. He's also an avid sports fan, especially when it comes to the FCB. When not working, you can usually find him tweaking his Android devices or reading political news.
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