The Apple Watch continues to improve with each new version. The Series 7, 8, and 9 all offer valuable features. For most people, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best option due to its faster chip, brighter screen, and new double-tap gesture functionality. The Series 7 was a significant upgrade with its larger display, while the Series 8 introduced a temperature sensor for cycle tracking. The Series 9 builds on these advancements with the S9 chip for quicker on-device Siri responses and a brilliant 2000-nit display. All models provide health tracking, notifications, and apps, but the newer versions also include additional features like crash detection and an always-on display. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
Comparing Apple Watch Generations: Series 7, 8, and 9
| Feature | Series 7 | Series 8 | Series 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 41mm or 45mm | 41mm or 45mm | 41mm or 45mm |
| Processor | S7 SiP | S8 SiP | S9 SiP (Faster) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours (Up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode on Series 9) |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters |
| Health Sensors | ECG, Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen | ECG, Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Temperature Sensor | ECG, Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen, Temperature Sensor |
| Safety Features | Fall Detection, Emergency SOS | Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, Crash Detection | Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, Crash Detection |
| Other Features | Always-On Display, QWERTY keyboard | Always-On Display, QWERTY keyboard | Always-On Display, QWERTY keyboard, Double-tap gesture, 2x faster Neural Engine |
Key Differences:
- Processor: The Series 9 boasts the latest S9 SiP, offering faster performance than the S7 and S8.
- Battery Life: While all three have similar battery life under normal use, the Series 9 introduces a Low Power Mode, extending battery life up to 36 hours.
- Temperature Sensor: Series 8 and 9 include a temperature sensor for enhanced health tracking, particularly for women’s health and sleep tracking.
- Crash Detection: Both Series 8 and 9 feature Crash Detection, which can automatically alert emergency services in the event of a severe car crash.
- Double-tap gesture and faster Neural Engine: Series 9 introduces a new double-tap gesture for convenient controls and a 2x faster Neural Engine for improved machine learning tasks.
Which One to Choose?
- Series 7: A good option if you’re on a budget and don’t need the latest features.
- Series 8: Offers a good balance of features and performance, including the temperature sensor and Crash Detection.
- Series 9: The top-of-the-line choice with the fastest processor, Low Power Mode, double-tap gesture, and enhanced Neural Engine.
Key Takeaways
- Newer models have bigger screens and faster chips
- Health features improve with each version
- Price drops on older models can mean good deals
Design and Display
Apple Watch Series 7, 8, and 9 share key design elements but have some differences in display tech and case options. The newer models bring small tweaks to an already sleek design.
Case and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Series 7, 8, and 9 come in aluminum or stainless steel cases. Aluminum models use Ion-X glass for the screen, while stainless steel versions have tougher sapphire crystal.
All three watches have a square shape with rounded corners. The Series 7 brought slimmer bezels, giving it a bit more screen space than older models. This design carried over to the 8 and 9.
Case sizes are 41mm and 45mm for all three models. This fits a range of wrist sizes. The digital crown and side button remain on the right side for easy use.
Display Technologies
The Series 7, 8, and 9 all use a Retina display. This high-res screen makes text and images look crisp. Each watch has an always-on display, so you can see the time without raising your wrist.
Screen brightness improved with newer models. The Series 9 is the brightest, at 2000 nits. This makes it easier to read in sunny conditions.
The Series 7 brought a 20% larger screen than the Series 6. This extra space allows for a full keyboard and larger buttons. The 8 and 9 kept this larger display.
Performance and Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 7, 8, and 9 have made strides in speed and battery life. Each model brings improvements to processing power and energy efficiency.
Processor and Storage
The Series 7 uses the S7 chip, while the Series 8 and 9 use newer processors. The S8 chip in the Series 8 is about 20% faster than the S7. The Series 9 takes a big leap with its S9 chip, which has a dual-core CPU and improved GPU.
The S9 chip also has a better Neural Engine. This helps with tasks like Siri requests. All three models come with 32GB of storage. This is plenty for apps, music, and photos.
Battery Longevity and Charging
Battery life is similar across all three models. They all last about 18 hours with normal use. But the Series 8 and 9 have a special low power mode. This can extend battery life up to 36 hours.
All three watches support fast charging. This means they can charge up to 80% in about 45 minutes. The Series 9 might charge a bit faster due to its newer chip.
Health and Connectivity Features
Apple Watch Series 7, 8, and 9 offer many health and connectivity tools. These watches help users track fitness, monitor health, and stay connected.
Health Monitoring Capabilities
The Apple Watch Series 7, 8, and 9 can track heart rate and measure blood oxygen levels. They also have an ECG app to check heart rhythm. The Series 8 and 9 add a new temperature sensor that can track skin temperature changes.
All three models have fall detection and crash detection. These features can call for help if you have an accident. They also have Emergency SOS, which lets you quickly contact emergency services.
For fitness, these watches track workouts and daily activity. They count steps, calories burned, and time spent exercising. The watches also monitor sleep patterns to help improve rest.
Integration and Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 7, 8, and 9 connect to iPhones for calls, texts, and app notifications. They have GPS for accurate location tracking during outdoor activities.
The watches use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to link with other devices. Some models also have cellular options for use without a phone nearby.
An ultra-wideband chip in these watches helps find other Apple devices more easily. This is useful for locating lost items or connecting with friends.
The Compass app on these watches helps with navigation. It works with the built-in GPS for better direction finding outdoors.
