If you’re in the market for a new Apple Watch, you’re in luck. With several models available, each offering a unique set of features, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 9, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to help you make an informed decision.
Here’s a comparison table of the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 9, and Apple Watch Ultra 2:
| Feature | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Retina display | Always-On Retina display | Always-On Retina display |
| Up to 2,000 nits brightness | Up to 3,000 nits brightness | ||
| Case Size | 44 mm or 40 mm | 45 mm or 41 mm | 49 mm |
| Aluminium or Stainless Steel | Titanium | ||
| Materials and Finishes | Aluminium | Aluminium or Stainless Steel | Titanium |
| Graphite (PVD) | |||
| Silver | |||
| Gold (PVD) | |||
| Health and Wellness | Blood Oxygen app (Series 4) | Blood Oxygen app | Blood Oxygen app |
| ECG app (Series 4) | ECG app | ECG app | |
| High and low heart rate notifs | High and low heart rate notifs | High and low heart rate notifs | |
| Irregular rhythm notifs (Series 4) | Irregular rhythm notifs | Irregular rhythm notifs | |
| Cycle Tracking (Series 4) | Cycle Tracking | Cycle Tracking | |
| Safety and Emergency | Emergency SOS (Series 4) | Emergency SOS | Emergency SOS |
| International emergency calling (Series 4) | International emergency calling | International emergency calling | |
| Fall Detection (Series 4) | Fall Detection | Fall Detection | |
| Crash Detection (Series 4) | Crash Detection | Crash Detection | |
| Controls | Double tap gesture (Series 4) | Double tap gesture | Double tap gesture |
| Siri (Series 4) | Faster on-device Siri | Faster on-device Siri | |
| Digital Crown with haptic feedback (Series 4) | Digital Crown with haptic feedback | Digital Crown with haptic feedback | |
| Side button (Series 4) | Side button | Side button | |
| Customisable Action button | Customisable Action button | ||
| Cellular Connectivity | GPS + Cellular (Series 4) | GPS + Cellular | GPS + Cellular |
| Cellular connectivity waypoints | |||
| Technology | Blood oxygen sensor (Series 6) | Blood oxygen sensor | Blood oxygen sensor |
| Electrical heart sensor (Series 4) | Electrical heart sensor | Electrical heart sensor | |
| Second-generation optical heart sensor (Series 4) | Third-generation optical heart sensor | Third-generation optical heart sensor | |
| Temperature sensor (Series 6) | Temperature sensor | Temperature sensor | |
| Dual-core S8 SiP (Series 6) | Dual-core S9 SiP | Dual-core S9 SiP | |
| Digital Crown with haptic feedback (Series 4) | Digital Crown with haptic feedback | Digital Crown with haptic feedback | |
| Customisable Action button | Customisable Action button | ||
| L1 and L5 GPS | L1 and L5 GPS | ||
| Compass with Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view | Compass with Waypoints, Backtrack, and Elevation view | ||
| Always-on altimeter | Always-on altimeter | ||
| High-g accelerometer | High-g accelerometer | ||
| High dynamic range gyroscope | High dynamic range gyroscope | ||
| Depth gauge and water temperature sensor | Depth gauge and water temperature sensor | ||
| Depth app (pre-installed) | Depth app (pre-installed) | ||
| Dive computer app (available on the App Store) | Dive computer app (available on the App Store) | ||
| Second-generation speaker and mic | Second-generation speaker and mic | ||
| Power | Up to 18 hours (Series 6) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 36 hours |
| Up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode | ||
| Fast charging | Fast charging | ||
| Environmental Features | Carbon-neutral combinations available | Carbon-neutral combinations available | Carbon-neutral combinations available |
| 100% recycled aluminium in the case | 100% recycled aluminium in the case | 95% recycled titanium in the case | |
| 100% recycled aluminium or stainless steel case | Case designed with raised edges to protect the flat sapphire front crystal from edge impacts | ||
| Made with 95% recycled aerospace-grade titanium | |||
| 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets | 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets | ||
| 100% recycled tin in the solder of multiple printed circuit boards | 100% recycled tin in the solder of multiple printed circuit boards | ||
| 100% recycled gold in plating of multiple printed circuit boards | 100% recycled gold in plating of multiple printed circuit boards | ||
| 100% recycled copper foil in the main logic board | 100% recycled copper foil in the main logic board | ||
| 100% recycled copper wire in the Taptic Engine | |||
| 100% recycled cobalt in the battery | |||
| Energy efficient | |||
| Responsible packaging | |||
| Arsenic-free display glass | |||
| Mercury-, BFR-, PVC-, and beryllium-free |
Please note that some features may vary depending on the specific model and version within each series. Prices may also vary depending on the region and specific configurations. It’s important to check the latest information from Apple for the most accurate details and pricing.
Apple Watch Models Overview
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at the different Apple Watch models available:
- Apple Watch SE: An affordable option with essential features.
- Apple Watch Series 9: The latest addition with cutting-edge technology.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: A rugged and capable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Now, let’s break down the key aspects to consider when choosing the right Apple Watch for you.
Display
Apple Watch SE: The SE features a Retina display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness. It offers a clear and vibrant screen for all your activities.
Apple Watch Series 9: The Series 9 boasts an Always-On Retina display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness. This means you can easily view your watch face and notifications, even in bright sunlight.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: With a display that can reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness, the Ultra 2 offers the brightest display Apple has ever designed. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures and viewing detailed workout metrics.
Materials and Finishes
Apple Watch SE: The SE is available in aluminum with color options like midnight, starlight, and silver.
Apple Watch Series 9: The Series 9 comes in aluminum with colors including midnight, starlight, silver, pink, and (PRODUCT)RED. Additionally, it’s available in stainless steel with options like graphite (PVD), silver, and gold (PVD).
Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Ultra 2 features a titanium case, known for its ruggedness and corrosion resistance. It’s available in a natural titanium finish.
Health and Wellness
All three models offer features like high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, and cycle tracking. However, there are some differences:
Apple Watch SE: Does not have a Blood Oxygen app or ECG app.
Apple Watch Series 9: Includes the Blood Oxygen app and ECG app, providing more comprehensive health monitoring.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: Similar to the Series 9, it includes the Blood Oxygen app and ECG app, along with additional features like temperature sensing.
Safety and Emergency
All three models come equipped with Emergency SOS, fall detection, and crash detection. However, the Ultra 2 takes safety to the next level with the addition of an emergency siren that can be heard up to 180 meters away, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
Controls
The SE lacks the double tap gesture available on the Series 9 and Ultra 2. All three models offer Siri with improved on-device performance.
Cellular Connectivity
Apple Watch SE: Available in GPS and GPS + Cellular models.
Apple Watch Series 9: Available in GPS + Cellular models.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: Available in GPS + Cellular models.
Battery Life
Battery life can be a crucial factor, especially if you’re on the go:
Apple Watch SE: Offers up to 18 hours of battery life.
Apple Watch Series 9: Also provides up to 18 hours of battery life but can last up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: Impressive battery life with up to 36 hours, and it can extend to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
Technology
The Series 9 and Ultra 2 feature the latest S9 SiP, which offers 64-bit dual-core processing for faster performance.
Key Differences
- The Ultra 2 stands out with its exceptional brightness and rugged design, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
- The Series 9 excels in health monitoring with its Blood Oxygen app and ECG capabilities.
- The SE is a budget-friendly option that still provides essential features for daily use.
In conclusion, the right Apple Watch for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, advanced health monitoring, or a rugged outdoor companion, there’s an Apple Watch model tailored to your lifestyle.
FAQs
- Q: Can I swim with all these Apple Watch models?
- A: Yes, they are all water-resistant, with the Ultra 2 being suitable for high-speed water sports.
- Q: Do these watches support GPS navigation?
- A: Yes, they all come with GPS functionality.
- Q: How does the battery life compare between the models?
- A: The Ultra 2 offers the longest battery life, followed by the Series 9 and SE.
- Q: Are there any exclusive watch faces for the Series 9 and Ultra 2?
- A: Yes, the Series 9 has exclusive watch faces, and the Ultra 2 offers the Modular Ultra watch face.
- Q: Can I customize the action button on these watches?
- A: The Series 9 and Ultra 2 allow for customizing the action button for various functions.
Now that you have a better understanding of the Apple Watch models, you can make an informed decision and choose the one that suits your lifestyle best.