Comparing the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2: A Comprehensive Guide

The Apple Watch, a revolutionary wearable device from Apple, has been a game-changer in the world of technology since its inception. With each new iteration, Apple introduces innovative features and improvements, making it an essential companion for iPhone users. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, helping you make an informed decision about which model best suits your needs.

Quick Overview
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a brief look at the three models:

1. Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm)
2. Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, GPS, 40mm)
3. Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm)

Chips and Sensors
All three models have undergone significant upgrades in terms of chips and sensors. The Series 9 and Ultra 2 were updated last September with Apple’s latest smartwatch silicon, the S9 SiP. This chip supports on-device processing of Siri requests, enabling faster machine learning performance and interpreting sensor data. The Apple Watch SE still relies on the S8 SiP, which was also used in the Series 8 and the original Ultra.

Both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 can take an ECG and have temperature sensors to help track ovulation. All three models have a compass, altimeter, and support fall- and crash-detection. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has an onboard SOS siren, as well as dive features like a depth gauge. The two higher-end models include sensors to measure blood oxygen, but due to a recent patent dispute, Apple has been forced to disable that feature on new models sold in the US.

Displays and Case Sizes
The Apple Watch 9 and the Ultra 2 have always-on displays, but you’ll need to lift your wrist to tell time or read notifications on the SE. The SE can reach a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, the Series 9 can get as bright as 2,000, and the Ultra 2 hits 3,000 nits. Both the higher-end screens can dim to a single nit, making them less distracting in the dark. As for case sizes, the SE is available in 40 or 44mm, and the Series 9 comes in 41 or 45mm. The Ultra 2 just comes in one case size measuring 49mm.

Battery Life
Since it’s the largest wearable, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 sports the biggest battery and can last for a claimed 36 hours on a charge. That number jumps up to 72 hours if you turn on low power mode. Both the Apple Watch 9 and the SE get 18 hours of life on a charge, and longer when using battery saver mode.

Fitness Features
Believe it or not, all three Apple Watches have similar fitness chops. The Activity app uses three “rings” to keep tabs on how much you’re moving in a day: The Move ring tracks your active calories; the Exercise ring monitors the minutes you’ve spent walking, running, doing yoga, and so on; and the Stand ring tells you how many hours in a day you’ve stood up and moved around for at least one minute.

Different internal sensors detect those activities, for example, the accelerometer senses when you’re moving versus sitting still, and the optical heart rate sensor judges how hard you’re working out and how many calories you’ve burned. You can set your goals for each ring and you’ll earn badges and animations when you hit them.

The Workout app lets you start and track an exercise session. The sensors can even auto-detect when you’re working out, tapping your wrist to suggest you track the activity. Apple Watches will integrate with Apple’s Fitness+ subscription, displaying real-time heart rate and calorie burn data on your iPhone, iPad, or even Apple TV 4K as you take a class. Fitness+ also includes audio-guided walks and runs with just your watch and Bluetooth earbuds. All three models support the Activity and Workout apps for free. The Fitness+ app also works with all Apple Watches, but it costs $10 per month.

Siri
You can get the weather, start a workout, identify a song, and dictate a text just by asking Siri. All Apple Watch models support the Raise to Speak feature that bypasses the need to say “Hey Siri” and will instead listen for your request when you lift your wrist near your mouth.

Both the Series 9 and the Ultra 2 utilize onboard processing of Siri requests. That means executing simple requests like starting workouts and timers are quicker, as they won’t need to access external networks. However, requests like sending texts or getting weather forecasts still need to communicate with Wi-Fi or cellular, so you’ll need to have your phone nearby if you have a GPS-only model.

Price
There’s a $550 difference between the cheapest and most expensive Apple Watch. For $250, you can get the 40mm Apple Watch SE with GPS-only connectivity. The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for the 40mm model, and if you go for the larger case size for either, you’ll pay $30 more. Adding cellular connectivity adds $50 for the SE and $100 for the Series 9. The latter also comes with the option of a stainless steel case, plus cellular and GPS, and starts at $699. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has just one price: $799 for a titanium 49mm case with both GPS and cellular power.

Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm)
Best overall
The Apple Watch Series 9 is our favorite smartwatch, period. It’s a notable improvement over the previous generation, with new features like Double Tap, onboard Siri requests, a brighter screen, and a new ultra-wideband (UWB) chip that can help you pinpoint your misplaced iPhone 15 using the FindMy app.

In her review, Engadget’s Cherlynn Low spent some time working with the Double Tap feature and found it made her life easier. You can use it to dismiss a timer or an alarm, play music, or reply to messages. Double tapping also pulls up the Smart Stack, the sequence of watchOS 10 widgets available with the latest software update. You can customize a few of the gesture’s actions, including how it navigates the Smart Stack and music playback.

The Series 9 also handles on-device processing of Siri requests. Though we didn’t notice a huge difference in response time between our review unit and the Series 8, we did like that it lets you ask Siri to start a workout when you’ve left your phone at home. Apple also improved the Raise to Speak feature, using a two-second audio buffer from the always-on mic to better anticipate your Siri needs. Ideally, you should be able to lift your wrist and say your requests without having to use the wake words. We found it only worked half the time, but when it did, it was “almost magical.”

All new tricks aside, the Apple Watch 9 is a steadfast companion for your iPhone, letting you see and respond to notifications without pulling out your handset. The various sensors can give you insights into your overall health and the fitness tracking tools, and Activity rings are both reliable and motivating. We do wish the battery lasted a little longer; you can’t typically get more than a day of use before needing a recharge, which can make it difficult to use the sleep tracking functions.

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, GPS, 40mm)
Best budget
The Apple Watch SE is an excellent choice for those on a budget. It offers many of the same features as the Series 9, but at a lower price point. The SE still relies on the S8 SiP chip, which is a generation older than the Series 9’s S9 SiP. However, it still supports essential features like heart rate monitoring, compass, altimeter, fall/crash detection, and fitness tracking.

The SE’s display has a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, which is lower than the Series 9’s 2,000 nits. However, it’s still bright enough for most situations. The SE also has a smaller battery, which can last for about 18 hours on a single charge. This might not be enough for heavy users, but it should be sufficient for most people.

The Apple Watch SE is an excellent entry-level smartwatch that offers a lot of value for its price. It’s a great choice for those who want to try out the Apple Watch ecosystem without committing to a more expensive model.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm)
Best for adventurers
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the most advanced and rugged Apple Watch yet. It’s designed for adventurers and athletes who need a watch that can withstand extreme conditions. The Ultra 2 has a larger case size of 49mm, making it the biggest Apple Watch yet. It also has a titanium case and a sapphire crystal display, making it more durable than other Apple Watch models.

The Ultra 2 has a brighter display than the Series 9, with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits. It also has a longer battery life, which can last for up to 72 hours on a single charge with low power mode enabled. The Ultra 2 also has a depth gauge and an onboard SOS siren, making it an excellent choice for divers and adventurers.

The Ultra 2 is the most expensive Apple Watch yet, but it offers features and durability that make it worth the investment for those who need a watch that can withstand extreme conditions. It’s an excellent choice for adventurers, athletes, and anyone who needs a watch that can handle tough environments.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 each offer unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and budgets. The Series 9 is our favorite overall, offering the most features and improvements over previous models. The SE is an excellent budget option, while the Ultra 2 is the most advanced and rugged Apple Watch yet, designed for adventurers and athletes.

Ultimately, the choice between these models comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the most features and improvements, the Series 9 is the way to go. If you’re on a budget, the SE is an excellent entry-level option. And if you’re an adventurer or athlete who needs a rugged watch that can withstand extreme conditions, the Ultra 2 is the best choice.

Regardless of which model you choose, the Apple Watch is an essential companion for iPhone users, offering features and benefits that make it an indispensable part of your daily life.