Is The Apple Watch Series 9 Really Better Than The Se Or Just Overpriced

The Apple Watch lineup presents a classic dilemma: pay more for cutting-edge tech or save money with a capable alternative. The Series 9 and the latest Apple Watch SE represent two distinct philosophies in wearable design—one focused on innovation, the other on accessibility. But is the Series 9 truly superior in ways that matter, or is it simply overpriced for most users? The answer depends less on specs and more on how you use your watch.

Design and Build: Subtle Differences, Big Implications

At first glance, the Series 9 and SE look nearly identical. Both feature aluminum cases, digital crowns, side buttons, and interchangeable bands. However, the Series 9 introduces subtle but meaningful upgrades. It’s slightly thinner—just 0.5mm—and uses a brighter Always-On Retina display with up to 2000 nits peak brightness, compared to the SE’s 1000 nits. This difference becomes noticeable under direct sunlight, where the Series 9 remains clearly legible while the SE can appear washed out.

The Series 9 also integrates the ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, enabling Precision Finding with compatible iPhones. While this feature may seem niche, it enhances the Find My experience by showing directional cues to locate your phone. The SE lacks UWB entirely, relying only on Bluetooth-based proximity alerts.

Tip: If you frequently lose your iPhone in large homes or outdoor spaces, the Series 9’s Precision Finding could be a genuinely useful perk.

Performance and Software: Do You Need More Power?

Under the hood, the Series 9 runs on the S9 SiP (System in Package), which includes a dual-core CPU, improved GPU, and an upgraded Neural Engine. Apple claims 30% faster machine learning performance and enhanced Siri responsiveness—even when offline. The SE, by contrast, uses the older S8 chip, essentially a rebranded S6 from 2020.

In practical terms, daily interactions feel snappier on the Series 9. App launches are marginally quicker, animations smoother, and voice commands processed locally without needing internet. For example, saying “Hey Siri, turn off the bedroom lights” works instantly even if your phone is out of range—something the SE can’t do reliably.

However, for basic tasks like checking notifications, tracking steps, or receiving calls, the SE performs adequately. Most users won’t notice lag unless they’re running multiple complications, third-party apps, or using intensive health monitoring tools simultaneously.

“While both watches run watchOS flawlessly, the Series 9 delivers a more future-proof experience, especially as apps become more AI-driven.” — David Lin, Wearable Tech Analyst at GadgetScope

Health and Fitness Tracking: Where the Gap Widens

Both models include essential sensors: heart rate, accelerometer, gyroscope, and blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2). They support ECG readings and fall detection. But the Series 9 adds advanced temperature sensing, enabling retrospective ovulation estimates—a feature particularly valuable for users tracking fertility cycles.

The Series 9 also improves motion tracking accuracy. Its new double-tap gesture—activated by tapping your thumb and index finger together twice—allows control without touching the screen. This is ideal during sweaty workouts or when wearing gloves. The SE doesn’t support double-tap, limiting hands-free interaction.

For serious fitness enthusiasts, the Series 9 offers low-range GPS precision improvements and better altitude tracking thanks to its upgraded barometric altimeter. Runners and hikers may appreciate the reduced drift in elevation data, especially on long trails.

Feature	Apple Watch Series 9	Apple Watch SE
Display Brightness	Up to 2000 nits	Up to 1000 nits
Processor	S9 SiP	S8 (S6 architecture)
Temperature Sensing	Yes (sleep & cycle tracking)	No
Double-Tap Gesture	Yes	No
Ultra-Wideband (UWB)	Yes	No
On-Device Siri	Yes	Limited (requires iPhone)
Battery Life	18 hours (up to 36 with Low Power Mode)	18 hours
Starting Price (41mm)	$399	$249

Real-World Usage: A Case Study

Consider Sarah, a 34-year-old project manager and amateur trail runner. She uses her Apple Watch primarily for calendar alerts, sleep tracking, workout logging, and occasional mobile payments. She previously owned an Apple Watch Series 6 and upgraded to the SE due to budget constraints.

After six months, she noticed limitations: her morning yoga sessions often triggered false fall alerts, her SpO2 readings were inconsistent, and she missed the convenience of locating her phone via wrist direction. When she borrowed a friend’s Series 9, she was struck by how much smoother the interface felt and how accurately it tracked her overnight temperature shifts—helping her anticipate her menstrual cycle with greater precision.

Sarah eventually traded up to the Series 9. For her, the $150 premium translated into tangible benefits: fewer false alarms, better reproductive health insights, and a noticeably more responsive interface. Her experience illustrates that the value gap isn’t always about raw specs—it’s about reliability, personalization, and long-term usability.

When the SE Makes More Sense

The SE remains an excellent choice for many. Parents buying a first watch for teens, casual users who want basic fitness tracking, or those already deep in the iPhone ecosystem will find the SE more than sufficient. It receives full software updates, supports all major apps, and delivers core Apple Watch functionality at a compelling price.

Moreover, the SE shares the same rugged build quality and water resistance (WR50) as the Series 9. It’s not a “budget” device in terms of durability—it’s a streamlined one. For someone who checks messages, tracks daily steps, and occasionally times a run, the SE eliminates unnecessary features without sacrificing reliability.

Tip: If you don’t use advanced health features or rely heavily on Siri, the SE offers the best value-to-function ratio in the lineup.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Model for You

Follow this decision framework to determine which watch aligns with your lifestyle:

1. Assess your primary use case: Are you tracking intense workouts, managing health conditions, or simply staying connected?
2. Evaluate your need for future features: Will you benefit from on-device Siri, temperature sensing, or double-tap controls?
3. Check your iPhone compatibility: Both watches require iPhone 8 or later, but newer features work best with iPhone 11 or newer.
4. Consider long-term ownership: The Series 9 may receive software support longer due to its newer hardware.
5. Set a realistic budget: Ask whether the extra $150 brings measurable improvements to your daily routine.

If three or more answers lean toward advanced functionality, the Series 9 is justified. If your needs are straightforward, the SE delivers exceptional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Apple Watch SE get all the same apps as the Series 9?

Yes. Both watches run the latest version of watchOS and support the full App Store. There are no app exclusions based on model—only minor functional differences in how some apps perform due to hardware limits.

Does the Series 9 last longer than the SE?

Battery life is officially rated at 18 hours for both. However, the Series 9 includes Low Power Mode, which extends usage to up to 36 hours by disabling certain features like the always-on display and background heart rate checks. The SE lacks this mode, so in practice, the Series 9 offers more flexibility during travel or extended outdoor activities.

Will the SE become obsolete sooner?

Unlikely. Apple typically supports watches for 5–6 years with OS updates. The current SE (2023) uses the same core architecture as earlier Series models that are still supported. Unless Apple changes its policy, both devices should remain functional well into the late 2020s.

Final Verdict: Premium Features vs. Practical Value

The Apple Watch Series 9 is not overpriced—it’s precisely priced for what it offers. It delivers meaningful advancements in display quality, processing power, health tracking, and user interaction. For professionals, athletes, or anyone invested in personal health metrics, these upgrades translate into real-world advantages.

But “better” doesn’t always mean “necessary.” The SE excels at doing the basics exceptionally well. It’s proof that Apple understands not every user needs bleeding-edge technology. If your priorities are affordability, simplicity, and core functionality, the SE stands as one of the best smartwatches under $250.

In the end, the decision isn’t about which watch is objectively superior. It’s about alignment with your lifestyle. The Series 9 earns its premium through thoughtful innovations. The SE earns respect by proving you don’t need everything to have something great.

💬 Have you made the jump from SE to Series 9—or stayed put? Share your experience and help others decide what truly matters in a smartwatch.