Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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Apple Watch Series 7 & Apple Watch Series 9 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 9 rather than the Apple Watch Series 7. 

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 9

  • The Apple Watch Series 9 has a powerful S9 chip with a 4-core Neural Engine for faster performance, enhanced responsiveness, and improved power efficiency, compared to the Apple Watch Series 7’s S7 chip.
  • Apple Watch Series 9 has a maximum of 2,000 nits brightness to read in harsh sunlight & perfect for outdoors, while the Apple Watch Series 7 has a maximum of 1,000 nits brightness.
  • It has a Double Tap Gesture to control the watch with one hand for actions like answering calls and scrolling through widgets, which is unavailable on the Apple Watch 7.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 supports on-device Siri to process voice commands faster and without an internet connection, whereas the Series 7 requires a network for Siri functions.
  • The Apple Watch Series 9 has a 2nd-generation Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip for locating a lost iPhone with pinpoint accuracy, while the Apple Watch 7 uses the older U1 chip.
  • It features 64GB of internal storage for more apps, music, and podcasts, compared to the Series 7’s 32GB capacity.
  • The Series 9 offers up to 36 hours of battery life in Low Power Mode to ensure longer usage and reduced charging frequency than Series 7, which lasts only up to 18 hours.
  • Upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 in the Series 9 ensures a more stable connection, improved range, and potentially lower latency than Bluetooth 5.0 in the Series 7.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 7 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Series 7
ChipsetS9 SiP with 4-core Neural EngineS7 SiP
Processor Speed30% faster GPUStandard
Neural EngineYesNo
Display Brightness (Outdoor)2,000 nits1,000 nits
Display Brightness (Low-Light Mode)1-nit modeNot available
Double Tap GestureSupportedNot supported
On-Device SiriWorks on-deviceRequires internet
Ultra Wideband Chip (UWB)U2 chipU1 chip
Find My PrecisionImproved tracking with U2 chipStandard tracking
Battery Life (Low Power Mode)Up to 36 hoursUp to 18 hours
Storage64GB32GB
Environmental ImpactCarbon-neutral aluminum modelsStandard materials
Software LongevityLonger lifespan due to newer chipsetShorter lifespan
WatchOS Future UpdatesExtended support expectedLimited support
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0
Dictation SpeedFaster due to on-device SiriStandard
Siri Response TimeFaster with on-device processingSlower due to internet processing
Voice Commands OfflineAvailableNot available
Crash DetectionSupportedNot supported
Emergency SOS FunctionalityEnhanced SOS with better precisionStandard SOS
Gesture ControlsDouble Tap and AssistiveTouchLimited
Software Features LongevityRetains software features longerMay lose features sooner
Haptic EngineImproved haptic responseStandard
PriceCheck Watch 9 PriceCheck Watch 7 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Technology: Both watches feature an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, ensuring a bright, vibrant screen that remains visible even when not actively in use.

  • Screen Size & Resolution: Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, both models have identical resolutions (396 x 484 pixels for 45mm, 352 x 430 pixels for 41mm), providing sharp and clear visuals.

  • Edge-to-Edge Display: Each watch offers an edge-to-edge screen design, maximizing viewing area and enhancing the modern aesthetic.

  • Water Resistance: Both models have a WR50 rating, making them water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing users to wear them while swimming or during water-based activities.

  • Dust Resistance: Certified with an IP6X rating, both watches are highly resistant to dust, making them suitable for outdoor environments and rugged use.

  • Health Sensors: Each model includes a Blood Oxygen (SpO2) sensor, ECG app, and heart rate monitoring, enabling users to track vital health metrics with high accuracy.

  • Heart Rate Alerts: Both watches provide high and low heart rate notifications, ensuring users receive alerts if their heart rate reaches abnormal levels.

  • Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications: Each model detects irregular heart rhythms and notifies users, helping them stay informed about potential heart health concerns.

  • Fall Detection: Both watches feature fall detection, which automatically alerts emergency contacts if the user experiences a hard fall and remains unresponsive.

  • Emergency SOS: Each watch allows users to quickly call for help in emergencies by pressing and holding the side button.

  • GPS & Cellular Options: Both models are available in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular versions, giving users flexibility in staying connected even without their iPhone nearby.

  • LTE Connectivity: The GPS + Cellular versions of both watches allow users to make calls, send messages, and stream music without needing to be paired with an iPhone.

  • Wi-Fi Support: Each model supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, ensuring stable and fast connectivity.

  • Fast Charging: Both watches support USB-C fast charging, allowing for quicker recharging times compared to older Apple Watch models.

  • Wireless Charging: Each model is compatible with Apple’s magnetic wireless charging puck for a seamless and efficient charging experience.

  • Sleep Tracking: Both watches provide sleep tracking features, allowing users to monitor sleep duration and quality for better rest and recovery.

  • Fitness & Workout Modes: Each model supports a wide range of workout tracking modes, integrating seamlessly with Apple Fitness+ to offer guided exercise sessions.

  • Third-Party App Support: Both watches allow users to download and use third-party apps from the App Store, expanding their functionality beyond Apple’s built-in features.

  • Interchangeable Watch Bands: The bands for both models are interchangeable within their respective sizes (41mm and 45mm), ensuring compatibility with a variety of styles and materials.

  • Siri Voice Assistant: Each watch includes Siri for hands-free assistance, allowing users to set reminders, send messages, and check weather updates via voice commands.

  • Compass & Altimeter: Each watch includes a built-in compass and an always-on altimeter, making them useful for navigation, hiking, and outdoor adventures.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Series 7
Display TechnologyAlways-On Retina LTPO OLEDAlways-On Retina LTPO OLED
Edge-to-Edge DisplayYesYes
Aluminum & Stainless Steel ModelsYesYes
Water ResistanceWR50WR50
Swim-ProofYesYes
Dust ResistanceIP6X certifiedIP6X certified
Blood Oxygen SensorYesYes
ECG AppYesYes
Heart Rate MonitoringOptical & Electrical Heart SensorsOptical & Electrical Heart Sensors
Fall DetectionYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
High & Low Heart Rate AlertsYesYes
Irregular Heart Rhythm NotificationYesYes
GPS & Cellular OptionsYesYes
LTE ConnectivityAvailableAvailable
Fast Charging SupportYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Fitness & Workout ModesYesYes
Third-Party App SupportYesYes
Price Check Watch 9 Price Check Watch 7 Price

FAQ

Is the display size the same on the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9?
Yes, both watches are available in 41mm and 45mm sizes with identical screen resolutions. They also feature an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display with an edge-to-edge design, ensuring a modern look with excellent visibility. The main difference is that the Series 9 has a brighter display, which improves readability in sunlight.

Do both watches support fast charging?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9 support fast charging using a USB-C magnetic charging cable. This allows for quicker charging times, making it convenient for users who need to power up their watch quickly.

Can I use the same watch bands for both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9?
Yes, the watch bands for the 41mm and 45mm models of both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9 are interchangeable. This means that if you already own a collection of bands from the Series 7, they will fit the Series 9 without any issues.

Is the battery life better on the Apple Watch Series 9 compared to the Series 7?
Both watches offer up to 18 hours of battery life in normal use, but the Apple Watch Series 9 has better power efficiency, extending its battery life up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. This makes the Series 9 a more reliable choice for users who need extended usage without frequent charging.

Do both watches support blood oxygen monitoring and ECG?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9 include a blood oxygen sensor and an ECG app. These features help users monitor their heart health by detecting irregular heart rhythms and providing insights into blood oxygen levels.

Is the Double Tap Gesture available on both models?
No, the Double Tap Gesture is exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9. This feature allows users to control the watch by tapping their index finger and thumb together, enabling hands-free interaction for common tasks like answering calls, controlling music, and scrolling through widgets.

Do both watches support on-device Siri?
No, only the Apple Watch Series 9 supports on-device Siri. This means that Siri commands on the Series 9 can be processed directly on the watch without requiring an internet connection, making it faster and more responsive. The Series 7 still requires an internet connection for Siri functionality.

Are both watches water-resistant?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9 have a WR50 water resistance rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in water up to 50 meters. This makes them suitable for swimming and water-based activities, but they are not designed for deep-sea diving or high-pressure water exposure.

Does the Apple Watch Series 9 have better location tracking than the Series 7?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 is equipped with the U2 ultra-wideband chip, which improves precision in location tracking, especially for features like Find My. The Apple Watch Series 7 has the older U1 chip, which offers less accurate location tracking.

Do both models support emergency SOS and fall detection?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9 support Emergency SOS and Fall Detection. These features can automatically alert emergency services and selected contacts if the watch detects a hard fall or if the user presses and holds the side button in an emergency.

Is the Apple Watch Series 9 made from more environmentally friendly materials?
Yes, the aluminum versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 are carbon-neutral, meaning they are produced with reduced carbon emissions and use recycled materials. The Series 7 does not have this certification.

Do both watches support watchOS updates?
Yes, both models are compatible with the latest watchOS updates. However, since the Apple Watch Series 9 has a newer chipset, it is likely to receive software support for a longer period than the Series 7.

Is the Apple Watch Series 9 worth upgrading from the Series 7?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is worth upgrading if you want a faster processor, a significantly brighter display, better location tracking, on-device Siri, the new Double Tap Gesture, and improved battery efficiency. However, if your Series 7 is still in good condition and you don’t need these features, you may not find the upgrade necessary.

Which model is better for long-term use?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the better choice for long-term use due to its improved chipset, longer expected software support, and enhanced features like the U2 chip, on-device Siri, and better battery efficiency. While the Series 7 is still a capable smartwatch, it may reach its end-of-life support sooner than the Series 9.

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