Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch Series 9: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Every new generation promises progress. Here the Apple Watch Series 9 takes over from the Apple Watch Series 8, and the spec sheets show exactly where that progress is real. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Display Apple Watch Series 9 wins
- Health & Fitness Sensors Tie
- Battery Life Tie
- Smart Features & Connectivity Apple Watch Series 9 wins
- Price Tie
- Display5.0
- Health & Fitness Sensors7.1
- Battery Life0.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity8.2
- Display7.5
- Health & Fitness Sensors7.1
- Battery Life0.3
- Smart Features & Connectivity10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Apple Watch Series 9 has 100% higher peak brightness
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 2,000 nits for the Apple Watch Series 9 versus 1,000 nits for the Apple Watch Series 8. Indoors, both may be bright enough; the difference shows up in direct sunlight.
-
The Apple Watch Series 9 has 32 GB more storage
The Apple Watch Series 8 lists 32 GB; the Apple Watch Series 9 comes in at 64 GB. That’s not a rounding error. For notifications and fitness tracking alone, storage rarely matters.
Design & Size
- Apple Watch Series 8 45 mm × 0.42 in
- Apple Watch Series 9 45 mm × 0.42 in
If you already know the size you like, the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 9 should suit you equally. The scale doesn’t pick a winner between these two.
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 45 mm | 45 mm |
| Available sizes | 41 mm, 45 mm | 41 mm, 45 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum, stainless steel | Aluminum, stainless steel |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | 0.42 in |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.37 oz | 1.37 oz |
Display
Apple Watch Series 9 leads
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the clear pick if display is what you care about most. Choose the Apple Watch Series 9 and you get 100% higher peak brightness. The Apple Watch Series 9’s higher peak brightness is a real help for outdoor workouts. For display, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the one to beat.
Peak brightness
Apple Watch Series 8: 1,000 nits Apple Watch Series 9: 2,000 nits A brighter screen stays readable on a sunny run, at the beach or on a ski slope.
Health & Fitness Sensors
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On health & fitness sensors, both deliver about the same. Treat health & fitness sensors as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Battery Life
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on battery life; the numbers are close throughout. In short, battery life is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 9 leads
The Apple Watch Series 9 has the slight upper hand on smart features & connectivity. The Apple Watch Series 9 answers with 32 GB more storage. More storage leaves room for offline music, podcasts and maps on your wrist. If smart features & connectivity is your priority, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the watch to pick.
Storage
Apple Watch Series 8: 32 GB Apple Watch Series 9: 64 GB If you run or train without your phone, the Apple Watch Series 9’s extra storage is useful.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED |
| Resolution (largest) | 396 x 484 | 396 x 484 |
| Peak brightness | 1,000 nits | 2,000 nits (winner) |
| Always-on display | Yes | Yes |
Health & Fitness Sensors
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Optical heart rate | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | Yes |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) | Built-in L1 GPS (GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) |
| Dual-frequency GPS | No | No |
Battery Life
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating, typical use | 18 h | 18 h |
| Rated life in low-power modeManufacturer rating | 36 h | 36 h |
| Charging | USB-C magnetic fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min | Fast charging, 0 to 80% in about 45 min |
Smart Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S8 | S9 |
| Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB (winner) |
| Cellular option | Yes | Yes |
| Contactless payments | Yes | Yes |
| Phone compatibility | iPhone only | iPhone only |
| Software | watchOS | watchOS |
Design & Durability
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Case size (largest) | 45 mm | 45 mm |
| Available sizes | 41 mm, 45 mm | 41 mm, 45 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Case material | Aluminum, stainless steel | Aluminum, stainless steel |
| Thickness | 0.42 in | 0.42 in |
| Weight (largest, no band) | 1.37 oz | 1.37 oz |
Price
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $399 | $399 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The launch prices are identical, so value comes down to which strengths you prefer.
Launch prices (US) as of September 2023. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Apple Watch Series 8 if…
- you’d rather not pay for improvements you won’t use
Choose the Apple Watch Series 9 if…
- you train outdoors in bright sun (2,000 nits vs 1,000 nits peak brightness)
- you want more room for music and maps (64 GB vs 32 GB)
- you find that the improvements in the Apple Watch Series 9 match what you need
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’re already happy with the Apple Watch Series 8.
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 worth it over the Apple Watch Series 8?
It’s one of the more worthwhile generational jumps: the Apple Watch Series 9 offers 100% higher peak brightness and 32 GB more storage compared with the Apple Watch Series 8.
Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch Series 9?
On paper, the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 9 are evenly matched on battery, so expect similar endurance.
Which is larger, the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch Series 9?
Neither by much. The Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch Series 9 have nearly identical dimensions.
Is the Apple Watch Series 8’s display better than the Apple Watch Series 9’s?
The Apple Watch Series 9 has the edge here, offering 100% higher peak brightness.
Which weighs less, the Apple Watch Series 8 or the Apple Watch Series 9?
Their weights are practically identical, so neither has a real advantage.
Executive Summary
I read spec sheets for fun, and successor comparisons like the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Series 8 are where they get interesting. It’s hard to argue with 100% higher peak brightness, which is exactly what the Apple Watch Series 9 brings. Another thing in the Apple Watch Series 9’s favor is 32 GB more storage.
For the things a spec sheet can’t capture, the Apple Watch Series 8 fits better. For display, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the better match.
My pick: the Apple Watch Series 9 for anyone starting from scratch; there’s no rush to retire the Apple Watch Series 8.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.