OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Apple Watch Series 9 Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Screen size:?Battery life:0.88 daysDisplay type:OLED

Apple Watch Series 9 Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 20 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.2

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

Technical score

30%

8.5

Review score ( 8 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.5 · based on 20 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 30 more reviews are not scored yet.
★Better than 91% of smartwatches
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components

24%

7.6

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

4.3

Battery

14%

10

Smart features

12%

9.0

Connectivity

9%

8.6

Display & Design

4%

7.5

Hardware

▲Better than 88% of smartwatches
8.5

Review score

Review score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Grades by review (20)
8 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 3

3.5%

8.5

The Quantified Scientist

3.5%

8.0

DesFit

3.5%

8.0

Chase the Summit

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 90% of smartwatches
  • apple-watch-series-9
apple-watch-series-9

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Apple Watch Series 9

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components:

24%

7.6

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

4.3

Battery

14%

10

Smart features

12%

9.0

Connectivity

9%

8.6

Display & Design

4%

7.5

Hardware

8.1
Review score
Review score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Grades by review (20)
8 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 3

3.5%

8.5

The Quantified Scientist

3.5%

8.0

DesFit

3.5%

8.0

Chase the Summit

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Popularity:
Apple Watch Series 9 has a popularity of 8.2 points, which is higher than 72.6% of smartwatches.
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components:

60%

8.2

Overall score

40%

8.9

Price

8.4
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
▲ Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
yes
ECG
yes
▲ Better than 84% of models
This smartwatch supports ECG. 83.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
▲ Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
▲ Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
0.88 days
Battery life
0.88 days
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 0.88 days which is shorter than that of 96.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.7% of smartwatches.
Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
Battery life in training mode
7.5 h
Battery life in training mode
7.5 h
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 7.5 h in training mode which is shorter than 77.5% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
7 h
Battery life with GPS on
7 h
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 7 h with GPS on which is shorter than 81.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 4.7% of smartwatches.
Battery power
282 mAh
Battery power
282 mAh
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 282 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 59% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.3% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
75 min
Charge time
75 min
▲ Better than 76% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 75 min which is faster than 76.2% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 3.3% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
watchOS
Operating system
watchOS
★ Better than 96% of models
This smartwatch runs watchOS which is more advanced than the operating system in 95.7% of smartwatches and the same as that in 4.3% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
regular
Software update frequency
regular
★ Better than 94% of models
This smartwatch has regular software update support which is more active than that of 94% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6% of smartwatches.
Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
▲ Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
▲ Better than 82% of models
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
Cellular support may depend on LTE/GPS+Cellular variant selection.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
▲ Better than 2% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
▲ Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
▲ Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
Resolution
?
Pixel density
326 ppi
Pixel density
326 ppi
▲ Better than 46% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi which is higher than that of 46.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.1% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
2000 nits
Display brightness
2000 nits
▲ Better than 89% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 2000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 88.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 5.9% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
1 GHz
CPU speed
1 GHz
▼ Worse than 40% of models
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 1 GHz which is faster than that in 29.2% of smartwatches and equal to that in 31.2% of smartwatches.
Processor model
Apple S9
Processor model
Apple S9
★ Better than 97% of models
This smartwatch uses the Apple S9 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
RAM
1 GB
▲ Better than 31% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM which is larger than the RAM in 31.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 45.8% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
64 GB
Internal storage
64 GB
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 64 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 98.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.7% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Apple Watch Series 9 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
    Cellular support may depend on LTE/GPS+Cellular variant selection.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • 12.1% better value for money
    Apple Watch Series 9 has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.43 vs 7.5).
    8.43 vs 7.52
  • ECG support
    ECG
    yes
    ▲ Better than 84% of models
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
    Temperature readings may be skin/ambient trends, not core-body medical values.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
  • 45 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    75 min
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (75 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    75 min vs 120 min
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
    Cellular support may depend on LTE/GPS+Cellular variant selection.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
    Supports offline maps.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.3
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (5.3 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • UWB chip
    UWB chip
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch includes a UWB chip, while the average smartwatch does not. 2.3% of smartwatches include UWB.
    Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.
  • 1,400 nits higher display brightness
    Display brightness
    2000 nits
    ▲ Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (2000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    2,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • Rugged construction
    Rugged design
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 13.1 g lighter weight
    Weight
    31.9 g
    ▲ Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (31.9 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    31.9 g vs 45.0 g
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Ion-X
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch uses Ion-X display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Ion-X vs mineral glass
  • Better case material
    Case material
    aluminum, stainless steel
    ▲ Better than 83% of models
    This smartwatch uses aluminum, stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aluminum, stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 0.9 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    10.70 mm
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10.7 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    10.70 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 7 mm narrower watch width
    Width
    35.0 mm
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is narrower than the average smartwatch (35 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    35.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 4 mm shorter watch height
    Height
    41.0 mm
    ▲ Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <39.5 mm – >51 mm
    This smartwatch is shorter than the average smartwatch (41 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    41.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    regular
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This smartwatch receives regular software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are released regularly throughout the year.
    regular vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 60 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    64 GB
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers more internal storage than the average smartwatch (64 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    64 GB vs 4 GB
  • More advanced processor model
    Processor model
    Apple S9
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S9 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S9 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • 2 year/s newer release date
    Release date
    2023
    ▲ Better than 70% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2023 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2023
    2023 vs 2021
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 6.12 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.88 days
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.9 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    0.88 days vs 7 days
  • 13 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    7 h
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (7 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    7 h vs 20 h
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP6X
    ▼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP6X vs IP68).
    Also reported with 50M water-resistance rating.
    IP6X vs IP68
  • 11.75 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    7.5 h
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (7.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    7.5 h vs 19.25 h
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • 2.38x more expensive
    Apple Watch Series 9 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£310 vs £130).
    £310 vs £130
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 m
    ▼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 6.12 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.88 days
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.9 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    0.88 days vs 7 days
  • 13 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    7 h
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (7 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    7 h vs 20 h
  • 11.75 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    7.5 h
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (7.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    7.5 h vs 19.25 h
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IP6X
    ▼ Worse than 90% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IP6X vs IP68).
    Also reported with 50M water-resistance rating.
    IP6X vs IP68
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    ▼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    35.0 °C
    ▼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.5
The Quantified Scientist
✓ explicit
30/09/2023
Lab test · heart rate, sleep, GPS and blood oxygen
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 9 is among the most accurate health trackers tested, but its weak Health app and minimal change from Series 8 hold it back.
8.0
DesFit
≈ estimated
24/09/2023
In-depth review · sports, GPS, heart rate and Ultra 2 comparison
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 9 is good for most users, but hard to recommend as an upgrade from recent models.
8.0
Chase the Summit
≈ estimated
21/09/2023
Hands-on review · one week of use, upgrade comparison
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 9 is a strong watch and a great iPhone companion, but not a major upgrade over Series 8.
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 10 · 13

The bright display and polished software win praise, but battery life disappoints many and there's little reason to upgrade.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theverge.com
20/09/2023
Not graded yet
cnet.com
20/09/2023
Not graded yet
uk.pcmag.com
20/09/2023
Not graded yet
dcrainmaker.com
20/09/2023
Not graded yet
expertreviews.co.uk
19/10/2023
Not graded yet
cnet.com
28/12/2023
Not graded yet
techradar.com
12/09/2023
Not graded yet
t3.com
05/10/2023
Not graded yet
trustedreviews.com
27/10/2023
Not graded yet
macworld.com
27/10/2023
Not graded yet
digitec.ch
07/12/2023
Not graded yet
9.0
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
04/06/2025
Hands-on test · Health and fitness
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 9 suits people who train and want smart features on the wrist, with Double Tap and Apple Pay, but its battery barely lasts a day.
9.5
imtest.de
≈ estimated
27/11/2024
Hands-on test · Series 8 comparison
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 9 feels much like the Series 8 day to day, since its faster chip and brighter screen make little visible difference.
notebookcheck.com
08/12/2023
Not graded yet
8.0
velomotion.de
✓ explicit
16/10/2024
Sports review · Everyday smartwatch
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a bright, sharp everyday smartwatch that suits iPhone owners who train, but its battery runs out fast and it won't work with Android.
nextpit.de
04/02/2024
Not graded yet
heise.de
13/01/2024
Not graded yet
frandroid.com
02/10/2023
Not graded yet
lesnumeriques.com
20/10/2023
Not graded yet
capital.fr
22/11/2023
Not graded yet
digitec.ch
07/12/2023
Not graded yet
presse-citron.net
19/12/2023
Not graded yet
9.0
runnea.fr
≈ estimated
06/06/2024
Hands-on test · Running and health
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 9 suits iPhone owners who train, with a bright screen and precise GPS, but its battery life lets it down.
8.0
numerama.com
✓ explicit
10/09/2024
Hands-on test · Double Tap control
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a solid pick for iPhone owners, with a useful one-hand double-tap gesture, but its battery lasts about a day and a half.
notebookcheck.biz
09/12/2023
Not graded yet
andreagaleazzi.com
07/10/2023
Not graded yet
8.0
runnea.it
✓ explicit
06/06/2024
Hands-on test · Running and health
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 9 suits iPhone owners who train, with a bright screen and accurate GPS, but battery life is its main weakness.
global.techradar.com
03/10/2023
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Apple Watch Series 9

  • S9 chip provides a noticeably snappier and smoother user experience
  • Display is significantly brighter, reaching up to 2,000 nits for better outdoor visibility
  • New Double Tap gesture allows for convenient one-handed operation of key functions
  • On-device Siri processing makes simple voice commands faster and more reliable
  • Excellent and highly accurate heart rate and GPS tracking for fitness activities
  • Carbon-neutral build options appeal to environmentally conscious buyers

What we don't like about Apple Watch Series 9

  • Battery life is still limited to roughly 18–36 hours, necessitating daily charging for most
  • No compatibility with Android smartphones, strictly limiting the user base
  • Design is virtually unchanged from several previous generations
  • Blood oxygen sensing feature is currently unavailable on new units sold in the US due to a patent dispute
  • Incremental improvements make it a poor value for those upgrading from a Series 7 or Series 8
  • Native health and sleep data can feel like 'raw data' and lacks the proactive analysis found in competitors like Garmin

Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a premium smartwatch powered by the S9 SiP, featuring a 4-core Neural Engine and an upgraded Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display that reaches 2,000 nits peak brightness. Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, it introduces the 'double tap' gesture for one-handed control and supports on-device Siri processing with 64GB of internal storage. Main pros include its exceptionally bright outdoor display, improved system performance, carbon-neutral build options, and advanced health sensors for ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. However, it is hindered by a familiar 18-hour battery life that typically requires daily charging, a design that has remained unchanged for several generations, and a lack of compatibility with Android devices.

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