Apple Watch Series 9 vs. SE 2: Top 12 Reasons to Consider an Upgrade

Series 9 is great, but it’s $150 more to get features you don’t need.
SE 2: amzn.to/3jgU9cd
Series 9: amzn.to/3So1Gnl
Blog Post: powermoves.xyz/health/s9-vs-se/
Favorite Apple Watch Features: • Is Apple Watch worth i...
Watch Bands Comparison: • Best Authentic Apple W...
Summary:
In this video, I dive deep into the comparison between the Apple Watch SE 2 and the Series 9. Despite the anticipated upgrades of the Series 9, including the new double-tap feature and a faster chip, my comprehensive testing over several months reveals that the SE 2 still reigns supreme for most users. Its affordability and essential feature set make it a more practical choice.
I discuss both minor and major differences between the two models, examining features such as the Always-On screen, screen size, processing chip, battery life, and build materials. While the Series 9 boasts several incremental improvements, like the advanced U1 chip for iPhone finding and a brighter screen, these aren’t substantial enough to justify the extra cost for most users.
However, the Series 9 could be appealing if you value its collection of minor upgrades, or if you're seeking premium materials, in which case, the stainless steel models or the Apple Watch Ultra might be more fitting.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:07 1 - Eight Minor Features
2:34 2 - Always-On Display
3:47 3 - Screen Size
4:44 4 - Processing Chip
6:13 5 - Battery
7:30 6 - Premium Materials
8:43 Which is best for you?
Disclosure: I'm a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you purchase something via my links, it helps out my channel and lets me continue to make videos for you.

[@Watermeloncat682]

I love how bro basically gives you the answer in the intro, then breaks down why he chooses that answer and many other details

[@seanmichael7157]

Fantastic breakdown. It can be difficult to find reviews with genuine opinions and spot on real world assessments. You nailed this. Much appreciated. You've gained a new sub

[@power_moves]

"genuine opinions and spot on real world assessments" is literally the point of all the videos I make. I'm glad it hit home for you. I appreciate the kind words!

[@dj.1094]

I had a hard time deciding which one i was going to upgrade to from my series 3. After seeing your comparison i think the SE 2 is the one I will go with over the series 9

[@mayelinrubio7294]

Thank you so much for this video you are definitely the guy to ask any questions!!!! Thank you ❤

[@kajatelus4538]

I’ve watched many videos but none of them was as helpful as yours! thank u ☺️

[@mayher559]

Great review! Very helpful!

[@athalsteinn3745]

Excellent video, very useful information.

[@imjhun]

love how your videos are straight to the point and offers real life examples, thank you

[@eliteridah]

Made my decision easy brotha. SE2 it is. Thanks!

[@nyseldias]

What size you went with?

[@eliteridah]

@@nyseldias 40mm as I have a 6.75” wrist it sits better than the larger one 👍🏼

[@nyseldias]

@@eliteridah helpful thanks. I was considering the same one myself I’ve got 6.5 inch wrists, Do you have any issues regarding the battery or it is good? As is with low power mode most of the features like AOD and others which are exclusive for 8 and 9 are disabled so I feel se2 is a better value option. And do you have any problems with the display size?

[@eliteridah]

@@nyseldias battery life is great for me, although I disabled pretty much all notifications and I keep my watch face super simple as I primarily use this as a fitness tracking tool, so that’s helped extend the battery life each day. Screen size is perfect for my needs. Keep in mind I’m coming from a series one Apple Watch, so this SE2 is a massive upgrade all around. Since I’ve got mine I’ve never once wished I spent more on an 8 or 9. SE2 is perfect for my needs 👍🏼

[@nyseldias]

@@eliteridah ahh should be okay for me too then. Se2 where I live is around £220 and series 9 is £320 so I was a bit confused. I don’t currently own a smartwatch it’s my first Apple Watch. I have an iphone 15 pro got last year too

[@ruey5076]

Great and helpful review

[@hydrabenjamin8960]

Great video! Thanks for the breakdown

[@andreigheorghe4027]

great review!

[@toastymcgee9788]

Fantastic comparison dude. You answered every single question I had. I’ll be grabbing the SE. Maybe Series 10 will be more intetesting.

[@power_moves]

Thank you!

[@AmbitiousAbe]

Best breakdown video I've seen on this topic. Thanks a ton!

[@power_moves]

Thanks, Abe!

[@ThomasJones02]

Thanks for a super clear comparison!

[@Delayah]

Wow I been debating on what watch to get for exercise and my job at the hospital going buy the SE2 💕! Amazing review

[@power_moves]

Awesome!

[@brasil33]

Excellent, accurate and well researched report. Thanks so much! Dermot. UK

[@sailingjazzy8272]

Excellent Comparison

[@miniworkaholic]

Thank you for this.

[@Frostfear]

i want to get the upcoming X but i also need something now , should i get SE2 or an android watch for 6 months

[@ottovonweaboo6355]

i chose the SE 2nd gen 44m gps + cellular, comes monday 10th and i cant wait!

[@lewisgordon2259]

Such a great video. Infinitely better and more informative that those channels with 400K subscribers. Very good stuff and you've earned a sub from me

[@jacobhunnicutt8474]

This guy gives excellent tech reviews. If I’m researching and I see his it’s the first I click. Very practical and gets to the point.

[@power_moves]

I appreciate you!

[@O2fstball14]

Nice job with this video.

[@user-zf6sv8bo5z]

Decision made SE2 Thank you brother. God bless

[@brendancoetzer3583]

Great review man wow keep it up👍😁

[@loganhcox254]

Still rocking a series 3 that has 30-40% battery when I take it off at night. Great, informative video. Thanks!

[@cjcairns8628]

I have had the series 3 for just over 4 years and still has 96% battery health.

[@stephenzzz]

Thanks Cam

[@power_moves]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikethetravelguy]

I didn't hear you talk about the emergency calling and rapid decelleration features. I'm a very active 70 and live alone so want to know if my watch needs cellular or just my link to my phone whcih has cellular

[@estherokeefe1268]

Excellent review, thanks for putting it together. I appreciate your level-headedness and evaluation of actual usage instead of just repeating Apple's marketing copy. You may have just saved me $200! 😅

[@power_moves]

I appreciate the kind words. Happy I could help!

[@XPrincess30]

Honestly I was thinking of the S9 just because I like the pink colour more and the screen is nicer (less of a border on it), plus it has temperature and ECG

[@yaseenos]

I appreciate the authentic review

[@power_moves]

Thanks for watching!

[@visionar7303]

I’ve been watching so many videos for a good review and couldn’t find any and then I saw this video and it’s the best review on this topic I’ve seen. I swear until I was half way into the video, I just though you were another KZbinr with like 1 million subscribers, and then I noticed that you have very less. Thanks for the review man! Also quick question, my iPhone doesn’t have a sim and due to some stupid country restrictions, I’m not able to get one. This means I don’t have a phone number, will that have a big affect on my usability of the Apple Watch? I heard that you can connect to Wi-Fi, so does that mean I can take WhatsApp calls?

[@power_moves]

Thank you - I appreciate the kind words! As far as not having a number on your phone, I don't think it'll be a big deal. Your watch can operate independently via WiFi or be tethered to your phone via Bluetooth, which will basically mirror your phone's functionality.

[@micdy7104]

Thanks you just save me lot of money

[@amxum]

Top notch, professional review.💯

[@power_moves]

Thanks!

[@dmojibasar]

That was a fantastic review. Thanks a lot brother. This video is better than most who overdoes everytime.

[@power_moves]

Thanks, man!

[@YuvPazozy]

Great video thanks! I really think i want the SE but not having the always on display bothers me. as someone who runs and does crossfit, and plans to use it daily do you think it's a big hustle? Is the turn your hand to view on SE works well and don't interrupt in daily use?

[@power_moves]

You'll be moving your arms enough while running that the screen usually on anyways. Just checking your wrist in a natural way, is almost always enough for the screen to turn on, if it's off. I run all the time with the Always-On disabled.

[@YuvPazozy]

@@power_moves Amazing, thank you very much for the answer!!

[@Martin_Edmondson]

I think if you are buying your first watch then you can't go wrong with the SE. A lot of watch for the money. That being said, it is totally worth it for the always on display, faster charging, and larger screen imho. There are a lot of nice-to-haves, which if you think of the cost over say 2-3 years aren't a huge deal if you have the cash. Being able to check the time without having to raise my arm is much more useful than I first thought, I don't think I can go back..

[@power_moves]

Totally agree with the SE being perfect for first time wearers!

[@babaganoosh1041]

Great video. I’m going to get and se from over priced Xfinity. When do they come out with new watches?

[@power_moves]

New watches are released every September. The SE 2 hasn't been updated since 2022, but my guess is that the SE 3 doesn't come out until 2025.

[@alyssaaakate]

Great video, my old SE just died I couldn’t decide what to get, I think I’ll stick with the SE!

[@power_moves]

Did you have the SE1? If so, the SE2 is a decent upgrade from that too.

[@alyssaaakate]

yes I had the SE1 before! @@power_moves

[@hipsterlookslikehobo2416]

U save me bucks! Cheers!

[@Heylaena]

You made it easier for me to make a choice. I have ADHD and the part where you said the always on on the series 9 was distracting, was a point of realization that it’s maybe better to let the watch turn off. I mostly will use the watch to reduce screen time and have an easy way to see the time and watch my notifications. SE2 it ia, thank you!

[@power_moves]

Thanks for watching, happy I could help!

[@camillevote7901]

You mentioned that the series 9 has scratch resistant Is it enough to make a big difference? I am hard on my Apple Watchs

[@Heylaena]

@@camillevote7901 I don't have an apple watch yet, I'm saving up for it, but I recommend you buy a shell case for it!

[@power_moves]

@@camillevote7901 I don't think so for the base model. It's a much bigger difference if you go with one of the stainless steel version.

[@camillevote7901]

@@power_moves I think I’m gonna go with the SE and maybe just get a glass protector Great Video!

[@yumirul4238]

Best review ever new subscrbier here good video man

[@power_moves]

Thank you!

[@huss1205]

Thanks for the review. I need to buy the watch as a gift for a favor someone has done me, and I wasn't sure about 9 or SE2, it will be his first ever smartwatch so I don't think it would make lots of difference for him, and I will save myself some cash. Excellent review...

[@power_moves]

The SE is the perfect watch for first timers

[@huss1205]

​@@power_moves bought him a black SE gen2 44mm, and a nice elegant steel band from Amazon...

[@RealTalk309]

I want to get an Apple Watch but I don’t know if I should wait till September when they release the new model. I need help lol

[@power_moves]

If you're content with the SE, there's no need to wait. If you were leaning towards the S9, I'd wait.

[@123tremolo]

I love this type of videos where you get the recommendation at the start of the video. Rather than clowns who make you watch the whole video and finally say both are good

[@power_moves]

That's what I was shooting for - thanks for watching!

[@madzzzporsche]

just bought an SE its amazing for workouts. one of the reasons that i bought it is to use it for workouts. i prefer to wear a real watch over the day.

[@power_moves]

Makes sense!

[@tasikmalayahey]

Hi Cam! Can you use SE 2 to swim?

[@power_moves]

Yes!

[@omnivers-ce6hi]

You really look like a character from Demon Slayer, nice video !

[@vivaldi1948]

You convinced me, SE2 is in my future.

[@power_moves]

Get it!

[@hawru2883]

Subbed

[@jacobbio]

I know the Apple Watch 10 comes out soon but I decided to buy the Apple Watch series 9 now, gave my mom my series 3 which she needed. I just hope I made the right decision instead of waiting for the 10/X

[@power_moves]

Maybe they have something special for the 10th anniversary, but there's been barely any improvements for the last 4 years, so I wouldn't be too worried.

[@DiljitSingh-zp5tv]

Which colour is this in serie 9?

[@power_moves]

Silver aluminum.

[@patelnalin2290]

which one is better to buy if somebody have low budget?

[@power_moves]

SE

[@denniss1211]

As a leading reviewer ... you REALLY need to talk to several older (like me at 80) who need the SE... WHY? Because we don't really need the workout support... we need a fall detection and call for help with cell in case the phone is not close by. That call on a fall could be a real life saver. I really doubt you thought of that! I think you could do a full program on older users!

[@power_moves]

That's a great point! And I'm sure there's a market for targeting exactly that type of content, but I'm probably not the right person to make it.

[@itsChanandler]

Bro you look like a Demon Slayer character like whoaa. By the way, tha k you for lettme decide!!!!!!

[@user-dk6qo1mn5d]

My SE 2 takes only about 50mins-1hour to fully charge

[@power_moves]

From 0%?

[@eralpus]

🎉

[@XPrincess30]

I guess the temperature tracking is more targeted towards women ..

[@abovewater99]

S9 Watch helps her know when she is “hot” lol 😂

[@fransicosibrian6292]

Nah my series 3 takes 9 minutes to fully charge

[@JesseJamesRochaNJ]

Bro

[@ljsh23]

Perfect review, covered everything and kept it simple with no waffling on about shit we don’t need to know. Will keep and eye out for more of your reviews 👍🏻

[@power_moves]

I love hearing that. Thanks!

[@ljsh23]

@@power_moves quick question tho, I’m actually stumped on which 1 to get, currently on series 4 so looking to upgrade but not sure on which 1?

[@power_moves]

@@ljsh23 What's wrong with your Series 4? I don't think you'll see a ton of a difference compared to the SE.

[@ljsh23]

@@power_moves battery not lasting the full day and I also opted for the 40mm when it came out but I’ve realised I should get the bigger size. What do you reckon? For for the SE or spend abit more for the series 9?

[@power_moves]

@@ljsh23 I guess it'd depend on what your feelings about Always-On are.

[@sADYc]

Game changing "double tap feature"?

[@power_moves]

They got me!

[@sADYc]

@@power_moves No, “they” did not. Apple is running brilliantly on inertia, I’m envious! 😀

[@itsanto597]

very nice video well done and talked you gained a subscriber

[@power_moves]

Welcome aboard!