Apple Watch Series 9 Review: Still The Best Smartwatch
It's getting harder and harder to write meaningful reviews for each new Apple Watch, and the Series 9 doesn't make it easy. This watch is no less good; Every year there are small but useful improvements. The case remains essentially the same watch. I can relate to last year's review or review.
The problem is that the original Apple Watch model is still the best entry-level smartwatch. If you're not using what makes the Apple Watch Ultra great, the best you can do is add more health sensors that only look good on paper. However, since Apple still feels the need to release new watches every year, there are three small (and fun) updates for new watch owners.
Apple Watch Series 9 review
First impressions
After testing several smartwatches recently, I was blown away by how easy it was to set up the Apple Watch Series 9 (starting at $649). I didn't have to dial something stupid to enable fitness features (like the Google Pixel Watch), and I didn't care about my body (like the Samsung Galaxy Watch). I put it next to my phone, updated it, transferred the data from the old watch and it was fine.
At the same time last year. The rose aluminum model is finished in subtle pink. The new Nike strap is soft and comfortable and looks trendy thanks to the recycled plastic marble. Overall, a good first impression.
Apple Watch Series 9 Features
The main takeaways from these specs are that the chip is slightly faster, the screen is much brighter, the phone is much better at finding, and you can pinch to select things (more on that later).
Productivity
In general, the Apple Watch Series 9 works like an Apple Watch. If you're not familiar with Apple watches, it's easy to track workouts, run different apps, get tons of information at a glance (or if you prefer a smaller watch face), activate Siri, and use it as a walkie-talkie. With friends who have an Apple Watch and check notifications without taking out the phone.
Compared to the Apple Watch of previous years, four main features stand out:
Brighter and faster
The Series 9 has been updated with the new S9 SiP, which makes it faster than last year's watch and has a brighter display. Compared to the Ultra, which always has a bright screen, I found that the regular Apple Watch can be a bit dim on sunny days, and the new bright screen helped with that. I had no complaints about the speed of the S8 chip, but it's nice that things are a little more responsive now. 6 or more sets are important.
Find things better
Most people love their Apple Watch and if you ask them, they will tell you about its many unique features. Maybe they're new to exercise or want to learn about UV rays at first glance because they look pale and burn easily (maybe that's me). But one of my favorite and most used watch features is pinging your iPhone if you've lost it and can't find it. On older Apple watches, the phone makes a soft sound to help you find it. With the new Precision Find feature for iPhone, your phone now beeps and tells you which way your watch is looking and how many meters away you are. It's like a high-tech game, hot and cold, and I love it.
Double tap Fingerprints
Of all the physical updates, I was most impressed with the double tap. You can now tap with two fingers (without touching the watch) to respond to notifications or scroll through open apps on the watch. It's great when the alarm goes off and you sleep on your stomach, because then you don't have to twist your other arm to repeat the alarm. I really appreciate not having one hand free when shopping or making phone calls while riding my bike. Unlike the Action button on the new iPhone 15 Pro, it's easy to see how it instantly changes the way you interact with the watch and reduces friction.
WatchOS 10
The best thing about Apple Watch Series 9 is WatchOS 10. This is a major update released for most Apple Watch models (Series 4 and up), and it improves a lot of things. My favorite is the new bike training features, they have definitely improved the way I manage my training. But there's also medication reminders, tracking your mood at key times of the day, measuring how much time you spend in the sun, finding walking routes with a map app (in some areas), and pinging your Apple Watch from your iPhone (in turns. ). tables). small). This is a useful update worth checking out.
Who is the Apple Watch Series 9 for?
Although the gap between Apple and its competitors is narrowing every year, the Apple Watch is still the best smartwatch on the market. Series 9 is the best smartwatch for iPhone users. Hikers, endurance runners, and divers are better off with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (it's a great watch), but for everyone else, the Series 9 is better.
- Why Apple Watch Series 9, the essential companion for a healthy life, is now even more powerful. The S9 chip offers a super bright screen and a magical new way to connect to the Apple Watch quickly and easily without touching the screen. Advanced health, wellness and activity features provide valuable information and support when you need it. WatchOS' redesigned apps give you more information at a glance.
- CO2 Neutral: For CO2 neutral, pair the aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 with a Starlight, Midnight, Winter Blue, or Light Pink sports band. Learn more about Apple's commitment to the environment at apple.com/2030.
- Advanced health features: Blood oxygen monitoring. Get an EKG anytime. Get alerts if you have an irregular heartbeat. Depending on your sleep stage, see how much time you spent in REM sleep, deep sleep, or deep sleep. Thermal detection provides general safety and cycle monitoring information. And control your state of mind to develop emotional awareness and resilience.
Current Apple Watch owners should upgrade to the S Series 5 or 6, but I'd wait a little longer for something newer and a more substantial upgrade. Anyone with a Series 3 or older watch should consider upgrading now, as those watches are not compatible with WatchOS 10.
But simply put, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a great smartwatch, and if you have an iPhone and don't have the latest version of the watch, you should buy it.
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