Apple Watch S7 vs S9: What do you get when upgrading?

Apple Watch S7 launched in 2021, and Apple Watch S9 launched in 2023. If comparing the design, it is certain that users never want to upgrade because the designs of these two Apple Watch models are no different. However, the internal hardware upgrades may make you think again, the comparison below will help you decide whether to upgrade S7 vs S9 or not.

Compare the screen and case of S7 and S9

Screen specifications, size	Apple Watch S9	Apple Watch S7
Shell size	45/41mm	45/41mm
Screen size	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)
Brightness	2,000 nits	1,000 nits
The screen is always on	Have	Have
Sapphire glass	Yes for steel versions, no for aluminum versions	Yes for steel versions, no for aluminum versions

At a glance, we can tell that the design between Apple Watch S7 and S9 is identical. Apple Watch Series 9 retains the same screen size since the launch of Apple Watch S7.

The face size of the S9 is 45mm and 41mm respectively, this screen size is 20% larger than the Apple Watch S4 to S6 series (40/44mm) and 50% larger than the Apple Watch S3 series screen size ( 38/42mm) or less. With the hardware upgrade, the Apple Watch S9 has doubled the brightness from 1,000 nits to 2,000 nits. At the same time, movement on the Apple Watch S9 is also smoother thanks to the new GPU upgrade.

Configuration upgrade

In 2022, Apple used the S8 64-bit dual-core processor on the Apple Watch Series 8, this upgrade is not much different from the S7 version in 2021 or even the S6.

But with the S9, Apple has brought the SiP S9 chip, which is a chip manufactured on the advanced 5nm process. SiP S9 brings outstanding improvements compared to the S8 chip on Apple Watch S8, including:

Improved performance:

1. 20% faster CPU: Helps handle tasks faster and smoother.
2. 30% faster GPU: Delivers a more impressive graphics experience.
3. 2nd generation Neural Engine: Enhanced machine learning capabilities for features like health monitoring, fall detection, and voice commands.

Increase usage and charging time:

1. Longer battery life of more than 18 hours: Helps you use Apple Watch all day long without needing to charge.
2. Supports fast charging: Helps fully charge the battery in just 2 hours.

Specifications	Apple Watch Series 9	Apple Watch Series 7
SiP/processor	S9 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S7 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor
Ultra-wideband chip	Generation 2	Generation 1
Bluetooth	5.3	5.0
Memory	64GB	32GB

64GB capacity is a big jump compared to 32GB capacity on Apple Watchs S7. Along with that is the ultra-wideband gen 2 chip with S9. New ultra-wideband chip provides more accurate searching for iPhone.

Some other special features

The upgrade on Apple Watch Series 9 is that Siri handling on the device has now been improved for faster response and better security. The S9 and Ultra 2 also feature a notable new gesture, a double-tap between index finger and thumb for easy one-handed use of the device (available on watchOS 10.1).

However, you can also use this feature if you have an Apple Watch Series 3 or later. Just go into Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Touch and select the change to enable features in the Hand Gestures menu.

Another improvement that Apple says is that thanks to the new S9 chip, dictation can be up to 25% more accurate.

Strap compatibility

Bands, bracelets, and bracelets designed for previous-generation Apple Watch sizes 38/40/41 and 42/44/45mm work with Apple Watch Series 9.

Battery life and charging

First introduced with the Apple Watch 7 and continuing with the Apple Watch Series 8 and then Series 9, all three models feature 33% faster charging technology than Series 6 and earlier. That means you can charge your Apple Watch from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes instead of the 60 minutes or so before.

Specifications	Apple Watch Series 9	Apple Watch Series 7
When in normal mode	18 hours	18 hours
When in low power mode	36 hours	36 hours
Charging	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes

Another benefit with the Series 9 (and 8) for sleep tracking is that you get 8 hours of use from an 8-minute charge (so do the Ultra and Ultra 2).

Detailed comparison table of features of Apple Watch S9 and S7

Apple Watch model/features	Apple Watch S9	Apple Watch S7
ECG application (heart rate measurement)	✔	✔
Blood Oxygen Application	✔	✔
High/low heart rate notification	✔	✔
New Compass app w/ waypoints + backtracks	✔	✔
IP6X dustproof	✔	✔
Water resistant up to 50m	✔	✔
Sleep tracking	✔	✔
Problem detected	✔	❌
Fall detection	✔	✔
Advanced cycle monitoring with temperature sensor	✔	❌
Monitor cycles without the need for a temperature sensor	✔	✔
Emergency SOS	✔	✔
International emergency calls	✔	✔
Siri on the device	✔	❌
Double tap to open the feature	✔	❌
Siri+Health	✔	❌
Exact search for iPhone	✔	❌

The Apple Watch Series 9 doesn't include many changes, but there are some upgrades like on-device Siri, a brighter screen, smooth double-tap gesture control to open features, combined with a 64GB capacity upgrade. The improved storage and S9 SiP may be attractive to some users, especially those using lower-end Apple Watch models like the S4 and S5. Based on the comparison information between the two versions above, you will know which Apple Watch version to choose.