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Are you trying to decide between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch Series 9? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade from your Series 6 Apple Watch, this guide will help you understand the key differences and improvements between the two models. Let’s dive into the specs and see which model comes out on top!

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In this blog:

• Design and display
• Performance
• Features
• Battery life
• The verdict

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Design and display

When comparing the Apple Watch Series 6 vs 9, the design and display reveal some key differences. The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm, offering a slight size increase when compared to the Series 6’s 40mm and 44mm options.

The Series 9 Apple Watch features an Always-On Retina OLED display with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, making it exceptionally vibrant and readable in all lighting conditions. You can choose between Ion-X glass on an aluminium case or sapphire crystal on a stainless steel case.

As for the Series 6 Apple Watch, it features the same Always-On Retina OLED display, however it maxes out at 1,000 nits brightness. The Series 6 also offers Ion-X glass on aluminium cases and sapphire crystal on stainless steel cases, with an additional titanium case option that the Apple Watch Series 9 lacks.

Both models share the same IP6X dust and water resistance rating, which means both models can be submerged in up to 50 meters of water.

Performance

In terms of the performance of the Apple Watch Series 6 vs 9, the differences are significant, especially when it comes to processing power. The Apple Watch Series 9 features the latest S9 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor, ensuring faster and more efficient performance. It also includes a neural processor, enabling Siri to process requests directly on the device for quicker and more reliable responses.

In contrast, the Series 6 Apple Watch is equipped with the S6 SiP, which, while powerful with its 64-bit dual-core processor, doesn’t match the speed and efficiency of the S9 in the Series 9. It also includes the same W3 wireless chip and U1 chip as the Series 9 Apple Watch, ensuring solid connectivity. Both models feature the Digital Crown with haptic feedback, offering precise control and a seamless user experience.

Features

Wondering if the Apple Watch Series 9 has any must-have features that the Apple Watch Series 6 lacks? You may be surprised by the answer!

Both models have almost identical health and fitness features, such as blood oxygen sensors, electrical heart sensors, high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, the ECG app, and sleep tracking. The Series 9 Apple Watch also offers a new temperature sensor, cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates and extra features such as double tap gestures.

As far as features are concerned, for most people, the upgrade isn’t quite worth it unless you’re desperate for the temperature sensor or cycle tracking feature.

Battery life

When it comes to battery life, both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series 9 offer a similar experience, with each providing up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge. However, the Series 9 Apple Watch supports fast charging, so you can quickly top up your battery when needed.

The verdict

So, which Apple Watch should you choose? If you already have an Apple Watch Series 6 and don’t mind the performance it offers, then it makes sense to stick with that model rather than upgrade. For those who feel like their Series 6 Apple Watch is lagging or you’d benefit from the added health features, then upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 9 makes sense.

If you don’t currently have an Apple Watch and you’re undecided between the two, the Series 9 is definitely the better performer, although it’s also more expensive. On the other hand, if you don’t mind a slightly older model and would rather save a few pennies, the Apple Watch Series 6 is the best choice.

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Ready to upgrade? Switch to a refurbished Apple Watch and save £100s vs buying new. Plus, you can even sell your old Apple Watch for some extra cash… it’s smart for you, smart for the planet!