Apple Watch Series 9 Review: Best Fitness Tracker for iPhone Users?
After testing the Apple Watch Series 9 for three months across various workouts and daily activities, I can confidently say it's one of the most comprehensive fitness tracking devices available. But is it worth the premium price tag?
What's New in Series 9
The Series 9 brings several meaningful improvements over its predecessor:
- S9 SiP Chip: Faster processing and improved battery efficiency
- Double Tap Gesture: Control the watch without touching the screen
- Brighter Display: Up to 2000 nits for better outdoor visibility
- Enhanced Siri: On-device processing for faster responses
Fitness Tracking Performance
Heart Rate Accuracy
The optical heart rate sensor is impressively accurate. Compared against a chest strap during various workouts, it was within 2-3 BPM for steady-state cardio and 5-7 BPM during high-intensity intervals.
GPS Performance
GPS lock is fast (usually under 10 seconds) and tracking is precise. Route mapping is accurate even in urban environments with tall buildings.
Workout Detection
The automatic workout detection works well for obvious activities like running or cycling, but sometimes misses strength training sessions or yoga.
Health Monitoring Features
Beyond fitness tracking, the Series 9 offers comprehensive health monitoring:
- Sleep Tracking: Detailed sleep stages and trends
- Blood Oxygen: Useful for altitude training or general wellness
- ECG: Medical-grade heart rhythm monitoring
- Temperature Sensing: Helpful for cycle tracking and general health trends
Battery Life Reality
Apple claims 18 hours of battery life, and in real-world use with moderate fitness tracking, I consistently got 16-18 hours. Heavy GPS use (long runs) can drain it faster, requiring daily charging.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Excellent fitness tracking accuracy
- Comprehensive health monitoring
- Great app ecosystem
- Premium build quality
- Seamless iPhone integration
Cons:
- Expensive compared to alternatives
- Daily charging required
- Limited compatibility with Android
- Some fitness features require subscriptions
Who Should Buy It?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is ideal for iPhone users who want the most comprehensive health and fitness tracking available. If you're serious about monitoring your health metrics and don't mind the premium price, it's an excellent investment.
For casual fitness tracking or Android users, there are more affordable alternatives that offer 80% of the functionality at half the price.
Final Rating: 4.5/5
The Apple Watch Series 9 sets the standard for smartwatch fitness tracking, but the premium price means it's not for everyone.