Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Series 9 Buyer's Guide: 10+ Upgrades Compared

[vmistery]

This is exactly where I am.

There's another element in the equation. Supposedly Apple offers "up to" $90 trade-in value on a S5. Assuming you could get the full $90 for that, and Apple's $80 battery replacement cost, now you're almost half way to the new S9.

Big advantages for me with S9 are a) the fresh battery, b) the faster charging modes (that arrived after S5 or even after S6). I'd probably upgrade to the larger (49mm) model which might give a little more battery. And I'm wondering if the brightness range of the S9 will allow for some slightly improved battery life too. I feel like all I need are some small tweaks to be able to use all day, charge a short amount and still use for sleep tracking.

Definitely not a "slam dunk" decision to upgrade to the S9 though.

I’ve got two scratches on the front which are fairly visible so I’d have to see if they still take it for that amount. I’m on the larger screen at the moment and I do like having it, I don’t find it too big in fact it’s smaller than my old mechanical watch so I think it’d feel odd having the smaller one. I think we’d get 3 month Apple TV too… Might have to go to a store and ask

 

[roland.g]

It is, but it's in the Hermès section here.

Sure. But it's a slightly different color of Space Black, and at a $1300!!! price. Um, no thanks.

 

[Hallstar]

whyyyyy is there no black Apple Watch... I'll wind up getting silver as its the only neutral color but watches are where neutrality matters as its something ya wear. In the past I compromised with space gray but now they even took that away from us for years. At least ya used to be able to spend extra to get a back stainless one but now they don't even have that...

I’m of the same thought.

Watches are generally worn with high frequency and the ability to customise faces and straps means a lot for consumers, to tailor to outfits or mood.

For Apple to not offer a dark neutral colour for the aluminium range is frankly disappointing.

I have waited for the last three years for a Space Grey -or a dark neutral equivalent- and Apple offers BLUE! (Again!)

I can’t justify the price difference from Aluminium to SS just to gain the Graphite colour.

I’ve ordered a Midnight, but I already fear that it will be returned.

 

[Rychiar]

I’m of the same thought.

Watches are generally worn with high frequency and the ability to customise faces and straps means a lot for consumers, to tailor to outfits or mood.

For Apple to not offer a dark neutral colour for the aluminium range is frankly disappointing.

I have waited for the last three years for a Space Grey -or a dark neutral equivalent- and Apple offers BLUE! (Again!)

I can’t justify the price difference from Aluminium to SS just to gain the Graphite colour.

I’ve ordered a Midnight, but I already fear that it will be returned.

Yup I’ll likely be ordering the silver aluminum as my space gray series 5 is even worse on os10

 

[Royksöpp]

I love my Apple Watch, but it’s definitely at the bottom of my list of favorite devices. I could live without it, but I can’t help but feel the urge to have the latest and greatest. Ugh! I know one thing for sure, this is the first time in a couple of years that I want the new bands. The new Nike Sport Loops are slick and I want them all.

 

[djrobsd]

Still rocking my Series 5, and ironically with the $2.99/month Apple Care, nothing has ever gone wrong with the watch and the battery life is still holding. My BF on the other hand has really bad battery life on his 5(and he doesn't have Apple Care so go figure). I found this article quite useful, and ended up getting him a Series 8 on Amazon, they had some rock bottom pricing yesterday so it's going to be a great upgrade for him.

I agree with many other posters, the watch is not a "must have" for me. I know I work out and I don't need to track every step and every mile I ride my bike. If I worked in retail and had to lock my phone up before my shift, that might be another story. I was talking to a friend who has an iPhone and MBA but no watch and he asked me if he should get one. I had a hard time justifying it as a necessity to him.

 

[Crowbot]

Still rocking my Series 5, and ironically with the $2.99/month Apple Care, nothing has ever gone wrong with the watch and the battery life is still holding. My BF on the other hand has really bad battery life on his 5(and he doesn't have Apple Care so go figure). I found this article quite useful, and ended up getting him a Series 8 on Amazon, they had some rock bottom pricing yesterday so it's going to be a great upgrade for him.

I agree with many other posters, the watch is not a "must have" for me. I know I work out and I don't need to track every step and every mile I ride my bike. If I worked in retail and had to lock my phone up before my shift, that might be another story. I was talking to a friend who has an iPhone and MBA but no watch and he asked me if he should get one. I had a hard time justifying it as a necessity to him.

I was sold on the Watch as an essential device when I discovered fall detection. Having a device that will call for help if I need it is a comfort. The cell feature means I can call out manually if I have to.
Also, I don't get around easily so I have all my lights on Home controlled outlets. It makes it easier at night and morning.