Upgrade from S7 to S9

[mjschabow]

Hello, I am looking to move on from my Series 7 45mm mostly because of battery life. The watch seems fine still but I'm sometimes ending the day below 20% and it does not last a full day when traveling (if it uses turn by turn directions for example). Battery Health is at 84%.

I'm torn between Series 9 and Ultra 2. I know Ultra 2 gives way better battery life but it's obviously much pricier. Just wondering if there would really be a noticeable increase in battery life with a brand new Series 9 45mm.

Real life examples would be incredible.

Thank you!

 

[jz0309]

Hello, I am looking to move on from my Series 7 45mm mostly because of battery life. The watch seems fine still but I'm sometimes ending the day below 20% and it does not last a full day when traveling (if it uses turn by turn directions for example). Battery Health is at 84%.

I'm torn between Series 9 and Ultra 2. I know Ultra 2 gives way better battery life but it's obviously much pricier. Just wondering if there would really be a noticeable increase in battery life with a brand new Series 9 45mm.

Real life examples would be incredible.

Thank you!

I don't have a S9 but seem to recall posts from last year talking about battery life, and it being better. might try a search ...
And you do know that we are less than a month ago from the new models, right? There might be something that would want you to go that route so if you can wait ...

And FWIW, I upgraded from Ultra 1 to 2 last year, with my usage pattern (38-39hrs straight wearing it) I put the U1 on the charger typically with ~25-30% battery life, with U2 I'm at ~ 40-45%. Main difference between those 2 was the new SIP which in my case improved battery life ...

 

[mjschabow]

I don't have a S9 but seem to recall posts from last year talking about battery life, and it being better. might try a search ...
And you do know that we are less than a month ago from the new models, right? There might be something that would want you to go that route so if you can wait ...

And FWIW, I upgraded from Ultra 1 to 2 last year, with my usage pattern (38-39hrs straight wearing it) I put the U1 on the charger typically with ~25-30% battery life, with U2 I'm at ~ 40-45%. Main difference between those 2 was the new SIP which in my case improved battery life ...

Thanks! Yeah, I suppose I could probably wait and see what the new watches offer. I'm not all about having to have the "brand new" with the watches like I am the phones, lol.

Good info though. Appreciate it!

 

[Howard2k]

If your current watch is at 84% then a new battery at 100% will undoubtedly provide a decent improvement. Tough to say how much, but it will improve for sure.

 

[jz0309]

Thanks! Yeah, I suppose I could probably wait and see what the new watches offer. I'm not all about having to have the "brand new" with the watches like I am the phones, lol.

Good info though. Appreciate it!

one other piece, S9 (currently) does not have blood oxygen capability and if that is a consideration for you, more reason to wait. On the other hand, it will be discounted ...

 

[mjschabow]

one other piece, S9 (currently) does not have blood oxygen capability and if that is a consideration for you, more reason to wait. On the other hand, it will be discounted ...

Thanks! Yeah that feature doesn’t really matter to me personally.

 

[Christopher Kim]

When we're this close to the new iPhone and Watch event (supposed to be Sep 10), you should absolutely wait. You never know what they might release, that may make you change you mind. Although rumors are that it'll be a minor update, at a minimum, you should be able to find S9 watches at a greater discount post-S10 / iPhone 16 announcement.

That being said, to answer your question, other than the better battery life of a "new battery", very little difference between S7 > S8 > S9.

 

[mjschabow]

When we're this close to the new iPhone and Watch event (supposed to be Sep 10), you should absolutely wait. You never know what they might release, that may make you change you mind. Although rumors are that it'll be a minor update, at a minimum, you should be able to find S9 watches at a greater discount post-S10 / iPhone 16 announcement.

That being said, to answer your question, other than the better battery life of a "new battery", very little difference between S7 > S8 > S9.

Thanks! I’m actually starting to think that maybe an open box Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the best deal right now! Better battery by a mile and it doesn’t sound like the Ultra 3 will really be an upgrade.

 

[Christopher Kim]

@mjschabow If you’re good with the design / size of the Ultra, it’s a fantastic watch, and as you said, has a particular leg up on battery life vs the normal S9 line.

The Ultra is a bit too big for my wrist size - I wanted to like it, but it doesn’t look good on me. It’s also a bit too “rugged“ looking, although that compares to my stainless steel version of the S7. I wear my Apple Watch to work every day, and so really like the more “classy“ look of the SS. It was also the first stainless version I got (2 previous aluminum version), as it normally didn’t feel like good value to me to pay basically twice as much as the aluminum for the same functionality... But as the Apple Watch started to mature and iterations were more incremental (similar to how the iPhone has been for a number of years), I pulled the trigger as I felt confident I would have it for a few years and not feel like upgrading. And that’s been absolutely true and have loved it.

If you’re looking to save a bit of money, assuming you live in the US, take a look at the official Apple Refurbished site. I actually got my Stainless Steel S7 from there - it helped me justify spending more than the aluminum (but not *as much* more) to get the SS. Apple Refurbs are, in my opinion and many others on this site, much better than refurb from other retailers (eg. Amazon ”Renewed”), as Apple has a pretty rigorous refurbishment process, including getting a new battery. You can even get AppleCare+ on them, like you can any new device. Nice way to save some money / get better value.

 

[mjschabow]

@mjschabow If you’re good with the design / size of the Ultra, it’s a fantastic watch, and as you said, has a particular leg up on battery life vs the normal S9 line.

The Ultra is a bit too big for my wrist size - I wanted to like it, but it doesn’t look good on me. It’s also a bit too “rugged“ looking, although that compares to my stainless steel version of the S7. I wear my Apple Watch to work every day, and so really like the more “classy“ look of the SS. It was also the first stainless version I got (2 previous aluminum version), as it normally didn’t feel like good value to me to pay basically twice as much as the aluminum for the same functionality... But as the Apple Watch started to mature and iterations were more incremental (similar to how the iPhone has been for a number of years), I pulled the trigger as I felt confident I would have it for a few years and not feel like upgrading. And that’s been absolutely true and have loved it.

If you’re looking to save a bit of money, assuming you live in the US, take a look at the official Apple Refurbished site. I actually got my Stainless Steel S7 from there - it helped me justify spending more than the aluminum (but not *as much* more) to get the SS. Apple Refurbs are, in my opinion and many others on this site, much better than refurb from other retailers (eg. Amazon ”Renewed”), as Apple has a pretty rigorous refurbishment process, including getting a new battery. You can even get AppleCare+ on them, like you can any new device. Nice way to save some money / get better value.

Thank you for the advice! I totally forgot about the refurb site! I'll give it a look.

 

[ISKOTB]

@mjschabow If you’re good with the design / size of the Ultra, it’s a fantastic watch, and as you said, has a particular leg up on battery life vs the normal S9 line.

The Ultra is a bit too big for my wrist size - I wanted to like it, but it doesn’t look good on me. It’s also a bit too “rugged“ looking, although that compares to my stainless steel version of the S7. I wear my Apple Watch to work every day, and so really like the more “classy“ look of the SS. It was also the first stainless version I got (2 previous aluminum version), as it normally didn’t feel like good value to me to pay basically twice as much as the aluminum for the same functionality... But as the Apple Watch started to mature and iterations were more incremental (similar to how the iPhone has been for a number of years), I pulled the trigger as I felt confident I would have it for a few years and not feel like upgrading. And that’s been absolutely true and have loved it.

If you’re looking to save a bit of money, assuming you live in the US, take a look at the official Apple Refurbished site. I actually got my Stainless Steel S7 from there - it helped me justify spending more than the aluminum (but not *as much* more) to get the SS. Apple Refurbs are, in my opinion and many others on this site, much better than refurb from other retailers (eg. Amazon ”Renewed”), as Apple has a pretty rigorous refurbishment process, including getting a new battery. You can even get AppleCare+ on them, like you can any new device. Nice way to save some money / get better value.

WELL SAID!
I have an S7 SS and IMO it looks much better then the ultra.

 

[mjschabow]

In doing some more research, I’m really interested in what the S10 has to offer since it will be a bigger display. I think my only concern at that point would be battery life. I’m really growing tired of having to charge my phone every day and it would be nice to have 2-3 days on a single charge for once.

 

[Lwii2boo]

At this stage honestly since there is no urgent need just wait September 9th (Keynote iPhone 16 / Apple Watch Series 10) !
Series 10 could be even better for you and whatever you choose it's just a win for you to wait just a bit more. If you choose an older model like Series 9 or Ultra 2 you will find them with a better discount than right now.

 

[mjschabow]

At this stage honestly since there is no urgent need just wait September 9th (Keynote iPhone 16 / Apple Watch Series 10) !
Series 10 could be even better for you and whatever you choose it's just a win for you to wait just a bit more. If you choose an older model like Series 9 or Ultra 2 you will find them with a better discount than right now.

For sure. That’s my plan now. When I made this thread, I had completely missed that the Series 10 is slated to have a bigger display, so that’s a game changer right there. So then my choice will be between that and the Ultra.

 

[kirbalo]

one other piece, S9 (currently) does not have blood oxygen capability and if that is a consideration for you, more reason to wait. On the other hand, it will be discounted ...

Just acquired an S9 through BestBuy, and I can confirm the model number ends in LL/A. Apple Watch Series 9 models sold in the United States without a blood oxygen sensor have part numbers that end in LW/A.

 

[DSTOFEL]

Hello, I am looking to move on from my Series 7 45mm mostly because of battery life. The watch seems fine still but I'm sometimes ending the day below 20% and it does not last a full day when traveling (if it uses turn by turn directions for example). Battery Health is at 84%.

I'm torn between Series 9 and Ultra 2. I know Ultra 2 gives way better battery life but it's obviously much pricier. Just wondering if there would really be a noticeable increase in battery life with a brand new Series 9 45mm.

Real life examples would be incredible.

Thank you!

Ah…you’re right where I was a month ago. I bought an AW S7 SS 2 yrs ago. It’s been awesome! Battery health is 83%. I jumped on the recent Ultra sales and got the Ultra 2 for $699. I love it! It’s been a great upgrade. I did consider the 9 as well. But, I’ve had the AW OG, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7…and even though they tweak the design here and there the basic look/shape of the AW felt the same….so an upgrade was always a bit lackluster. With the Ultra…I get a totally different design and it feels fresh/new.

I’d say though…if you’re considering the Ultra, make sure it’s a good fit. It’s a big watch. I’ve got just over 8 inch wrist size and it feels like a perfect fit.

Remaining Average battery life at the end of the day on my S7 was 15-20%
Remaining Average battery life at the end of the day on the Ultra 2 is roughly 60-75%

I’d say wait till the mid September release of the new watches and see if you can get a killer deal on an Ultra 2 between then and black Friday!

 

[Neodym]

I’d say though…if you’re considering the Ultra, make sure it’s a good fit. It’s a big watch.

Can’t wait for it to get (way) bigger still:

 

[DSTOFEL]

Can’t wait for it to get (way) bigger still: View attachment 2410913

The AW Sleeve

 

[mjschabow]

Ah…you’re right where I was a month ago. I bought an AW S7 SS 2 yrs ago. It’s been awesome! Battery health is 83%. I jumped on the recent Ultra sales and got the Ultra 2 for $699. I love it! It’s been a great upgrade. I did consider the 9 as well. But, I’ve had the AW OG, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7…and even though they tweak the design here and there the basic look/shape of the AW felt the same….so an upgrade was always a bit lackluster. With the Ultra…I get a totally different design and it feels fresh/new.

I’d say though…if you’re considering the Ultra, make sure it’s a good fit. It’s a big watch. I’ve got just over 8 inch wrist size and it feels like a perfect fit.

Remaining Average battery life at the end of the day on my S7 was 15-20%
Remaining Average battery life at the end of the day on the Ultra 2 is roughly 60-75%

I’d say wait till the mid September release of the new watches and see if you can get a killer deal on an Ultra 2 between then and black Friday!
View attachment 2410692

Thanks for this post! Yeah I’m really torn but I’m going to see how the Series 10 looks but it’s hard to beat that battery life on the Ultra. That’s what I’m leaning towards and if there are not any big upgrades, I’m going to try to score a deal on the Ultra 2.

 

[Student of Life]

Yeah wait to see what the Series 10 looks like with its rumored redesign. If the Ultra came in stainless steel i would probably get it.

 

[spartan1967]

Make sure you are on the current 10.6.1 with your S7. I went from well over 50% charge to well over 60% charge at the EOD with an 89% battery capacity on my S7 cellular with this software. Already decided to not consider the next version of Apple Watch coming out in a couple weeks, unless the screen size is drastically bigger.

 

[DSTOFEL]

Thanks for this post! Yeah I’m really torn but I’m going to see how the Series 10 looks but it’s hard to beat that battery life on the Ultra. That’s what I’m leaning towards and if there are not any big upgrades, I’m going to try to score a deal on the Ultra 2.

Slight update! I didn’t realize it…but my Ultra was out smarting me. The watch has just recently stopped charging to 100% overnight. Instead, it will stop at 75% or 80%. Apparently the Ultra has a new battery management system that uses AI to determine how much it needs to charge…based on your usage. See attached. So, where I was seeing the watch end the day With 60% remaining, I was thinking I’d used 40% of the battery. But, it started the day at 80%.

So, my actual average battery usage on the Ultra is 20-25% wearing it all day, tracking exercise, GPS, map directions, Etc…. Not bad

 

[mjschabow]

It'll be an interesting decision between the Series 10 and the Ultra 3 now that both will have 49mm size. The Series 10 will probably look sleeker and I don't really need all those crazy features that the Ultra has since I don't go hiking in the mountains or anything like that. But the extra battery life is welcome.

 

[Christopher Kim]

I thought the updated rumors are now that the Series 10 will be 42 / 46mm? I don't think the large Series 10 version will have the same screen size (or actual watch size) as the Ultra 3...

 

[mjschabow]

I thought the updated rumors are now that the Series 10 will be 42 / 46mm? I don't think the large Series 10 version will have the same screen size (or actual watch size) as the Ultra 3...

Oh unless something changed, I had just read a 9 to 5 mac article that said 49mm. I'll search though.