Using only while running... Series 9 vs SE Gen 2

[spaceballl]

Hey there!

I'm not a watch person, but I'm switching from Garmin to Apple for my running watch. I see that the new Ultra 2 has an updated GPS, but it looks like the Series 9 / SE Gen 2 have the same, right? My use-case is cellular access so I can get ahold of family during long runs and they can see where I am in case of emergency. I also want to stream Spotify and use Strava. Would I see any difference with the Series 9 versus the SE Gen 2?

 

[Howard2k]

The S9 has the same GPS but has a newer CPU than the SE2, which should, arguably, be more efficient. Cellular is a big battery hog so that will likely help. That's the only real difference I can think of in that context.

How long are you taking about? Marathons? If so streaming over cellular for the entire run might be a challenge but you can use Spotify to download music to the watch and reduce that streaming burden on the battery.

 

[Psdn]

The have different gps recivers - ultra have the Precision dual-frequency GPS

Apple Watch - Compare Models

Compare specs for the latest Apple Watch models: Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch SE.

www.apple.com

 

[NME42]

Ultra 2 has the better GPS as @Psdn wrote.
Another aspect is the much better battery. Especially when you do lot of cellular traffic during long runs I strongly recommend an Ultra 2. No need to worry about battery anymore.

 

[arc of the universe]

Hey there!

I'm not a watch person, but I'm switching from Garmin to Apple for my running watch. I see that the new Ultra 2 has an updated GPS, but it looks like the Series 9 / SE Gen 2 have the same, right? My use-case is cellular access so I can get ahold of family during long runs and they can see where I am in case of emergency. I also want to stream Spotify and use Strava. Would I see any difference with the Series 9 versus the SE Gen 2?

Ultra does have better GPS.
but having said that, you mentioned you would like for your family to be able to spot yr location outside if something happened to you. in the apple videos for ULTRA they like to cite a usage case while hiking. to be able to give you a more precise location.
while i dont doubt that can be useful for some hiking/mountain climbing/wilderness tracking, the GPS in the SE (and all Series watches) will be accurate to within 5 to 20 meters outside.
your family would be able to get to you with no problem with the SE.

 

[MacGekko]

The S9 has the same GPS but has a newer CPU than the SE2, which should, arguably, be more efficient. Cellular is a big battery hog so that will likely help. That's the only real difference I can think of in that context.

How long are you taking about? Marathons? If so streaming over cellular for the entire run might be a challenge but you can use Spotify to download music to the watch and reduce that streaming burden on the battery.

My use case would be without the Iphone because cold weather obliterates my Iphone battery, can an Apple Watch SE handle 30 degrees without cratering the battery? I just need a simple thing, can the Apple Watch automatically count quarter mile laps, can it play Spotify on just a wifi connection, meaning connecting to my ISP's public wifi without the Iphone in range? Really simple stuff, count laps and provide music, and handle 30 degrees Fahrenheit, without any phone present, (if anyone has non Apple cheaper suggestions, will take those too, thanks.).

 

[Howard2k]

My use case would be without the Iphone because cold weather obliterates my Iphone battery, can an Apple Watch SE handle 30 degrees without cratering the battery? I just need a simple thing, can the Apple Watch automatically count quarter mile laps, can it play Spotify on just a wifi connection, meaning connecting to my ISP's public wifi without the Iphone in range? Really simple stuff, count laps and provide music, and handle 30 degrees Fahrenheit, without any phone present, (if anyone has non Apple cheaper suggestions, will take those too, thanks.).

The operating temperature on the SE is down to 32F. I'm sure 30F would be fine. You'll take a battery hit but you're not going to be out there for hours and hours I'd assume. I'd say that's a reasonable expectation.

Connecting to your ISP wifi should be easy enough, unless your ISP has some unusual credential validation system. Also seems like a reasonable expectation. Yes, you can stream from Spotify over wifi. Downloading to the watch would be better on battery of course.

1/4 mile laps - there is the track detection feature here, if you're in the U.S.:

Complete an outdoor run workout on Apple Watch

Start an outdoor run workout, choose a target pace for an outdoor run, and more.

support.apple.com

Or you can create a custom running workout with 0.25 mile splits.

It sounds like it will probably do what you want. But I'd consider a Garmin Forerunner too, that might be cheaper if you don't need smartwatch features and phone integration.

Hey, buy both, return one.


One last thing - the AW has more accurate optical heart rate detection than the Garmin, but both will suffer at 30F. If you're wearing long sleeves and gloves it will help to some extent, but at cold temperatures you may want to consider a heart rate strap such as the Polar H9/H10. I'd try before buying of course.