Introduction

For weeks, I’ve been wearing the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular 45mm in Midnight Aluminium with the Midnight Sport Band (various model numbers including MRMD3LL/A, MRMC3QA/A, MRMD3QA/A, MRP53ZA/A, MRP63ZA/A, MRMD3ZP/A). This in-depth review will cover its features, performance, and overall user experience. My goal is to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this popular smartwatch.

Key Features

The Series 9 boasts a range of impressive features. The new S9 SiP is incredibly responsive, making navigation a breeze. The double-tap gesture for accessing the watch face is a welcome addition, adding a touch of elegance to the interaction. Precision Finding for iPhone is invaluable, particularly when I’m searching for my phone in a cluttered room. The emergency SOS features, including international emergency calling, fall detection, and crash detection, offer significant peace of mind. The temperature sensing feature is surprisingly useful for tracking menstrual cycles, complementing the already robust cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates. While I missed the blood oxygen sensor (no longer available on this model), the overall feature set remains compelling.

Performance & Battery Life

The S9 SiP delivers snappy performance, with minimal lag throughout my testing period. Apps load quickly, and animations are smooth. The battery life is a highlight, although not exceeding Apple’s claims. I consistently achieved around 16-17 hours of use on a single charge with moderate to heavy usage, including workouts, notifications, and music streaming. Engaging Low Power Mode did indeed extend the battery life significantly, often reaching 30+ hours. Fast charging is convenient, getting a considerable charge in a short amount of time.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Excellent performance, impressive feature set (including safety features), comfortable design, good battery life (especially with Low Power Mode), fast charging.
• Cons: Missing blood oxygen sensor, battery life could be slightly longer for some users, some features are app-dependent.

Final Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 9 (MRMD3LL/A et al) is a fantastic smartwatch. The smooth performance, comprehensive features, and strong battery life make it a worthy upgrade for existing Apple Watch users and a compelling choice for newcomers. While the absence of the blood oxygen sensor is noticeable, the overall package is hard to beat. I highly recommend this smartwatch to anyone seeking a sophisticated, feature-rich wearable device.