The Apple Watch Series 9, specifically the 45mm Starlight Aluminium model with the Starlight Sport Band, has arrived, and I’ve spent the last few weeks putting it through its paces. This review covers my experience with the various models (MRM83QA/A, MRM93QA/A, MRP13ZA/A, MRP23ZA/A, MRM93ZP/A) focusing on everyday usability, fitness tracking accuracy, and the overall user experience. Does this iteration justify an upgrade? Let’s dive in.

The Series 9 boasts a refined design with a familiar interface. The Starlight Aluminium case feels premium and lightweight. The Sport Band is comfortable for all-day wear, even during workouts. The notable features include the improved S9 SiP, offering smoother performance. The double-tap gesture for accessing the watch face is a welcome addition. Precision Finding for iPhone is a useful feature, especially when your phone is lost around the house. The health features are robust, including the Blood Oxygen app, ECG app, high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notification, Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection. These features provide a comprehensive health monitoring experience. The inclusion of International emergency calling is a significant safety enhancement. The temperature sensing is a welcome addition for women’s health tracking, allowing for more accurate cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates.

The improved S9 SiP significantly enhanced the performance of the Series 9. The watch is incredibly responsive, launching apps and processing information quickly. The responsiveness is a marked improvement over its predecessor. Battery life, however, remains similar to the Series 8. I consistently achieved the advertised 18 hours of battery life with typical usage and up to 36 hours in low power mode. Fast charging is a time saver, which is crucial for busy days. While the battery life is adequate, it still requires nightly charging. The accuracy of the health and fitness sensors was consistently good, matching my other fitness trackers in the majority of cases.

Pros:

• Improved Performance (S9 SiP)
• Comfortable and Stylish Design
• Comprehensive Health Features (ECG, Blood Oxygen, Fall Detection, etc.)
• International Emergency Calling
• Accurate Fitness Tracking
• Fast Charging

Cons:

• Battery Life Could Be Improved
• Price Point Remains High
• Some features overlap with iPhone capabilities

The Apple Watch Series 9 (MRM83QA/A, etc.) is a significant upgrade, particularly for users upgrading from older models. The performance boost and improved health features are noticeable. While the battery life hasn’t drastically improved, the fast-charging capabilities mitigate the impact. The price remains a considerable factor, but for those who value the ecosystem integration, health features and performance, the Series 9 is a solid choice. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a premium smartwatch experience.