The smartwatch market is dominated by Apple, but challengers like Oppo are aiming to disrupt the status quo. We pit the Oppo Watch S, powered by the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, against the latest Apple Watch Series 9, featuring Apple’s proprietary S9 chip, to determine which wearable offers the best blend of performance, features, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains the superior choice due to its seamless integration and mature software. However, the Oppo Watch S presents a compelling alternative for Android users prioritizing battery life and a more open platform, offering comparable performance at a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 16 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 22 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 45 x 8.9 mm (1.77 x 1.77 x 0.35 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 35 g (1.23 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 464 x 464 pixels (~317 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.46 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 3000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | ColorOS Watch 7.1 | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 339 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | - | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | - | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Oppo Watch S
- Potentially longer battery life due to Snapdragon W5 Gen 1's 4nm process.
- More open platform with Wear OS, offering greater customization.
- Likely more affordable price point compared to the Apple Watch Series 9.
- Wear OS ecosystem is less mature than watchOS.
- Integration with iOS devices is non-existent.
Apple Watch Series 9
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Mature and feature-rich watchOS platform.
- Advanced health tracking features and sensors.
- Limited compatibility with Android devices.
- Higher price point compared to many Wear OS smartwatches.
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Oppo Watch S are unavailable, the Apple Watch Series 9 likely utilizes an LTPO OLED display, enabling variable refresh rates for power efficiency. The Series 9’s display is known for excellent color accuracy and brightness. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s image signal processor (ISP) suggests the Oppo Watch S can deliver a vibrant display, but without LTPO, it may not match the Apple Watch’s power efficiency. Bezels are a key differentiator, and the Series 9 has consistently minimized these for a more immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is primarily focused on camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are unavailable for the Oppo Watch S. The Apple Watch Series 9 does not feature a camera. Therefore, this comparison point is largely irrelevant for both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Apple Watch Series 9’s dual-core Apple S9 chip is designed for optimized performance within the watchOS environment. Conversely, the Oppo Watch S leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, fabricated on a 4nm process. This 4nm node is crucial; it delivers significantly improved power efficiency compared to older nodes, translating to longer battery life. While the S9’s architecture is unknown, Apple’s vertical integration allows for tight software-hardware optimization. The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 benefits from Qualcomm’s expertise in mobile processors, but its performance will be constrained by the Wear OS platform. The Apple Watch’s faster processing will be noticeable in complex tasks and app loading times.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers wireless charging, reaching 80% charge in 45 minutes. The Oppo Watch S’s battery capacity and charging speed are unknown, but the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s 4nm process suggests superior power efficiency. This means the Oppo Watch S is likely to achieve longer battery life on a single charge, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity. The 45-minute 0-80% charge time of the Apple Watch is competitive, but the Oppo Watch S could potentially offer a full charge in a similar timeframe due to its more efficient chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo Watch S if you need a smartwatch that seamlessly integrates with Android, prioritizes battery longevity, and offers a more customizable experience. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you are an iPhone user seeking the most polished smartwatch experience, advanced health tracking features, and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 in the Oppo Watch S compare to the Apple S9 in terms of app loading times?
While the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 is a capable processor, the Apple S9 benefits from Apple’s tight hardware-software integration and optimized architecture. Expect the Apple Watch Series 9 to exhibit faster app loading times and smoother overall performance, particularly with complex applications.
❓ Will the Oppo Watch S receive software updates as consistently as the Apple Watch Series 9?
Apple is renowned for providing long-term software support for its devices. Oppo’s update track record is less consistent. Apple Watch Series 9 users can expect years of watchOS updates, while the Oppo Watch S may receive fewer updates, potentially impacting feature availability and security.
❓ Is the battery life of the Oppo Watch S significantly better than the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1’s 4nm process strongly suggests the Oppo Watch S will offer superior battery life. While the Apple Watch Series 9 has improved battery performance, the Oppo Watch S is likely to last longer on a single charge, potentially by a full day or more, depending on usage.
