The smartwatch market presents a vast spectrum of options, from budget-friendly fitness trackers to premium, feature-rich devices. This comparison pits the Realme Watch, representing accessible wearable technology, against the Apple Watch Series 9, the current flagship from Apple, to determine which offers the best value and performance for different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a seamless ecosystem and advanced health tracking, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the clear winner, justifying its higher price with the powerful S9 chip and wireless charging. However, users on a strict budget seeking basic smartwatch functionality will find the Realme Watch a viable, if less refined, alternative.
| 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 | 2020, May 25. Released 2020, June 05 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 36.5 x 25.6 x 11.8 mm (1.44 x 1.01 x 0.46 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 31 g (1.09 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 320 x 320 pixels (~323 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD, 380 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 64GB |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | 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, 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 160 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | RMA161 | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Realme Watch
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life on a single charge
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Limited feature set compared to the Apple Watch Series 9
- Unknown display quality and resolution
- Less powerful processor and slower performance
Apple Watch Series 9
- Powerful Apple S9 dual-core chipset for smooth performance
- Wireless charging with fast 0-80% charge time
- Advanced health tracking features and ecosystem integration
- Significantly higher price
- Battery life may be shorter than some budget alternatives
- Requires an iPhone for full functionality
Display Comparison
Given the lack of display specifications for the Realme Watch, a direct comparison is limited. The Apple Watch Series 9 likely benefits from a more advanced display technology, potentially including LTPO for variable refresh rates and improved power efficiency. Apple’s displays are known for excellent color accuracy and brightness, crucial for outdoor visibility. The Realme Watch, positioned as a budget option, likely utilizes a standard LCD panel with lower peak brightness and potentially narrower viewing angles. Bezels are also likely to be more prominent on the Realme Watch, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
This comparison is not applicable. Neither the Realme Watch nor the Apple Watch Series 9 feature a camera.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9’s dual-core Apple S9 chipset represents a significant performance advantage over the Realme Watch. While the Realme Watch’s processor details are unavailable, it’s reasonable to assume it utilizes a less powerful, more energy-efficient chip to maximize battery life. The S9’s architecture allows for faster app loading, smoother animations, and more complex background processing, enabling features like advanced health monitoring and on-device Siri processing. The Apple Watch’s use of a dedicated neural engine within the S9 further accelerates machine learning tasks. The Realme Watch will likely struggle with demanding applications or complex watch faces.
Battery Life
The Realme Watch’s battery capacity is unknown, but budget smartwatches typically prioritize longevity over rapid charging. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers wireless charging and achieves 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. This faster charging is a significant convenience factor. While the Realme Watch may offer longer battery life on a single charge due to its likely less power-hungry processor, the Apple Watch’s wireless charging and quicker top-up times provide a more flexible user experience. The efficiency gains from the Apple S9 chip also contribute to optimized battery usage despite its higher performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Watch if you need a simple, affordable smartwatch primarily for notifications and basic activity tracking, and aren't invested in a specific ecosystem. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you prioritize advanced health features, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and a premium user experience, and are willing to pay a significant premium for these benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Given the Apple Watch Series 9's price, is the S9 chip upgrade truly noticeable in everyday use compared to older Apple Watch models?
Yes, the Apple S9 chip delivers a tangible performance boost. The faster processing speeds translate to quicker app launches, smoother animations, and more responsive Siri interactions. The dedicated Neural Engine also accelerates on-device machine learning tasks, enhancing features like fall detection and heart rate analysis. While older models remain functional, the S9 provides a noticeably more fluid and capable experience.
❓ If I'm primarily interested in fitness tracking, does the Apple Watch Series 9 offer enough additional features to justify the cost over the Realme Watch?
For serious fitness enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a worthwhile investment. It offers advanced metrics like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensing, alongside detailed workout analysis and GPS tracking. The Apple Fitness+ integration provides guided workouts and personalized recommendations. While the Realme Watch likely offers basic step tracking and heart rate monitoring, it lacks the depth and sophistication of the Apple Watch’s health features.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Apple Watch Series 9 a significant convenience factor, or is it merely a marketing gimmick?
Wireless charging on the Apple Watch Series 9 is a genuine convenience. It eliminates the need for fiddling with cables and allows for easy charging using Qi-compatible chargers or the included magnetic charging cable. The 0-80% charge in 45 minutes is also relatively quick, making it easy to top up the battery throughout the day. This is a clear advantage over devices requiring proprietary charging cables.
