The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from feature-rich premium options to more affordable alternatives. We pit the vivo iQOO Watch against the Apple Watch Series 9, two devices representing different approaches to wearable technology. The iQOO Watch aims to deliver core smartwatch functionality at a competitive price, while the Apple Watch Series 9 continues Apple’s tradition of integrating advanced health tracking and seamless ecosystem integration.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritizing advanced health features, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the clear winner. However, users seeking a more affordable smartwatch with essential fitness tracking and potentially longer battery life may find the iQOO Watch a compelling alternative, despite limited detailed specifications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 24 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 24 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.1 x 46.1 x 11.3 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.44 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 36 g (1.27 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Blue OS | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 64MB RAM | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, 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, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | 505 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | - | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
vivo iQOO Watch
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Likely longer battery life (speculation based on simpler feature set)
- May offer compatibility with Android and iOS
- Limited detailed specifications available
- Likely less powerful processor
- Fewer advanced health tracking features
Apple Watch Series 9
- Powerful Apple S9 chip for fast performance
- Advanced health features (ECG, blood oxygen)
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Higher price point
- Battery life limited to approximately 18 hours
- Primarily designed for iPhone users
Display Comparison
Detailed display specifications for the iQOO Watch are currently unavailable. However, given its market positioning, it likely utilizes an AMOLED panel to balance cost and visual quality. The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts a significantly more advanced display, featuring up to 2000 nits peak brightness, enabling excellent outdoor visibility. The Series 9’s always-on display, powered by the efficient Apple S9 chip, is a key advantage. The absence of LTPO information for the iQOO Watch suggests it may not dynamically adjust refresh rates for power saving like the Apple Watch Series 9, potentially impacting battery life.
Camera Comparison
Neither the iQOO Watch nor the Apple Watch Series 9 feature a camera. This is a common trend in modern smartwatches, as camera functionality often compromises design and battery life. Both devices focus on providing comprehensive health and fitness tracking features instead.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the dual-core Apple S9 SiP, a significant upgrade over previous generations. This chipset enables faster processing speeds and improved efficiency, crucial for running watchOS and its applications. The iQOO Watch’s processor remains unspecified, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a less powerful chipset. The Apple S9’s architecture allows for on-device Siri processing and faster app launch times. While RAM specifications are unavailable for both devices, the Apple Watch benefits from optimized software and hardware integration, resulting in a smoother user experience.
Battery Life
Battery life for the iQOO Watch is currently unknown. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers up to 18 hours of battery life with typical use, and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. The Series 9 supports wireless charging, achieving 0-80% charge in approximately 45 minutes. The iQOO Watch’s charging capabilities are also unspecified, but a longer charging time is anticipated given its likely lower-cost charging circuitry. The Apple Watch’s power efficiency, driven by the S9 chip, allows for more consistent performance throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Watch if you need a functional smartwatch for basic fitness tracking, notifications, and music control, and are looking for a more budget-friendly option. You'll likely benefit if you're not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you prioritize advanced health monitoring (ECG, blood oxygen), seamless integration with iPhones, and access to a vast app ecosystem. This is the choice for users who want the most comprehensive smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple Watch Series 9's S9 chip improve on-device processing compared to older Apple Watch models?
The Apple S9 SiP in the Series 9 enables significantly faster processing speeds, allowing for features like on-device Siri requests and quicker app launches. This reduces reliance on a paired iPhone for basic tasks, improving responsiveness and privacy.
❓ Given the limited specifications of the iQOO Watch, what type of user would benefit most from choosing it over the Apple Watch Series 9?
The iQOO Watch is best suited for users who prioritize basic fitness tracking, notifications, and music control without the need for advanced health features or deep ecosystem integration. It's a good option for those on a budget or who prefer a more platform-agnostic smartwatch experience.
❓ Does the Apple Watch Series 9 require an iPhone to function, and what features are limited when paired with an Android device?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is designed primarily for use with iPhones. While basic timekeeping functions may work with Android, core features like app installation, health data synchronization, and Siri integration are exclusively available when paired with an iPhone.
