The smartwatch market is increasingly segmented, with options ranging from feature-rich ecosystems like Apple's to more open platforms. This comparison pits the vivo Watch 3, a newcomer aiming to disrupt the space, against the established Apple Watch Series 9, a benchmark for smartwatch functionality. Given the limited publicly available specifications for the vivo Watch 3, we'll focus on brand positioning and likely feature sets alongside the known capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 9.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains the superior choice due to its seamless integration, powerful S9 chip, and mature feature set. However, the vivo Watch 3 potentially offers a compelling alternative for Android users seeking a stylish smartwatch without the ecosystem lock-in, assuming competitive pricing.
| 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 | 2023, November 13 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 21 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.1 x 46.1 x 13.8 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.54 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, altimeter, 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, Silver | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | - | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
vivo Watch 3
- Potential for longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Android compatibility and open ecosystem
- Likely more affordable price point
- Unknown chipset performance
- Limited information available on features
- Less established app ecosystem
Apple Watch Series 9
- Powerful Apple S9 chip for smooth performance
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Mature app ecosystem and extensive feature set
- Ecosystem lock-in (requires an iPhone)
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to competitors
- Higher price point
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts a bright and vibrant display, though specific nit ratings aren't available in the context data. It's likely to feature LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, conserving battery life. The vivo Watch 3’s display specifications are currently unknown, but given vivo’s focus on aesthetics, we can anticipate a high-resolution AMOLED panel. The key differentiator will be the display’s peak brightness and outdoor visibility, where Apple typically excels. Bezels are also a critical factor; Apple has consistently minimized these, contributing to a more immersive experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities. Smartwatches generally feature limited camera functionality, and the context data provides no information regarding camera specs for the vivo Watch 3. The Apple Watch Series 9 does not feature a camera. Therefore, this comparison point is largely irrelevant.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the dual-core Apple S9 chip, a significant upgrade over previous generations. This chipset enables faster processing speeds and improved efficiency, crucial for smooth animations and responsive app interactions. The vivo Watch 3’s chipset remains unspecified. Given vivo’s typical positioning, it’s likely to utilize a Qualcomm or MediaTek chipset, potentially prioritizing power efficiency over raw performance. The Apple S9’s architecture allows for on-device Siri processing and advanced sensor data analysis, features the vivo Watch 3 may lack without a comparable processor.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers wireless charging, achieving 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. Actual battery life depends heavily on usage patterns, but Apple claims up to 18 hours. The vivo Watch 3’s battery capacity and charging speed are unknown. However, vivo often prioritizes fast charging in its smartphones, suggesting a similar approach may be adopted for the Watch 3. A larger battery capacity in the vivo Watch 3 could offset the Apple Watch Series 9’s faster charging, providing longer overall usage time.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Watch 3 if you prioritize Android compatibility, potentially prefer a more open ecosystem, and are seeking a smartwatch that integrates well with vivo’s broader product line. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you are an iPhone user, value advanced health tracking features, and require the performance and reliability of Apple’s silicon and software integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How will the vivo Watch 3 handle notifications from non-vivo Android phones?
While the vivo Watch 3 is expected to integrate seamlessly with vivo phones, its compatibility with other Android brands will be crucial. Expect standard Bluetooth notification mirroring, but advanced features like quick replies or custom actions may be limited compared to the Apple Watch's ecosystem integration.
❓ Does the Apple Watch Series 9’s S9 chip offer a noticeable performance improvement over older Apple Watch models?
Yes, the Apple S9 chip in the Series 9 delivers a significant performance boost, particularly in app launch times and Siri responsiveness. The new Neural Engine also enables on-device processing of certain Siri requests, enhancing privacy and speed. Users upgrading from older models will likely notice a substantial difference.
❓ What health tracking features are likely to be exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 benefits from Apple’s advanced health sensors and software algorithms. Features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, fall detection, and temperature sensing are likely to be more refined and accurate than those found on competing smartwatches, including the vivo Watch 3, due to Apple’s extensive research and development.
