The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from tightly integrated ecosystems like Apple's to more open platforms. We pit the Apple Watch Series 9, representing the pinnacle of smartwatch integration, against the vivo Watch GT 2, a device likely focused on broader compatibility and potentially, longer battery life. This comparison will focus on the available data and infer based on brand positioning.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the clear winner, offering seamless integration and the powerful S9 chip. However, those prioritizing platform independence and potentially longer battery life may find the vivo Watch GT 2 a more appealing option, despite the lack of detailed specifications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - cellular model only | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | LTE - cellular model only | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 13 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 17 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum alloy frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 47.5 x 40.2 x 11 mm (1.87 x 1.58 x 0.43 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM - cellular model only | eSIM |
| Weight | 34.8 g or 35.8 g (1.23 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 432 x 514 pixels (~324 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.07 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 2400 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Blue OS 3.0 | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, 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, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | · 595 mAh - eSIM version· 695 mAh - bluetooth version | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glossy Black (eSIM only), Matte Silver, Matte Dark Blue | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | WA2536B | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
vivo Watch GT 2
- Powerful Apple S9 chip for fast performance
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Fast wireless charging (0-80% in 45 minutes)
- Limited to Apple ecosystem
- Battery life potentially shorter than competitors
- Higher price point
Apple Watch Series 9
- Likely broader compatibility with Android and iOS
- Potential for longer battery life
- Potentially more affordable price
- Performance likely lower than Apple Watch Series 9
- Limited information available on specifications
- Ecosystem integration less refined
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Series 9 likely features an LTPO display, enabling variable refresh rates for power saving, and boasts excellent color accuracy, typical of Apple’s displays. While the vivo Watch GT 2’s display specifications are unknown, it’s reasonable to assume it prioritizes power efficiency over peak brightness or refresh rate. The Series 9’s display is likely brighter, making it more visible outdoors, and benefits from Apple’s calibration for accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities. The Apple Watch Series 9 does not have a camera. The vivo Watch GT 2’s camera specifications are unknown, and it’s unlikely to compete with smartphone cameras. This section is largely irrelevant for both devices.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the dual-core Apple S9 chipset, a significant upgrade over previous generations. This chip enables faster processing for apps and features like on-device Siri. The vivo Watch GT 2’s processor remains unspecified, but given its likely positioning, it probably utilizes a more power-efficient, but less performant, chipset. The S9’s architecture allows for quicker app launches and smoother animations, benefiting users who frequently interact with their smartwatch.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers up to 18 hours of battery life with typical use, and supports wireless charging, reaching 80% charge in 45 minutes. The vivo Watch GT 2’s battery capacity is unknown, but vivo historically emphasizes battery life in its wearables. It’s plausible the GT 2 offers longer battery life than the Series 9, potentially lasting several days on a single charge, though charging speeds are unknown. The Series 9’s faster charging is a convenience, while the GT 2 may prioritize longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Watch GT 2 if you need a smartwatch that works seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices, and if you suspect longer battery life is a priority given vivo’s historical focus on power efficiency. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you are an iPhone user and value the tight integration with Apple’s health ecosystem, the speed of the S9 chip, and features like on-device Siri processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple S9 chip impact real-world usage on the Series 9 compared to what we might expect from the vivo Watch GT 2?
The Apple S9 chip’s dual-core architecture and optimized neural engine enable faster app launches, smoother animations, and on-device Siri processing. This translates to a more responsive and fluid user experience. The vivo Watch GT 2, lacking detailed chipset information, likely prioritizes power efficiency over raw performance, resulting in a potentially less snappy experience, especially with complex apps.
❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 9’s ecosystem lock-in a significant drawback for Android users?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 is designed to work optimally within the Apple ecosystem. Features like seamless pairing, iMessage integration, and Apple Pay are unavailable or limited on Android devices. Android users would lose significant functionality by choosing the Apple Watch over a platform-agnostic option like the vivo Watch GT 2.
❓ Given the lack of specific battery details for the vivo Watch GT 2, what can we reasonably expect in terms of battery life?
Vivo has a history of prioritizing battery life in its wearables. While we don’t have concrete numbers, it’s reasonable to expect the GT 2 to offer several days of use on a single charge, potentially exceeding the Apple Watch Series 9’s 18-hour battery life. However, this will depend on usage patterns and enabled features.
