Today, we’re diving into the Apple Watch lineup and figuring out which one is the best fit for you.

So, let me introduce you to the contenders:

• This is the 2023 Apple Watch SE,
• This one’s the Apple Watch S9,
• And finally, we have the Apple Watch Ultra.

Let’s get straight to the point:
Out of these three, my personal favorite is still the 2023 Apple Watch SE. It’s the one I’ve worn the longest, and honestly, it’s my top pick in the entire Apple Watch family, hands down.

Now, let’s break down why that is.
Sure, compared to the S9 and Apple Watch Ultra, the SE’s chip is a bit older, the screen is smaller, and it doesn’t have features like the always-on display, blood oxygen monitoring, or ECG. It also lacks temperature sensing and doesn’t support fast charging. Plus, its battery life is the most average of the three. So, why do I still love it the most? Here’s the scoop.

If you’ve seen my previous videos on smart bands, you know that the number one thing I care about with any smartwatch or fitness tracker is how it feels on my wrist. The Apple Watch SE, without the band, weighs just over 26 grams. Compared to the larger and heavier S9 and Ultra, the SE has the least noticeable presence on your wrist in the entire Apple Watch lineup—heck, in the whole Apple ecosystem. So, whether you’re working out, sleeping, or just typing away at your desk, the SE is the most comfortable to wear by far.

Next up, let’s talk about the S9.
When it comes to the Apple Watch lineup, the Ultra is the biggest and heaviest, so it naturally has the most noticeable presence on your wrist. In terms of comfort, SE > S9 > Ultra, no question.

Now, onto the looks.
The SE and S9 are pretty much identical in appearance, with only minor differences that most people won’t even notice. No one’s going to care if you’re rocking an SE or an S9. But the Apple Watch Ultra? That’s the one with the wow factor. No matter what style you’re going for—sporty, formal, or anything in between—the Ultra can pull it off with a simple band swap. It’s just that versatile.

Let’s get real about the price.
Right now, the 2023 Apple Watch SE on JD.com is going for under 1800 yuan, which is about $250, and that’s 200 yuan cheaper than when I bought mine. The 45mm S9 is around 2500 yuan (about $350), and the Ultra is pushing 6000 yuan (nearly $900).

Even though the SE is the most basic in the Apple Watch lineup, it’s got all the essential features you need—fitness tracking, notifications, you name it. The new SE even has crash detection.

Now, let’s talk about a feature that makes the Apple Watch unbeatable: haptic feedback.
The vibration feedback on an Apple Watch is leagues ahead of anything else out there. When I wear my Apple Watch, my phone is almost always on silent because the watch’s haptics handle all my notifications. Unlike other smartwatches or fitness trackers, Apple’s haptics feel like a gentle tap on your wrist. Especially when you set an alarm on the watch, waking up to that gentle buzz feels like someone softly nudging you awake—it’s a great way to start the day.

Writing this, I finally realized why iPhone ringtones are so obnoxious—they’re basically Apple’s way of nudging you to get an Apple Watch! Outside of the pricey Ultra, you could almost buy an entry-level iPhone for what you’d pay for one of these watches. But if you’ve got the cash, go for the Ultra—it’s seriously cool.

If you’re stuck between the SE and the S9, here’s my take:
Both watches have all the core features, but if you want a bigger screen and some more advanced bells and whistles, you’ll need to shell out more. If your budget allows, go for the S9 Digital Edition—no compromises, bigger screen, and tougher materials. You won’t be left wanting.

But if practicality is what you’re after, or if you just want a stylish way to check the time, the cheaper SE covers most of the bases. Plus, the money you save can go towards more frequently used gadgets like an iPhone or iPad.

One last thing to keep in mind:
Apple Watch is more about style than function. A lot of those fancy features might seem exciting at first, but after a while, you might find you rarely use them.