When it comes to choosing between any two products, you should consider the features and offerings of the product in relation to the price. While comparison posts like this focus on the distinctive differences between comparative products, the final decision is left to the buyer.
Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 8 or Watch SE? If you go for the Watch SE, you’d be saving yourself up to a hundred and fifty bucks ($150.00). But wait, prices aside, which of these Apple watch series comes with enticing features to influence your final decision? Hereunder is a clear comparison between the features of the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Watch SE.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Watch SE
Since its launch, the Apple Watch Series 8 – along with the Watch Ultra series – keeps making the headlines, making many people almost forget that there’s an Apple Watch SE, which is even much cheaper and doesn’t lack the most critical features of Apple watches. Looking at the Series 8 and SE watches, they flaunt a similar design and look; what, then, are the differences?
Appearance
Let’s start with appearance, which talks about design and aesthetics. One thing with newer Apple watch models is that they all look similar aesthetically – the Series 8 and SE weren’t exempted; they both look similar too.
Taking a look at either of these watches, you’d spot the Digital Crown control dial and a button on the right side, with a couple of fitness-tracking sensors on the backside (the SE’s backside is designed with a new “nylon composite” material. Of course, both watches go similar rounded edges.
While the design and build look similar, the Series 8 have more enticing color options, including stainless steel and glossy color options.
Display
Now, here comes the big deal. The display of smartwatches and smartphones plays a huge role – and matters the most to some people. On the watches, the Series 8 came with a better and bigger display – well, what could anyone expect? The Series had a 1.9-inch screen, while the SE comes with a smaller 1.78-inch display.
Also, the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with an always-on display – a feature you won’t get with the Watch SE model. Furthermore, the Series 8 watch comes with a 1Hz refresh rate, which is battery-conservative.
OS and Chipset
Interestingly, both watches come with the new S8 processor, so both watches are equally efficient in terms of speed. The standard operating system available on both watches is the Apple WatchOS 9. Internally, there’s no clear difference between these two watches; you’re getting basically the same features (not apps).
Tech Features
Many people that use smartwatches are more interested in the health and fitness features of their watch than any other thing. The Series 8 and SE watches were packed with quite a handful of fitness-tracking features; however, as expected, the Series 8 came with “more advanced” techs.
Both watches offer basic heart rate tracking, support accelerometer, gyroscope techs, and a new Crash Detection feature to alert emergency services if peradventure you get involved in a crash – car accident. The Apple Watch Series 8 and SE support an always-on altimeter tech and a built-in compass.
Now the differences? You’re getting an ECG sensor, blood oxygen sensor, and an all-new temperature sensor with the Series 8 watch.
Battery and Power
Apple rates the battery consumption and charging rates of these smartwatches the same. Both watches are rated to last up to 18 hours of normal use, and if you switch to the low-power mode, you will get to use the Apple Watch Series 8 for up to 36 hours. Both devices come with USB-C charging cables and charge at the same rate.
Price
Here comes the key factor that could make you choose one of these watches. The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399, while the SE starts at $249; that’s about a $150 difference! Of course, these prices are for the base models; some colors cost more, but the SE options are cheaper across all options.
What More?
Practically, the Apple Watch Series 8 champions the SE in different aspects, but the $150 price gap could be a deal-breaker for people who would go for the SE model.
