The Apple Watch has revolutionized the smartwatch market, but its evolution has been significant. We're pitting the original Apple Watch 42mm against the more recent Apple Watch SE (2022) to see how far the technology has come and which one offers the best value today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is the clear winner. While the 1st gen Apple Watch holds nostalgic appeal, the SE's vastly improved performance, modern features like fall detection, and longer software support make it a far more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, September. Released 2015, April | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 42 x 35.9 x 10.5 mm (1.65 x 1.41 x 0.41 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 50 g body (2.82 oz) | 33 g (1.16 oz) |
| | IPX7 water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes | 50m water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.65 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | 3D Touch display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 520 MHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S1 (28 nm) | Apple S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 1.0, upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 512MB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| | Natural language commands and dictation | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh (0.94 Wh), non-removable | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stainless Steel/Red, White, Brown/Black/Blue/Marine Blue Buckle, Blue/Stone/White/Storm Gray Leather Loop, Silver/Space Black Milanese Loop, Link Bracelet, Space Black Stainless Steel/Black, Black Link Bracelet, Pearl Woven Nylon | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | A1554 | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 700 EUR | € 289.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
Apple Watch 42mm (1st gen)
- Classic Design
- Affordable (used)
- Wireless Charging
- Slow Performance
- Limited App Support
- Short Battery Life
- Outdated Features
- No Fall Detection
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Fast Performance
- Modern Features (Fall Detection, Crash Detection)
- Good Battery Life
- Extensive App Support
- Bright Display
- Family Setup Compatibility
- No ECG or Blood Oxygen Sensor (compared to higher-end models)
- No Always-On Display
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch SE (2022) boasts a significantly brighter and more vibrant display than the 1st gen. Its edge-to-edge design maximizes screen real estate, offering a more immersive experience. The 1st gen's display, while functional, feels dated by comparison.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a built-in camera. This feature was never included in Apple Watch models.
Performance
The performance difference is stark. The Apple Watch SE (2022)'s dual-core S8 chip provides a noticeable speed boost over the 1st gen's single-core S1. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is vastly improved. The 1st gen can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life, the Apple Watch SE (2022) generally provides slightly better longevity due to its more efficient chip and software optimizations. The 1st gen's battery life was often a point of criticism.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch 42mm (1st gen)? Primarily collectors or those seeking a very basic, affordable smartwatch for simple notifications. Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? Anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch with good performance, health tracking, and a modern design at a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the original Apple Watch still worth buying?
Only if you're a collector or need a very basic smartwatch for simple notifications and are on a tight budget. Otherwise, the SE offers significantly more value.
❓ Does the Apple Watch SE (2022) have fall detection?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE (2022) includes fall detection, a crucial safety feature not available on the 1st generation Apple Watch.
❓ What is the battery life like on each watch?
The 1st gen Apple Watch typically offered around 18 hours of battery life, while the Apple Watch SE (2022) generally provides 18-36 hours depending on usage.
