Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch SE: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) offers a noticeable performance boost thanks to the S8 chip and fall detection improvements. While the original SE remains a solid option, the 2022 version provides a smoother experience and enhanced safety features, making it the slightly better choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Apple Watch SE |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2020, September 18 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33 g (1.16 oz) | 36.4 g (1.27 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | 50m water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S5 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 | watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | A2353, A2354, A2355, A2356, A2351, A2352 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Faster performance (S8 chip)
- Improved fall detection
- Slightly better display visibility
- Same great Apple Watch features
- Slightly higher price than original SE
- No Always-On Display
Apple Watch SE
- More affordable
- Still offers core Apple Watch functionality
- Good value for the price
- Slower performance (S5 chip)
- Older processor
- Less responsive
Display Comparison
Both models feature a Retina display, offering excellent clarity and brightness. However, the 2022 SE benefits from slightly improved visibility in bright sunlight due to software optimizations. Screen sizes are identical.
Camera Comparison
Neither the original Apple Watch SE nor the 2022 model have a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
The S8 chip in the 2022 SE provides a significant performance upgrade over the S5 in the original SE. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is noticeably better. This is the key differentiator.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two models, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate usage. Charging times are also similar, utilizing the included magnetic charging cable.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, those prioritizing safety features like fall detection, and anyone wanting a faster, more responsive smartwatch experience. The original Apple Watch SE is a great value pick for budget-conscious buyers who don't need the absolute latest features and performance.