Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch Series 4: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is the clear winner for most buyers. Its newer S8 chip provides a noticeable performance boost, improved safety features, and a more modern design at a competitive price. While the Series 4 still functions well, the SE offers better value and longevity.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Apple Watch Series 4 |
| 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 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia |
| 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, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33 g (1.16 oz) | 48 g (1.69 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Sapphire crystal 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) |
| - | 3D Touch display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S4 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 | watchOS 5.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 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, 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 (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| 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 292 mAh (1.12 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Space Black, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | A1975, A1976, A2007, A2008 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 700 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 safety features (fall detection, SOS)
- More affordable
- Modern design
- Smaller display than Series 4
- No ECG or blood oxygen sensor
Apple Watch Series 4
- Larger, brighter display
- Thinner bezels
- Still functional and reliable
- Slower performance (S4 chip)
- Older design
- Less future-proof
Display Comparison
The Series 4 boasts a larger, brighter display with thinner bezels, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The SE (2022) has a smaller display, but it's still perfectly usable and vibrant. The Series 4's edge-to-edge design is a visual advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither the SE (2022) nor the Series 4 have a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across Apple Watch models.
Performance
The S8 chip in the SE (2022) provides a significant performance upgrade over the S4. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is improved. The Series 4 still handles basic tasks well, but the SE feels noticeably quicker.
Battery Life
Both watches offer roughly the same battery life – around 18 hours of typical use. However, the SE (2022) might offer slightly better efficiency due to the newer chip.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? Those seeking a balance of features and affordability, first-time smartwatch buyers, and anyone prioritizing safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 4? Budget-conscious users who don't need the latest features and are happy with a slightly older design and performance.