Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch Series 5: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is the clear winner for most buyers. It offers a significant performance boost with the S8 chip, improved safety features, and a lower price point. While the Series 5 has an always-on display, the SE's overall value and modern features make it the better choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Apple Watch Series 5 |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 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, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2019, September. Released 2019, 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) | 47.8 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 Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S5 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 | watchOS 6.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| Video | - | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | - | 1.3 MP |
| 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, compass |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 400 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 16 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 296 mAh (1.13 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 | A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 750 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 (Crash Detection, Fall Detection)
- More affordable price
- Modern design
- No always-on display
- Older design compared to newer models
Apple Watch Series 5
- Always-on display
- Established reliability
- Slightly more compact design (depending on case size)
- Slower performance (S5 chip)
- Older technology
- Higher price (on the used market)
Display Comparison
The Series 5 boasts an always-on display, a feature absent in the SE (2022). This allows you to glance at the time and notifications without raising your wrist. The SE's display is still vibrant and sharp, but the always-on convenience of the Series 5 is a notable advantage for some.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Apple Watch SE (2022) nor the Series 5 have a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
The Apple Watch SE (2022) benefits from the newer S8 chip, providing a noticeable performance improvement over the Series 5's S5 chip. Apps launch faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother. While both have dual-core CPUs, the S8's architecture is more efficient.
Battery Life
Battery life is comparable between the two, generally lasting around 18 hours with typical use. However, the always-on display of the Series 5 can slightly reduce its battery life compared to the SE (2022).
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? Those seeking a modern, feature-rich smartwatch at a more affordable price, especially first-time Apple Watch buyers or those upgrading from older models. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 5? Budget-conscious users who prioritize the always-on display and don't mind slightly older technology.