Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch Series 6: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) provides excellent value with a modern chip and essential features. The Series 6 boasts a brighter display, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring. For budget-conscious buyers, the SE (2022) wins; for those wanting premium health features, the Series 6 is the better choice.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Apple Watch Series 6 |
| 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 (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) | 47.1 g (1.66 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) |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S6 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 | watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| 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, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 303.8 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Silver, Graphite (DLC), Gold (PVD) |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 710 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)
- Excellent value for money
- Modern S8 chip
- Improved performance over previous SE
- Essential health and fitness tracking
- Less bright display than Series 6
- Lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring
- Older design compared to newer models
Apple Watch Series 6
- Brighter display
- ECG and blood oxygen monitoring
- Premium design
- Always-On display
- Higher price
- Older S6 chip
- Battery life similar to SE (2022)
Display Comparison
The Series 6 features a noticeably brighter display (1,000 nits vs. 700 nits on the SE 2022), making it easier to read outdoors. Both watches have excellent color accuracy and sharpness, but the Series 6’s brightness edge gives it a slight advantage. The SE 2022's display is still perfectly usable, just not as vibrant in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
The Apple S8 chip in the SE (2022) offers a performance boost over the S6 in the Series 6, though both feel snappy in everyday use. App loading times are slightly faster on the SE (2022), and it benefits from newer software optimizations. However, the difference isn't dramatic for most users.
Battery Life
Both watches offer roughly the same battery life – around 18 hours of typical use. Fast charging is available on both, but the Series 6 might take slightly longer to fully charge due to its brighter display.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? First-time smartwatch buyers, those on a budget, or anyone needing a reliable fitness tracker. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 6? Users prioritizing a brighter display, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, and a slightly more premium feel.