Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch Series 6: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) provides excellent value with a faster processor and updated safety features at a lower price. While the Series 6 boasts a brighter display and ECG, the SE's improvements and cost savings make it the winner for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminum |
| 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 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33 g (1.16 oz) | 36.5 g (1.31 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| 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) |
| - | 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, Gold, Space Gray, Blue, Red |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | A2293, A2294, A2375, A2376, A2291, A2292 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 420 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 processor (S8 SiP)
- Improved safety features (Crash Detection, Fall Detection)
- Lower price
- Good value for money
- Less bright display than Series 6
- No ECG or SpO2 sensor
Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminum
- Brighter display
- ECG and SpO2 sensor
- Slightly more premium feel
- Always-On Display
- Higher price
- Older processor (S6 SiP)
Display Comparison
The Series 6 features a noticeably brighter display (up to 1,000 nits) compared to the SE (2022), making it easier to see outdoors. Both watches use OLED technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Series 6 also has a slightly thinner border around the display.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Apple Watch SE (2022) nor the Series 6 have a dedicated camera. This feature has never been included in Apple Watch models.
Performance
The Apple Watch SE (2022) benefits from the newer S8 SiP, which provides a performance boost over the S6 in the Series 6. Apps launch faster, and overall responsiveness is improved. Both watches handle everyday tasks smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery life is similar between the two watches, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. Both support fast charging, allowing for a quick top-up when needed.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is ideal for first-time smartwatch buyers, fitness enthusiasts on a budget, and those prioritizing essential features and safety. The Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminum is a good choice for users who want a slightly more premium experience, a brighter display, and ECG/SpO2 monitoring, and are willing to pay a bit more.