Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch Series 8: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 is the clear winner for those wanting advanced health tracking (ECG, blood oxygen, temperature sensing) and faster charging. However, the SE (2022) provides excellent core smartwatch functionality at a significantly lower price, making it a fantastic choice for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| 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 - International, China, HK |
| 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, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| 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, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33 g (1.16 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | IP6X certified 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) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.9 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 S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| 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, temperature (body) |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Excellent value for money
- Core smartwatch features
- Durable design
- Fitness tracking
- No always-on display
- Slower charging
- Lacks advanced health sensors (ECG, blood oxygen, temperature)
Apple Watch Series 8
- Always-on display
- Advanced health sensors (ECG, blood oxygen, temperature)
- Faster charging
- Premium design
- Crash Detection
- Higher price
- Battery life similar to SE (2022) despite faster charging
Display Comparison
The Series 8 boasts a brighter, always-on display, offering better visibility in sunlight. The SE (2022) has a Retina display, which is sharp and vibrant, but lacks the always-on functionality, requiring a wrist raise to see the time. The Series 8's display is noticeably more convenient.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
Both watches share the same S8 chip and dual-core CPU, so everyday performance like app loading and navigation feels very similar. However, the Series 8's slightly more refined software optimization might offer a marginally smoother experience over time.
Battery Life
The Series 8 offers significantly faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) compared to the SE (2022). While both offer all-day battery life, the Series 8's faster charging is a definite advantage for those who forget to charge overnight.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? First-time smartwatch buyers, those on a budget, or anyone primarily seeking notifications, fitness tracking, and basic Apple Watch features. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8? Health-conscious individuals wanting advanced sensors, faster charging, and a more premium experience.