Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 Aluminum is the clear winner for those wanting advanced health tracking (ECG, blood oxygen) and a faster charging experience. 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 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 / 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 | 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) | 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) | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 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 | Ion-X strengthened 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 | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 340 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
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- No Always-On display
- Slower charging
- Limited advanced health features
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum
- Always-On display
- Advanced health features (ECG, blood oxygen)
- Faster charging
- Premium design
- Temperature sensing
- Higher price
- Battery life similar to SE (2022) despite faster charging
Display Comparison
The Series 8 features a brighter Always-On display, allowing you to glance at the time and information without raising your wrist. The SE (2022) has a Retina display, which is still excellent, but lacks the Always-On functionality. This difference impacts usability in bright sunlight or when you need quick information.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
Both watches share the Apple 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 and potential for future software updates might give it a marginal edge over time.
Battery Life
The Series 8 offers faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) compared to the SE (2022). Both offer roughly 18 hours of battery life with typical use, but the Series 8's faster charging is a definite convenience.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? Those new to smartwatches, fitness enthusiasts on a budget, or anyone primarily needing notifications and basic activity tracking. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum? Users prioritizing advanced health features, faster charging, and a slightly more premium design.