Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum vs. Apple Watch SE: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 offers advanced health features like temperature sensing and ECG, a brighter display, and faster charging. However, the SE provides excellent core smartwatch functionality at a significantly lower price. For fitness enthusiasts and those wanting the latest tech, the Series 8 wins; otherwise, the SE is a fantastic value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum | Apple Watch SE |
| 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, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 36.4 g (1.27 oz) |
| IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | 50m water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 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 S5 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 308 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2353, A2354, A2355, A2356, A2351, A2352 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | - |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum
- Advanced health features (ECG, temperature sensing)
- Brighter always-on display
- Faster charging
- More responsive performance
- Thinner bezels
- Higher price
- Battery life not significantly better than SE
Apple Watch SE
- More affordable
- Excellent core smartwatch features
- Durable design
- Good battery life
- Lacks advanced health features
- Less bright display
- Slower performance compared to Series 8
- No always-on display
Display Comparison
The Series 8 boasts a significantly brighter always-on display, making it easier to read in direct sunlight. The SE's display is still good, but requires a wrist raise to activate. The Series 8 also has thinner borders, offering a more modern look. The Series 8's display is a clear upgrade for visibility and aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 8 nor the SE have a dedicated camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
While both watches use dual-core processors, the Series 8's S8 chip offers a noticeable performance boost, resulting in smoother animations and quicker app loading times. The S5 in the SE is still capable, but the Series 8 feels more responsive overall. The difference is subtle for basic tasks but more apparent with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both offer all-day battery life, but the Series 8's faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) is a significant advantage. The SE charges wirelessly but without a specified charging time. Real-world battery performance is similar, with both lasting around 18-36 hours depending on usage.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum is ideal for users prioritizing advanced health tracking (temperature sensing, ECG, blood oxygen), a brighter always-on display, and faster charging. The Apple Watch SE is perfect for first-time smartwatch buyers, those on a budget, or users who primarily want core smartwatch features like notifications, activity tracking, and basic fitness monitoring.