Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum vs. Apple Watch SE (2022): The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 offers advanced health features like temperature sensing and ECG, alongside a brighter display and faster charging. However, the SE (2022) provides excellent value with a similar processor and core functionality, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum | Apple Watch SE (2022) |
| 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, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic/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 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 33 g (1.16 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 S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 |
| 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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| 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 296 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | € 289.00 |
| SAR | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum
- Advanced health features (ECG, temperature sensing)
- Brighter, always-on display
- Faster charging
- Premium design and materials
- Fall Detection
- Higher price
- Battery life still requires daily charging
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- More affordable
- Excellent value for money
- Core Apple Watch features
- Durable design
- Fall Detection
- Lacks advanced health features
- Less bright display
- Slower charging
Display Comparison
The Series 8 boasts a significantly brighter display (up to 1000 nits) compared to the SE (2022), making it easier to read outdoors. Both feature always-on display functionality, but the Series 8's is more refined. The SE's display is still perfectly usable, but lacks the premium feel of the Series 8.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 8 nor the SE (2022) have a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across all Apple Watch models.
Performance
Both watches share the Apple S8 chip and dual-core processor, resulting in remarkably similar performance for everyday tasks like app navigation and notifications. You likely won't notice a significant speed difference in typical usage.
Battery Life
The Series 8 offers slightly better battery life than the SE (2022) under typical usage, but both require daily charging. The Series 8's faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) is a notable advantage.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum is ideal for users prioritizing advanced health tracking, a premium display, and faster charging. The Apple Watch SE (2022) is perfect for first-time smartwatch buyers, fitness enthusiasts on a budget, or those who want essential Apple Watch features without the high price tag.