Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch SE (2022): The Ultimate Showdown
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 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 compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 | 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 | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel 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 | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 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 | Sapphire crystal 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 | Graphite, Silver, Gold | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 330 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
- Advanced health features (ECG, temperature sensing)
- Brighter Always-On display
- Faster charging
- Premium design and materials
- Higher price
- Battery life not significantly improved over SE
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- More affordable
- Excellent value for money
- Core Apple Watch functionality
- Durable design
- Lacks advanced health features
- Less bright display
- Slower charging (no specified time)
Display Comparison
The Series 8 boasts a significantly brighter Always-On Retina display than the SE (2022), making it easier to read in direct sunlight. The SE's display is still good, but lacks the constant visibility of the Series 8. Both offer excellent color accuracy and sharpness.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 8 nor the SE (2022) have a traditional camera. They both rely on the iPhone for taking photos and videos.
Performance
Despite sharing the same S8 chip, the Series 8 benefits from slightly improved software optimization and potentially more RAM, resulting in marginally smoother performance in demanding tasks. However, for everyday use, both watches feel responsive and quick.
Battery Life
The Series 8 offers faster charging (0-80% in 45 minutes) compared to the SE (2022), which charges wirelessly but without a specified time. Both offer roughly the same battery life of around 18 hours with typical use, though this can vary depending on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 8 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 core Apple Watch functionality without the premium price tag.