Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch SE 2: The Apple Watch Series 8 is better than the Apple Watch SE 2. The former is more expensive and packs more features than the latter. iOS users who think the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 are too pricey, can alternatively buy the Apple Watch SE 2 instead.
Both smartwatches were launched alongside the Apple iPhone 14 models and AirPods Pro 2. So the question is, should you buy the budget-friendly Watch SE 2 or the flagship Apple Watch Series 8? Let’s proceed to show you the similarities and differences between these two smartwatches before you buy them.
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Price
The Apple Watch SE 2 is cheaper. It will cost you $249 for the GPS-only version, and the GPS+Cellular version will cost you $299. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 8 is priced at $399 for the GPS-only version, while the GPS+Cellular is priced at $499.
Thus, for someone who’s on a tight budget, the Apple Watch SE 2 is cheaper. However, getting the Apple Watch Series 8 will give you access to more health and fitness features- although it’s more expensive.
Release Date and Availability
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch SE 2 was released on September 7th, 2022. And you can purchase either of them via the box at the bottom of this post.Â
Design, Display, and Durability
The shape of both smartwatches is similar. They have a rectangular design language. However, the Apple Watch Series 8 is more durable and sophisticated. First, it has nearly 20% more screen area than Apple Watch SE 2. Secondly, it is the only one here with IP6X dust resistance. Although both smartwatches are waterproof.
When it comes to their display sizes and quality, only the Apple Watch Series 8 has an Always On Display feature.
As for the sizes, Apple Watch Series 8 has a 1.69-inch (41mm version) or 1.9-inch (45mm version) Retina OLED touchscreen with an Always-On Display and up to 1000 nits of brightness. While the Apple Watch SE 2 brings a smaller screen of 1.57-inch (40mm) or 1.79-inch (44mm) Retina LTPO OLED touchscreen with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.
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Performance
At the helm of control, both smartwatches are powered by the latest Apple S8 chipset. Paired with 1GB RAM and 32GB of storage. The S8 Chip comes alongside Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, a dual-core CPU, and PowerVR GPU.
Health and Fitness Sensors
The Apple Watch Series 8 has more health and fitness features/sensors than Apple Watch SE 2. Below are some features both smartwatches share, while the next paragraph contains features that are exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 8.
Features available on both Smartwatches: High and low heart-rate notifications, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Irregular rhythm notifications, Temperature sensing, Cycle tracking, SpO2, VO2max, Cardio fitness, and Emergency SOS.
Features exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 8: Blood Oxygen sensor and Application, ECG app, Temperature Sensing, Electrical heart sensor.
Battery and Charging Tech
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch SE 2 is rated up to 18 hours. Battery life varies by use, configuration, cellular network, signal strength, and many other factors. However, is good to note that only the Apple Watch Series 8 supports fast charging technology.
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Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch SE 2: ESim Support
Yes! These two wearables from Apple support ESim technology. You can make and receive phone calls, you can check and receive information, and download apps independently, and the new product has been adapted to more applications.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Specs Comparison
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch SE 2 | |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Display | 1.69-inch (41mm) 1.91-inch (45mm) OLED | 1.57-inch (40mm) 1.76-inch (44mm) OLED |
| Processor | Apple S8 | Apple S8 |
| RAM & Storage | 1GB RAM + 32GB | 1GB RAM + 32GB |
| Price | Starts at $399 | Starts at $249 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | Price |
| Buy on Amazon | $399.99 |
| Buy on Amazon(UK) | £419.00 |
| Buy on Amazon(EUR) | €499.00 |
| Apple Watch SE 2 | Price |
| Buy on Amazon | $249.99 |
| Buy on Amazon(UK) | £259.00 |
| Buy on Amazon(EUR) | €299.00 |
