Comparison of Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2. At the autumn presentation in 2022, Apple showed a whole bunch of new devices. Three new devices appeared in the line of smart watches at once, this has never happened before. As expected, we were shown the base series, the Apple Watch Series 8, the simplified 2nd generation Apple Watch SE, and the flagship Apple Watch Ultra.
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I must say that all these models are quite different from each other. And if the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2 had their predecessors, then the flagship Ultra is clearly something new. But it also costs much more than its younger brothers. So far, users are only looking at this model, evaluating its real capabilities and price compliance. But with the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2, in general, everything is clear. It remains only to choose which model is best suited for specific tasks.
Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2 design and dimensions
Based on the external design, you can immediately understand which model is more expensive and modern. The Apple Watch Series 8 has features from the previous generation of watches. This design stands out with noticeably thinner bezels (edge-to-edge display) on the front and a smooth transition to the edges.
The Apple Watch SE 2 has a more classic design (like the Apple Watch Series 6, 5 and 4), which is primarily affected by thick bezels. These were the main models of Apple watches four years ago.
Slightly, but the sizes of the cases also differ. The Apple Watch Series 8 has two options: 45mm and 41mm, while the Apple Watch SE 2 comes in 44mm and 40mm. The controls are the same – it’s hard to come up with something new for smartwatches (however, it happened for the Apple Watch Ultra). On the right side is the Digital Crown and the power button. The lower area received a pulse sensor. There are differences in the weight of the devices:
- Series 8 (41 mm) – 32 g (aluminum), 42 g (steel)
- Series 8 (45 mm) – 39 g (aluminum), 51 g (steel)
- SE 2 (40 mm) – 27 g (aluminum)
- SE 2 (44 mm) – 33 g (aluminum)
There are differences in the colors of the watch. The younger ones, Apple Watch SE 2, are available in three versions: silver (silver), black (midnight) and beige (starlight).
But the Apple Watch Series 8 has more options, the red branded red (ProductRED) has been added to those already mentioned. But it is available only for aluminum models.
Dust and water resistance for Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2
Both models have protection against water, albeit uncertified. The Apple Watch SE 2 and Apple Watch Series 8 can theoretically be submerged in water to a depth of 50 meters. In practice, this means trouble-free water sports in the pool, swimming in the sea and ocean. But diving in this watch is not worth it.
The Apple Watch Series 8 received a full dust protection rating of IP6X, which the younger model did not receive.
Display in Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2
Apple Watch Series 8 received an OLED Retina display, in the size of 41 mm its resolution is 352 × 430 pixels, and in the size of 45 mm – 396 × 484. The frames around the screen are minimal. The maximum brightness reaches 1000 nits. It is important that this watch supports Always-On technology (Always on screen), which makes it possible to display certain information even on an inactive device.
Apple Watch SE 2 has a 20% smaller screen area than the older brother. The brightness of the OLED Retina display also reaches 1000 nits. The 44 mm model received a resolution of 368 × 448 pixels, and 40 mm – 324 × 394 pixels. But there is no support for Always-On, this function definitely went to more status models.
Hardware, sensors, technology and package in the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2
Both models are powered by the dual-core Apple S8 processor. The Apple W3 coprocessor helps him interact with wireless interfaces. The devices received 32 GB of internal memory. Everything is identical here. But the Apple Watch Series 8 also has a built-in U1 processor, which will help you position the gadget more accurately. But in Russia this functionality will not be available. Both models support Bluetooth 5.3, but only the Apple Watch Series 8 has fast charging and support for 5GHz Wi-Fi.
But the set of sensors varies, which determines the different positioning of the devices. But first, about similar functionality.
Both models come in GPS and GPS + Cellular (support for cellular networks). The watch works with GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS satellite systems. They have a built-in compass, always-on altimeter, gyroscope, accelerometer and ambient light sensor. The microphone will allow you to give commands to Siri, and the speaker will play sounds. You can pay for hours with Apple Pay. Both models are compatible with GymKit machines.
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2 (2022) Wi-Fi + Cellular versions are visually different from the Wi-Fi Only version by the presence of a red ring on the Digital Crown:
Similar opportunities in terms of ensuring user security. Both models can detect falls and accidents. The emergency alert will then be sent to the pre-selected contacts.
An important feature of the Apple Watch Series 8 is the blood oxygen level sensor. He became in demand against the backdrop of the COVID epidemic. Also, the watch is able to build an electrocardiogram, inform the user about an increase or decrease in his pulse, monitor arrhythmia. This functionality is available thanks to the third generation optical sensor. Another unique feature is the built-in thermometer for measuring body temperature. The watch does this every 5 seconds to get the correct data. With Apple Watch Series 8, you can track your ovulation cycles.
In Apple Watch SE 2, the heart is monitored by a second-generation optical sensor, it has more modest capabilities, but in general it also provides general information about heart rhythm disturbances. In general, the same, except for the presence of sensors for measuring the level of oxygen, temperature and ECG.
Given the same system – watchOS 9, in general, the set of applications and their capabilities will be identical, of course, based on the features of the hardware. These are numerous training programs, activity rings, sleep monitoring and its characteristics, the ability to show notifications from the iPhone, control music and listen to audio.
Another difference between the devices lies in the package, namely: in the box with the Apple Watch Series 8 there is a magnetic USB-C cable for fast charging, while the Apple Watch SE 2 comes with a regular magnetic USB-C cable.
Conclusion
Watch models clearly belong to different classes, but outwardly they look almost identical.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is available in the US for $249, while the Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399. Needless to say, the difference is significant. It is justified by the presence of sensors for oxygen saturation, body temperature and the ability to record ECG, as well as the Always-On function on the display. All this translates watches into another class, more stylish, more technological.
If the user really leads an active lifestyle and wants the most advanced and secure device for tracking their body parameters, then they should choose the Apple Watch Series 8. If, however, you need a simple wearable gadget for reading notifications and basic fitness watch features, then you can save even select Apple Watch SE 2.