In the realm of smartwatches, Apple stands out with its blend of technology, style, and functionality. Two models that often catch the attention of consumers are the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Series 8. Both watches offer a wealth of features, but there are key differences that cater to diverse user preferences and budgets. This article delves into these differences between Apple Watch SE vs series 8, helping you decide which timepiece aligns best with your lifestyle between Apple Watch SE vs series 8.
Apple Watch SE: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Design and Display
The Apple Watch SE, introduced in 2020, inherits the classic design language of the Apple Watch family. It sports a Retina display with thin bezels, offering a vibrant and clear view of your notifications, apps, and workouts. Despite being a more affordable option, it doesn’t compromise on build quality, available in aluminum finishes that match Apple’s premium standards. However, compared to the Series 8, the SE lacks the Always-On Display feature, meaning the screen turns off when not actively used, requiring a raise of the wrist or tap to illuminate.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The SE is equipped with a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking capabilities, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, and support for a wide array of workout types. It accurately tracks steps taken, calories burned, and exercise minutes. While it doesn’t have the advanced ECG or blood oxygen monitoring found in the Series 8, it still provides valuable health insights for most users. The inclusion of fall detection adds a layer of safety, a feature typically associated with higher-end models.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by Apple’s S5 chip, the SE delivers snappy performance for everyday tasks and light applications. It’s capable of running the latest watchOS software, ensuring access to the newest features and apps. In terms of battery life, the SE offers up to 18 hours of usage, similar to the Series 8, which means daily charging is necessary. However, it lacks the more power-efficient components found in the Series 8, potentially affecting longevity during intensive use.
Apple Watch Series 8: The Flagship Experience
The Apple Watch Series 8 represents the pinnacle of Apple’s wearable technology, offering a flagship experience that blends style, functionality, and cutting-edge health and fitness features. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes the Series 8 stand out:
1. Advanced Health Monitoring
- Temperature Sensing: A new addition, enabling more accurate tracking of menstrual cycles and fertility by measuring wrist temperature. This data, combined with the Cycle Tracking app, provides women with insightful health information.
- Blood Oxygen Monitoring & ECG: Continues to offer blood oxygen saturation measurement and an FDA-cleared ECG app, which can detect signs of atrial fibrillation, crucial for overall cardiovascular health monitoring.
- Car Crash Detection: An innovative safety feature that uses advanced sensors to detect severe car accidents and automatically contacts emergency services, providing an additional layer of safety and peace of mind.
2. Enhanced Fitness and Activity Tracking
- Improved Workout Metrics: Offers detailed tracking for a wide range of workouts, including swimming, yoga, cycling, and high-intensity interval training, with precise metrics to analyze performance.
- Sleep Tracking & Mindfulness: Tracks sleep patterns, including REM, deep, and light sleep stages, while also promoting mindfulness through guided breathing exercises and stress management tools.
3. Always-On Retina Display
- The Always-On display ensures your watch face is visible at all times without the need to raise your wrist. This is particularly useful during workouts or when quickly checking the time or notifications discreetly.
4. Robust Build Quality and Design
- Available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium finishes, with a range of bands to suit personal styles. The Series 8 is also swim-proof and incorporates crack-resistant ceramic and sapphire crystal materials for added durability.
5. watchOS Integration and Connectivity
- Runs on the latest version of watchOS, seamlessly integrating with iPhone for phone calls, messages, music control, and access to a vast library of apps. It also supports Apple Pay, Siri voice commands, and can act as a remote control for HomeKit-enabled smart home devices.
6. Battery Life and Low Power Mode
- While maintaining a similar battery life to previous generations, the Series 8 introduces new low power modes, extending battery life during periods of limited usage, ensuring your watch stays functional for longer periods without recharge.
In summary, the Apple Watch Series 8 delivers a comprehensive, premium experience designed for users who prioritize advanced health insights, seamless integration with their digital lives, and a watch that complements their active lifestyles with style and sophistication. If you’re seeking the best Apple Watch experience with no compromise on features, the Series 8 is undoubtedly the way to go.
Choosing Between the Two
Choosing between the Apple Watch SE and the Series 8 largely depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Here’s a comparison to help you make an informed decision:
Apple Watch SE
- Affordability: The SE is typically more budget-friendly, making it a great choice if you want Apple Watch features without the premium cost of the Series 8.
- Core Features: It includes essential Apple Watch features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, fall detection, Emergency SOS, and compatibility with most Apple Watch apps.
- Design: The SE has a similar design to the higher-end models but may lack some newer design elements or materials introduced in the Series 8.
- Performance: While not as powerful as the Series 8, the SE still offers snappy performance for everyday use and fitness tracking.
- Lacks Advanced Health Features: The SE does not have ECG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or the always-on display found in the Series 8.
Apple Watch Series 8
Advanced Health Monitoring
The Series 8 includes ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and improved sleep tracking capabilities, making it a better choice for those who prioritize health and wellness tracking.
Always-On Display
Unlike the SE, the Series 8 has an always-on Retina display, allowing you to see the time and other information without raising your wrist.
Better Durability and Materials
The Series 8 may offer enhanced durability and comes in a wider range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium options (the titanium option being exclusive to the Series 8 and Ultra).
Temperature Sensing
A new feature exclusive to the Series 8 (excluding the SE) is the ability to monitor your body temperature, which can be useful for tracking fertility or overall health trends.
Future Proofing
With more advanced hardware and features, the Series 8 is likely to receive software updates and support for a longer period, ensuring it stays up-to-date with the latest Apple Watch capabilities.
Considerations
Budget
If cost is a significant factor, the SE provides a great balance of features for its price.
Health Needs
If advanced health monitoring features like ECG, blood oxygen measurements, or temperature sensing are important to you, the Series 8 is the clear choice.
Future Compatibility
If you’re concerned about long-term software support and having the latest features. And investing in the Series 8 might be worth it.
Daily Use
Consider how you plan to use your watch daily. If you’re an avid athlete or deeply invested in health metrics, the Series 8’s additional features could be beneficial.
Ultimately, both Apple Watch SE vs series 8 offer a high-quality smartwatch experience. And the best one for you depends on how you prioritize features, budget, and intended use.