Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - which one is worth investing in?

Two years after the launch of the original Apple Watch SE, Apple introduced the second-generation model. Unveiled on September 8, 2022, alongside the iPhone 14 series, the Apple Watch SE 2 maintains a similar design to its predecessor but brings several performance and feature upgrades.

Let's compare the Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 to see how the new generation enhances the features of the previous model. You can also check Apple Watch SE bands to know more information about SE Accessory. Bandletic is committed to offering outdoor watch bands such as Apple Watch bands, Garmin Watch bands, Fitbit and Samsung Watch bands.

Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - design

The Apple Watch SE and SE 2 share a similar design, both featuring a curved edge and aluminum frame for a sleek, minimalist look. The SE 2 features a strengthened glass on the front, with the back upgraded to ceramic and sapphire, while the SE has a plastic back with sapphire crystal.

The size difference is minimal, with the SE 2 being slightly lighter at 33g compared to the SE's 36.4g. Both models are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for various weather conditions and enhancing reliability for everyday use.

Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - screen

The Apple Watch SE 2 boasts a 30% larger display compared to the previous model, offering more screen space and a significantly improved user experience. Both models feature a Retina LTPO OLED display with 1,000 nits of brightness, ensuring readability in sunlight.

The two models come in 40mm and 44mm versions. The smaller size has a 1.57-inch display with a resolution of 394 x 324 pixels, while the larger model measures 1.78 inches with a resolution of 448 x 368 pixels, both with a pixel density of 326ppi. While the SE 2 has a larger screen, the resolution remains the same, offering similar sharpness.

The SE 2 is available in silver, starlight, and midnight colors, with a modern-looking back shell design that gives it a slight edge over the SE’s silver, space gray, and gold options.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 2, the Apple Watch SE 2’s screen performance and design updates make it more attractive in this comparison.

Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - processor

The Apple Watch SE gen 2 features a significant upgrade with the new S8 chip, the same chipset powering the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. Equipped with a dual-core CPU and PowerVR GPU, it delivers 20% better performance than the SE's S5 chip. This upgrade allows the SE 2 to respond faster to user requests and run the latest watchOS 9 smoothly. You can also explore Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8 to know the comparison between these two products.

While the SE's S5 chip still meets daily needs and supports the latest watchOS 9, the SE 2 offers superior speed and enhanced future system support, making it a more future-proof option.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 2

Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - features

While the feature set of the SE 2 remains largely the same, it adds an important safety feature: crash detection. This function can automatically call emergency services if a severe collision is detected, enhancing user safety—a feature the SE lacks.

Core health functions like heart rate monitoring are retained, but the SE 2 does not include ECG or blood oxygen measurement features, likely to keep the device size and price manageable. With the S8 chip and watchOS 9, the SE 2 is better equipped for efficiency and future updates.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 2, thanks to the added crash detection feature, which enhances its overall practicality.

Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - battery life

Both the Apple Watch SE and SE 2 feature a 296mAh lithium-ion battery, resulting in similar battery capacity. The SE offers about 18 hours of battery life, sufficient for most daily use. Both models support fast charging, minimizing wait time.

The SE 2 offers slightly improved battery life, lasting up to 22 hours under standard use, which is a notable improvement over the SE, though the difference is not huge. For users who need more battery life, this is a welcome upgrade.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 2, While both watches perform well in battery life, the SE 2 slightly outperforms the SE, offering up to 22 hours of usage.

Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - price

The Apple Watch SE gen 2 starts at $249 for the 40mm GPS model and $279 for the 44mm model. Adding cellular connectivity raises the price to $299 and $329 for the respective sizes. In contrast, the original SE starts at $279 for the GPS models and $329 for the LTE models, making the new SE 2 $30 cheaper than its predecessor. This competitive pricing positions the SE 2 as an affordable alternative to more premium options like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which caters to advanced users with its rugged design and additional features.

Similarly, compared to high-end fitness-focused models such as the Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Approach S60, which often carry steeper price tags, the SE 2 delivers a compelling balance of performance and value. For those looking for a reasonable upgrade at a more budget-friendly price, the Apple Watch SE 2 stands out in the smartwatch market.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 2

Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - similarities and differences

The Apple Watch SE and SE gen 2 share nearly identical designs and sizes, making them hard to distinguish. The main visual differences are the SE 2’s midnight color replacing the SE’s space gray and the SE 2’s matte finish on the back, compared to the SE’s glossy finish.

Both models have significantly improved displays, offering a more modern appearance with thinner borders, especially compared to the Series 3. Neither model features an always-on display, but both offer excellent display quality.

Battery life is similar, with both models supporting all-day use and leaving about 20% charge remaining.

Core features like messaging, call handling, 50-meter water resistance, fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, Siri, Apple Pay, and Maps are shared.

Apple Watch SE (2020)

• S5 chip
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Black ceramic back
• Space gray, gold, and silver colors
• Starting at $279

Apple Watch SE 2 (2022)

• S8 chip (20% faster than S5)
• Bluetooth 5.3
• Added crash detection
• Color-matching nylon composite back
• New midnight and starlight colors
• Starting at $249

Overall, the Apple Watch SE 2 brings performance improvements, crash detection, a new processor, and better pricing.

Apple Watch SE vs SE 2 - which one is right for you?

Apple Watch SE 2 is lighter, offers a larger screen, a more powerful processor, and adds crash detection. If you’re using the original SE, it’s worth upgrading for better longevity and performance. If upgrading from an older model like Series 3, SE 2 is the better choice.

For new Apple Watch users, the SE 1 offers better value. Both models provide a great experience, but SE 2 stands out in screen, performance, and functionality, offering the latest features at a slightly higher price.

For current SE owners, upgrading depends on your budget. In summary, SE 2 is ideal for those seeking better features and performance, while SE 1 is perfect for those focused on value.