Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Full Comparison and Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to choosing an Apple Watch, many users find themselves torn between the Apple Watch SE vs Series 8. At first glance, the two look quite similar, but the price gap of nearly $100 can make you wonder - is the Series 8 really worth the extra money? If you're planning to buy an Apple Watch but aren't sure which one suits you best, this article breaks down the key differences in features, performance, battery life, and health tracking to help you make an informed decision.

Both the Apple Watch SE 2 and Series 8 have their strengths - it all comes down to what you value more. Are you looking to save money while still getting the essential smartwatch experience, or are you willing to invest more for advanced health sensors and a more premium display? In the sections below, we’ll dive into detailed comparisons, hands-on impressions, and practical buying advice to help you decide which Apple Watch is the better fit for your needs. You can also check the articles of Apple Watch SE(2022) review and Apple Watch Series 8 review.

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Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Specifications

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Price

In the price comparison between the Apple Watch SE vs Series 8, the difference is the most obvious and crucial factor to consider. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) (2022 model) starts at $249 for the 40mm GPS version, with the cellular model priced at $299. In contrast, the Series 8 starts at $399 for the 41mm GPS version, and the cellular version begins at $499 - making it $150 to $200 more expensive.

If you have a limited budget or are buying an Apple Watch for the first time, the SE offers most of the core features and is a highly cost-effective entry-level option. Furthermore, upgrading to the cellular version on the SE 2nd Generation costs only an additional $50, whereas the Series 8 requires $100 more for the same upgrade. Additionally, the Series 8 offers more material choices (such as stainless steel) and color options (like Product(RED)), but this also drives the price higher, with some versions approaching the price of the Apple Watch Ultra. Overall, unless you specifically need premium materials or more comprehensive health features, the SE is sufficient for everyday use.

Winner: Apple Watch SE (Second Generation)

Reason: Offers most core features at a lower price, providing better value for money.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Design

The Apple Watch SE (second generation) and Series 8 share a very similar overall design, both featuring a rounded rectangular shape with slight differences in size. The SE 2 is available in 40mm and 44mm options, while the Series 8 comes in slightly larger 41mm and 45mm sizes to fit different wrist preferences. Whether you're exploring Apple Watch SE bands or Apple Watch Bands Series 8, both models support a wide variety of styles and materials, allowing users to fully personalize their Apple Watch experience. For those looking for stylish and high-quality options, Bandletic offers a curated Apple Watch bands  designed to complement both models perfectly.

In terms of materials, the SE (second generation) is offered only with an aluminum case and comes in colors like Midnight, Starlight, and Silver, making it lightweight and practical. The Series 8, on the other hand, offers both aluminum and premium stainless steel versions, with more color options such as Graphite and Gold, providing a more refined look and greater durability.

Regarding durability and protection, the Series 8 is rated IP6X dust-resistant and water-resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for tougher environments, and features a more crack-resistant front glass. The SE Gen 2 also supports 50-meter water resistance but lacks the dust-resistance certification, making it slightly less rugged. The case back design of the Series 8 is more streamlined and uniform, while the SE offers more color variations to suit different tastes.

Overall, if you prefer a lightweight and practical watch, the SE (2nd Gen) is a solid choice. However, if you want premium materials and enhanced durability, the Series 8 stands out.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 8

Reason: Superior materials and durability give it a more premium feel.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Display

The Apple Watch Series 8 features an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display with a brightness of up to 1000 nits, ensuring clear visibility of time, notifications, and other information even in bright outdoor conditions. It has slimmer bezels and slightly larger screen sizes (41mm and 45mm), offering higher resolution and a bigger display area than the SE 2nd Generation, delivering a more immersive and detailed viewing experience - especially beneficial for users who frequently check complex data.

The Apple Watch SE (second generation) also uses a Retina OLED screen with the same peak brightness of 1000 nits, but it lacks the Always-On display feature, requiring users to raise their wrist or tap the screen to wake it. Its screen sizes are smaller (40mm and 44mm), with lower resolution and display area compared to Series 8, resulting in a more compact visual space that may feel a bit constrained during extended use.

Overall, if you prioritize a more natural viewing experience and a larger screen, the Series 8 clearly excels in display performance. However, if your budget is limited and you don’t require Always-On functionality, the SE Gen 2 still offers sharp and vibrant visuals.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 8

Reason: Larger screen and Always-On display provide a more convenient and premium user experience.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Health Tracking Features

The Apple Watch Series 8 offers more advanced health sensors, including a temperature sensor, blood oxygen monitoring, and an electrocardiogram (ECG). It can track temperature changes during sleep to help women manage their menstrual cycles and ovulation more accurately. The blood oxygen feature continuously monitors oxygen levels, which is beneficial for those concerned about respiratory health. The ECG function detects irregular heart rhythms and provides timely alerts for potential heart issues. Additionally, Series 8 includes a car crash detection feature that uses multiple sensors to automatically recognize accidents and send emergency alerts, enhancing user safety.

In contrast, the Apple Watch SE (second generation) primarily supports core features like heart rate monitoring, fall detection, emergency SOS, and car crash detection. It can notify users of abnormal heart rates but lacks the advanced sensors for temperature, blood oxygen, and ECG. The SE’s menstrual tracking is more basic and does not use temperature data for precise ovulation predictions.

Overall, for users who demand comprehensive and precise health insights, the Series 8 is the better choice. The SE 2nd Generation remains suitable for those focused on essential health monitoring and safety features.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 8

Reason: Offers more advanced sensors for a fuller health management experience.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - System and Chipset

When it comes to core performance, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen and Series 8 are surprisingly similar. Both are powered by the S8 SiP dual-core processor and W3 wireless chip, delivering smooth and responsive performance whether you're navigating apps, receiving notifications, or using health features. There's virtually no difference in speed or fluidity during daily use.

On the software side, both models run watchOS 9 out of the box and support upgrades to watchOS 11. This ensures a consistent user experience across both devices - including features like workout tracking, sleep monitoring, safety tools, and app navigation.

Where the Series 8 stands out is its inclusion of the U1 Ultra Wideband chip, which enhances spatial awareness and enables features like digital car keys and precise location tracking in the Find My network - a key advantage for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

Additionally, the Series 8 supports fast charging and includes more advanced sensors such as temperature detection, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring. While the SE 2nd Gen lacks these extras, it still delivers excellent value with the same processing power and seamless watchOS experience.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 8

Reason: With all the performance of the SE 2nd Gen plus advanced health sensors and enhanced Apple ecosystem integration, the Series 8 is the better choice for users who want more comprehensive features and future-ready hardware.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Battery Life

In terms of battery life, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and the second-generation SE offer similar performance under normal conditions - lasting around 18 hours on a full charge. When Low Power Mode is enabled, both watches can extend usage up to 36 hours, though this comes with reduced functionality (e.g., heart rate alerts and Always-On display are disabled, and system performance may slow down).

For those engaging in long workouts like marathons or hikes, activating Workout Power Saving Mode helps reduce GPS and heart rate refresh rates, effectively stretching battery life even further.

Where the Series 8 pulls ahead is charging speed. With a USB-C fast charging cable and a 20W adapter (sold separately), it can fully charge in about 75 minutes. In contrast, the SE (2nd Gen) requires roughly 2.5 hours for a full charge, about 30% slower.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 8

Reason: Faster charging gives it a practical edge in everyday use.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Smartwatch Features & Connectivity

When comparing the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and the Apple Watch Series 8, both offer a solid suite of smart features: call and message notifications, Siri voice commands, Apple Pay, Family Setup, and Find My integration. They also support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi for smooth pairing and reliable connectivity. For those seeking more freedom, both models are available in GPS + Cellular versions, allowing calls and streaming without carrying your iPhone.

However, the Series 8 pulls ahead with its U1 Ultra Wideband chip, which enables precise spatial awareness - making features like AirTag tracking and HomePod handoff significantly faster and more intuitive. It also includes enhanced crash detection hardware, offering quicker response times in emergencies thanks to additional motion sensors.

Winner: Apple Watch Series 8

Reason: The U1 chip and upgraded crash detection provide a meaningful edge in safety and device interaction.

Apple Watch SE vs Series 8 - Buying Guide and Recommendation

If you have a limited budget and don’t require advanced health tracking, the Apple Watch SE is an excellent choice to experience the Apple Watch ecosystem and its essential smart features. It covers key daily functions like heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and emergency SOS, meeting the needs of most users.

On the other hand, if you prioritize comprehensive and precise health tracking - such as blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and temperature sensing - and want premium materials along with an Always-On display, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers a superior experience. It supports faster charging and features enhanced safety functions like more sensitive crash detection, making it ideal for users with higher health and safety demands.

In summary, for first-time buyers with budget constraints, the Apple Watch SE provides the best value for money; while those seeking full-featured health capabilities, premium design, and future-proof options will find the Apple Watch Series 8 a more worthwhile investment.