Apple Watch Series 8 vs Watch SE 2: Which should you buy?

The Apple Watch Extremely made headlines as the corporate’s newest, best, and priciest smartwatch up to now. However not everybody has simply shy of $1,000 to spend on a wearable. For patrons with tighter pockets, the corporate introduced the Sequence 8 and the brand new budget-orientated Apple Watch SE 2. However how do these two fashions stack up, their execs and cons, and which must you purchase? We reply this and extra in our Apple Watch Sequence 8 vs Watch SE 2 comparability beneath.

Let’s begin with the Apple Watch SE 2. It stays essentially the most reasonably priced Apple Watch within the lineup. It borrows the case of the unique Watch SE however provides just a few enhancements. Apple mentions the watch’s rear case now incorporates a new nylon composite materials, which saves some weight. The Sequence 8 is available in chrome steel or aluminum, with an array of physique colours.

In case you’re searching for the smallest Apple Watch obtainable, the Watch SE 2 is your decide. It’s obtainable in 44mm and 40mm case sizes, whereas the Sequence 8 opts for 45mm and 41mm variations. Nevertheless, the Watch SE 2’s smaller case does include just a few compromises. For one, it’s much less sturdy and lacks the sapphire glass safety you’ll discover on the Apple Watch Extremely and chrome steel Sequence 8 fashions. This shouldn’t be an enormous concern, offered you equipment your watch in a protecting case. The Watch SE 2 additionally packs a much less spectacular OLED display screen that lacks always-on capabilities and incorporates a decrease decision.

By way of aesthetics, the Apple Watch Sequence 8 and Watch SE 2 are robust to inform aside. Each miss out on the Extremely’s Motion Button, however they characteristic the digital crown and energy pusher on their right-hand aspect flanks.

Total, each Apple Watch fashions retain that traditional form. And because of their minute variations, it’ll be fairly tough for anybody to identify should you personal the cheaper choice must you go for the SE 2.

The similarities between the Apple Watch SE 2 and Sequence 8 prolong surprisingly deep.

Apple makes use of its newest S8 chipset in each fashions, so there’s no processing velocity disparity between the 2 units. This is good news for SE consumers who merely desire a watch to run their favourite apps on their wrists with none velocity compromises. Each fashions additionally pack a quoted 18 hours of battery life per cost, with low-power mode extending that by 18 hours. If you would like an Apple Watch that lasts slightly longer, take into account grabbing the Extremely mannequin. Charging velocity is matched throughout the Sequence 8 and Watch SE 2, with each sprinting from lifeless to an 80% cost inside 45 minutes.

Let’s speak about well being options. The Apple Watch’s robust swimsuit is its array of sensors that maintain tabs on varied aspects of your well-being. However there’s one mannequin you’ll need to get if that is notably vital to you. The Apple Watch SE 2 and Sequence 8 characteristic fundamental health monitoring tools, together with a coronary heart fee sensor, sleep monitoring smarts, the brand new crash detection characteristic, fall detection, and menstrual cycle monitoring. Nevertheless, the Apple Watch Sequence 8 additionally options an ECG, an SpO2 sensor, and a brand new physique temperature sensor that aids cycle monitoring. The Watch SE 2 misses out on these, making the Sequence 8 the extra complete well being watch.

The Watch SE 2 additionally misses out on ultra-wideband help, a characteristic many might not want however turns out to be useful should you personal an Apple AirTag.

• Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS): $249 / £259
• Apple Watch SE 2 (LTE): $299 / £319
• Apple Watch Sequence 8 (GPS): $399 / £419
• Apple Watch Sequence 8 (LTE): $499 / £529

The Apple Watch Sequence 8 will price patrons not less than $399, however this may fluctuate based mostly on what end, dial dimension, band, and connectivity choices you select. There’s an array of colours on provide, too, together with Starlight, Midnight, Silver, and Product Crimson for the aluminum chassis, and Silver, Graphite, and Gold for the chrome steel choice. Retail gross sales kick off on September 16.

Apple Watch SE 2 patrons get a lower cost this time round. Whereas the unique Watch SE retailed for $279, the second version begins at $249. Apparently, this equals and undercuts its primary rivals — the Garmin Venu Sq 2 ($249) and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 ($279). Colours on provide embrace Midnight, Starlight, and Silver, whereas retail gross sales additionally start on September 16.

See additionally: One of the best Apple Watch bands

The Apple Watch SE 2 is a compelling gadget for these boarding the Apple ecosystem. It matches its pricier sibling’s processing velocity and battery longevity with out costing a fortune. However for $249, you need to count on some compromises. Apple retains the SE’s worth down by reducing off the ECG, physique temperature sensor, and SpO2 monitor from its toolkit, making it a greater choice for these on a funds however a much less useful gizmo for monitoring well being.

The Apple Watch Sequence 8 is the plain alternative if you wish to maintain abreast of your coronary heart well being, monitor your menstrual cycle slightly extra carefully, or desire a bigger, extra sturdy wearable. That mentioned, these options come at a $150 premium.

See additionally: One of the best Apple Watch options

Are you choosing up the Apple Watch SE 2 or Sequence 8? Tell us within the ballot beneath.