Are you due for an Apple Watch upgrade? In September, Apple released the Series 8 and the SE 2, with exciting new features packed into both. With many similarities but also many differences, it can be hard to decide which one is the best option for you. Here's a breakdown of the Apple Watch Series 8 vs SE 2 so you can decide for yourself.
Apple Watch SE 2 – Starting at $249
The Apple Watch SE 2 has replaced the Series 3 as the budget-friendly model. Being budget-friendly doesn't mean it's lacking in features though. Some of our favorite notable features include:
- S8 chipset
- 50m water resistance
- Crash Detection
- High and low heart rate alerts
- 90 min to charge up to 80% battery
Apple Watch Series 8 – Starting at $399Own
The Series 8 starts at $150 more than the SE 2 — but what do you get for that price jump? The Series 8 includes everything in the SE 2 plus these key features:
- ECG
- Blood Oxygen Sensor
- Temperature Sensor
- Ultra-wideband support
- IP6X dust resistance
- Always-On Retina Display
- Sapphire glass protection
- 45 min to charge up to 80% battery
New Apple Watch = New Features
watchOS 9 introduced new features to all Apple Watch models, including Sleep Stages, medication tracking, Compass Waypoints, and Low Power Mode. But some features are exclusive to newer models:
Crash Detection: Available on the Series 8, SE 2, and Ultra. Your watch can sense when you've been in a severe accident, set off an alarm, and automatically call emergency services if you don't dismiss it. It can also notify an emergency contact with your location.
Temperature Tracking: Available on the Series 8 and Ultra. This feature detects body temperature fluctuations due to diet, exercise, illness, alcohol consumption, and other physiological factors. Wearing your watch at night also provides insight into nightly temperature changes, improving sleep tracking quality.
Cycle Tracking: Available on the Series 8 and Ultra. Temperature data is now incorporated to improve the accuracy of period predictions and estimate the likely day of ovulation — a significant improvement over third-party apps that rely only on calendars and manual data.
So, Which Apple Watch Is Worth the Upgrade?
The Series 8 clearly offers more unique features and better health and fitness data. If it's in your budget, it's a big step up over the SE 2 and will likely last you longer — giving you all the watchOS 9 features plus exclusive ones like Crash Detection, Temperature Tracking, and Cycle Tracking.
If the SE 2 is more aligned with your budget, it's still an excellent entry point into Apple's smartwatch lineup and a big upgrade over the Series 3 through Series 5.
And if an upgrade isn't in your immediate future, a fresh Ownloop band is a cost-effective way to change the look of your Apple Watch — compatible with all models.
