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Apple Watch SE vs Series 4 – Which Should You Buy?

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Apple Watch SE & Series 4 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 4 is a more advanced model with newer sensors, advanced display, additional health sensors, more internal storage and better connectivity. The Apple Watch SE is more affordable and still provides core fitness tracking. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Operating System:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 supports watchOS 10 and future updates that ensure long-term software compatibility.
  • Apple Watch SE supports up to watchOS 9 and no longer receives updates.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Brightness:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness that improves visibility in direct sunlight.
  • Apple Watch SE also reaches up to 1000 nits.
Winner:

Tie

 

Screen Size:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 has a 44mm display that provides more space for text and UI elements.
  • Apple Watch SE uses a 40mm screen, which is smaller and less readable.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Durability:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes a sapphire crystal front that protects against scratches and damage.
  • Apple Watch SE has an Ion-X glass front, which is more prone to scratches.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Health Features:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes ECG, Fall Detection, and advanced heart rate notifications to support advanced fitness tracking.
  • The Apple Watch SE does not have ECG, but includes basic heart rate, sleep, and activity tracking.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Speaker & Microphone:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes improved microphone placement and louder speaker that enhance call quality.
  • Apple Watch SE has a basic speaker and mic that are functional but less clear.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Battery Life:
  • The Apple Watch Series 4 offers 18-hour battery life that supports all-day use with advanced features enabled.
  • Apple Watch SE comes with up to 16 hours of battery life.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Resolution:
  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes a 368 x 448 resolution that delivers sharper text and app visuals.
  • Apple Watch SE has a resolution of 324 x 394 pixels.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4
Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price
Check Apple Watch SE Best Price

Specs at a Glance

Feature Apple Watch Series 4 Apple Watch SE
Display LTPO OLED, Always-On LTPO OLED, No Always-On
Display Size 44mm 40mm
Resolution 368 x 448 324 x 394
Brightness Up to 1000 nits Up to 1000 nits
Processor S4 chip (dual-core) S8 chip (dual-core)
RAM 1GB 1GB
Storage 16GB 32GB
Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours
Build Material Stainless Steel Aluminum
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz
ECG Yes No
Compass Yes Yes
Microphone Improved Standard
OS Support Upgradable to latest watchOS Preloaded with watchOS 9, upgradable

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Apple Watch Series 4 if you:

  • Want a larger and sharper display for easier navigation and readability.
  • Prefer a premium stainless steel case with a luxurious Milanese Loop band.
  • Need ECG functionality for advanced heart monitoring.
  • Appreciate the always-on display for constant time and info visibility.
  • Don’t mind using slightly older but still capable hardware.

Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price

Buy the Apple Watch SE if you:

  • Want a faster, newer chip for smoother performance and longer support.
  • Need Crash Detection for improved safety while driving.
  • Prefer a lighter aluminum design for better comfort during workouts.
  • Want more internal storage for music, apps, and photos.
  • Are looking for a more affordable Apple Watch with core features.

Check Apple Watch SE Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Display Apple Watch Series 4
Display Size Apple Watch Series 4
Higher Resolution Apple Watch Series 4
Display Brightness Draw
Health & Fitness Apple Watch Series 4
Design Apple Watch Series 4

FAQ

Is the Apple Watch Series 4 still supported by the latest watchOS?
The Apple Watch Series 4 is compatible with watchOS 10, but it may not support future updates beyond that, as Apple gradually phases out support for older chips like the S4.

Does the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) have ECG or Blood Oxygen apps?
No, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) does not include ECG or Blood Oxygen sensors. It focuses on core fitness and health tracking features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and Crash Detection.

Which Apple Watch has a larger display, Series 4 or SE 2nd Gen?
The Apple Watch Series 4 has a larger 44mm display, compared to the 40mm display on the SE (2nd Gen), making it easier to view text and apps.

Can both models be used without an iPhone nearby?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 4 and SE (2nd Gen) with GPS + Cellular can handle calls, messages, and streaming without an iPhone, provided they are set up with a cellular plan.

Is the Apple Watch Series 4 better for heart health tracking?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 4 includes an ECG app which allows users to record and monitor heart rhythms, a feature not available on the SE (2nd Gen).

Which model is more future-proof in terms of software updates?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is more future-proof due to its newer S8 chip, which ensures longer compatibility with upcoming watchOS updates.

Do both watches support emergency features?
Yes, both models support Emergency SOS, but only the SE (2nd Gen) includes Crash Detection, which can automatically contact emergency services after a severe car accident.

Which Apple Watch is more durable for everyday wear?
The Apple Watch Series 4 has a stainless steel case with sapphire crystal, offering more scratch resistance compared to the aluminum and Ion-X glass on the SE (2nd Gen).

Do either of the watches support fast charging?
No, neither the Apple Watch Series 4 nor the SE (2nd Gen) supports fast charging. They both use standard magnetic charging that takes around two hours to fully charge.

Which Apple Watch is better for someone on a budget?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is the better choice for budget-conscious buyers. It provides modern features, better performance, and longer support at a lower price than the stainless steel Series 4.

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