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Apple Watch SE 2 vs Series 4 – Which Should You Buy?

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Apple Watch SE 2 & 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 2 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

Display:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 includes an LTPO OLED 1.73 inch display to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
  • Apple Watch SE 2 has a standard 1.57 inch Retina OLED display.
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 2 also reaches up to 1000 nits.
Winner:

Tie

 

Operating System:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 supports watchOS 10 and future updates that ensure long-term software compatibility.
  • Apple Watch SE 2 comes with watchOS 9.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

 

Durability:

  • Apple Watch Series 4 features a stainless steel case that is highly durable and scratch resistant.
  • Apple Watch SE 2 uses lightweight aluminum, which is less durable than steel.
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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 has a resolution of 324 x 394 pixels.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 4

Specs at a Glance

Feature Apple Watch Series 4 Apple Watch SE 2
Display LTPO OLED Retina, no Always-On LTPO OLED Retina, no Always-On
Display Size 44mm case, 368 x 448 resolution 40mm case, 324 x 394 resolution
Brightness Up to 1000 nits Up to 1000 nits
Processor S4 dual-core chip S8 dual-core chip
RAM 1GB 1GB
Storage 16GB 32GB
Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 16 hours
Charging Standard charging Standard charging
LTE Connectivity Yes Yes
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz
Fall Detection Yes Yes
Heart Rate Sensor Optical and Electrical 2nd-gen Optical
ECG Yes No
Case Material Stainless Steel Aluminum
Band Milanese Loop (premium) Denim Sport Band
AppleCare+ Included Sold separately

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Apple Watch Series 4 if you:

  • Want a premium stainless steel case with a luxury Milanese loop band
  • Need ECG functionality and heart health monitoring
  • Prefer a larger screen and higher resolution for easier viewing
  • Value durability and classic design for formal or office wear
  • Like the added protection of AppleCare+ bundled in

Check Apple Watch Series 4 Best Price

Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you:

  • Prefer a newer processor for smoother performance and longer software support
  • Want a lighter and more comfortable fit for smaller wrists
  • Need crash detection and updated safety features
  • Are looking for more internal storage for apps and media
  • Want a more budget-friendly option with modern capabilities

Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Processor Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Display Size Apple Watch Series 4
Higher Resolution Apple Watch Series 4
Health & Fitness Apple Watch Series 4
Durability Apple Watch Series 4
HRV Tracking Apple Watch Series 4
ECG App Apple Watch Series 4
Design Apple Watch Series 4

FAQ

Does the Apple Watch Series 4 support ECG?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 4 includes an electrical heart sensor and supports the ECG app, which can help detect signs of atrial fibrillation or irregular heart rhythm.

Can the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) detect crashes?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) includes crash detection using updated accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to alert emergency services automatically after a severe car crash.

Is the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) better for long-term software updates?
Yes, since it uses the newer S8 chip, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is more likely to receive watchOS updates for a longer period compared to the older Series 4.

Does either watch support an Always-On Display?
No, neither the Apple Watch Series 4 nor the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) includes an Always-On Display. You must raise your wrist or tap the screen to view the display.

Is there a difference in water resistance between the two models?
No, both the Apple Watch Series 4 and SE (2nd Gen) are rated WR50, meaning they are water resistant up to 50 meters and suitable for swimming.

Which Apple Watch is more durable in terms of build quality?
The Apple Watch Series 4 has a stainless steel case which is more resistant to scratches and dents compared to the aluminum case of the SE (2nd Gen).

Do both watches support heart rate monitoring?
Yes, both models include optical heart rate sensors, but only the Series 4 has an additional electrical sensor for ECG functionality.

Can I use the same charger for both watches?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 4 and SE (2nd Gen) use the standard Apple magnetic charging cable and are compatible with each other’s chargers.

Does either model support Blood Oxygen monitoring?
No, neither the Apple Watch Series 4 nor the SE (2nd Gen) supports blood oxygen monitoring. This feature is only available on Series 6 and newer models.

Is there a major size difference between the two models?
Yes, the Series 4 has a 44mm case while the SE (2nd Gen) in this comparison comes in a 40mm size, making the Series 4 slightly larger and better for users who prefer a bigger display.