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Apple Watch SE 2 vs Series 5 – Which Should You Buy?

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Apple Watch SE 2 & Series 5 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch Series 5 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 5 features an LTPO OLED Always-On Retina display that allows viewing the time without wrist movement.
  • Apple Watch SE 2 does not support always-on display and requires wrist activation.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Brightness:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 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 5 supports watchOS 10 and future updates that ensure long-term software compatibility.
  • Apple Watch SE 2 supports up to watchOS 9 and no longer receives updates.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Screen Size:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 has a 44mm display that provides more space for text and UI elements.
  • Apple Watch SE 2 uses a 40mm screen, which is smaller and less readable.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Health Features:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 supports activity tracking, VO2 Max, ECG, heart rate notifications, and Fall Detection to monitor vital health metrics.
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) includes most fitness features but lacks ECG.
Winner:

Apple Watch Series 5

 

Speaker & Microphone:

  • Apple Watch Series 5 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 5

 

Battery Life:
  • The Apple Watch Series 5 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 5

 

Resolution:
  • Apple Watch Series 5 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 5
Check Apple Watch Series 5 Best Price
Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price

Specs at a Glance

Feature Apple Watch Series 5 Apple Watch SE 2
Case Size 44mm 40mm
Display Type LTPO OLED Always-On Retina Display Retina LTPO OLED (no Always-On)
Display Resolution 368 x 448 pixels 324 x 394 pixels
Display Brightness Up to 1000 nits Up to 1000 nits
Processor S5 SiP S8 SiP
RAM 1GB 1GB
Storage 32GB 32GB
Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 16 hours
Fast Charging No No
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz 2.4GHz
Bluetooth 5.0 5.3
Sensors ECG, HR sensor, Compass, Fall Detection HR sensor, Compass, Fall & Crash Detection
Blood Oxygen App No No
ECG App Yes No
VO2 Max Yes Yes
HRV Tracking Yes Yes
Durability Water-resistant 50m Water-resistant 50m
Case Material Aluminum Aluminum
WatchOS Support Upgradable to watchOS 10 Ships with watchOS 9

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Apple Watch Series 5 if you:

  • Want an Always-On Display to check the time and info without raising your wrist.
  • Need ECG functionality for on-demand heart rhythm readings.
  • Prefer a larger display for easier navigation and visibility.
  • Value higher resolution and more immersive visuals.
  • Are focused on premium health features over newer internals.

Check Apple Watch Series 5 Best Price

Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you:

  • Want faster performance and longer watchOS update support.
  • Prefer a smaller, lighter watch for everyday comfort.
  • Need Crash Detection for emergency safety.
  • Want better Bluetooth efficiency and microphone responsiveness.
  • Are looking for a more budget-friendly Apple Watch without sacrificing core features.

Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Processor Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Always-On Display Apple Watch Series 5
Display Size Apple Watch Series 5
Higher Resolution Apple Watch Series 5
Display Brightness Tie
Bluetooth Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Health & Fitness Apple Watch Series 5
Microphone Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
ECG App Apple Watch Series 5

FAQ

Does the Apple Watch Series 5 have an Always-On Display?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 features an Always-On Retina display that shows the watch face and essential information at all times without needing to raise your wrist.

Can the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) take ECG readings?
No, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) does not include the ECG app and cannot perform electrocardiogram readings.

Is there a size difference between the Apple Watch Series 5 and SE (2nd Gen)?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 has a 44mm case, while the SE (2nd Gen) in this comparison has a smaller 40mm case.

Which Apple Watch has the faster processor?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) has the newer S8 SiP chip, which is more powerful and efficient than the S5 chip in the Series 5.

Do both watches support watchOS 10?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 5 and the SE (2nd Gen) support watchOS 10, though the SE (2nd Gen) will likely receive updates for a longer period.

Is crash detection available on the Apple Watch Series 5?
No, the Series 5 supports Fall Detection but does not include the newer Crash Detection feature found in the SE (2nd Gen).

Can you make phone calls from both watches?
Yes, both the Series 5 and SE (2nd Gen) support GPS + Cellular, allowing you to make calls and send texts without your iPhone nearby.

Do either of the watches support fast charging?
No, neither the Apple Watch Series 5 nor the SE (2nd Gen) supports fast charging.

Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Series 5 includes ECG and Always-On Display for better health visibility, while the SE (2nd Gen) has Crash Detection and a faster chip. Both support standard fitness tracking features.

Are both watches water resistant?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 5 and SE (2nd Gen) are water resistant up to 50 meters and are safe for shallow-water activities like swimming.

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