Apple Watch Series 8 & Apple Watch SE 2 have some important differences. The Series 8 come with improved faster performance, temperature sensor, crash detection, and a larger, more advanced display. Apple Watch SE 2 maintains a strong value with core fitness and safety features at a lower price point. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which model is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Always-On Retina Display:- Apple Watch 8 has an always-on Retina display that allows you to check the time, notifications, and health stats without raising your wrist.
- Apple Watch SE 2 requires extra gestures to view the time and notifications.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Display Size:- Apple Watch Series 8 features a larger 1.77-inch display with thinner bezels to provide more space for complications, text, and animations.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has a 1.57-inch display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Battery Life:- Apple Watch Series 8 provides up to 18 hours of battery life on a full charge.
- Apple Watch SE 2 lasts up to 18 hours on a full charge.
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Higher Resolution:- Apple Watch Series 8 delivers 396 x 484 resolution for sharper display with increased pixel density, text and graphics.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has lower 324 x 394 resolution.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Temperature Sensor:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes a temperature sensor for cycle tracking and wellness monitoring.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not feature a temperature sensor.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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ECG App:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes an ECG app for recording heart rhythm and detecting atrial fibrillation.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not support ECG functionality.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Blood Oxygen App:- Apple Watch Series 8 includes a Blood Oxygen app for tracking oxygen saturation levels.
- Apple Watch SE 2 lacks SpO2 capability.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Optical Heart Sensor:- The Apple Watch 8 features a third-generation optical heart sensor that improves heart rate accuracy during workouts and rest.
- Apple Watch SE 2 comes with a 2nd-generation sensor.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Fast Charging:- The Apple Watch 8 support fast charging that reduces downtime and gets your watch ready quickly when you’re in a rush.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not support fast charging.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Durability :- The Apple Watch 8 includes IP6X dust resistance that provides added durability for use in sandy, dusty, or rugged environments.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not have dust resistance certification.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Ceramic and Sapphire Crystal Back:- Apple Watch Series 8 uses a ceramic and sapphire crystal back for better skin contact and premium finish.
- Apple Watch SE 2 uses a nylon composite back that is less premium.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Crack-Resistant:- Apple Watch Series 8 has a crack-resistant front crystal for better durability.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not include enhanced glass protection.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 8 |
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Overall Performance Score
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch SE 2
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 8 | Apple Watch SE 2 |
|---|
| Case Size | 45mm | 40mm |
| Display Type | Always-On Retina Display | Retina Display |
| Display Brightness | 1,000 nits | 1,000 nits |
| Display Resolution | 396 x 484 | 324 x 394 |
| Chipset | S8 SiP | S8 SiP |
| RAM | 1GB | 1GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging Speed | Fast Charging | Standard |
| Charging Cable | Magnetic Fast Charging Cable | Standard Magnetic Cable |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| High-g Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Heart Sensor | 3rd Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Advanced Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| ECG App | Yes | No |
| Blood Oxygen App (SpO2) | Yes | No |
| Crash Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes (50m) | Yes (50m) |
| Dust Resistance (IP6X) | Yes | No |
| Crack-Resistant Front Crystal | Yes | No |
| Back Material | Ceramic and Sapphire Crystal | Nylon Composite |
| Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Chip | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you:- Want advanced health tools like ECG and SpO2 apps.
- Prefer a larger, always-on display with higher resolution.
- Need fast charging and dust resistance for more rugged use.
- Value durability with a crack-resistant front and premium back.
- Want the latest tracking tech including UWB and temperature sensor.
Check Apple Watch 8 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you:- Are looking for a more budget-friendly Apple Watch.
- Want core features like heart rate monitoring and crash detection.
- Prefer a smaller, lighter case size for slimmer wrists.
- Don’t need advanced sensors like ECG or temperature tracking.
Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Display Size | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Temperature Sensor | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| High-g Accelerometer | Tie |
| Optical Heart Sensor | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Fast Charging | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Magnetic Fast Charging Cable | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| IP6X Certified | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Higher Resolution | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Bluetooth | Tie |
| ECG App | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| SpO2 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Crack-Resistant Front Crystal | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Ultra-Wideband Chip | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| Ceramic and Sapphire Crystal Back | Apple Watch Series 8 |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have more health features than the Apple Watch SE 2?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 includes advanced health features like ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, and a temperature sensor, which are not available on the Apple Watch SE 2.
Is the display on the Apple Watch Series 8 better than the SE 2?
The Apple Watch Series 8 features a larger and always-on Retina display with higher resolution, making it more suitable for viewing notifications and complications at a glance compared to the SE 2’s standard display.
Do both watches use the same processor?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and SE 2 are powered by the S8 SiP chip, ensuring similar performance in speed and responsiveness.
Does the Apple Watch SE 2 have ECG or SpO2 tracking?
No, the Apple Watch SE 2 does not include ECG or Blood Oxygen (SpO2) tracking. These features are exclusive to the Series 8.
Can both watches detect crashes and falls?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and SE 2 come with Crash Detection and Fall Detection to alert emergency services if needed.
Is there a difference in charging speed between the two watches?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 supports fast charging and includes a magnetic fast charging cable, while the SE 2 charges at a standard speed.
Do both watches support the same wireless technologies?
Yes, both models support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, ensuring reliable wireless connectivity.
Is the Apple Watch Series 8 more durable than the SE 2?
Yes, the Series 8 is IP6X dust resistant, features a crack-resistant front crystal, and uses a ceramic and sapphire back for improved durability.
How much storage is available on each watch?
Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and SE 2 include 32GB of internal storage for apps, music, and system data.
Which watch is better for users on a tight budget?
The Apple Watch SE 2 is the better choice for budget-conscious buyers, offering essential health and fitness features at a more affordable price point.