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You are thinking about buying a new smartwatch. Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch SE both look great at first glance. But how do you decide which one is the better fit for your needs? Apple has made both watches very popular choices. One is a premium model with the latest features. The other is a more affordable option that still covers the basics well. So the big question is, should you go for the more expensive Series 10 or save some money with the SE? This comparison will help you find the right answer.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, thinner bezels | Retina OLED, no Always-On |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours, fast charging | Up to 18 hours, standard charging |
| Processor | S10 SiP with Neural Engine | S8 SiP |
| RAM | 2GB RAM | 1GB RAM |
| Health Sensors | Blood Oxygen, ECG, Heart Rate, Temperature | Heart Rate Sensor only |
| Build Material | Titanium, Stainless Steel, Aluminum | Aluminum only |
| Durability | IP6X dust resistant, WR50 water resistant | WR50 water resistant only |
| Special Features | Double Tap Gesture, Advanced Siri on-device | Standard Siri support |
| Software Support | Latest watchOS with extended features | Latest watchOS with some limitations |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Apple Watch Series 10 features a more premium design with options like titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum. It also has thinner bezels and a slightly sleeker look. The Apple Watch SE, on the other hand, sticks to an aluminum-only build. It feels solid but less luxurious. If you value premium materials and a modern design, the Series 10 is clearly ahead.
Display Technology
The Series 10 has an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display that stays visible all the time. This makes it easier to check notifications and time without raising your wrist. The SE has a standard Retina OLED display that only lights up when you lift your arm or tap it. If you want a display that feels more like a real watch, the Series 10 delivers a much better experience.
Performance
The Series 10 uses the S10 chip with a Neural Engine, offering faster app launches and smoother performance. The SE uses the older S8 chip, which is still capable but not as quick. In daily use, opening apps and multitasking feels snappier on the Series 10.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Series 10 is packed with health sensors. It tracks blood oxygen levels, performs ECGs, measures heart rate, and even monitors skin temperature. The SE focuses mainly on heart rate tracking. For basic fitness goals, the SE is enough. If you want deeper health insights, the Series 10 is far more advanced.
Battery and Charging
Both watches offer up to 18 hours of battery life. However, the Series 10 supports fast charging. This means you can quickly top up the battery when you are short on time. The SE charges at a normal speed. If you are often in a rush, the Series 10 has the clear advantage.
Durability
The Series 10 is IP6X dust resistant and water resistant up to 50 meters. The SE is only water resistant to 50 meters. If you work or play in dusty environments, the Series 10 will hold up better over time.
Special Features
The Series 10 introduces new features like Double Tap Gesture and improved on-device Siri. These make controlling the watch easier without even touching the screen. The SE has standard Siri but does not offer these advanced interaction features.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 much faster than the SE?
Yes, the Series 10 has a newer S10 chip with a Neural Engine, making it significantly faster for launching apps and handling tasks compared to the SE’s S8 chip.
Does the Apple Watch SE have an Always-On display?
No, the SE does not support an Always-On display. The screen lights up only when you lift your wrist or tap it.
Can both watches track heart rate?
Yes, both the Series 10 and SE can track heart rate. However, the Series 10 also tracks blood oxygen levels, takes ECGs, and measures skin temperature.
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 more durable than the SE?
Yes, the Series 10 is IP6X dust resistant and water resistant up to 50 meters, while the SE is only water resistant to 50 meters.
Does the SE have fast charging like the Series 10?
No, only the Series 10 supports fast charging. The SE charges at a regular speed.
Which watch is better for someone who wants advanced health features?
The Series 10 is the better choice if you want advanced health features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensing.
Are both watches compatible with the latest watchOS updates?
Yes, both watches can run the latest version of watchOS, but some features may be limited on the SE.
Is the Apple Watch SE good enough for casual users?
Yes, the SE is a great choice for casual users who want a reliable smartwatch without paying a premium price.
Does the Series 10 have better Siri support?
Yes, the Series 10 has advanced on-device Siri processing, which makes it faster and more capable compared to the SE’s standard Siri.
Which watch is better for someone on a tight budget?
The Apple Watch SE is the better option for someone looking to save money while still getting most of the core features of an Apple Watch.