Apple Watch Se vs 6: Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
Choosing the right Apple Watch can feel overwhelming, especially with so many models available. The Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 6 are two popular choices, each offering a compelling set of features and benefits. But which one is the perfect fit for your wrist and lifestyle?
This comparison dives deep, analyzing the key differences between the Apple Watch SE and the Series 6. We’ll explore everything from design and display to performance, health features, and, of course, price. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which smartwatch best suits your needs.
Whether you’re new to the Apple Watch ecosystem or looking to upgrade, this guide will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the specs, highlight the pros and cons, and ultimately help you decide between the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch 6.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | SE | 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Always-On Display | No | Yes |
| Chip | S5 SiP | S6 SiP |
| ECG App | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | No | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| GPS/Cellular Options | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| Display Type | Retina OLED | Retina OLED |
| Processor Cores | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Case Material Options | Aluminum | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build
- Apple Watch Se: Features a design similar to the Series 4 and 5, with aluminum casing options. It offers a comfortable and familiar feel. The absence of always-on display is a notable difference.
- 6: Boasts a design similar to the SE, also with aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium options. Includes an always-on display that’s brighter than previous models, enhancing visibility and usability.
- Winner: 6
Processor
- Apple Watch Se: Powered by the S5 SiP (System in Package) which is fast and responsive for everyday tasks. It provides a smooth user experience. However, it’s not the latest generation.
- 6: Equipped with the S6 SiP, offering a performance boost compared to the SE. This results in faster app loading and smoother animations.
- Winner: 6
Display
- Apple Watch Se: Features a Retina display with a good level of brightness. It’s clear and easy to read, but it doesn’t have the always-on functionality.
- 6: Includes an always-on Retina display that’s significantly brighter than previous generations, allowing for constant visibility of the watch face.
- Winner: 6
Health Sensors
- Apple Watch Se: Includes essential health sensors like heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and emergency SOS. It provides core health tracking capabilities.
- 6: Offers all the features of the SE, plus an ECG app for taking electrocardiograms and a blood oxygen sensor (SpO2), providing more advanced health insights.
- Winner: 6
Fitness Tracking
- Apple Watch Se: Supports a wide range of fitness tracking activities, including running, swimming, and cycling. It accurately tracks metrics and provides activity rings.
- 6: Provides the same fitness tracking capabilities as the SE, with no significant differences in this area.
- Winner: Tie
Battery Life
- Apple Watch Se: Offers up to 18 hours of battery life, typical for an Apple Watch. This should last through a full day of use.
- 6: Also provides up to 18 hours of battery life, similar to the SE.
- Winner: Tie
Pricing
- Apple Watch Se: Generally more affordable than the Series 6, making it a great value for those seeking Apple Watch features without the premium price tag.
- 6: More expensive than the SE, reflecting its advanced features and performance enhancements.
- Winner: apple watch se
Additional Features
- Apple Watch Se: Lacks some of the advanced features of the Series 6, such as the blood oxygen sensor and ECG app.
- 6: Includes the blood oxygen sensor (SpO2) and the ECG app, offering more advanced health monitoring capabilities.
- Winner: 6
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Value | apple watch se |
| Features | 6 |
| Health Sensors | 6 |
| Display | 6 |
| Performance | 6 |
What They Have in Common
- Fitness Tracking: Both watches offer comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including activity rings, workout tracking, and heart rate monitoring. They both accurately track a variety of workouts.
- Notifications: Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 6 provide seamless integration with iPhone notifications, allowing you to receive and respond to messages, calls, and other alerts directly on your wrist.
- Apple Ecosystem: Both watches fully integrate with the Apple ecosystem, offering features like Apple Pay, access to the App Store, and seamless connectivity with other Apple devices.
- Siri Integration: Both models feature Siri integration, enabling you to use voice commands to set reminders, make calls, control smart home devices, and more.
- Water Resistance: Both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Apple Watch SE vs 6 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch SE and Series 6 share a similar design language, featuring the iconic square watch face. The SE boasts an aluminum case, offering a lightweight and durable option, while the Series 6 also provides stainless steel and titanium options for a more premium feel. Both watches are swim-proof and have interchangeable bands. Series 6 has a slightly thinner bezel, providing a more immersive display experience. Choosing between aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium largely depends on your budget and desired aesthetic. Both are well-built and designed to withstand daily wear and tear.
Display Technology
The Apple Watch Series 6 features an always-on Retina display, allowing you to view the time and other information without raising your wrist. The Apple Watch SE has a standard Retina display, which illuminates when you raise your wrist or tap the screen. This is a significant difference if you value the convenience of always-on functionality. The Series 6 also boasts higher peak brightness, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. If you prioritize consistent visibility, the Series 6 is the clear winner. However, the SE’s display is still bright and clear in most situations.
Health and Fitness Features
Both watches offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and workout modes. The Series 6 adds some advanced health features, such as blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring and an ECG app for taking electrocardiograms. These features can provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular health. The SE focuses on core fitness tracking, making it suitable for most users. Both watches offer fall detection and emergency SOS, ensuring safety. Depending on your health monitoring needs, the Series 6 offers more advanced features.
Performance and Processor
The Apple Watch Series 6 is equipped with the S6 SiP (System in Package), providing faster performance and smoother animations compared to the SE’s S5 SiP. This difference is noticeable when navigating the interface, opening apps, and running demanding tasks. While the SE is still responsive and performs well for everyday use, the Series 6 offers a snappier experience. If you are a power user and prioritize speed, the Series 6 is the better choice. The difference is more pronounced when using more complex features and apps.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 6 offer all-day battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. However, the Series 6 benefits from faster charging, allowing it to reach 100% in a shorter amount of time. This can be a significant advantage if you frequently need to top up your watch. Both watches use a magnetic charging cable. While battery life is similar, the Series 6’s faster charging provides added convenience. Battery life can also vary depending on usage patterns and the features used.
Price and Value
The Apple Watch SE is generally more affordable than the Series 6, making it an excellent value proposition for those seeking a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank. The Series 6, with its advanced features and premium build options, comes at a higher price. Consider your budget and the features you need. If the premium features of the Series 6 are not essential, the SE offers excellent value. Assess which features are most important to you and choose accordingly. The SE offers a great balance of features and price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy apple watch se If…
- You’re on a budget and want a feature-rich Apple Watch experience without spending a lot.
- You prioritize essential features like fitness tracking, fall detection, and emergency SOS.
- You don’t need the advanced health sensors or the always-on display.
- You are new to the Apple Watch ecosystem.
Buy 6 If…
- You want the latest features and performance.
- You want the always-on display for easy time and information viewing.
- You want advanced health features like the blood oxygen sensor and ECG app.
- You want more premium case material options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Apple Watch SE and Series 6?
The Series 6 boasts an always-on display, a faster processor, and advanced health features like blood oxygen monitoring and ECG. The SE lacks these features but offers a similar design, core fitness tracking, and a more affordable price. The Series 6 also has stainless steel and titanium case options, which the SE does not. The SE is a great value option with essential features.
Does the Apple Watch SE have an always-on display?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not have an always-on display. The screen illuminates when you raise your wrist or tap it. The Series 6 offers an always-on display allowing you to see the time and other information without a wrist raise. This is a key difference. The SE conserves battery by not having an always-on display.
Which watch has better battery life?
Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 6 have similar battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. However, the Series 6 charges faster. Factors like usage and features used impact battery life. The Series 6’s faster charging can be more convenient.
Can I use the Apple Watch SE for fitness tracking?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE offers comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and various workout modes. It tracks metrics like steps, calories burned, and exercise minutes. The SE is a capable fitness tracker, offering many of the same features as more expensive models. It is a good option for fitness enthusiasts.
Does the Series 6 have any unique health features?
Yes, the Series 6 includes blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring and an ECG app for taking electrocardiograms. These features provide more detailed insights into your health. The SE does not have these advanced health features. These are significant differentiators for users who prioritize health monitoring.
Is the Apple Watch SE waterproof?
Yes, both the Apple Watch SE and Series 6 are swim-proof, meaning they can be worn while swimming in a pool or the ocean. They are water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters. However, prolonged exposure to high-velocity water, such as during water skiing, should be avoided. Both watches are suitable for everyday water activities.
Which Apple Watch is right for me?
Consider your budget and your needs. If you want the latest features and performance and don’t mind spending more, the Series 6 is ideal. The SE offers excellent value if you don’t need the advanced health features and always-on display. Consider both models’ features and pricing to make the right choice.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 edges out the SE due to its always-on display, faster processor, and advanced health features. However, the SE is an excellent value, offering essential features at a more affordable price. The Series 6 is the better choice for those who prioritize performance and advanced health monitoring.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 6