Apple Watch Se vs. Apple Watch 5: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing the right smartwatch can feel overwhelming, especially with the constant evolution of technology. Are you looking to upgrade your wristwear game? This comparison dives deep into two popular Apple Watch models, helping you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.
We’re pitting the Apple Watch SE against the Apple Watch Series 5. Both offer a range of features designed to enhance your daily life, from fitness tracking and health monitoring to staying connected on the go. But with differences in price and functionality, making the right choice is crucial.
This detailed comparison will explore the key distinctions between the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 5, including design, performance, features, and overall value. Get ready to discover which Apple Watch reigns supreme for your specific requirements!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Retina OLED | Retina OLED with Always-On |
| Processor | S5 SiP | S5 SiP |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular Option | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Optical Heart Sensor | Optical Heart Sensor |
| ECG App | No | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Barometric Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build
- Apple Watch Se: Features a design similar to the Series 4 and 5, with an aluminum case. It offers a lightweight and comfortable feel. Pros include affordability and a modern aesthetic, while a con is the lack of premium material options.
- 5: Available in stainless steel and titanium options alongside aluminum, offering a more premium feel. It has the same overall design as the SE. Pros include a wider range of material choices, while a con is the potentially higher price.
- Winner: 5
Display
- Apple Watch Se: Features a Retina display, similar to the Series 4 and 5, but lacks the always-on display. This provides good visibility in most conditions. A con is needing to raise your wrist to see the time.
- 5: Includes an always-on Retina display, which allows you to see the time and complications at a glance without raising your wrist. This is a major convenience.
- Winner: 5
Processor
- Apple Watch Se: Powered by the S5 SiP (System in Package), the same as the Series 5, offering good performance for everyday tasks. It’s responsive and handles watchOS smoothly.
- 5: Also uses the S5 SiP, providing identical performance to the SE.
- Winner: Tie
Health & Fitness Tracking
- Apple Watch Se: Offers a comprehensive suite of health and fitness features, including heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and workout tracking. It provides a good baseline for health management.
- 5: Includes all the same health features as the SE, with the addition of the ECG app and blood oxygen sensor.
- Winner: 5
ECG & Blood Oxygen Sensor
- Apple Watch Se: Does not include the ECG app or blood oxygen sensor, limiting advanced health monitoring capabilities.
- 5: Features the ECG app for taking electrocardiograms and a blood oxygen sensor for measuring blood oxygen saturation levels.
- Winner: 5
Storage
- Apple Watch Se: Offers 32GB of storage for apps, music, and photos. This is sufficient for most users.
- 5: Also has 32GB of storage.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Apple Watch Se: Generally more affordable than the Series 5. This makes it a great value proposition for many buyers.
- 5: Typically more expensive than the SE, especially considering the higher-end material options.
- Winner: SE
Connectivity
- Apple Watch Se: Available in both GPS and GPS + Cellular models, offering flexibility in connectivity options.
- 5: Available in both GPS and GPS + Cellular models, offering the same connectivity options.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Value | Apple Watch SE |
| Display | Apple Watch 5 |
| Features | Apple Watch 5 |
| Overall | Apple Watch SE |
What They Have in Common
- Design: Both Apple Watch models share a similar design aesthetic with a rectangular display and rounded corners, offering a comfortable and familiar feel on the wrist. They both come in different case materials and colors.
- Fitness Tracking: Both watches offer comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including activity monitoring, heart rate tracking, and workout modes for various activities. They help users stay active and monitor their health metrics.
- Notifications: Both models provide seamless notification integration, allowing users to receive and respond to calls, texts, and app notifications directly on their wrist. This keeps users connected without needing to constantly check their phone.
- S5 Processor: Both watches use the same S5 SiP (System in Package) which provides similar performance and speed for all the tasks.
- Watchos: Both watches run on the same WatchOS, which means a similar user interface and access to the latest software updates and features.
Apple Watch SE vs. Series 5 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 share a similar design language, featuring a rectangular display with rounded corners and a digital crown. However, the Series 5 boasts premium materials like ceramic and titanium options, unavailable on the SE. The SE primarily utilizes aluminum. Both watches are swim-proof and offer similar durability in everyday use, but the Series 5’s higher-end build provides a slight edge in perceived quality and potential longevity, especially with the higher-end material options. The Series 5 also has a thinner bezel, maximizing the display size.
Display Technology
The Series 5 introduced the Always-On Retina display, a significant upgrade allowing users to view the time and complications at a glance without raising their wrist. The Apple Watch SE lacks this feature, requiring a wrist-raise or tap to activate the display. While the SE’s display is still bright and vibrant, the Always-On display on the Series 5 offers a more seamless and convenient user experience. The Series 5’s display also has a slightly higher maximum brightness in some conditions, improving visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance and Processor
The Apple Watch SE features the S5 SiP (System in Package) processor, the same chip found in the Series 5. This ensures comparable performance in terms of app loading times, responsiveness, and overall speed. Both watches handle watchOS smoothly, providing a fluid user experience. While the Series 5 might have a slight edge in certain graphics-intensive tasks due to its additional GPU capabilities, the difference is negligible for most everyday use cases. Both watches are quite capable.
Health and Fitness Features
Both watches offer comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and workout modes. They both support fall detection and emergency SOS. The Series 5 includes an ECG (electrocardiogram) app, enabling users to take an ECG and check for signs of atrial fibrillation. This feature is absent from the Apple Watch SE. Both watches offer excellent tracking capabilities, but the Series 5’s ECG adds an extra layer of health monitoring.
Additional Features
The Series 5 includes a built-in compass, which enhances navigation and provides more accurate location data. This feature is not available on the Apple Watch SE. Both models support Apple Pay for contactless payments, and both offer cellular connectivity options for independent calling and texting. The Series 5 also offers more storage options. While the SE covers the basics, the Series 5 edges ahead with extras.
Price and Value
The Apple Watch SE is generally more affordable than the Series 5, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious consumers. The Series 5, being a slightly older model, can sometimes be found at discounted prices, but it’s generally more expensive. The SE offers a compelling balance of features and performance at a lower price point. Consider your budget and need for advanced features like the Always-On display and ECG when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Apple Watch SE If…
- You want a feature-rich Apple Watch experience without spending the extra money.
- You prioritize essential features like fall detection, heart rate monitoring, and GPS.
- You’re new to the Apple Watch ecosystem and want a great starting point.
- You want the latest watchOS features.
Buy Apple Watch 5 If…
- You want the Always-On Retina display for a more convenient and always-accessible view.
- You want the ECG app for advanced heart health monitoring.
- You want a slightly more premium feel.
- You value having a compass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Apple Watch SE and Series 5?
The Series 5 boasts an Always-On Retina display, a built-in ECG app, and a compass, features not found on the SE. The Series 5 also offers premium material options. The SE offers the same processor as the Series 5. The SE is typically more affordable, making it a great value, while the Series 5 offers a more premium experience.
Does the Apple Watch SE have an Always-On display?
No, the Apple Watch SE does not have an Always-On display. You need to raise your wrist or tap the screen to activate the display and view the time and other information. The Series 5 has this feature, making it more convenient for at-a-glance viewing.
Does the Series 5 have an ECG app?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 5 includes an ECG (electrocardiogram) app that allows you to take an ECG and check for signs of atrial fibrillation. This feature is not available on the Apple Watch SE, which does not have the necessary hardware.
Which watch has better performance?
Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 have the same S5 SiP processor, ensuring similar performance for everyday tasks. You’ll experience smooth app loading, responsiveness, and overall performance on both devices. The differences are not noticeable in daily use, so performance is almost identical.
Are both watches waterproof?
Yes, both the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 are swim-proof and water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters. This means you can wear them while swimming in a pool or the ocean. They are suitable for various water-based activities. However, it’s best to avoid exposure to high-velocity water.
What is the battery life like on both watches?
Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 offer similar battery life, typically providing up to 18 hours of use on a single charge with typical usage. Battery life can vary depending on usage patterns, such as the use of GPS, cellular connectivity, and the Always-On display (Series 5). Charging is done via a magnetic charger.
Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both watches offer excellent fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and various workout modes. They both support fall detection and emergency SOS. While the Series 5 has an ECG, both watches are equally adept at tracking steps, workouts, and overall activity levels. Both offer a comprehensive fitness experience.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch SE provides excellent value with its performance and features. While the Series 5 offers premium features like the Always-On display and ECG, the SE delivers a compelling smartwatch experience at a more affordable price point. The SE is a great choice for most users, offering a balanced feature set.
Winner: Apple Watch SE