Apple Watch Series 10 vs SE – Which Should You Buy?
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Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 10 are both Apple’s powerful smartwatches, but they have some core differences. If you want advanced health sensors, a brighter always-on display, and faster performance, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the best option.
Why The Apple Watch Series 10 Is Best?
Processor and Performance: The Apple Watch Series 10 has an advanced S10 chip for faster performance, improved efficiency, and smoother app navigation. In contrast, the Apple Watch SE runs on the older S5 chip, which is slower and less capable.
Display Size and Experience: It has a larger 1.96-inch display that allows easier readability, supports a full-size keyboard for typing, and shows more detailed watch faces. The Apple Watch SE’s smaller 1.57-inch screen limits content display and accessibility.
Display Brightness & Always-On Display: Apple Watch Series 10 features an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display with up to 2000 nits brightness to ensure better visibility in bright environments. The Apple Watch SE lacks an Always-On display and it is capped at 1000 nits brightness.
Storage Capacity: It has 64GB of storage space for installing more apps, downloading music, and storing more data. The Apple Watch SE is restricted to 32GB of internal storage.
Gesture Controls: Apple Watch Series 10 introduces the double tap gesture to control the watch with a quick finger movement for added convenience. The Apple Watch SE does not include this gesture control feature.
Charging Speed: It supports fast charging and can reach 80% battery in just 30 minutes to minimize downtime. The Apple Watch SE only supports standard charging, which takes longer.
ECG Monitoring: The Apple Watch Series 10 includes an ECG app that allows to take electrocardiograms anytime for advanced heart health monitoring. The Apple Watch SE does not support ECG functionality.
Blood Oxygen Monitoring: Apple Watch Series 10 offers a Blood Oxygen app to measure SpO2 levels and provide better health insights. This feature is not available on the Apple Watch SE.
Temperature Sensing: It features a temperature sensor that tracks variations in body temperature, aiding in sleep and cycle tracking. The Apple Watch SE does not include a temperature sensor.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch SE |
|---|---|---|
| Case Size | 46mm | 44mm |
| Display | 1.96″ Retina LTPO3 OLED, 2000 nits peak brightness | 1.78″ Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor | S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Health Sensors | Electrical heart sensor, Third-generation optical heart sensor | Second-generation optical heart sensor |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters, Depth gauge to 6m, Water temperature sensor | 50 meters |
| Battery Life | up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, Fast charging (0–80% in about 30 minutes) | Up to 18 hours normal use, No fast charging |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip | Bluetooth 5.0, No Ultra Wideband chip |
| Materials | Aluminum case (Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver), Titanium case (Slate, Gold, Natural) | Aluminum case (Gold, Silver, Space Gray) |
| Operating System | watchOS 11 | watchOS 7, upgradable to watchOS 10 |
| Release Date | September 20, 2024 | September 18, 2020 |
What Are the Similarities?
- Water Resistance: Both models are rated water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for activities like swimming. However, they are not recommended for scuba diving or waterskiing.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Each watch includes optical heart sensors to monitor heart rate during workouts and throughout the day.
- Emergency SOS: This safety feature allows users to quickly call for help and alert emergency contacts by pressing and holding the side button.
- Accelerometer and Gyroscope: These sensors detect motion and orientation, enabling features like fall detection and activity tracking.
- Ambient Light Sensor: Adjusts the display brightness based on surrounding light conditions for optimal visibility.
- Apple Pay: Both models support Apple Pay, allowing for convenient, contactless payments directly from the watch.
- Storage Capacity: Each watch offers 32GB of internal storage for apps, music, and other data.
- Operating System: Both run on watchOS, providing access to a wide range of apps and features designed for Apple Watch.
- Compatibility: Both watches require pairing with a compatible iPhone to function fully, ensuring seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Similarities
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch SE |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Light Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Capacity | 32GB | 32GB |
| Operating System | watchOS | watchOS |
| Compatibility | Requires iPhone | Requires iPhone |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 10 have better battery life than the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation)?
Both watches offer up to 18 hours of battery life in normal use, but the Series 10 has an improved Low Power Mode that extends battery life up to 36 hours. Additionally, the Series 10 supports faster charging, allowing it to reach 80% in about 30 minutes, whereas the SE does not have fast charging capabilities.
Are both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) waterproof?
Both models are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming. However, the Series 10 includes additional water-related features, such as a depth gauge (up to 6 meters) and a water temperature sensor, making it more advanced for aquatic activities.
Can I use both watches to track my health and fitness?
Yes, both watches come with essential health and fitness tracking features, such as heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and sleep tracking. However, the Series 10 offers additional health features like ECG readings, blood oxygen monitoring, temperature sensing, and sleep apnea detection, which are not available on the SE.
Do both watches support cellular connectivity?
The Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) model you are comparing includes GPS + Cellular, meaning you can make calls, send texts, and stream music without needing your iPhone nearby. The Series 10 model mentioned here is a GPS-only variant, which requires an iPhone nearby for cellular-based activities. However, there is a GPS + Cellular option available for the Series 10.
What kind of materials are used in the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE (1st Generation)?
The Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) is available only in an aluminum case, while the Apple Watch Series 10 offers both aluminum and titanium case options. The Series 10 also comes in more color variations, while the SE is limited to Gold, Silver, and Space Gray.
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 faster than the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation)?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 features the S10 SiP processor, which is significantly faster and more efficient compared to the SE’s older S5 SiP processor. This results in smoother performance, quicker app loading, and better overall responsiveness.
Do both watches have Apple Pay?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) support Apple Pay, allowing users to make contactless payments directly from their watch without needing to carry their iPhone.
Can both watches receive watchOS updates?
The Apple Watch SE (1st Generation) originally launched with watchOS 7 and is upgradeable to watchOS 10, but it may not receive future updates for as long as the Series 10. The Apple Watch Series 10 launches with watchOS 11, ensuring it will receive software updates and new features for a longer period.
Which watch is better for long-term use?
The Apple Watch Series 10 is the better option for long-term use due to its newer hardware, faster processor, more advanced health features, and extended software support. While the SE (1st Generation) is still functional, it is based on older technology and may not receive updates or features for as many years as the Series 10.