Last night, Apple concluded its Time Flies event, announcing the new 8th-gen iPad and 4th-gen iPad Air. Alongside, the company launched the Apple Watch Series 6 — its flagship smartwatch for the upcoming year, and the Apple Watch SE as an affordable offering. So, what’s different between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE? And why is the Series 3 still available? Let’s find out.
- Design and Build
- Sensors and Hardware (Performance)
- Display
- Other Features
- Battery
- Price
Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch SE: Design
Regarding the design of both offerings, there are few differences. The Watch SE boasts a large retina display with thinner bezels and curved corners akin to the Apple Watch Series 5 and Series 6, giving it a modern look and feel compared to the aging appearance of the Series 3.
Notably, the Series 6 introduces a new blood oxygen sensor, resulting in a distinct design on its back compared to the Watch SE.
Another disparity lies in the construction material. The Watch Series 6, being a flagship smartwatch, offers aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium cases, whereas the Apple Watch SE is limited to aluminum.
Comparing Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE: Sensors and Hardware
The primary disparity lies in the hardware of Series 6 and SE. The flagship Series 6 features the latest Apple S6 SiP, while the Apple Watch SE utilizes the S5 SiP from Series 5. Apple claims the S6 is 20% faster than the S5, resulting in a performance gap between the two models.
Currently, I’m using the Apple Watch Series 5 with watchOS 7 beta, and it’s remarkably fast. A 20% increase in speed would be astonishing, demonstrating the S5’s full capability. The Watch SE won’t feel slow or sluggish. While I haven’t tried the Watch SE yet, judging from my experience with the S5 SiP, I believe it will perform well. The Series 6 utilizes the new Apple S6 SiP.
Both watches feature the Apple W3 wireless chipset. Additionally, the Series 6 introduces the U1 UWB chip, also found in the iPhone 11 series.
The sensors remain a notable distinction. Unlike the Apple Watch Series 6, the Watch SE lacks blood oxygen level measurement capability, a feature exclusive to the former due to its new sensor.
Moreover, the Apple Watch SE lacks ECG capabilities, a significant difference. It shares the optical heart rate sensor with the Series 3, offering limited heart health monitoring.
Aside from these distinctions, both models feature an altimeter, next-gen speaker and mic, compass, and the choice between GPS-only or GPS+LTE connectivity.
Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch SE: Display
While the display on both watches is similar, a notable difference exists.
Both the Series 6 and the SE feature a 30% larger retina display, with LTPO OLED technology. However, the key distinction is that the Watch SE lacks an always-on display.
Frankly, this absence is disappointing. There’s no justification for the Watch SE to omit such a feature. It shares the same processor as the Series 5, which supports an always-on display. Moreover, it utilizes an LTPO display, the technology Apple utilized in the Series 5 to implement an always-on display without compromising battery life. Evidently, Apple’s strategy here appears to be nudging consumers towards investing in the Apple Watch Series 6, whether for the additional sensors or simply for the convenience of an always-on screen.
Comparison of Additional Features between Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE
Aside from the mentioned differences, little separates the Series 6 and the Watch SE. Both models offer GPS or GPS+LTE versions. Features such as Apple Pay, GymKit, and Emergency SOS are standard on both. Additionally, both support WiFi 802.11 b/g/n. However, Series 6 is compatible with 5GHz networks, unlike Watch SE, which only works with 2.4GHz networks.
Comparison of Battery Life: Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch SE
Apple claims the battery life for both the Series 6 and Watch SE is 18 hours on a single charge. They both charge via Apple’s magnetic wireless charger and won’t ship with a USB wall charger, so ensure you have one available. For tips on improving battery life for the Series 6, read our article.
Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch SE: Price
Lastly, let’s discuss the price differences between both these watches. The flagship Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $399 (₹40,900 in India), while the Apple Watch SE starts at $279 (₹29,900 in India). That’s a significant price difference. However, you also miss out on features like ECG, Blood Oxygen measurement, and an always-on display.
Plus, for anyone seeking an even more affordable option, the Series 3 is still available at $199.
Expecting Apple to introduce the Apple Watch SE with essentials to replace the Series 3, the company has instead offered more variants across price points. This diversification is a valid market strategy, providing another option priced between $199 and $399 for those avoiding an outdated appearance yet hesitant to spend $400.
Comparing, the flagship stands out as superior. Nonetheless, the Watch SE appeals to first-time Apple Watch buyers. If equipped with an always-on display, it would be my top pick.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
