Contents
- Comparison table
- Main differences
- Sensors
- More memory for the SE
- Processor
- Common features
- Design
- Screen
- Are they just as strong?
- Battery and charging time
- Price and availability
- Our conclusion
Comparison table
Before going fully into all the characteristics that differentiate and that these two Apple watches have in common, we want you to have a first impression of what the technical specifications of both are, in this way you will be able to understand much better everything that is to come. later in this post.
| Characteristics | Apple Watch Series 4 | Apple Watch SE |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | -Aluminum -Stainless steel access -Titanium | -Aluminum |
| Screen size | -40mm (977mm square) -44mm (759mm square) | -40mm (977mm square) -44mm (759mm square |
| Resolution and brightness | -40mm: 324 x 394 with 1,000 nit brightness -44mm: 368 x 448 with 1,000 nit brightness | -40mm: 324 x 394 with 1,000 nit brightness -44mm: 368 x 448 with 1,000 nit brightness |
| Dimensions | In 40 mm: -Height: 40 mm -Width: 34 mm -Depth: 10.7 mm In 44mm: -Height: 44 mm -Width: 38 mm -Depth: 10.7 mm | In 40 mm: -Height: 40 mm -Width: 34 mm -Depth: 10.7 mm In 44mm: -Height: 44 mm -Width: 38 mm -Depth: 10.7 mm |
| Weight without strap | In 40 mm: -Aluminum: 30.5 grams -Stainless steel: 39.7 grams -In titanium: 34.6 grams In 44mm: -Aluminum: 36.5 grams -Stainless steel: 47.1 grams -In titanium: 41.3 grams | In 40 mm: -Aluminum: 30.5 grams -Stainless steel: 39.7 grams -In titanium: 34.6 grams In 44mm: -Aluminum: 36.5 grams -Stainless steel: 47.1 grams -In titanium: 41.3 grams |
| Colors | In aluminum: -Graphite -Silver -Gold In stainless steel -Graphite -Silver -Gold In titanium: -Graphite -Silver | In aluminum: -Space gray -Silver -Gold |
| Chip | Apple S4 SiP 2-core | Apple S5 SiP 2-core |
| Always On Display option | No | No |
| Heart rate sensor | Yes | Yes |
| ECG sensor | Yes | No |
| Blood oxygen level sensor | No | No |
| Fall detector | Yes | Yes |
| Other sensors and features | -Altimeter always active -Microphone -Speaker -GPS -Compass -Noise control -Emergency calls -International emergency calls -Compatible with Family Configuration in GPS + Cellular models | -Altimeter always active -Microphone -Speaker -GPS -Compass -Noise control -Emergency calls -International emergency calls -Compatible with Family Configuration in GPS + Cellular models |
| Digital crown with haptic feedback | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | 50 meters deep | 50 meters deep |
| Do you have an LTE version? | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi connections | 802.11b / g / n at 2.4 | 802.11b / g / n at 2.4 |
| Bluetooth connection | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Base prices | Discontinued at Apple | From 299 euros |
As you have seen, on paper they are two devices practically traced in terms of specifications and functions that they offer to all users. However, there are several specific points in which there are slight differences, that is why we want to mention them briefly before going into fully analyzing them.
- The sensors are one of the biggest attractions that the Apple Watch has, in fact, this device has been able to save the lives of many users. In this sense there is a slight difference between these two devices.
- The processor also changes slightly from version to version, although this has never really been a problem.
- The internal memory of the device is important, especially for the vast majority of users who do not have the LTE version and have to store music and other types of files to be able to access them without having the iPhone nearby.
Main differences
We have already briefly mentioned what are the main differences that you can find between these two Apple Watch models, but obviously, now it is time to delve into them so that you can understand what they really consist of and, above all, how they affect the user experience.
Sensors
The Apple Watch is a device that is capable of meeting very different demands from users, however, one of the most outstanding points is the sensors it has and, above all, what it is capable of doing with them. In this sense, the Apple Watch Series 4, despite being an older model than the SE, has a small advantage that lies in a functionality that the SE is not capable of offering.
Both models have the 2nd generation optical heart rate sensor , so they are fully capable of being able to measure your pulse with sufficient guarantees at all times. This will allow both the Series 4 and the SE to send you notifications in case they detect both too high and too low a heart rate, as well as irregular rhythm alerts. But in addition, in the Apple Watch Series 4 there is also an electrical heart rate sensor , which results in this device being capable of carrying out the famous electrocardiograms , which can be so useful for people who have heart problems.
On the other hand, and since we are talking about functions focused on preserving people’s health, it should be mentioned that both Apple Watch have the possibility of detecting falls . This is another of the functions that has been able to save the lives of several users, so that when you suffer a fall and wear your Apple Watch on your wrist, it, in extreme cases, will be able to call both your contacts and emergency services.
More memory for the SE
Another difference that you find between these two Apple Watch models is the internal memory of both. You have to keep in mind that this is not expandable later, that is, what your Apple Watch has is what you will have to live with at all times. In the case of the Series 4, it is 16 GB that you will have available, while in SE it amounts to 32 GB , that is to say double.
Perhaps, many users wonder how this affects the daily use of the device, well, this is especially important for all those who use the Apple Watch for sports and, first, do not have an LTE model, and second, do not want to take the iPhone to their workouts but they do want to be able to have the music they want to listen to on their Apple Watch. By having more storage, there will be many more songs that you can always have on your watch.
Processor
Something in which some users are always very interested is to know the chip of the devices and, above all, what they are capable of carrying out, since at the end of the day they are the ones that will largely mark the good or bad that the device will work. In this sense, there is a difference in the name of the chip, since the Series 4 has the S4 chip , with a 64-bit dual-core processor and the W3 wireless chip, while the Apple Watch SE mounts the S5 chip with a dual-processor processor. 64-bit core and W3 wireless chip.
The reality is that, although they have different names, both work perfectly and are capable of giving all users that fluidity and speed necessary to be able to enjoy a very satisfactory user experience with both Apple Watch models. So, although there is a slight difference, it is not a point that you have to worry about and that will not make you choose one model or another.
Common features
As we anticipated at the beginning of the post, these two Apple Watch models are really similar, and since we have told you about the points where you can find more differences, we also have to tell you everything they have in common, which is a lot , and also very good.
Design
The design of both devices is exactly the same , in fact, the box has the same dimensions, even in the aluminum version both are available in the same colors, so it will be practically impossible to differentiate one from the other with the naked eye. . Where there are differences is in the available versions of both devices, since the SE is only in the aluminum version , while the Series 4 has stainless steel and aluminum versions.
As we said before, the Apple Watch is a device that is capable of fulfilling many functions, and obviously, one of them is to be a fashionable element given how aesthetically cared it is, like all Apple devices. It is a watch that can be used for practically any situation and that, given the wide variety of straps to which it has access, has become a fantastic fashion element to combine with the rest of the day-to-day garments. Also, in that sense, you have to know that the same straps are compatible for both the Series 4 and the SE.
Screen
One of the most important elements of the Apple Watch is its screen, and again, it is one of the points where there is no difference between the two devices. Both have the same screen sizes, that is, 40 and 44 mm, in addition to being this of the same type, that is, a retina OLED LTPO screen with a maximum brightness of 1000 nits .
For practical purposes, this screen makes it possible for you to see with total clarity and without any problem all the content that is presented in each of the spheres that you can configure as well as in all the applications that you can use on a day-to-day basis, regardless of the light conditions in which you find yourself. Also by having the two models with the same screen size, it makes all the spheres that are available for one, are also available for the other.
Are they just as strong?
Being two devices that are made with the same materials and even, as we have commented previously, it has a traced design, the resistance to shocks and scratches is exactly the same in both Apple Watch models. They are two devices that are relatively resistant to daily use , however, if your Apple Watch is going to be very exposed to shocks, it is best to use it together with a good screen and case protector.
As for protection against water, both have a resistance that will allow you to submerge the Apple Watch up to 50 meters , that way you can perform shallow water activities. In this sense, the Cupertino company does not recommend using the Apple Watch in activities such as diving, water skiing or other activities that involve high speed water or a deep dive.
Battery and charging time
Something in which the Apple Watch does not stand out for the better is in the autonomy. It is true that what it offers is more than enough to get to the end of the day, both in the Apple Watch Series 4 and in the SE. However, many users demand greater autonomy to be able to spend several days without having to go through the charger.
This lack of autonomy can be made up for by the time it takes to charge both Apple Watch models, where in this case, the SE turns out to be somewhat worse than the Series 4. Although the reality is that neither of them has a charge fast that allows you to have 100% autonomy in a few minutes. Below are the loading times for both models.
- From 0% to 80%:
- Apple Watch Series 4: 1 hour and a half.
- Apple Watch SE: 1 hour and a half.
- From 0% to 100%:
- Apple Watch Series 4: 2 hours.
- Apple Watch SE: 2 and a half hours.
Price and availability
We come to the last point of the comparison, which is the price and availability of both Apple Watch models. Regarding availability, you have to know that the Apple Watch Series 4 is not sold by Apple , but you may be able to find it in a third-party store. On the other hand, the Apple Watch SE is present in the Apple Store, so you can buy it whenever you want.
The price of the Apple Watch SE starts at 299 euros for the 40 mm model and 329 euros for the 44 mm model, in addition, both are also available in the Nike version at the same price. Without a doubt, the quality / price ratio Apple Watch SE is one of the best options that all users can find to purchase an Apple watch.
Our conclusion
For all users who are thinking of acquiring one device or another, our recommendation is that they choose the Apple Watch SE since Apple no longer sells the Series 4 officially, and although you can find it in a third-party store, it can hardly be at hand. a lower price than the SE. Therefore, despite the small advantages that the Series 4 presents, in this case it is better to buy the Apple Watch SE.
On the other hand, it is possible that many users of the Apple Watch Series 4 doubt whether or not to change it for the SE. The reality is that the change is not worth it , since as you have been able to verify these are two practically traced devices, and above, in this case, you will lose the possibility of being able to carry out electrocardiograms. In this case, it would be much more appropriate to jump to a higher model to be able to enjoy the novelties present in these.
FAQs
Is the Apple Watch SE still worth it in 2022? ›
Whether it's the Apple Watch to buy will depend on what you want from your smartwatch and the depth and complexity of features you need. However at its level, the Watch SE (2022) offers an excellent combination of value for money and features on offer, making it a smartwatch we would highly recommend.
Is Apple Watch SE good enough? ›It's Apple's most affordable watch and it has new upgrades including a new Apple S8 processor — which makes for faster and smoother performance — low-power mode, sleep tracking, crash detection, and you're able to set up the SE for a family member without an iPhone.
Which is better Apple Watch series or SE? ›If you prefer stainless steel or titanium, you should get the Apple Watch Series 7 as it is the only model to offer these finishes options, but if you are content with a light-weight aluminum casing, and basic Silver, Space Gray, or Gold finishes, then the Apple Watch SE will be sufficient.
Why Apple Watch SE is the best? ›The Apple Watch SE is water resistant to 50 meters and supports Apple Pay with skin authentication much like prior models, and though it lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, it has the same optical heart rate sensor, gyroscope, and accelerometer so it can monitor steps taken, calories burned, stairs climbed, and ...
Is the Apple Watch Series 4 still good in 2022? ›It provides haptic feedback when used, unlike the older models. The Apple Watch Series 4 is definitely still worth buying in 2022 since you can upgrade to watchOS 8.
Can you text on Apple Watch SE? ›Yes, you can text on your Apple Watch — here's how to read and send messages with just a tap. The letter F. An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email.
Can you answer calls on Apple Watch SE? ›Answer on your Apple Watch: Tap the Answer button to talk using the built-in microphone and speaker or a Bluetooth device paired with your Apple Watch. , then tap an option. If you tap Answer on iPhone, the call is placed on hold and the caller hears a repeated sound until you answer on your paired iPhone.
Is the new Apple Watch SE worth it? ›There's a lot to like about the $249 Apple Watch SE
The new Apple Watch SE (2022) pairs an up-to-date processor with many of Apple's latest smartwatch features, including watchOS 9 and low power mode. Plus it checks out at a lower starting price. But if only it had an Always-On Display...
When your Apple Watch is disconnected — for example, if you're hiking in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular signal, or your iPhone is off — you can still do these things. Track your workouts. See the time and use the Alarm, Timer, and Stopwatch apps. Track your activity goals.
What is the Apple Watch SE equivalent to? ›The Apple Watch SE is a cheaper alternative to the Series 7 with a lot of the same great features plus a slightly longer battery life. Aside from the extra health sensors (ECG and SpO2), the most notable difference between the two is that the SE doesn't have an always-on display watch face.
What series of Apple Watch is the best? ›
The Best Apple Watch
The latest Series 8 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best watch for most Apple users, especially people who menstruate or want to track their fertility. The wrist-based temperature sensing feature tracked my skin temperature dropping steadily as I recovered from Covid-19.
The Apple Watch SE was released in 2020 making it one of the newer and cheaper wearables to come from the company.
Which Apple Watch is best for ladies? ›Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS+Cellular)
It comes with a cellular option as well, offering the best connectivity. If you want the best-looking watch on a budget, this is it. So the Watch SE remains to be our first choice for the best Apple smartwatches for women.
- Move. Exercise. ...
- A healthy number of workouts. ...
- Go all out with the enhanced Workout app. ...
- Coming soon. ...
- Make a splash with your watch. ...
- Apple fitness plus. ...
- Only on Ultra.
Although the Apple Watch Series 7 and SE (1st generation) are discontinued, they're still supported. This means they'll keep receiving new versions of watchOS for at least a couple more years.
Why did Apple discontinue the Series 4? ›No they are discontinued to make way for the new models,and the 3 is the budget watch. The manufacturing lines for the Series 6 is mostly the same kind of equipment needed for the Series 4 and 5.
Why was Apple Watch Series 4 discontinued? ›As a little bit of background, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 5 earlier this fall and, in doing so, discontinued the Series 4, presumably because it's too similar to the new flagship offering. The newer Apple Watch Series 5 is slightly better than the Series 4.
Why was Series 4 watch discontinued? ›The Series 4 was too similar to Series 5. Instead of having both, it made more sense for Apple to have the Series 5 and the two-year-old Series 3, the latter of which it could sell for $200 and rebrand as "the best entry-level smartwatch" you could buy. And that's exactly what Apple did.
Does the Apple Watch SE vibrate when you get a text? ›Your Apple Watch will not vibrate when you get text messages or other alerts if Do Not Disturb is enabled.
Is Apple Watch SE waterproof? ›Swim-suitable.
Apple Watch SE is water resistant 50 meters. Track your splits and sets in the pool. Map your route in open water.
Can I call my Apple Watch number directly? ›
Answer: A: The watch does not have its own number. It is slaved off of the SIM in your phone. There is a unique number on your phone bill for it, but that's just for billing purposes.
Does Apple Watch SE have a mic & speaker? ›Apple Watch SE features the latest speaker and microphone, which are optimized for better sound quality for phone calls, Siri, and Walkie-Talkie,1 along with Bluetooth 5.0. Apple Watch SE features the largest and most advanced Retina display.
Can you talk into Apple Watch to answer texts? ›On your iPhone, go to: Settings > General > Siri - check that this is enabled. On your Apple Watch: When creating a message or replying to one, tap the Microphone button, dictate what you want to say, then tap on Done.
Why won't my Apple Watch Let me answer calls? ›Disable Wi-Fi calling. This problem might happen because you have Wi-Fi calling enabled on your iPhone. When I have Wi-Fi calling enabled on my iPhone, my Apple Watch won't answer calls, while when Wi-Fi calling is turned off, it will answer calls.
Why is my SE Apple Watch dying so fast? ›If your battery is running out faster than it should, it's possible that there's something wrong with how your watch and phone are paired. You can resolve a lot of issues by un-pairing your watch and then re-pairing it as a new watch, which should wipe out any of the corruption that caused the battery glitch.
How far can you be away from your phone with Apple Watch SE? ›What to Know. Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice. If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi.
Does Apple Watch have a camera? ›No, the Apple Watch does not have a camera, so you can't take photos with it. There is a built-in app, Camera Remote that allows you to connect to your iPhone's camera.
Can Apple Watch replace iPhone? ›The short answer: No, you cannot replace your iPhone with an Apple Watch. Not really, anyway. The reason you can't do this is that you need an iPhone to set up and manage your Apple Watch.
What size of Apple Watch should I get? ›If you want the largest and clearest screen available on an Apple Watch, then the 44mm is the one for you. You will also benefit from a larger battery and, therefore, more battery life with the 44mm. If you have a smallish wrist or simply want the least expensive Apple Watch, then the 40mm will suit you perfectly.
Is Apple Watch Series 4 the best? ›The Bottom Line. The Apple Watch Series 4 is the fastest, most connected and best overall smartwatch around, but its battery life and watch face options often fall short of the competition.
Is Apple Watch Series 4 good? ›
The watch ticked the usual upgrade boxes: bigger display, thinner case, faster processor, more advanced sensors. But it's the Series 4's health features that brought it closer to fulfilling Apple's vision of a truly indispensable device. It's still not perfect. But it's oh so close.
What series of Apple Watch do I need? ›We recommend the Apple Watch SE for younger people and first-time smartwatch buyers. If you're upgrading from an earlier Apple Watch, you want an always-on display, or you want more advanced health tracking, you should consider the Series 8.
Is the Apple Watch SE older than Series 4? ›The SE is technically a new model for Apple, but much like the iPhone SE, it's not exactly new inside and out. Essentially, it's the same thing as a Series 4 from 2018, with just two minor differences: the SE doesn't have the ability to measure your ECG, but does have an always-on altimeter.
What is different about Apple Watch SE? ›The main difference with the new Apple Watch SE, other than having a newer processor and being available in new colors, is that Apple lowered the price. It now starts at $249. As for the made tradeoffs compared to the Series 8, the new SE still lacks the always-on display and many of the health and wellness features.
What phones does Apple Watch SE work with? ›Apple Watch requires an iPhone 6s or later with the latest iOS version.
Is there a better watch than Apple Watch? ›There are lots of great options from brands like Fitbit, Samsung, Garmin, Withings and AmazFit. And so we've picked the very best Apple Watch alternatives in our list below. All of these smartwatches can be teamed with iPhones as well as Android phones. All of them have advanced and sophisticated smartwatch features.
Do I really need an Apple Watch? ›So, should you buy an Apple Watch? You should buy an Apple Watch if you want to spend less time on your iPhone, and more time out and about. If you love the idea of super convenient tap-to-pay, and advanced health and fitness tracking appeals to you, it's an invaluable tool.
Can you FaceTime on Apple Watch? ›Open the Phone app on your Apple Watch. Tap Contacts, then turn the Digital Crown to scroll. Tap the contact you want to call, then tap the phone button. Tap FaceTime Audio to start a FaceTime audio call, or tap a phone number.
Can I Watch Netflix on my Apple Watch? ›So, Can you see Netflix on Apple Watch?, Yes you can.
Does Apple Watch SE have oxygen sensor? ›The Apple Watch SE doesn't have a blood oxygen sensor, so it doesn't give you an indication of your health. Just like with the Series 6, you can train in heart rate zones, but the watch doesn't measure your oxygen level.
Why is it called Apple Watch SE? ›
Actually, the name has appeared on Apple devices that pre-date the iPhone SE, such as the Mac SE, although that stood for System Expansion. You can read about the history of those older devices in a Macworld.com article about on all the SE models Apple has released.
What does the SE stand for? ›The first-generation iPhone SE (also known as iPhone SE 1 or iPhone SE 2016; SE is an initialism for Special Edition) is a smartphone that was designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc.
Is the Apple Watch SE like the 6? ›The Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE share the same basic design, but differ when it comes to materials and color options. The Apple Watch Series 6 is available in aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium, while the Apple Watch SE is only available in aluminum.
› ... › Apple Watch SE ›Apple Watch SE Review: Incredible value with a only few things ...
Apple Watch SE Review: The Best Apple Watch for Most People
Apple Watch SE review: the ideal smartwatch for most iPhone users
While the device might keep working and can still be paired to an iPhone, a lack of updates makes it a security risk. That means the end of life should really be thought of as three to four years, even if the Apple Watch is in perfect condition.
How long should Apple Watch SE last? ›Apple Watch SE Battery Information
So we made sure we gave it a battery that lasts all day, too. Our goal for battery life is 18 hours after an overnight charge, factoring in things like checking the time, receiving notifications, using apps, and doing a 60-minute workout.
Apple Watch SE contains four times more storage than the Apple Watch Series 3, with 32GB instead of just 8GB. If you plan on downloading large amounts of music, podcasts, or photos to your Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE is a much more convenient option.
Which Apple Watch is outdated? ›The Apple Watch Series 3. This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET's collection of news, tips and advice around Apple's most popular product. The Apple Watch Series 3 has been discontinued from the Apple Store after being on sale for five years.
Why is my Apple Watch SE battery draining so fast? ›If your battery is running out faster than it should, it's possible that there's something wrong with how your watch and phone are paired. You can resolve a lot of issues by un-pairing your watch and then re-pairing it as a new watch, which should wipe out any of the corruption that caused the battery glitch.
Does Apple Watch drain phone battery? ›I have an iPhone 13 mini. The battery used to last a whole day with about 8hours of screen time. Ever since getting an apple watch, the phone only lasts about 3-4 hours of on-screen time. I even noticed that it dies or loses ~30% battery in the night while I am asleep.
When did Apple Watch SE drop? ›
The Apple Watch SE is available starting September 16th and can be pre-ordered today. The Apple Watch SE will support the crash detection feature announced on the Apple Watch Series 8 and will be up to 20 percent faster than the first-gen SE, thanks to the new S8 chip, the same as in the Series 8.
Can I keep Apple Watch SE always on? ›* Apple Watch SE doesn't support Always On.
What does the SE stand for in Apple Watch? ›What is a Special Edition Apple device? Since its appearance with the iPhone SE in 2016 those letters have come to represent a more affordable device, but one that still boasts some top-line specs.
Should I wear my Apple Watch to bed? ›Wear your watch to bed, and Apple Watch can estimate the time you spent in each sleep stage—REM, Core, and Deep—as well as when you might have woken up. When you wake up, open the Sleep app to learn how much sleep you got and see your sleep trends over the past 14 days.
Is the Apple Watch SE newer than the series 4? ›The SE is technically a new model for Apple, but much like the iPhone SE, it's not exactly new inside and out. Essentially, it's the same thing as a Series 4 from 2018, with just two minor differences: the SE doesn't have the ability to measure your ECG, but does have an always-on altimeter.
Should I upgrade to Apple Watch SE? ›CNN says the Apple Watch SE may be the best option, with a few compromises. If you don't need an ECG option, blood oxygen detection, or an always-on display, the Apple Watch SE is the clear choice. It offers the Apple Watch Series 4 design with most of Apple's health sensors, along with Crash Detection.
Which size Apple Watch should I get? ›If you want the largest and clearest screen available on an Apple Watch, then the 44mm is the one for you. You will also benefit from a larger battery and, therefore, more battery life with the 44mm. If you have a smallish wrist or simply want the least expensive Apple Watch, then the 40mm will suit you perfectly.
Which Apple Watch lasts the longest? ›Apple Watch Ultra has the best battery life of any Apple Watch, reaching up to 36 hours during normal use. Additionally, a new low-power setting, ideal for multi-day experiences, can extend battery life to reach up to 60 hours.
How long will Apple Watch SE Get updates? ›So, the Apple Watch SE 2 launched in 2022. This means you can expect it to receives major updates until at least 2027. It runs watchOS 9 out of the box, and it will likely supports versions up to at least watchOS 14.
How many generations of Apple Watch SE are there? ›The second-generation Apple Watch SE follows the now-discontinued first-generation model released in September 2020, which started at $279.