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Screen
Series 8 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm. Like the iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max, the Series 8 has an always-on display. So you can see the time even when your watch is not active. You can choose an aluminum or stainless steel case. Aluminum comes in black, tan, silver, and red. Stainless steel comes in black, silver and gold.
The second-generation Apple Watch SE only comes in 44mm or 40mm in aluminum and doesn't have an always-on display. Available in black, tan and silver colors.
While aluminum may seem a little cheaper, you can feel a little better knowing the manufacturing process Apple is now using for the 2022 SE. Aluminum reduces carbon emissions by over 80%.
Processor
Despite being the cheaper model, the SE has the latest S8 processor, which is the same as in the new Series 8. Apple says the upgrade makes the SE 20% faster than the first-generation SE released in 2020.
Series 8 also has the U1 chip, which the SE lacks. This chip allows you to use location tracking in the Find My app.
Health properties
The SE has heart rate and fall detection, while the Series 8 can measure blood oxygen levels and has an EKG app to monitor heart rhythms.
Series 8 features a new temperature sensor that provides menstrual cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation predictions.
Heart rate notifications on the new SE can alert users to unusually high or low heart rates or irregular rhythms, which Apple says help save lives.
There is an improvement in Series 8 that can provide important information to users. It now has AFib monitoring to help diagnose people with atrial fibrillation, the most common type of irregular heartbeat.
When it comes to sleep, both watches provide comprehensive sleep tracking. However, because the SE is lighter in weight, it is more comfortable to use for sleep tracking.
Collision detection feature
Series 8 has better battery life. Apple says it can charge from 0% to 80% in 45 minutes and to 100% in about 75 minutes. in low power mode it will last up to 36 hours. Both watches have an "all day" battery life of up to 18 hours.
Which one should you buy?
If you've never owned a smartwatch and only want basic functions like notifications and activity tracking, the SE is perfect for you. If you're concerned about your health and want early warning when things go wrong, the Series 8 can give you a little extra peace of mind.
The SE is also perfect to buy for a child who is too small for a smartphone. Maybe you don't want them to use social media, but SE can let you track their location and contact them in an emergency.
If you already have a recent Apple Watch, we don't recommend upgrading. New health tracking features like the temperature sensor don't feel worthy enough to justify the price, especially since ovulation tracking is backwards.
Most of the valuable innovations in Series 8 are available in Watch OS 9 software, which you can download as long as you have an Apple Watch Series 4 paired with an iPhone 8 or later.
The Apple Watch SE, on the other hand, has received a pretty big refresh. Apple's most affordable watch. It has new upgrades, including a new Apple S8 processor that delivers faster and smoother performance. You can set low power mode, sleep monitoring, crash detection, and SE for a family member who doesn't use an iPhone.