When it comes to smartwatches, Apple is synonymous with quality, functionality, and cutting-edge innovation. However, with a variety of models available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unsure about the specific features and differences between them. Two models that often come up for comparison are the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 5. Both offer great features, but their key differences might make one more suitable for you than the other. In this article, we’ll explore the finer details of these two models and help you decide which one best suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget.
Apple Watch SE vs Series 5: The Verdict
Before we dive into details, here’s a quick overview of which watch suits different needs:
Best by Price: Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE is a budget-friendly option. While it skips some premium features like the always-on display and ECG, it still offers core functionality like fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring. If saving money is your priority, and you don’t need advanced health tools, the SE is a solid choice.
Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 5
The Series 5 has more premium features, such as the always-on display and ECG, making it feel like a more complete smartwatch. Despite being an older model, it offers a high-end experience and is now available at discounted prices, making it the better all-around option.
Best for Health Monitoring: Apple Watch Series 5
With its ECG feature, the Series 5 provides more in-depth health tracking than the SE. It’s ideal for users who prioritize heart health monitoring and want tools like fall detection and a built-in compass.
Best for Everyday Use: Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE covers everyday essentials like notifications, workout tracking, and heart rate checks. It’s perfect for those who want reliable daily performance without extra frills.
Apple Watch SE vs Series 5: Detailed Comparison
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details of how these two watches stack up in terms of design, health features, performance, and more.
Design and Display
Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 offer similar designs, featuring the iconic square Apple Watch shape with customizable bands. However, one of the key differences between these two models lies in their displays:
- Apple Watch Series 5: This model boasts an always-on Retina display, which means the screen stays visible at all times, whether you’re actively using the watch or not. For users who want the convenience of glancing at the time, notifications, or fitness stats without raising their wrist, this feature is a game-changer. The always-on display also enhances the overall premium feel of the Series 5.
- Apple Watch SE: The SE, on the other hand, lacks an always-on display, one of the compromises Apple made to keep the cost lower. While the screen is bright and easy to read, you’ll need to raise your wrist or tap the display to view information, which might be less convenient for some users.
Both models have OLED Retina displays, which provide excellent brightness and contrast, ensuring that the watch faces are crisp and easy to read even in direct sunlight. Additionally, both screens are coated with Ion-X strengthened glass for durability, making them resistant to scratches and minor impacts.
Health and Fitness Features
Health and fitness tracking is one of the primary reasons many people invest in an Apple Watch. Here’s where the Series 5 and SE really start to show their differences:
- Apple Watch Series 5: The Series 5 offers electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, which allows you to take an ECG from your wrist and check for irregular heart rhythms. This can be an essential feature for users who need to monitor their heart health closely. It also includes a compass and an always-on altimeter, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or climbing. The fall detection feature is another useful safety tool, automatically contacting emergency services if it detects a severe fall.
- Apple Watch SE: While the SE includes many of the essential health features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and a fall detection sensor, it does not offer ECG monitoring or the blood oxygen measurement found in the Series 6 and later models. However, it still includes GPS, a compass, and an altimeter (though not always-on), making it a fantastic choice for fitness enthusiasts who don’t need advanced health insights.
Both watches also offer the standard suite of Apple Watch fitness features, including activity tracking, workout tracking, and integration with the Fitness+ subscription service for guided workouts. The differences largely come down to the ECG function and always-on altimeter, which are unique to the Series 5.
Performance and Speed
When it comes to performance, both the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 are powered by the S5 chip. This chip delivers excellent speed and efficiency, ensuring smooth operation whether you're launching apps, receiving notifications, or tracking workouts.
- Apple Watch Series 5: The Series 5 has an edge due to its extra features like the always-on display, which does add a bit more complexity to its operations. However, in terms of speed and responsiveness, you won’t notice a significant difference between the two watches.
- Apple Watch SE: Despite being positioned as the more affordable model, the SE doesn’t compromise on performance. It handles everything from fitness tracking to app management with ease. Unless you’re specifically using the advanced health features on the Series 5, the SE’s performance will be more than adequate for most users.
Battery Life
Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life for both the SE and Series 5, though real-world usage can vary based on individual usage patterns. In general, both watches offer a full day of use before needing a recharge.
- Apple Watch Series 5: The always-on display does put a slight drain on the battery, especially if you're using other power-hungry features like GPS and LTE. However, you can manage this by adjusting settings or disabling the always-on display to extend battery life.
- Apple Watch SE: Since the SE lacks an always-on display, it may last slightly longer in day-to-day use. If you’re not a heavy user of GPS or workout tracking, you might find that the SE can stretch its battery life beyond the standard 18 hours.
Cellular Connectivity
One of the more significant differences between the two models is the availability of cellular connectivity:
- Apple Watch Series 5: The Series 5 offers an LTE model, which allows you to use the watch independently of your iPhone. With the cellular version, you can make calls, send texts, and stream music without needing your phone nearby. This can be a big plus for users who want the freedom to leave their phone behind during runs or workouts.
- Apple Watch SE: While the SE does have GPS, it does not offer the LTE option. This means you’ll need to have your iPhone nearby for full functionality, which might be a downside if you’re someone who likes to go phone-free during workouts.
Price Comparison
When considering price, the Apple Watch SE is positioned as the budget-friendly model, but that doesn’t always mean it’s cheaper than the Series 5, especially when considering refurbished or discounted models.
- Apple Watch Series 5: As an older model, the Series 5 can often be found at discounted prices, especially if you're willing to consider refurbished units. With many retailers offering significant price reductions, it’s possible to find the Series 5 at a price similar to or even lower than the SE, especially when shopping for deals.
- Apple Watch SE: While the SE is officially priced lower than the newer Apple Watch models, it can still be more expensive than the Series 5 if you’re looking at refurbished options. If budget is your main concern, the Series 5 may offer better value for money when factoring in the additional features you get at a similar price point.
Alternatives to Apple Watch SE and Series 5 That Might Fit Better to Your Needs
If neither the SE nor the Series 5 fully meets your needs, there are other alternatives on the market that might be worth considering. Here are a few smartwatches that offer unique features and design:
Aether X – Powered by TikTik: Aether X Limited Edition Designer Smartwatch
For those looking for something unique, the Aether X is a limited-edition smartwatch that combines cutting-edge technology with designer craftsmanship. It offers core smartwatch features like fitness tracking, notifications, and customizable watch faces but stands out with its exclusive design and luxurious materials. If style and individuality are just as important to you as functionality, the Aether X is an attractive option.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
If you prefer a smartwatch outside of Apple's ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a fantastic alternative. It’s compatible with Android devices and offers a wide range of health and fitness tracking features, including ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and advanced sleep tracking. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 6 boasts longer battery life than the Apple Watch and has a sleek, circular design, which might appeal to users looking for a more traditional watch aesthetic.
Fitbit Sense 2
For those primarily focused on health and wellness, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a strong competitor. It includes stress management tools, ECG, sleep tracking, and blood oxygen measurements. Fitbit's fitness ecosystem is robust and well-established, offering guided workouts, meditations, and detailed health insights at a lower price point than most Apple Watches. If health monitoring is your top priority, Fitbit Sense 2 offers many of the features you’d get from the Series 5 and more, but with a more affordable price tag.
Conclusion
Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 are excellent smartwatches, but the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences:
- If you’re looking for the most affordable option and are willing to forgo premium features, the Apple Watch SE is the best choice.
- If you want a more premium experience with advanced health features and an always-on display, the Apple Watch Series 5 is the better pick, especially given its current discounted prices.
And if neither model fully suits you, consider looking into alternatives like the Aether X, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, or Fitbit Sense 2 for different designs and features.
Ultimately, whichever model you choose, you’ll be getting a high-quality smartwatch that can enhance your day-to-day life and help you stay connected, fit, and organized.