Last updated on October 15th, 2024
Sargis AvagyanWhen 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.
Before we dive into details, here’s a quick overview of which watch suits different needs:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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:
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.
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 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.
One of the more significant differences between the two models is the availability of cellular connectivity:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Both the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 are excellent smartwatches, but the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences:
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.