Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch SE 2—save or splurge?

It’s crazy to think it’s been a full decade since Apple dropped its first Watch. Now, with the Series 10, we can really see how far they’ve come. But, of course, all those upgrades come with a higher price tag.

That said, the Apple Watch SE 2 is a solid alternative. It’s not as flashy as the Series 10, but it still gets you into the Apple Watch ecosystem without emptying your wallet. In this Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch SE 2 comparison, you’ll discover whether you should save some cash with the SE 2 for all the essentials or invest in the advanced features of the Series 10.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 10 comes with plenty of new features, but it’s not cheap—$399 for the aluminum model and $699 if you go for titanium. If that feels pricey, the Apple Watch SE 2 is the more budget-friendly pick. It starts at $249 and goes up to $299.

So, do you splurge on the Series 10, or is the SE 2 enough for what you need? Let’s break it down. Up next, we’ll compare the specs and features.

Apple Watch Series 10 – Thinner, titanium & aluminum, 42mm & 46mm sizes – Always-on, wide-angle OLED, 2000 nits brightness – S10 chip, on-device Siri, double-tap gesture – ECG, blood oxygen, sleep apnea detection, depth & water temp sensors – 18-hour battery, faster charging (80% in 30 min) – Starts at $399IP6X dust resistance, water resistance up to 50 meters.

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) – Aluminum only, 40mm & 44mm sizes  – Standard OLED, no always-on, 1000 nits brightness – S8 chip, no on-device Siri, no double-tap gesture – Heart rate tracking only, no ECG or blood oxygen – 18-hour battery, slower charging – Starts at $249 – Water resistance up to 50 meters; no dust resistance rating.

The Series 10 is noticeably thinner, and if you’ve ever worn an older Apple Watch for a full day, you’ll know that even a slight reduction in thickness makes it more comfortable on the wrist. The always-on display is another thing that’s hard to give up once you’ve had it. I’ve come across plenty of people using the SE 2 who get annoyed having to tap their watch just to check the time—especially during workouts or meetings. Also, the fast charging of the Series 10 is no joke. It jumps from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes, which means you can forget to charge it overnight and still be good to go while getting ready in the morning.

The SE 2 is a solid pick if you just need the basics. It tracks workouts, handles notifications, and gets you into the Apple Watch ecosystem without spending $400+. But based on what I’ve found, it definitely feels like an entry-level model. The lack of an always-on display can be frustrating, and the slower charging means you actually have to plan when to charge it. The missing health sensors (like ECG and blood oxygen) also make a difference—if you like tracking detailed health data, you’ll notice those gaps pretty quickly.

If you want a smartwatch that feels premium and will last for years, go for the Series 10. But if you just want something simple that won’t drain your wallet, the SE 2 will still get the job done—as long as you’re okay with a few compromises.

Best Overall: Apple Watch Series 10

The Series 10 is the complete package: a slimmer design, a bigger always-on display, and health features like ECG and blood oxygen tracking.

Best Health Monitoring: Apple Watch Series 10

If you’re serious about health tracking, the Series 10 has you covered with ECG, blood oxygen, and even sleep apnea detection.

Best Budget Option: Apple Watch SE 2

The SE 2 offers all the basics you need in a smartwatch—fitness tracking, notifications, and basic features—at a fraction of the cost.

Best Display: Apple Watch Series 10

The Series 10’s larger, brighter always-on display makes it easier to see everything, even in bright sunlight.

Best Battery Life: Apple Watch Series 10

With 18 hours of battery life and faster charging (80% in 30 minutes), the Series 10 keeps up with busy schedules.

Best for Fitness Tracking: Apple Watch Series 10

For detailed fitness tracking, the Series 10 has advanced sensors that give you all the data you need, from heart rate to depth tracking.

Best for Casual Use: Apple Watch SE 2

If you just need a basic smartwatch for everyday use, the SE 2 does the job without the fancy extras.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Comparing Specs & Features

There are plenty of differences between the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch SE 2, but the key ones—design, display, and health features—are the ones that could influence your decision. Hopefully, after reviewing these differences, you’ll feel more confident in making your purchase.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Design & Display

I haven’t strapped these on my own wrist, but I’ve been reading up on how the Apple Watch Series 10’s slimmer frame compares to the SE’s slightly thicker profile. The new Series 10 sizes seem to give it a sleeker presence that might sit well under a shirt cuff if you like a clean look. 

The SE appears more compact, especially in its 40 mm form, which might appeal to anyone who dislikes bulky gadgets on their arm. The Series 10’s bigger case sizes suggest that it could be handy for people who want more room for visuals and bigger text, though it might feel too large for smaller wrists.

From the chatter I’ve seen online, the Series 10 stands out by being brighter and always visible. That means quick time checks without needing to flick your wrist, which can be pretty useful when you’re in a crowded meeting or just juggling a bunch of errands. 

The SE doesn’t keep its face lit 24/7, so you save battery at the cost of glancing at a blank screen when your arm’s resting. Many folks say the Series 10’s screen is significantly bigger, which should help if you often reply to texts or review notifications on the watch itself.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch SE 2: Health Features

The Series 10 carries extra sensors, like an ECG and temperature tracking, that might matter for anyone who wants thorough health data. It can even spot potential sleep apnea. The SE focuses on essential functions such as daily activity logs and heart-rate alerts. That’s enough for many people who just want to stay active and detect anomalies. If advanced wellness data is on your wishlist, the Series 10 has more going on, though you may not need those extras if you’re mostly interested in closing your rings or getting the occasional high heart-rate alert.

3 Great Alternatives to Garmin Fenix 8 47m and 51mm

Aether X Limited Edition Designer Smartwatch

Link to Product: Aether-X

Price:  Subscribe and leave a refundable deposit to reserve for just $255 (regularly $355).

The limited edition Aether X smartwatch is a luxury watch with a modern design and advanced health features. It has a metallic body, a genuine red patina leather strap, and a variety of health-tracking features, including 45 sports modes, sleep tracking, and stress management. Only 10,000 pieces will be available, and the watch comes with free shipping and up to 25% off.

Looking to discover more innovative products? Check out Prelaunch Marketplace for the latest projects and exclusive offers!

Garmin Instinct 3

Best for No-Frills GPS and Durability

Link to Product: Garmin Instinct 3

The Garmin Instinct 3 is a tough GPS smartwatch built for outdoor lovers, with a rugged design, long battery life, and solid health tracking.

It comes in two sizes (45mm and 50mm) and offers either an AMOLED or Solar-powered display. Prices start at $399.99 for the Solar model and $449.99 for the AMOLED version. You can check it out and buy it on Garmin’s official website.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

   Best for Samsung users

Link to Product: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Price:  $299 for the 40mm version and $329 for the 43mm version

This one’s the top pick for Samsung users. It stands out with health tracking features like body composition analysis and snoring detection. Plus, with personalized workout tips and sleep coaching, it keeps you on track with your fitness goals. The large display and smart features make it a practical yet stylish everyday companion, and it works seamlessly with your Samsung devices.

Final Thoughts

The SE (2nd gen) usually sells for less and can dip under 200 dollars at some stores, which is tempting for anyone who isn’t sure how much they’ll rely on an Apple Watch. The SE might suit a first-time buyer, while the Series 10 appeals to those who want a bigger display, faster charging, and a bit of future-proofing. I’ve seen users mention using the SE for younger family members, which makes sense if you want to stay in contact through a Cellular connection without spending top dollar on Apple’s latest model.