
The Apple Watch Extremely made headlines as the corporate’s newest, greatest and most costly smartwatch to this point. However not everybody has lower than $1,000 to spend on a wearable. For patrons with tighter pockets, the corporate introduced the Collection 8 and the brand new budget-oriented Apple Watch SE 2. However how do these two fashions evaluate, their execs and cons, and which one must you purchase? We reply this and extra in our Apple Watch Collection 8 vs Watch SE 2 comparability beneath.
Design
Let’s begin with the Apple Watch SE 2. It is nonetheless essentially the most reasonably priced Apple Watch within the lineup. It borrows the case from the unique Watch SE however provides a couple of enhancements. Apple mentions that the again case of the watch now encompasses a new nylon composite materials, which saves some weight. The 8 Collection is available in stainless-steel or aluminum, with a selection of physique colours.
For those who’re shopping for the smallest Apple Watch out there, the Watch SE 2 is your selection. It’s out there in 44mm and 40mm case sizes, whereas the Collection 8 opts for 45mm and 41mm variations. Nevertheless, the smaller Watch SE 2 case does include some compromises. For one factor, it is much less sturdy and lacks the sapphire crystal safety you may discover on the Apple Watch Extremely and stainless-steel Collection 8 fashions. This should not be a lot of a priority, so long as you place your watch in a protecting case. The Watch SE 2 additionally packs a much less spectacular OLED display screen that lacks always-on capabilities and encompasses a decrease decision.
When it comes to aesthetics, the Apple Watch Collection 8 and the Watch SE 2 are exhausting to inform aside. Each miss the motion button from the Extremely, however do characteristic the digital crown and energy button on the flanks on the suitable facet.
On the whole, each Apple Watch fashions retain that traditional form. And due to their minute variations, it’s going to be fairly exhausting for anybody to identify in the event you’re the cheaper possibility in the event you go for the SE 2.
Attribute

The similarities between the Apple Watch SE 2 and Collection 8 run surprisingly deep.
Apple makes use of its newest S8 chipset in each fashions, so there isn’t any disparity in processing pace between the 2 gadgets. That is nice information for SE patrons who merely need a watch to run their favourite apps on their wrists with out compromising pace. Each fashions additionally embody 18 hours of battery life per cost, and Low Energy Mode extends it to 18 hours. If you would like an Apple Watch that lasts a bit longer, take into account shopping for the Extremely mannequin. Charging pace is matched on the Collection 8 and Watch SE 2, with each going from useless to 80% cost in 45 minutes.
Let’s discuss well being options. The robust level of the Apple Watch is its number of sensors that monitor numerous aspects of your well-being. However there’s one mannequin you may wish to get if that is notably necessary to you. The Apple Watch SE 2 and Collection 8 have fundamental health monitoring tools, together with a coronary heart fee sensor, sleep monitoring intelligence, the brand new accident detection characteristic, fall detection, and menstrual cycle monitoring. . Nevertheless, the Apple Watch Collection 8 additionally options an ECG, an SpO2 sensor, and a brand new physique temperature sensor that helps with cycle monitoring. The Watch SE 2 misses them, making the Collection 8 essentially the most complete well being watch.
The Watch SE 2 additionally misses out on ultra-wideband help, a characteristic many could not want however turns out to be useful in the event you personal an Apple AirTag.
value and colours

- Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS): $249 / £259
- Apple Watch SE 2 (LTE): $299 / £319
- Apple Watch Collection 8 (GPS): $399 / £419
- Apple Watch Collection 8 (LTE): $499 / £529

Apple Watch Collection 8 (Wi-Fi)
Temperature Sensor • Drop Detector • Low Energy Mode
The Apple Watch Collection 8 with Wi-Fi connectivity encompasses a temperature sensor to observe physique variations and get a greater take a look at girls’s cycles. Apple designed the Collection 8 with a thick entrance glass and strong geometry to be extra sturdy, and the case is constituted of 100% recycled supplies.
The Apple Watch Collection 8 will set patrons again at the very least $399, however this can range relying on the end, dial dimension, band, and connectivity choices you select. A wide range of colours are additionally supplied, together with Starlight, Midnight, Silver and Product Pink for the aluminum chassis, and Silver, Graphite and Gold for the stainless-steel possibility. Retail gross sales start on September 16.

Apple Watch SE (2022)
Extra reasonably priced • Created from recycled supplies • Glorious show
The Watch SE 2 consists of the important options of the Apple Collection 8 at a extra reasonably priced value. It has the identical processor and automotive accident detector because the costlier fashions, and Apple says the battery lasts about 18 hours of use.
Apple Watch SE 2 patrons get a cheaper price this time. Whereas the unique Watch SE retailed for $279, the Second Version begins at $249. Apparently, this matches and undercuts its principal rivals: the Garmin Venu Sq 2 ($249) and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 ($279). ). Sale colours embody Midnight, Starlight and Silver, whereas retail gross sales additionally begin on September 16.
See additionally: One of the best Apple Watch straps
specs
Apple Watch SE 2 | apple watch collection 8 | |
---|---|---|
Show | Apple Watch SE 2 | apple watch collection 8
Retina OLED LTPO 352 x 430 pixels (41mm) |
Dimensions and weight | Apple Watch SE 2
44mm: 40mm: |
apple watch collection 8
45mm: 41mm: |
Sturdiness | Apple Watch SE 2
WR50 |
apple watch collection 8
WR50 |
SoC | Apple Watch SE 2
Apple S8 with 64-bit dual-core processor |
apple watch collection 8
Apple S8 with 64-bit dual-core processor |
RAM | Apple Watch SE 2
1GB |
apple watch collection 8
1GB |
Storage | Apple Watch SE 2
32GB |
apple watch collection 8
32GB |
Drums | Apple Watch SE 2
18 hours USB-C magnetic quick charging cable |
apple watch collection 8
18 hours USB-C magnetic quick charging cable |
Software program | Apple Watch SE 2
Watch OS 9 |
apple watch collection 8
Watch OS 9 |
Field supplies and colours | Apple Watch SE 2
Aluminum
Midnight, starlight, silver |
apple watch collection 8 |
connectivity | Apple Watch SE 2
GPS/GNSS LTE bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
apple watch collection 8
GPS/GNSS Mannequin A2475 (41mm) |
sensors | Apple Watch SE 2
At all times energetic altimeter |
apple watch collection 8
At all times energetic altimeter |
Compatibility | Apple Watch SE 2
iOS 15 or later |
apple watch collection 8
iOS 15 or later |
Apple Watch Collection 8 vs Watch SE 2: Which Ought to You Purchase?

The Apple Watch SE 2 is a sexy gadget for many who strategy the Apple ecosystem. It matches the processing pace and battery lifetime of its costlier sibling with out breaking the financial institution. However for $249, it is best to anticipate some compromises. Apple retains the value of the SE low by eradicating the ECG, physique temperature sensor, and SpO2 monitor from its toolkit, making it a greater possibility for these on a finances, however a much less great tool for monitoring. Of the well being.
The Collection 8 is one of the best well being watch, however the Watch SE 2 works nicely as an entry-level wearable
The Apple Watch Collection 8 is the apparent selection if you wish to keep on high of your coronary heart well being, monitor your menstrual cycle a bit of extra intently, or need a bigger, extra sturdy wearable. That stated, these options come at a $150 premium.
See additionally: Greatest Apple Watch Options
Are you selecting up the Apple Watch SE 2 or the Collection 8? Tell us within the survey beneath.
What new Apple Watch mannequin are you shopping for?
106 votes
Apple Watch SE 2
61%
apple watch collection 8
39%
– Apple Watch Series 8 vs Watch SE 2: Which should you buy?