Apple Watch SE vs. Series 6: Comparison Review

Apple recently released the latest Apple Watch models – Apple Watch Series 6 and the affordable Apple Watch SE. Both offer a slew of health features that users might want to have but are priced very differently.

Between the two new options, consumers may have some trouble choosing the right device for them. Should they buy the pricier Apple Watch Series 6 to enjoy all the new features Apple is able to cram into a small chassis? Or should they get the cheaper Apple Watch SE and save some money in the process? Here's a quick look at both devices.

Size and design

Both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE come in 40mm and 44mm sizes and are compatible with the same watch bands, including the new Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop.

The Apple Watch SE only comes in an aluminum casing and is available in silver, gray and gold finishes. Series 6, on the other hand, has three different casings, available in a variety of colors: aluminum (silver, gray, gold, blue and red); steel (silver, graphite and gold); and titanium (titanium and black).

Health features

While both devices come equipped with sleep tracking and period tracking, they differ in some health features.

The Apple Watch Series 6 offers a lot more health features compared to the Apple Watch SE. It has blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2), ECG, fall detection and hearing health alerts. It also offers emergency SOS and international emergency calling.

The Apple Watch SE, meanwhile, only has basic health features: fall detection and hearing health alerts. It also offers emergency SOS.

Other features

Both devices offer basic Apple Watch features, such as automatic workout detection, iPhone compatibility, Siri, GPS and so on. Both are equally water-resistant to 50 meters, can be used for mobile payments via Apple Pay, can last for up to 18 hours in a single charge and can be used to communicate with others via text and calls.

The Series 6 models, however, are powered by the new S6 chip and feature the U1 chip. As for the Apple Watch SE, it runs on the older S5 chip and does not have the U1 chip.

Pricing

Apple is selling the Apple Watch Series 6 starting at $399 for the base 40mm aluminum model. The Apple Watch SE, meanwhile, can be bought starting at $279 for the base 40mm aluminum model.

The pricier model is perfect for those who need more health features, such as ECG and SpO2. The cheaper model, on the other hand, is best for those who really don't need the health features and are simply looking for the best smartwatch to use with their iPhones.