Apple Watch SE vs. Apple Watch SE 2 Buyer's Guide: Should You Upgrade?

At its "Far out" event last year, alongside the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple announced the second-generation Apple Watch SE. The second-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ offers a refresh of the original model that launched in 2020, providing a full Apple Watch experience at a low price point.

apple watch se gen 2
The second-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ is a minor update, with the main upgrade being a performance boost thanks to the S8 chip. While the second-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ shares the same S8 chip as the ‌Apple Watch Series 8‌ and the Apple Watch Ultra, the S8 contains the same CPU as the S7 and S6 chips, meaning that it is functionally only one generation newer than the S5 chip in the previous ‌Apple Watch SE‌.

The new ‌Apple Watch SE‌ also introduces a lightweight, color-matched nylon composite back casing in place of the previous model's ceramic back, Bluetooth 5.3, and Crash Detection. Apple also decreased the price of the device from $279 to $249.

The first-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ has now been discontinued by Apple, but it may still be found for lower prices with third-party retailers. As such, some customers may be considering whether they should purchase the second-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌, or a discounted first-generation model. Likewise, existing ‌Apple Watch SE‌ users may be considering upgrading to the new model. This breakdown also serves as a way to see all the differences that the new ‌Apple Watch SE‌ offers.

Differences


Apple Watch SE (first-generation, 2020)

  • S5 chip
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Black ceramic back case
  • Available in Space Gray, Gold, and Silver
  • Started at $279


Apple Watch SE (second-generation, 2022)

  • S8 chip (20 percent faster than S5)
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Crash Detection
  • Color-matched nylon composite back case
  • Available in Midnight, Starlight, and Silver
  • Starts at $249

The second-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ is intended to modernize the first-generation model, rather than offer a clear upgrade path for those who purchased the original. It will likely not be worth upgrading if you already have the first-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌, unless you particularly want improved performance or Crash Detection. A discounted Apple Watch Series 7 may be a better option for existing ‌Apple Watch SE‌ users.

In some respects, the second-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌'s nylon rear casing is a step back in terms of material quality and durability, but it does make the device lighter overall. Likewise, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity does not unlock any additional functionality that most users will be able to take advantage of at this time.

Instead, the second-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ is best suited for those who are new to the Apple Watch entirely or are upgrading from the Series 3 or older. Unless you can obtain the first-generation ‌Apple Watch SE‌ at a very low price, it will likely be worth buying the new model due to its updated specifications that make it more future-proof.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch SE
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Popular Stories

iOS 17 on Phone Feature

Gurman: iOS 17 to Provide Several 'Most Requested Features'

Sunday March 26, 2023 6:05 am PDT by
Apple changed the strategy for iOS 17 later in its development process to add several new features, suggesting that the update may be more significant than previously thought, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. In January, Gurman said that iOS 17 could be a less significant update than iPhone updates in previous years due to the company's intense focus on its long-awaited mixed-reality...
iOS 16

iOS 16.4 Will Add These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Sunday March 26, 2023 8:06 am PDT by
Following nearly six weeks of beta testing, iOS 16.4 is expected to be released to the public as soon as this week. The software update includes a handful of new features and changes for the iPhone 8 and newer. To install an iOS update, open the Settings app on the iPhone, tap General → Software Update, and follow the on-screen instructions. Below, we have recapped eight new features and...
apple mixed reality headset concept by david lewis and marcus kane

Some Apple Employees Seriously Concerned About Mixed-Reality Headset as Announcement Draws Closer

Sunday March 26, 2023 8:25 am PDT by
Some Apple employees are concerned about the usefulness and price point of the company's upcoming mixed-reality headset, The New York Times reports. Apple headset concept by David Lewis and Marcus Kane Initial enthusiasm around the device at the company has apparently become skepticism, according to eight current and former Apple employees speaking to The New York Times. The change of tone...
iOS 16

Apple Releases iOS 16.4 With New Emoji, Safari Web Push Notifications, Beta Changes, Voice Isolation for Calls and More

Monday March 27, 2023 10:03 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 16.4, the fourth major update to the iOS 16 operating system that initially came out last September. iOS 16.4 comes two months after the launch of iOS 16.3, an update that added Security Keys for Apple ID. iOS 16‌.4 and iPadOS 16.4 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. It can take a few minutes...
Steve Jobs Theater dusk

Apple Reportedly Demoed Mixed-Reality Headset to Executives in the Steve Jobs Theater Last Week

Sunday March 26, 2023 5:53 am PDT by
Apple showcased its mixed-reality headset to the company's top 100 executives in the Steve Jobs Theater last week, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that the "momentous gathering" is a "key milestone" ahead of the headset's public announcement planned for June. The event was intended to rally Apple's top members of...
top stories 25mar2023

Top Stories: iPhone 15 Pro Design Leak, iOS 16.4 Coming Soon, and More

Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00 am PDT by
We're still almost six months away from the official unveiling of the iPhone 15 lineup, but it seems like every day we're learning more about what to expect from the next-generation models. Notably, this week gave us our clearest look yet at what appear to be some changes for the volume and mute control hardware. iOS 16.4 and associated releases are also right around the corner with some new ...
apple tv 4k red image

Apple Releases tvOS 16.4 for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD

Monday March 27, 2023 10:00 am PDT by
Apple today released tvOS 16.4, the fourth major point update to the tvOS 16 operating system that came out last September. Available for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, tvOS 16.4 comes two months following the release of tvOS 16.3. The tvOS 16.4 update can be downloaded over the air through the Settings app on the ‌‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌‌ by going to System > Software Update....