Apple Watch: The Apple Watch has come a long way since its inception, with the Series 10 marking its tenth anniversary. While it brings exciting new features, it comes at a premium price. For those on a budget, the two-year-old Apple Watch SE 2 remains an attractive option. Let’s compare these two models to help you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.
Design and Display
The Apple Watch Series 10 showcases a major redesign, setting it apart from the SE 2’s familiar look. Here’s how they differ:
Size and Weight:
- Series 10: Slightly larger but 1mm thinner, with a bit more weight
- SE 2: Smaller overall, but slightly thicker
Materials:
- Series 10: Glass front, titanium or aluminum frame, ceramic and sapphire crystal back
- SE 2: Ion-X strengthened glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back
The Series 10’s premium materials and sleeker design give it a more luxurious feel on the wrist.
Display Quality:
- Series 10: Larger LTPO3 OLED display with up to 2,000 nits brightness
- SE 2: LTPO OLED display with up to 1,000 nits brightness
The Series 10 boasts a bigger, brighter display with an always-on feature, wider viewing angles, and sapphire crystal protection. This makes it more durable and easier to read in various lighting conditions.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10
Performance and Storage
Processor:
- Series 10: S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor, W3 wireless chip, and 4-core Neural Engine
- SE 2: S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor and 2-core Neural Engine
The Series 10’s newer processor promises better performance and efficiency.
Storage:
- Series 10: 64GB
- SE 2: 32GB
With double the storage, the Series 10 offers more space for apps, music, and other data.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10
Health and Fitness Tracking
Both watches offer essential health and fitness features, but the Series 10 goes the extra mile:
Shared Features:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Cycle tracking
- Wrist temperature tracking
Series 10 Exclusive Features:
- ECG (Electrical heart sensor)
- Sleep apnea notifications
- Depth gauge
- Water temperature sensor
The Series 10 provides more advanced health monitoring capabilities, making it a better choice for those who prioritize detailed health tracking.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10
Battery Life and Charging
Both models offer similar battery life:
- Up to 18 hours of regular use
- Up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode
However, the Series 10 has an edge in charging speed:
- Series 10: 0-80% in 30 minutes
- SE 2: 0-80% in 90 minutes
While battery life is comparable, the Series 10’s faster charging is a significant advantage for users who are always on the go.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10
Unique Features
The Series 10 introduces the Double Tap feature, allowing users to control the watch by tapping their index finger and thumb together. This isn’t available on the SE 2.
Additionally, the Series 10 includes:
- Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
- More color options, including titanium finishes
These extras contribute to a more feature-rich experience on the Series 10.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10
Price: Budget-Friendly vs. Premium
The most significant difference between these models is the price:
- Apple Watch Series 10: Starts at $399 (GPS only), $499 (GPS + Cellular)
- Apple Watch SE 2: Starts at $249 (GPS only), $299 (GPS + Cellular)
The SE 2 is considerably more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers or those new to smartwatches.
Winner: Apple Watch SE 2
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE 2 ultimately depends on your priorities and budget:
Choose the Apple Watch Series 10 if:
- You want the latest technology and design
- Advanced health monitoring is important to you
- You prefer a larger, always-on display
- Faster charging is a priority
- Budget isn’t a major concern
Choose the Apple Watch SE 2 if:
- You’re new to smartwatches and want to try the Apple ecosystem
- Basic health and fitness tracking meets your needs
- You’re on a tight budget
- You don’t need advanced features like ECG or an always-on display
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 10 is undoubtedly the superior device, offering a sleeker design, better display, more advanced health features, and faster performance. It’s the ideal choice for tech enthusiasts and those who want the best Apple Watch experience.
However, the Apple Watch SE 2 remains a compelling option for its affordability. It still offers core Apple Watch functionality, including basic health tracking, notifications, and app support. For many users, especially those new to smartwatches, the SE 2 provides excellent value.
Consider your needs, budget, and how you plan to use the watch. If you can afford it and value the latest features, the Series 10 is worth the investment. But if you’re looking for a solid entry-point into the Apple Watch ecosystem without breaking the bank, the SE 2 is a fantastic choice that won’t disappoint.
