Apple Watch 8 or SE: Which is the right choice?
Apple Watch 8 or SE? It seems like a simple choice. Latest tech versus budget. All the features versus just the essentials. You scroll through specs, compare prices, and read reviews until your eyes hurt. But here's what no one tells you: the most expensive option is often the worst deal. Especially when you know that refurbished models offer the exact same performance for a fraction of the price.
The Apple Watch 8 does indeed have an ECG function and a blood oxygen monitor. Impressive. However, most people never use these features after two weeks. The SE, on the other hand, does what 90% of people really need : sports tracking, notifications, contactless payments. For hundreds of euros less. We'll not only unravel the differences between the two models , but also show you which features you'll actually use.
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The most important differences at a glance
The choice between an Apple Watch 8 and SE may seem complex on paper, but in practice it mainly comes down to three core questions: which features do you really use, what is your budget and how important is the latest technology to you?
Display and design
The Series 8's screen is noticeably larger than the SE's. The 8 has an always-on display that constantly shows the time and important information without you having to turn your wrist. This may sound like a small improvement, but in everyday use, it makes a world of difference. You can discreetly check the time during meetings without making any noticeable movements.
The SE has a retina display that only lights up when you raise your wrist or tap the screen. This is perfectly usable for many users. It also saves battery life, meaning this model often lasts longer between charges.
In terms of dimensions, both models are available in 40/41mm and 44/45mm versions. The main difference lies in the bezel: the 8 has thinner bezels, making the screen feel larger without significantly increasing the overall size of the body.
Performance and processor
The Apple Watch 8 runs on the S8 chip, while the SE uses the S5 processor. In practice, you'll notice this difference most when opening apps and switching between functions. The 8 is a bit more responsive, but for basic tasks like reading messages, setting a timer, or tracking workouts, the SE is more than sufficient.
Where the faster chip in the 8 truly shines is with more intensive tasks like map navigation or playing music while exercising. The difference isn't dramatic, but it is noticeable for those who use the smartwatch intensively.
Health functions: the real differentiator
This is where the biggest difference between the two models lies. The Series 8 has advanced sensors that the SE simply lacks:
- ECG function : measures your heart rhythm and can detect irregularities
- Blood oxygen meter : checks the oxygen level in your blood
- Temperature sensor : registers changes in your body temperature
- Crash detection : alerts emergency services in the event of a serious car accident
The SE is limited to heart rate monitoring, pedometer, calorie burn, and basic sleep tracking. For the average athlete or health enthusiast, these are the features you'll use daily. The 8's additional sensors are especially valuable for people with specific health conditions or those who want highly detailed health tracking.
Battery life and charging
Both models promise approximately 18 hours of battery life with normal use. In practice, the SE often achieves this more easily because it doesn't have an always-on display. The 8 does charge faster thanks to improved charging technology: from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes, compared to over an hour for the SE.
An important note: both smartwatches support fast charging via USB-C, but you'll need the correct adapter. This isn't included in the box, so expect to pay extra if you want to use this feature.
Practical use cases
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Choose the Series 8 if you:
- Monitors specific health problems
- You find the always-on display important for your work
- Always want the latest features
- Are you willing to invest more for additional features?
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The SE is perfect when you:
- Mainly want to keep track of sports and notifications
- Have a limited budget
- Not interested in advanced health tracking
- A first smartwatch without all the bells and whistles
Software and updates
An often-overlooked aspect is software support. Both models run watchOS 10 and receive the same updates. Apple typically supports smartwatches with new versions for 4-5 years. The 2022 SE will likely receive updates until around 2027, while the Series 8 may last a year longer.
This difference is minimal, but it can be relevant if you plan to use the watch for years. This is especially important for refurbished models: always check the production year to find out how long you'll receive updates.
Water resistance and durability
Both smartwatches are water resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming in a pool or open water. The construction is equally robust: Ion-X glass for the aluminum models, sapphire crystal for the more expensive versions.
The difference is in the details: the Series 8 has slightly better dust and water resistance (IP6X certification), making it more resistant to fine dust and sand. This could be a deciding factor for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Connectivity and daily use
Both the 8 and SE are available in GPS and GPS + Cellular versions. With cellular, you can make calls, send messages, and stream music without your iPhone nearby. This does cost extra from your carrier (usually €5-10 per month).
For everyday tasks like Apple Pay, navigation, Siri commands, and app notifications, both models perform identically. The difference lies primarily in the speed at which tasks are performed, not in what is possible.
The price factor
New models have a difference of about €200 between them. With refurbished models, this difference is often smaller, around €100-150. This makes the choice more appealing: for that difference, the 8 gets you a considerable amount of extra functionality.
Keep in mind that accessories like extra straps, chargers, and protective cases cost the same for both models. So the total investment differs less than the prices of the watches themselves suggest.
Conclusion for your situation
Most users will be perfectly happy with the SE. It offers all the essential smartwatch features at a reasonable price. The Series 8 is especially appealing to health enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts who want the latest features.
Consider a refurbished model of both variants. You'll get the same functionality for a lower price, with a warranty, and often in excellent condition. This is a smart choice, especially for a first smartwatch: you can get used to wearing it and using it without paying full price.
Conclusion: Choose practicality over technical impression
The difference between the Apple Watch 8 and SE is ultimately simpler than it seems. For everyday use—exercise, messaging, payments—the SE does exactly what you need. The 8's extra health sensors are especially valuable if you want to track specific metrics .
Our advice? Start with a refurbished SE to discover what you really need. If you want more features later, you can always upgrade to the Series 8. This way, you avoid paying for technology that sounds impressive but remains unused in practice.
