Comparative Apple Watch Series 5 vs Apple Watch SE

Main features

As in all reviews, we will start by comparing the most important features that are looked at when buying one of these watches. These are two very similar watches but they have small differences that can make you opt for one or the other. We will explain them to you below.

Screen

One of the big differences between the Apple Watch Series 5 and the Apple Watch SE is the screen. These are two devices with many similarities, but the screen makes a clear difference. This is due to the Always ON screen , that is, a screen that will always be on , if you want, since Apple gives all users the possibility of deactivating this function. This screen mode comes in the Series 5, while the SE does not have it. This is one of the clear differences, since as is known, Apple’s SE ranges have many of the advantages of the new products but nevertheless lack others, as is the case here.

With the Always ON screen at all times you will be able to consult the information that your Apple Watch shows, whether it is from the sphere that you have at that moment or if it is from a specific application. This is very useful , since you avoid having to flick your wrist or touch it to activate it, which is exactly what you have to do with the Apple Watch SE. In addition, it is especially useful to be able to consult the information of the training sessions while you are doing them, knowing that you have it available at all times.

Size

In terms of size, both Apple Watch models are exactly the same, that is, the box is the same, and this means that the same dials are available on both watches. At first glance you will not be able to tell which is which since they have the same dimensions (40 x 34 x 10.7 / 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm).

It is available in two sizes, 40 and 44 mm. There is not much difference between the two sizes, but it is always advisable to opt for the larger one since it will be easier for you to handle it, and once you put it on your wrist you will hardly notice that you are wearing it.

sensors

One of the most attractive points of the Apple Watch are the sensors it has and, above all, what it allows all users to do with them. It is a device that has gone beyond the purely technological , being capable of saving lives. As you know, the Apple Watch SE is a cheap version, a gateway that Apple has wanted to open so that more users can experience the experience of having a device of this type. By lowering the price of the device, you also have to cut back on features, and the sensors have been one of the points that have been affected.

The Apple Watch Series 5 has two sensors: an electrical heart rate sensor and a second-generation optical heart rate sensor. However, the SE only has the second generation optical heart rate sensor. Here we see another big difference between the two watches. Although it seems like a small difference, the Series 5 has the possibility of performing electrocardiograms , although it is not available in all regions of the world. However, both are capable of sending you heart rate notifications based on whether your heart rate is too high or too low.

Drums

At this point there are two aspects to take into account, the first is the battery life and the second is the charging time. In terms of autonomy, there is hardly any difference between these two devices, which are capable of offering up to 18 hours of autonomy depending on the use you make of them. However, despite the fact that the autonomy of these two models is not excessively long, in no case will you have a problem being able to complete all your daily activities and reach the end of the day with your watch on your wrist.

This is the most important point to improve on this device, which is quite limited given its size. However, in order to alleviate this problem in some way, which for many users is having to go through the charger on a daily basis, Apple is improving the charging speed. However, in neither of the two cases, neither in the Series 5 nor in the SE, do they have a really fast charge. Charging times range between 1 hour and a half (time it takes for the two models to go from 0% to 80%) and 2 hours and a half (to go from 0% to 100%).

Chip

If we have previously commented that it is difficult to differentiate between the two models on the outside because they have exactly the same design and the same size, the same thing happens on the inside, and that is that they both have the same processor, the S5 SiP chip with a dual-core processor. 64-bit and the W3 wireless chip.

This, far from being something negative, is fantastic news for all users, since the performance and fluidity that this chip gives to the entire system is fantastic, giving a very satisfactory experience when using the device. In this sense, you will not have to worry, since Apple always optimizes all its operating systems to the maximum so that they work perfectly on all devices.

Other aspects to consider

In addition to the technical characteristics, there are other aspects that you have to take into account when buying your Apple Watch. They are those details that at first glance are not so important, but that mark small differences between the two models, so here we leave you with a list with some of the things that you have to take into account.

Design

The Apple Watch, in addition to being a very functional device, is also a fashion element , and that is because, after all, it is a watch, and it is also really customizable. Both the Series 5 and the SE have exactly the same casing , that is, at first glance you will not be able to tell if it is one or the other.

One of the advantages of this is the customization to be able to combine all the spheres you want as well as the straps , which are also compatible between all existing models. This means that, given the design of the watch itself, you can adapt it perfectly to all environments and situations in which you may find yourself.

Water and shock resistance

Most technological devices are very delicate, and you have to be very careful that they do not suffer knocks that could damage them. However, with the Apple Watch we cannot say that it is an exception completely, since if it suffers a severe blow it will be quite likely to be damaged, but it is a gadget that is perfectly prepared for daily use .

However, for all those users who are going to expose it to bumps or scratches above normal, it is recommended to put a good screen protector and even a case to keep it safe. If we talk about the resistance of both models to water, you have to know that you can submerge them up to 50 meters. But the Cupertino company does not recommend its use for sports in which you are going to do a deep dive or those in which the watch is going to be in contact with the water at high speed.

connectivity

As in many other sections that we have seen before, the two watches have the same connectivity. They have WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, bluetooth 5.0 and optional LTE. This is the usual connection in the latest models that have come out of Apple Watch, so they do not represent any interesting novelty.

As the two models have the same connectivity, you will not have to compare much in this regard. In addition, both of them, of course, have integrated GPS so that you can do your training in the best possible way and that in case you have an emergency, they can locate you quickly.

Materials

In this case they are quite similar in the manufacturing materials. Both models have paw, space gray, and gold finishes, which are Apple’s most basic colors. You have to remember that the straps are suitable for all models, as long as they are of the same measurements, so the options for customizing your watch, whether it’s the Series 5 or the SE, are very wide.

The difference between these two models is that the Series 5 has finishes in stainless steel, titanium and ceramic. In this aspect you can also see the difference between the SE range, somewhat smaller in finishes, than the rest of the collections. Even so, it offers the possibility of buying it in various colors.

Storage

Another aspect in which the two models are the same. Both the Series 5 and the SE have 1GB of RAM each. It is not a huge storage, but we must remember that we are talking about a watch and it does not require much more to fulfill its functions.

If we talk about storage as such, again the two models are the same. They have 32 GB so you can download the apps and spheres you want. 32 GB may be a bit short for a mobile or a tablet, however for a watch it is more than enough storage.

this is our favorite

If we have to choose one, we stay with the SE. It is true that it has some other lack, but for its price (from 299 euros) we cannot ask for much more. It’s just as waterproof and shock-resistant as the Series 5, it’s the same size with the same battery and the same dials.

However, it takes a bit longer to fully charge, it doesn’t have as many colors available to buy, and it doesn’t have the same health sensors. But it is a model of the SE range, so you already know that you are buying a watch with fewer features than other models, but keep in mind that you are also paying less.