Comparison Apple Watch Series 5 vs Apple Watch SE

Comparison table

To begin this comparison we want to expose you all the technical specifications that these two watches have. In this way you will be able to see at which points there is a greater difference between them at the level of specifications, thus you will also be able to contextualize much better everything that we are going to tell you a few lines below. Here is the comparative table.

Once you know all the relevant data of both Apple Watch models, by way of introduction we want to tell you what are the points where you have to put your eye to see what both models are capable of offering, although we already warn you that they are two devices that, from the outset, have many similarities, but that their differences are key to being able to assess them in their proper measure.

• The screen is undoubtedly the point where more emphasis must be placed since it is one of the great differences due to the presence of Always ON technology in the Series 5.
• The sensors are one of the hallmarks of the Apple Watch, and between the Series 5 and the SE there is a difference that also lies in a key health-level functionality, such as electrocardiograms.
• The charging speed is a point to take into account for all those users who want to have the watch on their wrist for as long as possible, then we will tell you what differences there are.
• At the design level, they are totally traced.
• The processor is exactly the same in both cases, so in terms of performance and fluidity both are on par.

What is the Series 5 better at?

As you can foresee, if there is a model that is superior to another, in this case it is the Series 5, therefore, we are going to start this comparison by telling you which are the points in which it is superior and, above all, how this can affect the user experience you have with one device and another.

Screen

Without a doubt, the big difference between the Apple Watch Series 5 and the Apple Watch SE is the screen. These are two devices with many similarities, but the screen clearly makes the difference and, above all, it marks the experience that you are going to have with one model and another. This is due to the Always ON screen , that is, a screen that will always be on , if you want, yes, since Apple gives the possibility of deactivating this function to all users.

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 you have at that moment or if it is from a specific application. This is really useful , because you will avoid having to move your wrist abruptly or touch it to activate it, which is just 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 workouts while you are doing them, knowing that you have it available at all times. In terms of dimensions, both Apple Watch models are exactly the same, that is, the box is the same, and this means that in the two watches you have the same dials available.

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 able to save lives thanks to everything that it is capable of measuring and all the functions focused on preserving and improving people’s health.

As you know, the Apple Watch SE is an economic version, a gateway that Apple has wanted to open so that more users can check the experience of having a device of this type. By lowering the price of the device, you also have to cut in benefits, and the sensors have been one of the points that has been affected. Next we leave you the list with which each model has.

• Apple Watch Series 5
  • Electrical heart rate sensor.
  • 2nd generation optical heart rate sensor.
• Apple Watch SE
  • 2nd generation optical heart rate sensor.

As you can see, the difference between both models lies in the presence of one more sensor to measure heart rate. Thus, both are capable of sending you heart rate notifications based on whether you have it too high or too low, as well as when the Apple Watch itself detects an irregular heart rate. However, the Series 5 has an extra function, and it is the possibility of performing electrocardiograms , yes, it is something that is not available in all regions of the world.

Other important features

We have already told you about the main differences that exist between the Apple Watch Series 5 and the SE, however, although in the rest of the sections they are very similar, it is also important that you know the performance of both in certain points that are key to the time to enjoy a good user experience with these devices.

Same battery, but do they charge at the same speed?

The battery is always the point where you have to stop, but really what is important in this case is not the duration of the battery, but also the speed at which these two models are capable of charging, but we go in parts. 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.

Without a doubt, it is the most improvement point of this device, which is quite limited given its size. However, in order to somehow alleviate this problem, which for many users is having to go through the charger on a daily basis, Apple is improving the charging speed. However, in neither case, neither in the Series 5 nor in the SE, can we say that they have really fast charging. Here are the loading times for both.

• From 0% to 80%:
  • Apple Watch Series 5: 1 hour and a half.
  • Apple Watch SE: 1 hour and a half.
• From 0% to 100%:
  • Apple Watch Series 5: 2 hours.
  • Apple Watch SE: 2 and a half hours.

As you can see, the Series 5 charges slightly faster than the SE, but without reaching the charging speeds that, for example, the Series 7 has. However, despite the fact that the autonomy of these two models is not excessively long, in no case will you have a problem completing all your daily activities and reaching the end of the day with your watch on your wrist. Now, you will have to go through the charger daily if you want your watch to hold you the next day again.

Design

The Apple Watch in addition to being a very functional device is also a fashionable element , and it is that after all it is a watch, also really customizable, but hey, we will talk about it later, before we will focus on the differences between these two models, they are null. Both the Series 5 and the SE have exactly the same casing , that is, at first glance you will not be able to differentiate if it is one or the other.

In their aluminum version, the two models have the same finishes, silver, space gray and gold . However, the Series 5 also features stainless steel, titanium and ceramic finishes . Recovering the argument that the Apple Watch is also a fashion element, 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.

Shock resistance

Usually all technological devices are very delicate, and great care must be taken that they do not suffer blows 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 damaged quite likely, 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 friction above normal, our recommendation is that they provide the Apple Watch with a good screen protector and even a case that keeps it safe. Moving now to the resistance of both models to water, you have to know that you can submerge them up to 50 meters , however, the Cupertino company does not recommend its use for sports in which you are going to make a deep dive or those in which the Apple Watch is going to be in contact with water at high speed.

Processor

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

This, far from being a negative thing, 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.

Price

We come to the final part of the comparison, and it is to see what is the price and availability of both devices. From the outset you have to know that Apple, in its Apple Store, only sells the Apple Watch SE , so if you want to acquire the Series 5 you will have to do it through a third-party store such as Amazon.

As for the price, the Apple Watch SE starts from 299 euros in its 40 mm version, while if you want to opt for the large size, that is, the 44 mm, the price rises to 329 euros , in addition, you have to know that depending on the strap you want to accompany your watch, the price of the device will also vary. As for the Series 5, we cannot give you an exact figure, since it varies depending on the store where you can find it.

conclusion

Surely there are many users who are considering the purchase of one of these two watches. As you have seen, the highlight of the comparison is that there are two Apple Watch with very similar characteristics . However, it is evident that the Series 5 is, in general, a better device than the SE, however, the usual thing is that the price of the same is also higher, so in this sense you will have to assess whether the two significant differences really are. As are the screen and the sensors, they are worth it to pay that price difference that may exist between these two models. Our opinion is that for the vast majority of users, the most recommended purchase is the Apple Watch SE since it has a fantastic quality / price ratio.

On the other hand, it is possible that many users who have one of these two models, silver the change to the other. The reality is that in neither of the two ways is it worth it since, surely you will have to pay an amount of money and the differences that exist between them are, as you have seen, very few. Our recommendation is that, if you want to change from Apple Watch, you do it towards one of the latest models of the company.