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Apple Watch SE vs 6: Which smartwatch is better?

Apple Watch SE

Apple Watch SE vs 6

The Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch SE represent the most expensive and most affordable Apple Watches in 2021. If you are considering purchasing an Apple smartwatch, it is important to know know the difference between these two series of watches. This article on Apple Watch SE vs 6 will help you sort through it all to save you both time and money.

Sony xb40 vs xb41

(Image – Apple Corp)

Apple Watch Videos

 

Apple Watch Comparison

The look of these two watches are nearly identical but you will notice some important differences in terms of their respective features and specifications. Digging into this comparison we will note the different sensors, strap options and features of these two smartwatches. But before we do, let us first look at the similarities between these two series.

Apple Watch SE and 6 Similarities

  • Support standard training features:
    • Apple’s Fitness Plus
    • heart rate monitoring
    • GPS tracking
  • Sleep tracking
  • Battery Life (18 hours)

Apple Watch SE and 6 Difference

 

Apple Watch SE:

  • Retina display
  • S5SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor
  • Optical heart sensor only
  • Around 150 minutes to recharge the battery
  • Lower price

 

Apple Watch Series 6:

  • Always on Retina display
  • S6SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor
  • U1 ultra-wideband chip
  • Blood oxygen app
  • ECG app
  • Blood oxygen sensor. Electric heart sensor and 2nd generation optical heart sensor
  • Improved battery life for certain workouts
  • Around 90 minutes to recharge the battery
  • New colors: blue and red
  • Higher price

Software and Updates

Both Apple Watch SE and Series 6 will boot on Watch OS 7. This update has some pretty notable enhancements, all of which are available on both the SE and Series 6.

The biggest addition is the new family setup. This feature allows families without an iPhone to use the Apple Watch. Users get their own number and data plan, enabling them to use all the great features of the watch, including messages, GPS, and robust fitness options. This feature is ideal for children who do not have a smartphone or for older adults that you may need to monitor. The activity ring has been redesigned for children. Rings now check the time traveled, not the number of calories burned. The main user can use Family Setup to see the location of other users. This is a safety feature that many parents love. The main user can also approve contacts and apps, and set school time modes to keep children from being distracted during school hours.

This update also adds Memoji to your Apple Watch, allowing users to create their own custom avatars and share them as stickers in the Messages app. Memoji can also take over the watch face. Speaking of watch faces, WatchOS 7 has some new ones. Some of them are stylish and others are more niche. WatchOS 7 has even more complex features that allow you to create and share your own custom watch faces. There is also a new Sleep app. This app helps you create schedules, track sleep, auto-on silent mode, and stop screen waking.

Apple Watch 6 Features

The Series 6 and SE have the same display and resolution, so the viewing experience in that regard is the same. It’s also water resistant, so you can swim together and work with Apple’s two new bands, the Solo and Braided loops.
However, the Watch Series 6 has more design and color choices. Series 6 is available in blue and red in addition to the standard silver, gray and gold aluminum colors. There are also steel and titanium variations, with different color options for both materials. Luxury fashion company Hermès, a longtime partner of Apple Watch, also has its own new band for Series 6.

Finally, Series 6 has an always-on display which means that the display is always on, requiring you to raise your wrist or tap the screen to see the time and notifications.

Sony xb40 vs xb41

(Image – Apple Corp)

Colors and Finishes:
SE models are only available in aluminum, but Series 6 is also available in stainless steel and titanium. There are three color choices for the SE: gold, silver, and space gray. The aluminum Series 6 is available in blue, gold, red, silver and space gray. The stainless steel models are available in gold, a new grayish black called graphite, and silver. Titanium models are available in natural titanium and space black.
Apple has also introduced new band styles, including a lightweight, stretchy Solo Loop with no clasps or buckles, and a magnetically attached leather link band.

Design:
Both new Apple Watches retain the rounded square design like all other models, but the Apple Watch 6 has a bright display with an always-on feature. It should be especially noticeable outdoors, as Apple says it’s 2.5 times brighter.
In addition, Series 6 is available in several new colors, including blue and red, in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, while the Apple Watch SE is only available in aluminum.

Internally, the Apple Watch 6 has a fast processor that’s up to 20% faster than the S5 chip on the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch 5. However, both devices share the always-on altimeter, gyroscope, compass, and GPS.

Health Features:
The biggest difference in health features between Apple Watch 6 and SE is the SpO2 sensor, which measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. Low levels may be an indicator of problems such as sleep apnea and are also associated with Covid-19. The SpO2 sensor, already found in other sports watches such as Garmin, is primarily used for fitness-related features. Being included in the Apple Watch 6 means that Apple sees it more as a health-related indicator.
The Apple Watch 6 also has an ECG monitor, but the SE doesn’t. Health and fitness sharing features include fall detection, noise level detection, emergency SOS, and international emergency calls.

Conclusion:
Our hope is that Apple Watch SE vs 6 has brought you more clarity as you investigate these two great products. The Apple Watch Series 6 is definitely a great device so the results here are not so surprising. Series 6 is a premium smartwatch option with its brighter display with always-on option, an ECG monitor, and SpO2 sensor. The SE on the other hand is aimed at budget shoppers and first-time buyers. So if you are considering upgrading your current Apple Watch, or just need the best, Series 6 is the natural choice. However if you’re new to smartwatches the Apple Watch SE can be your best choice. It provides the basic features of an Apple smartwatch at a lower cost.


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