Apple today has presented its new generation of smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 6, and its cheap smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE. We are going to compare them with the current Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 3, to see what they contribute.
Do you want to buy an Apple Watch but you can’t decide on any model? We compare them all so you can discover their strengths and weaknesses, and you can choose the best one that suits your needs.
- Apple launched Watch Series 6: price, specs and release date
- Apple Watch SE is announced: specs, price and release date
- Here is the 8th gen 10.2-inch Apple iPad: price, specs, release date
It is important to know that with the presentation of the Series 6 Apple stops selling the Series 5, although we will still see it in the stores for a while, until the stock runs out. That is why we have included it in the comparison.
It should also be clarified that the Apple Watch SE is the new cheap Apple watch, but as a new generation model, it is still more expensive than the Apple Watch Series 3.
Apple Watch Series 6, Series 5, Series 3 and SE specifications
| characteristics | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 5 | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Series 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box | 40 or 44 mm | 40 or 44 mm | 40 or 44 mm | 38 or 42 mm |
| screen | Always-on OLED LTPO Retina (1,000 nit brightness) 30% larger | Always-on OLED LTPO Retina (1,000 nit brightness) 30% larger | 30% larger Retina OLED LTPO (1,000 nit brightness) | 2nd generation OLED Retina |
| Models | GPS with and without Cellular | GPS with and without Cellular | GPS with and without Cellular | GPS |
| Processor | Dual-core 64-bit S6, W3 wireless chip, U1 chip (ultra-wideband) | Dual-core 64-bit S5, W3 wireless chip | Dual-core 64-bit S5, W3 wireless chip | Dual-core 64-bit S3, W2 wireless chip |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB | 8GB |
| Interface | Digital crown with haptic feedback | Digital crown with haptic feedback | Digital crown with haptic feedback | Digital crown |
| Sensors | Blood oxygen, electrical and optical heart rate sensor (second generation), electrocardiogram (ECG) | Electrical and optical heart rate sensor (second generation), electrocardiogram (ECG) | Basic heart rate meter (high, low, irregular) | Basic heart rate meter (high, low, irregular) |
| Protection | Water resistance up to 50 meters | Water resistance up to 50 meters | Water resistance up to 50 meters | Water resistance up to 50 meters |
| Connections | 4G LTE and UMTS, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 | 4G LTE and UMTS, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 | 4G LTE and UMTS, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 | WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Measurements | GPS / GNSS, compass and altimeter always active | GPS / GNSS, compass and altimeter always active | GPS / GNSS, compass and barometric altimeter | GPS / GNSS, compass and barometric altimeter |
| Sound | Speaker and microphone | Speaker and microphone | Speaker and microphone | Speaker and microphone |
| Solo Loop Bracelet | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Price | From: $399 | From: $350 | From: $279 | From: $169.00 |
Design
If there is something in which Apple stands out, it is precisely the design of its devices, so this is not an element that helps us to decide at a glance. All Apple Watches are extremely beautiful, made from 100% recycled aluminum and various types of straps.
The Apple Watch SE has the same design as the new Apple Watch Series 6, very similar to the Series 5. The Series 3 has a 30% smaller screen, which is something to consider, especially those who have poor eyesight, or if you like smaller watches.
On an aesthetic level, the main difference is the new one-piece strap similar to a bracelet, called Solo Loop, used by the new Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE:
All models are water resistant up to 50 meters, so you can swim and dive with them both in the pool and in the sea. And, of course, you can track you swimming records.
Power and performance
The Apple Watch Series 6, 5 and SE have a 30% larger screen than the Series 3, as we mentioned. Plus, the new Series 6 and SE displays are brighter in broad daylight. And the Series 6 and 5 are always active.
If the screen is important for you, the Series 6 is the best. The one on the Apple Watch Series 5 still beats the Watch SE because it is always active.
In the performance section, the new Apple Watch Series 6 debuts the S6 processor, which is 20% more powerful than the S5 that the Series 5 and SE has. In return, the S5 is twice as powerful as the S3 in the Series 3.
This is a fact to consider when you are choosing a smartwatch, and it really affects the price. The Apple Watch Series 6 is 20% more powerful, so the apple will be more fluid. The new Apple Watch SE has the same processor as the Series 5, while The Series 3 is far behind.
When you consider performance/price, the Apple Watch SE is unbeatable.
All of them have 32GB of storage except the Apple Watch Series 3, which has only 8GB.
Sensors
Another key element when you are choosing a smarthwatch is the sensors. They all have GPS, altimeter, compass, heart rate meter and fall detector and sleep measurement.
The Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 5 also have a second-generation heart rate meter with an electrocardiogram. But The Series 6 has blood oxygen saturation monitoring feature.
For the basic functions of sports activity, steps, heart rate, or sleep, any Apple Watch works perfectly.
If you also want advanced heart rate meter, you should consider Series 5 or 6. If you really want to have blood oxygen measurement the only option is Series 6.
The same OS for everyone
All models, including the old Apple Watch Series 3, will receive the new version of the watchOS 7 operating system , so in theory everyone will be able to enjoy new features such as Family Settings. So in principle there are no differences, except in the specific functions of each model, associated with its sensors.
