Apple Watch in comparison: SE (2nd Gen), Series 8 and Ultra

In addition to its new smartphones, the iPhone manufacturer Apple also presented three new smartwatches last week. Since Friday you can pre-order it. But who is which Apple Watch made for? What features are included with the Apple Watch Series 8 possible that with the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) cannot be used? And what does she do? apple watch ultra so special? I answer these and other questions in this post. I also go into the size of the respective watches and other differences. Do you have any tips for making the right purchase decision? Then please leave a comment!

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Comparison of the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. Which smartwatch is best for everyday use and which for diving or extreme sports? Which is something for the frugal as well as for kids? Here you will find the answers.
Comparison of the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. Which smartwatch is best for everyday use and which for diving or extreme sports? Which is something for the frugal as well as for kids? Here you will find the answers.

Comparison of Apple Watch SE 2, Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra

In the following table you will find similarities and differences between the three new smartwatch models from Apple, both in terms of hardware and software. In addition to the size and price, the built-in sensors and the associated functions in watchOS 9 are also important when buying. 

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) Apple Watch Series 8 apple watch ultra
case size 40mm or 44mm 41mm or 45mm 49 mm
Display Retina Display Always-On Retina Display
Display brightness up to 1.000 nits up to 2.000 nits
water conservation up to 50 meters up to 100 meters
swimming and diving Floating design Swimming and diving up to 40 meters
Certification - Dust-proof according to IP6X Dust-proof according to IP6X and certification according to EN13319 and MIL-STD 810H
heart rate measurement Yes, including notifications for high or low frequency, irregular heart rhythm and cardio fitness
ECG and blood oxygen - ja
cycle log ja
ovulation estimation - ja
fall detection ja
accident detection ja
Emergency SOS ja
Cellular version Optional Standard
Siren for local emergency call - - ja
Customizable action button - - ja
more details Specifications and more Specifications and more Specifications and more
Price from € 299 from € 499 from € 999

Difference between Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2

"SE" models of Apple devices are always stripped down versions of the main line. So all the new parts and features in this lineup come together this year in the Apple Watch Series 8, along with the proven features of previous versions. In the Apple Watch SE of the 2nd generation, as before in the first Apple Watch SE, the ECG function and the measurement of blood oxygen. 

In addition, it is smaller and cheaper. One innovation that all models have received this year is accident detection. This provides an automatic emergency call in the event of a car accident. The Apple Watch SE 2 does not have the two new temperature sensors for ovulation estimation. In addition to economical users, the Apple Watch SE 2 is also advertised as part of family sharing, i.e. as a device for children. 

What is special about the Apple Watch Ultra?

The Apple Watch Ultra is made for use underwater, in adventurous situations and in competitive sports. The larger and brighter display should provide a quick overview of all the data you need when diving, in snow or sand storms, in triathlons and in other strenuous moments. And while the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with 18 hours of battery life (36 hours in low power mode), the Ultra model offers up to 36 hours of battery life (60 hours in low power mode). 

But it's not just the hardware, including the titanium housing, protected digital crown and new action button, that's made for use in difficult situations. For diving there is the possibility to display the diving depth, the diving time and the water temperature. When navigating off-road and in the mountains, GPS functions are used to record the route. Athletes can select specific tracks or workout sections directly with the action button. In short: Apple wants to open up new, specialized target groups with the Apple Watch Ultra.

Available on all models: Fitness functions and action rings

Conclusion on the comparison of the Apple Watch models in 2022

The Apple Watch Series 8 is probably the model that brings the most value to everyday life, as it has all the new parts and features for watchOS 9. The 2nd generation Apple Watch SE is the slimmed-down model for kids and anyone who wants to save. It also brings the new accident detection and thus expands the fall detection, which has been included for some time. But there are no ECG, blood oxygen measurement and temperature measurement for the assessment of ovulation. The Apple Watch Ultra takes all the previous benefits of the main line and combines them with hardware and software designed for specific audiences. It is probably too much and too expensive for everyday use.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) (GPS + Cellular, 44mm) Smartwatch - Aluminum Case Midnight,...
  • Cellular keeps you connected, even without your iPhone nearby
  • Stream or sync your music, podcasts and audiobooks
  • Set up an Apple Watch for each family member and manage them right from your iPhone with the...
89,47 EUR
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular, 45mm) Smartwatch - Aluminum case Polarstern, sports bracelet...
  • Cellular keeps you connected, even without your iPhone nearby
  • Stream or sync your music, podcasts and audiobooks
  • Set up an Apple Watch for each family member and manage them right from your iPhone with the...
Apple Watch Ultra (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) Smartwatch - Titanium Case, Alpine Loop Orange - Medium...
  • Special features, sensors and three new straps designed for adventure, exploration and endurance sports
  • 49mm aerospace-grade titanium case for the perfect balance of weight, durability and...
  • The largest and brightest Apple Watch display for better readability in all conditions
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