Apple Watch SE vs. Series 10: How to choose? This short guide looks at design, display, speed, health features, and charging in the three models to help you decide which one is right for your budget. We will explain what you get by stepping up from SE, including the larger screen and new health insights on Series 10, and who might be better off saving with SE instead. No hype, just apparent differences so you can buy with honest confidence.
Design & Build Quality
Classic SE vs. Sleeker Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 adds a sleeker look, with a slimmer case and more rounded, edge-to-edge glass, while the Apple Watch SE stays closer to the older Apple Watch Series 4-6 design. In reality, the Series 10 appears more modern and cool, thanks to the front glass extending further to the edges, which results in a higher screen-to-body ratio and makes the bezel less noticeable. The screen on the SE (2nd generation, 2022) has a visible black border around the display and, therefore, looks boxier than the Mini. If you put them next to each other, the SE’s thicker bezel is jarring and causes the Watch to feel a little dated.
Case Sizes, Materials, and Comfort
The SE comes in two case sizes at 40mm or 44mm, whereas the Series 10 comes in slightly larger 42mm or 46mm. Despite the increased dimensions, Series 10 doesn’t feel noticeably bulkier – indeed, it’s the thinnest Watch Apple has ever made – so it sits quite happily on the wrist. The bigger 46mm Series 10 does have a noticeably larger screen to offer (more on that in a moment), but even the smaller 42mm Series 10 has a bigger display than the old 44mm SE thanks to the reduction in bezel.
Regarding construction, the SE can be purchased with no other option than an aluminum case (in Midnight, Starlight, or Silver). At the same time, the Series 10 can be had with an aluminum or a more premium, polished titanium case in several colors. Series 10 even introduces a shiny Jet Black aluminum variant for a bit of flair. The back of the SE is a color-matched nylon composite, whereas the Series 10 features a new all-metal back design (which also includes a bigger charging coil), making it feel more premium. All in all, if how a device looks and feels, along with the materials, matters to you, the Series 10 is the apparent winner.
Display & Screen Experience:
The display is one of the flashiest improvements you get with Series 10. The Apple Watch Series 10 has a larger always-on Retina OLED display, while the SE has a regular Retina OLED display without an always-on option. In plain English, that means the Series 10’s screen is always showing options and you can’t see them (in a dimmed state when the Watch is hanging at your side), whereas the SE’s screen is totally black until you raise your wrist or tap it. The absence of an always-on display on the SE 2 can make it feel a little bit old-school, because now it’s “pretty retro” to have to wake the screen to check whenever you want—updated May 11, 2020, because always-on display is a standard feature on other competitive phones. If you frequently want to glance at the time or your workout stats without offering an overly dramatic wrist turn, the Series 10’s always-on feature is a legitimate convenience.
Bigger and brighter:
The Series 10’s screen is a definite jump up from the SE: Its smaller bezels and bigger sizes net you around 25–30% more viewable area (2.04 inches on the 46mm, 1.78 inches on the 44mm SE), so apps and text are easier to read, particularly in glances or during workouts. It also ramps the brightness up to 2,000 nits max from the SE’s 1,000, so it’s a lot more readable in bright sunlight. With the wide-angle OLED tech for better off-angle viewing, and slightly sharper resolution (~383 ppi vs. 326 ppi), the Series 10 screen looks and feels bigger, brighter, and more useful on a day-to-day basis.
No matter which model you choose, you can always make it your own. Whichever watch you go with, you can refresh the look in seconds with Apple Watch faces – swapping in new designs and styles anytime to match your mood or outfit. These customizable faces let you personalize your Watch to the fullest, so your device always feels uniquely you.
Performance and Features
Apple Watch Series 10
- Powered by the new 30% faster, 60% more transistors A15-based S10 chips.
- Features a 4-core Neural Engine for on-device machine learning → enables features SE can’t do.
- Provides a double-tap (answer calls, pause/play music, scroll widgets) gesture for one-handed operation.
- Processes Siri requests on-device, making it faster, and can function offline for simple tasks.
- Has a second-gen Ultra Wideband chip → provides Precision Finding for your iPhone.
- Hardware perks include a music/podcast playback speaker with increased volume and a microphone with voice isolation for clearer calls.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
- Works on the previous S8 chip (A13-based), it’s still fast for everyday apps, but might not be as future-proof.
- No Double Tap, on-device Siri, or Precision Tracking (the UWB chip is missing).
- Speaker primarily for calling and notifications; does not filter out background noise through the microphone.
- Runs the newest watchOS with full app support, for key functions like notifications, Apple Pay, and fitness tracking.
Health and Fitness Features
Health & Fitness Tracking at a Glance
Shared Basics (Both Models)
- Optical heart rate sensor (high/low alerts).
- Workout and step tracking with GPS accuracy.
- Sleep tracking (time & stages).
- Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS.
- Cycle tracking (basic).
- Standard Activity Rings.
Series 10 Exclusive Sensors
- ECG app (electrocardiogram for AFib detection).
- Blood Oxygen sensor (SpO₂ readings).
- Temperature sensor (overnight tracking, ovulation estimates, illness/sleep changes).
- Sleep Apnea notifications using temp + motion data.
- Depth Gauge (to 6m) + water temperature sensor for shallow diving/snorkeling.
Bottom Line
- SE = strong for everyday fitness and core health.
- Series 10 = a complete health toolbox with advanced, potentially life-saving insights.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery Life
- Both SE and S10 are rated at ~18 hours (“all-day”).
- Light usage can even extend to 28–30 hours, but not beyond that for days.
- SE doesn’t last as long as Series 10; both require charging daily.
- A newer chip + bigger battery balanced the always-on display of Series 10!
- Disabling always-on can extend Series 10’s life, maintaining 20.77% longer than that of Series 8.
Charging Speed
- Series 10: 0%–80% in ~ 30 minutes.
- Sensible Endurance: up to 80% in ~90 mins; to 100% in ~2:30 hours.
- Series 10’s fast charge means it’s usable after quick top-ups (e.g., 10 minutes = overnight sleep tracking).
- Both share the same magnetic puck and support Low Power Mode.
Apple Watch SE vs. Series 10: Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Case Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | 42mm, 46mm (thinner, edge-to-edge) |
| Materials | Aluminum only | Aluminum (incl. Jet Black) or Titanium |
| Display | Retina OLED (no Always-On) | Always-On Retina OLED, 25–30% larger |
| Brightness | Up to 1,000 nits | Up to 2,000 nits |
| Chip | S8 SiP (A13-based) | S10 SiP (A15-based, ~30% faster) |
| Unique Features | Core apps + safety alerts | Double Tap, On-Device Siri, Precision Finding |
| Health Sensors | Optical heart rate only | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Temp, Sleep Apnea alerts, Depth gauge |
| Speakers & Mics | Standard speaker, no noise isolation | Louder speaker, plays media, mic with voice isolation |
| Battery Life | ~18 hours (up to ~30 light use) | ~18 hours (similar, slightly better if AOD off) |
| Charging | 0–80% in ~90 min; ~2.5h full | 0–80% in ~30 min; ~1h full |
| Water Resistance | Swim-proof (50m) | Swim-proof (50m) + depth gauge (6m) |
Which One Should You Buy?
When deciding between Apple Watch SE and Series 10, it really comes down to how much you value those extra features and refinements – and how much you’re willing to spend. The price gap is not trivial: the second-gen Apple Watch SE starts around $249 (40mm GPS) while the new Series 10 begins around $399 for the base aluminum model. In other words, you’re looking at a premium of roughly $150+ for the Series 10. Here’s how to make a wise choice:
- Apple Watch Series 10 – If you want the whole Apple Watch experience, Series 10 is for you. It delivers a bigger always-on display, fast charging, more advanced health sensors (ECG, blood oxygen, and sleep-apnea alerts), and extras such as on-device Siri and gesture controls. Its premium build and newer chip will make it the more future-proof option and the better long-term bet if you care about features and can stretch your budget.
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) – Choose the SE if you prefer the basics and would like to save some cash. That also includes the basic Apple Watch features such as fitness tracking, Apple Pay, notifications, and safety alerts, so it’s great as an entry-level or family-capable watch. It lacks advanced health tools and an always-on display, but it remains one of the best value picks for those who don’t care about these features and want reliable everyday smartwatch capabilities.
Ultimately, both models are going to get you fit and keep you connected – but the Series 10 is the wiser upgrade for those who have to have the best of the latest, and the greatest, while the SE is the more sensible choice for those who can’t or won’t spend as much, but still need the basics done well. Think about your own needs, and which features you’re likely to use, day to day. If you don’t care about the extras, and you should if you’re investing in a luxury sedan, the SE’s price savings are tough to top. But if they do, the Series 10’s improvements should feel worthwhile when you’re basking in that large, lovely always-on display or performing your first ECG.
Finally, once you’ve picked the perfect Apple Watch for you, don’t forget to have some fun with it. Show off your new Watch to friends and maybe even share the news in style – sharing your new Watch pick? Add some flair in chats with WhatsApp stickers. Whether you splurge on the Series 10 or stick with the SE, you can now chat about it with a bit of extra personality in your messages. Happy watching, and enjoy your new tech companion with confidence in your choice!
