In September 2020, Apple launched two new smartwatches – the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE. Both these devices run on the WatchOS 7. However, Watch SE is a more affordable variant in Apple’s flagship smartwatches and has fewer features than the Series 6, both the smartwatches are Wi-Fi-only variants. While the Watch Series 6 starts at $399, the Watch SE is priced at $279.
Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE: Design
Both watches have similar display and resolution features. They are water-resistant and are compatible with two bands – Solo and Braided bands. The Watch Series 6 smartwatch has additional design and color choices: standard silver, grey, gold aluminum, blue, and red colors. The smartwatch also has a steel and titanium variant. A distinctive feature of the Apple Series 6 smartwatch is its Always-on display.
Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE: Hardware
The Watch Series 6 is powered by the latest S6 chipset, while the Series SE smartwatch has an S5 system. The Watch Series 6 has sensors like an oximeter that measures breathing and blood circulation faster than anything else. This provides proper insight into the respiratory and cardiac health of the user. The blood oxygen app also measures sleep and give proper health readings in the built-in Health app. Additionally, the Watch Series 6 has an optical heart sensor that measures heart rate, an Ultra Wideband, or U1 chip. The U1 chip helps devices find other similar devices effectively when they are located nearby.
Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE: Software
One distinctive feature present in both the Watch Series 6 and Watch SE is the Family Setup. This setup enables wearers to pair their iPhone to an Apple Watch easily. This Apple Watch may belong to a family member – young or adult. The WatchOS 7 control in both the smartwatch also has several watch faces and Memoji stickers. The smartwatches also have many other features like fall detection, an easy noise level calculator, emergency SOS contacts, and an altimeter.
Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE: Specifications
| Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series SE | |
| Display size, resolution | 40mm, 44mm Retina OLED 368×448 pixels | 40mm, 44mm Retina OLED 368×448 pixels |
| Always-on | Yes | No |
| Materials/ finishes | Aluminum, steel and titanium | Aluminum |
| Colors | Silver, grey, gold, blue and red (aluminum); silver, graphite and gold (steel); titanium and black (titanium) | Silver, grey and gold |
| Interchangeable bands | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in | Built-in |
| Automatic workout detection | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | Yes, up to 50m | Yes, up to 50m |
| Calls | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Text replies | Text replies |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Voice assistant | Siri | Siri |
| Music | Onboard, playback and streaming (with Cellular model) | Onboard, playback and streaming (with Cellular model) |
| Mobile Payments | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
| Sleep tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Period tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Special features | Blood Oxygen app, ECG app, U1 chip, emergency SOS, fall detection, hearing health alerts | Wmergency SOS, fall detection, hearing health alerts |
| Emergency features | Emergency SOS, International emergency calling, fall detection | Emergency SOS calling (911 and emergency contacts) |
| Compatibility | iOS/iPhone only | iOS/iPhone only |
| Software | WatchOS 7 | WatchOS 7 |
| Processor | S6 chip dual-core processor and W3 wireless chip | S5 chip dual-core processor and W3 wireless chip |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Cellular option ($100 more) | Wi-Fi and Cellular option ($50 more) |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Power | Magnetic Apple charging cable and USB connector (backward compatible) | Magnetic Apple charging cable and USB connector (backward compatible) |
| Battery life | All day (18 hrs.) | All day (18 hrs.) |
