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The Apple Watch Series 8, the SE and the Ultra have some differences from each other. Knowing these will help you make your purchase decision. That way, you can consider which features of each model are important to you
Apple Watch Series 8, SE and Ultra: The differences
The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE have been available since September 16, 2022. Since 23.9.2022, you can also buy the Apple Watch Ultra. But how do the three models actually differ from each other?
- Price: The Apple Watch SE is available from €299 (GPS) or from €369 (GPS and Cellular). The Apple Watch Series 8 is available from €499 (GPS) or €619 (GPS and Cellular). The Apple Watch Ultra is the most expensive model and is available from €999. The latter is only available as a version with GPS and Cellular. Cellular means you can use a SIM card.
- Case: The Series 8 has a 41 mm or 45 mm case, while the SE has a 40 mm or 44 mm case. The Apple Watch Ultra has the largest case at 49 mm.
- Material: You can buy the Apple Watch Series 8 with either an aluminium or stainless steel case. The SE comes with an aluminium case and the Ultra is made of titanium.
- Display resolution: The Apple Watch Series 8 display resolves to 396 by 484 pixels (45 mm) and 352 by 430 pixels (41 mm), respectively; the SE is 368 by 448 pixels (44 mm) and 324 by 394 pixels (40 mm); and the Ultra is 410 by 502 pixels.
- Display brightness: While the screens of the Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch SE have a brightness of 1000 nits, the display of the Apple Watch Ultra is significantly brighter at 2000 nits.
- Battery life: Apple claims a battery life of up to 18 hours for both the Watch Series 8 and the SE. For the Apple Watch Ultra, the specification is up to 36 hours.
- Fast charging: Fast charging is available with both the Series 8 and Ultra. The Apple Watch SE does not have this capability.
- Water protection: The Series 8 and the SE are water resistant to 50 metres. The Apple Watch Ultra has water protection up to 100 metres and is suitable for recreational diving up to 40 metres.
- Dust protection: The Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch Ultra are IP6X dust protected. The SE does not have such protection.
- ECG and Blood Oxygen: Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra allow you to record an ECG or measure your blood oxygen. You can’t do either with the SE.
- Siren: The Apple Watch Ultra is the only one of the three models with an 86-decibel siren to alert you in case of an emergency.
- Colours: You can buy the Series 8 in the aluminium variant in the colours midnight, polar star, silver and red, with the stainless steel variant available in the colours graphite, silver and gold. The SE is available in midnight, polar star and silver and the Ultra in the look of naturally brushed titanium.
- Sensors: The Apple Watch Ultra is the only one of the three models to feature a water temperature sensor and a depth sensor.
- Speakers: While the Apple Watch Series 8 and SE each have one speaker on board, the Ultra has two.
- Microphone: The Series 8 and the SE each have one microphone, while the Apple Watch Ultra has been equipped with three.
