Apple Watch SE vs 6: Which one should I buy?

Apple Watch SE vs 6: Which one should I buy?

The Apple Watch has become the industry's best-selling smartwatch in recent years and has continued to improve over the years. With the Apple Watch, you can not only tell the time, but also monitor your health, see notifications at a glance and control apps like Spotify without having to pull out your phone. 

If you're deciding between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE but don't know which one suits you best? Don't worry, we've taken a closer look at Apple's smartwatch and noted all the differences between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE for you.

Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch 6: Price

The following is immediately noticeable at first glance: Both models look confusingly similar. This is probably also due to the fact that they were both launched at the same time in 2020. Nevertheless, there are a few points where the models differ greatly, especially in terms of price. How much does an Apple Watch SE cost?

• The current price for an Apple Watch SE refurbished in "Good" condition with a 40 mm case is from as low as A$229. For this, you get a smart aluminium case and a 12-month Back Market warranty, plus 30-days to change your mind. (Price checked on 17/04/2024)

• The Apple Watch Series 6 refurbished in a 40 mm case costs A$249 in "Good" condition. Prices vary because you have a few options for customisation: 40 mm or 44 mm for the strap size, aluminium, steel or titanium for the case and different strap materials. 

• Want to use your Apple Watch 6 to make calls too? Then opt for the Apple Watch 6 with LTE (GPS + Cellular). This costs from as low as A$319 for the Apple Watch (Series 6) GPS + Cellular 40 mm Stainless steel Gold. 

👉 You might also be interested in: Apple Watch 5 vs 6 - which one should I choose?

Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch 6: design and features

• Case: While the Apple Watch SE is only available with an aluminium case, the Apple Watch Series 6 is also available in stainless steel and titanium in comparison. These two materials are very robust and also offer a very neat aesthetic. The stainless steel version is equipped with a sapphire crystal, a detail worthy of the major watch manufacturers, as this type of glass is scratch-resistant. 

• Material and colours: You might like the aluminium casing with its three colours offered for the SE series: Silver, Space Grey and Gold. But maybe you want more! The aluminium Apple Watch Series 6 offers more fun colours, including the famous PRODUCT RED with its unique character and a beautiful deep blue. 

• Display: The Series 6 has an always-on display, which means that you can leave the screen of your watch on all the time. The function can be deactivated if you want to save the watch's battery as much as possible. The SE series does not have this function. 

• Connectivity: Both devices are available with LTE and UMTS. In addition, both models are equipped with 5.0 Bluetooth and support WLAN networks in the 2.4 GHz band, whereby the Apple Watch 6 also supports 5 GHz band. 

• Processor: The Apple Watch 6 has an S6 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor, which is 20% faster than the Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch SE, on the other hand, has an S5 SiP chip with a 64-bit dual-core processor. Another point in favour of the 6 series: it has the latest U1 chip for broadband. 

• Battery performance: Both watches have the same lithium battery with a runtime of 18 hours. They can be charged just as quickly and accompany you through your everyday life in the same way. So there is no difference between the two.

Direct comparison of the two models:

Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch 6: a question of health

There are some differences here: While the two Apple Watches each offer sleep monitoring and heart rate monitoring, the Series 6 has even more functions on board. For example, the Apple Watch can take an ECG at any time of day to check your heart rhythm if you suspect an abnormality. The Series 6 also offers the ability to monitor blood oxygenation using a special sensor, which can be very useful for people with sleep problems (for example).

Other exciting features:

• Apple Pay: both models have the option of contactless payment. This is done technically via NFC (Near Field Communication). Now you can confidently leave your wallet at home and simply pay with your watch. Welcome to the future :) 

• Fall detection: In the event of a fall, both models detect the fall and as a user you have 30 seconds to give the all-clear. 

• Emergency call: Even without the cellular function, you can make emergency calls (national + international) with the Apple Watch 6 and the Apple Watch SE. 🆘 

• Sport: Here, too, there are no differences between the two models, as both have an altimeter and GPS and are waterproof up to 50 metres. So they are perfect for all those who like to be outdoors. 🥾🏔️

Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch 6: final thoughts

We find that the two smartwatches from the manufacturer are not only similar in design, but also in their internals. With the Apple Watch 6, however, you have more options to personalise the case, track your health even more and use it with LTE.

If you don't feel the need to closely monitor your health, both Apple Watches will meet your expectations by monitoring heart rate, daily physical activity and sleep. Plus, both models let you try the new Apple Fitness + app, a fun way to get moving.

Both watches have the same lithium battery with a runtime of 18 hours. They can be charged just as quickly and accompany you through your everyday life in the same way. The price difference is really the decisive criterion here: a refurbished Apple Series 6 generally costs more than a Series SE, even if you opt for a similar case.

👉 On Back Market, the cheapest refurbished Apple Watch SE is offered from as low as A$219. The Series 6 is also offered as low as A$219 (at time of writing - 17/04/2024). 

⚡ Other generations that might be exciting for you: The Apple Watch Ultra from 2022 and the Apple Watch Series 7 from 2021.