Apple Watch Series 8 vs. See compared to Ultra. Series 7 vs. SE comparison

In his time “Away” eventApple announced iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pronew AirPods Pro headphones and many more new Apple watches. We’re used to seeing an annual refresh of the Apple Watch, where one series flagship begets another flagship, but this year marks the introduction of three new models: Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultraand new Apple Watch SE. These watches are designed to offer new options in the entry-level, flagship (for the general) and specialty markets.

At the end of the new series, the new Apple Watch SE 2020 continues the SE formula. It’s a “capable” model that sacrifices niceties like an always-on display for a lower price. Apple’s SE brand of budget-level products are rarely the most exciting products, but at least the arrival of this Apple Watch SE helps. End the stale reign of the Apple Watch Series 3.

On the higher end of the spectrum, the Series 8 continues the usual development of previous high-end Apple Watches, now with a new temperature sensor. And for the first time, there is a third model with a completely different set of possibilities to sit on top. Despite its Samsung-sounding new moniker, the new Apple Watch Ultra is designed to cater to the die-hard outdoorsy crowd—the crowd that usually turns to brands like Garmin for their needs.

Photo: Apple

So that’s pretty much the Apple Watch. But how do the features and specifications change in this new batch? If you’re thinking of picking up one of those on sale before they’re gone, are there any big improvements here on the discontinued Series 7? We just got it short practical so far, but let’s take a look at the specs and see where we can find the biggest differences or look for any major flaws in these new units.

Apple Watch SE

Photo: Apple

At the budget end, the Apple Watch SE gives us an all-too-familiar approach: take some of the latest technology and put it in an old chassis to sell for less. The original Apple Watch SE did it, and this new SE does it now. The new SE is very similar to the previous SE, but it packs the S8 CPU and crash detection from the Series 8 and Ultra. Oh, and the rear of the new SE is color-matched with the rest of the body, which is a sharp little treat.

What you’re missing is an always-on display, EKG and blood oxygen monitoring – all of which the previous SE also lacked. But what you get is more money in your pocket, as the new 2022 Apple Watch SE starts at just $249 for the 40mm model with GPS or $299 with cellular. That’s $30 less than the starting price of the first SE that launched in 2020.

Apple Watch Series 8

Photo by Victoria Song / The Verge

In any other year, the new Apple Watch Series 8 would be a flagship offering. It continues Apple’s continued evolution of its own watch formula, very similar to the Series 7, but now adds a sensor to detect your body temperature. improved cycle and ovulation tracking. It also gets car crash detection, which is common across all Apple Watches, because Apple seems to be into car crashes right now. (In the main video, there was terrible doom and gloom.)

Unlike the SE, you’re not making any major trade-offs beyond the Ultra’s extra rugged features (more on that in a moment). The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at the regular $399 for the 41mm model with GPS or $499 with cellular, or add $30 to each for the larger 45mm version.

Apple Watch Ultra

Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

Finally, the new kid on the block is trying to tackle a whole new segment for Apple. The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s answer to rugged smartwatches and wearables from brands like Garmin and Polar, designed to be taken far and wide for activities like hiking and rock climbing. The Apple Watch Pro is made of titanium and is water resistant up to 100 meters. Its flat display measures 49mm, making it the smallest Apple Watch ever. It also has a programmable action button on the side. On the connectivity side, it supports multi-band GPS with reverse tracking to navigate in very remote locations and retrace your steps on the way back. It sells for $799 in a single model with a natural titanium finish and both GPS and cellular connectivity.

Which Apple Watch is right for you?

The Apple Watch has been a mainstay in the Apple garden for years, but we’ve never had so many options at once. In the past, the question for Apple users was mostly whether to buy an Apple Watch — because it’s the only game in town with this level of iOS integration. Now, finding the right one for you can be something that takes a little more thought and consideration. Be sure to check out our custom comparison chart and let us know in the comments if one of these is the right choice for you.

Correction September 8, 1:49 PM ET: The Apple Watch Ultra supports Bluetooth 5.3, not 5.0 as mentioned earlier in this article. We are sorry for the mistake.

Update September 8, 2:48 PM ET: Added the weights of all Apple Watch models listed in the comparison chart.