Apple Watch SE & Series 4 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch SE rather than the Apple Watch 4.
Why Do I Recommend Apple Watch SE?
- The Apple Watch SE has an advanced S5 chip for faster performance, improved health monitoring, & smoother app navigation, compared to the Apple Watch 4’s S4.
- Apple Watch SE has a compass to track direction during outdoor activities and enhance hiking and workout experiences, while the Series 4 lacks a compass.
- It comes with a 32 GB storage capacity to install more apps, download more music, and save more data, compared to 16 GB on the Series 4.
- The Apple Watch SE has an altimeter that is always on and continuously measures elevation, while the Series 4 has an altimeter, but it’s not always on.
- It has the advantage of international emergency calling, available on the GPS + Cellular model to contact emergency services globally without needing an iPhone nearby. The Series 4 does not have this capability.
Maybe the Apple Watch 4 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch SE. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch 4 |
| Release Date | September 15, 2020 | September 12, 2018 |
| Processor | S5 Chip | S4 Chip |
| Altimeter | Always-On Altimeter | Yes (No Always-On) |
| Software Version | watchOS 7 | watchOS 5 |
| Compass | Yes | No |
| International Emergency Calling | Yes | No |
| Storage Capacity | 32 GB | 16 GB |
| Materials | Aluminum Only | Aluminum, Stainless Steel |
| Color Options | More Colour | Limited Colour |
| Price | Check SE Price | Check Watch 4 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Technology: Both the Apple Watch Series 4 and the Apple Watch SE feature an LTPO OLED Retina display, which delivers sharp visuals, deep blacks, and high brightness levels of up to 1000 nits. This ensures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor environments.
- Size Options and Resolution: Both models come in 40mm and 44mm sizes, with the same screen resolution in each case: 324 x 394 pixels for the 40mm version and 368 x 448 pixels for the 44mm. This means both watches offer identical display clarity and screen real estate.
- Water Resistance: Both watches are rated for 50 meters of water resistance, making them swim-proof and suitable for swimming, showering, and shallow water activities.
- Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback: The Digital Crown on both models includes haptic feedback, offering a tactile response when scrolling through menus or lists. This enhances the user experience by providing more precise control.
- Health and Fitness Tracking: Both models have advanced health features like optical heart rate monitoring, an accelerometer that detects falls and can trigger Emergency SOS, and a gyroscope for detecting motion. Both watches support Fall Detection, which can automatically contact emergency services if a hard fall is detected.
- Battery Life: Both the Series 4 and SE offer up to 18 hours of battery life, typical for most Apple Watch models, supporting a full day of usage for fitness tracking, notifications, and more.
- Bluetooth & Cellular Connectivity: Both watches use Bluetooth 5.0, which allows faster and more energy-efficient wireless connections. Additionally, both models are available in GPS and GPS + Cellular versions, enabling users to make calls, send texts, and stream music without a connected iPhone when using the cellular version.
- Operating System Compatibility: Both models run on watchOS, giving users access to the same app ecosystem, features like Siri integration, Apple Pay, and the Walkie-Talkie feature. Regular updates from Apple keep both models functional and up-to-date.
- Wireless Charging: Both models support wireless charging, making it easy to recharge the watch using the included magnetic charger.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch 4 |
| Display Type | LTPO OLED Retina Display | LTPO OLED Retina Display |
| Display Size Options | 40mm, 44mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Resolution (40mm) | 324 x 394 pixels | 324 x 394 pixels |
| Resolution (44mm) | 368 x 448 pixels | 368 x 448 pixels |
| Brightness | Up to 1000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters (swim-proof) | 50 meters (swim-proof) |
| Accelerometer | Fall detection, up to 32 g-forces | Fall detection, up to 32 g-forces |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Cellular Option | GPS and GPS + Cellular models available | GPS and GPS + Cellular models available |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Operating System Compatibility | WatchOS | WatchOS |
| Siri Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay Support | Yes | Yes |
| Walkie-Talkie Functionality | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check SE Price | Check Watch 4 Price |
FAQ
Q: Do both watches have the same display technology and size options? Q: Does the Apple Watch SE have better performance than the Apple Watch Series 4? Q: Is the battery life the same for both the Apple Watch Series 4 and the Apple Watch SE? Q: Can both the Apple Watch Series 4 and SE track heart rate and detect falls? Q: Does the Apple Watch SE have ECG functionality like the Series 4? Q: Are both watches water-resistant and suitable for swimming? Q: Can both models make calls and send texts without an iPhone? Q: Do both the Apple Watch Series 4 and the SE have the Always-On Display feature? Q: Can I use both watches with the latest version of watchOS? Q: Which watch is better for health tracking: Apple Watch Series 4 or Apple Watch SE? |
