Apple Watch SE 2022 vs 2020: Which Budget Smartwatch Wins?

Apple introduced the new Watch SE in 2022, a beloved budget option in the Apple Watch lineup. But what are the differences between the Watch SE 2022 and Watch SE 2020? This blog breaks it down for you.

Watch SE 2022 vs Watch SE 2020: Specifications

Many differences are evident in the specifications, so here’s a comprehensive overview comparing the SE 2022 and SE 2020.

	Apple Watch SE (2022)	Apple Watch SE (2020)
Size	40mm & 44mm	40mm & 44mm
Display	Retina OLED	Retina OLED
Display (40mm)	324 x 394	324 x 394
Display (44mm)	368 x 448	368 x 448
Water Resistance	Yes, up to 50m	Yes, up to 50m
Processor	Apple S8 chip	Apple S5 chip
Battery Life	18 hours	18 hours
Storage	32 GB	32 GB
Wi-Fi	✔️	✔️
GPS	✔️	✔️
Crash Detection	✔️	❌
Mobile Data	Optional (£50 extra)	Optional (£50 extra)
Colours	Midnight, Starlight, Silver	Space Gray, Silver, Gold

There are no major differences, but significant improvements have been made, including a new chipset, detailed below.

Watch SE 2022 vs Watch SE 2020: Price

For a budget model, price is key. The SE 2022 and SE 2020 prices remain similar, but with the SE 2020 now older, it may soon become cheaper. Both are significantly less expensive than the new Apple Watch 8.

• Apple Watch SE 2022 (40mm) Price: From £299.00
• Apple Watch SE 2022 (44mm) Price: From £339.00
• Apple Watch SE 2020 (40mm) Price: From £279.00
• Apple Watch SE 2020 (44mm) Price: From £329.00

The price gap is small, so if you’re deciding between the SE 2022 or SE 2020 now, the latest model is the logical choice. We expect the SE 2020 price to drop further.

Watch SE 2020 vs Watch SE 2022: Design

The SE 2022 design has seen slight changes compared to the SE 2020. The Watch SE has always been a budget option, lagging slightly behind the latest Apple Watch designs.

The SE 2022 features an updated colour palette. Both the Watch SE 2022 and Watch SE 2020 are available in a limited range of colours. Here’s a breakdown:

Apple Watch SE 2022	Apple Watch SE 2020
Midnight	Space Gray
Starlight	Silver
Silver	Gold

^{The SE 2022 colours: Silver, Starlight, and Midnight.}

The case design has also evolved slightly; the SE 2022 features a nylon-composite back in the same colour as the front, a subtle but welcome improvement.

Watch SE 2022 vs Watch SE 2020: Performance

The Apple Watch SE 2020 launched with an S5 chip, already outdated at the time, originating from the Apple Watch 5, and now truly obsolete. Want a more current chip? The SE 2022 is the way to go.

The Apple Watch SE 2022 features the new S8 chip from the latest Apple Watch 8, making it approximately 20% faster than the SE 2020, according to Apple.

The Apple Watch SE 2022 also launches with watchOS 9, the latest Apple Watch operating system. This enables Low-Power mode for battery saving, plus upgrades like enhanced Sleep Tracking and a Medications app.

Watch SE 2022 vs SE 2020: Battery Life

Unfortunately, there are few battery updates; both the Apple Watch SE 2022 and SE 2020 offer about 18 hours of normal use before needing a charge.

Thanks to watchOS 9 on the SE 2022, you can use Low-Power mode. This setting disables some features to save battery, keeping the Watch usable for up to 36 hours.

Want a larger battery? Upgrading to an Apple Watch 8 or even the Apple Watch Ultra is your best bet. The Ultra lasts over 60 hours but costs £999.00.

Watch SE 2022 vs SE 2020: Sensors & Features

First, a missing feature: the Always-On display. Absent from the SE 2020, it’s still not included in the SE 2022, a much-needed upgrade seen on the Fitbit Sense 2 in the same price range.

Both SE 2022 and SE 2020 lack features found in the Apple Watch 8 and Ultra: no ECG (heart rhythm recordings) or blood oxygen monitor. The new skin temperature sensor from the Series 8 and Ultra isn’t included in the SE lineup.

One feature that did transfer from the 8 to the SE 2022 is Crash Detection, detecting car accidents and automatically calling emergency services.

With watchOS 9 on the SE 2022, you get additional software updates over the SE 2020. The SE 2022 includes a Medications app for tracking meds and an improved sleep monitor app.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch SE is a great entry-level model in the Apple Watch series, offering many features at an attractive price. The SE 2020 is now older, while the SE 2022 adds features like Crash Detection and Low-Power mode.

The prices of the SE 2020 and SE 2022 are close. Is this your first Apple Watch SE? The SE 2022 is the best pick. Own an SE 2020 and considering an upgrade? The SE 2022’s differences may not justify it.

SE 2020 prices might drop further, making it more appealing for new buyers. Overall, the SE 2022 is a nice step up from the SE 2020 and a solid entry-level Apple Watch.

Decided which one to buy? Don’t forget to pick a stylish Apple Watch strap! Find straps compatible with both SE models here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Apple Watch for women?
The Apple Watch SE offers two sizes, 40mm and 44mm. The choice depends on your wrist size and personal preference. You can identify the model by checking the "About" or "Device Information" section in the watch settings, or by viewing the model details in the Watch app on your phone.

What is the cheapest Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch SE (2022) starts at £299.00. Known as the entry-level Apple Watch, it’s a great option if you don’t want to spend £499.00 on the Apple Watch Series 8.

What is the best Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch 8 is the latest and best Apple Watch currently. For avid athletes or adventurers, consider the Apple Watch Ultra. You can identify the model by checking the "About" or "Device Information" section in the watch settings, or by viewing the model details in the Watch app on your phone.