Three new Apple Watches were introduced today, and it’s hard to tell how they match up. The event emphasized the strengths of each but didn’t give us a candid Apple Watch 8 vs. SE 2 vs. Ultra overview. Each of these devices is targeted toward a specific demographic, and you can see which one you should buy below.
Should I Buy an Apple Watch 8?
- Price:
- GPS: Starts at $399
- GPS + Cellular: Starts at $499
- Best for: Most people
The Apple Watch 8 is the middle ground between the SE and Ultra. It comes in 41mm and 45mm variants and is excellent for those who want the extra health sensors like Blood O2 levels and temperature sensing but don’t plan to use the additional activity tracking features on the Ultra.
However, just because the Watch 8 starts cheap, don’t be fooled. Suppose you want higher-tiered case materials and bands. In that case, you’ll be paying nearly as much as an Ultra (more if you’re purchasing one of the Hermes Editions).
Should I buy an Apple Watch Ultra?
- GPS + Cellular: Starts at $799
- Best for: Athletes and travelers
If you spend most of your time moving, the Apple Watch Ultra might be the best smartwatch for you. It has all the features and sensors of the Apple Watch 8 and more. The 49mm display is the largest and brightest yet on an Apple Watch, and it’s MIL-STD 810H certified so that it can be used as a diving computer. It also has dual-frequency GPS that lets you pinpoint your location more reliably.
Like with the other models, things start getting expensive when you start buying accessories and bands. However, unlike the 8 or SE, there’s a single price for the Ultra, which makes it a straightforward purchase.
Should I buy an Apple Watch SE?
- Price:
- GPS: Starts at $249
- GPS + Cellular: $299
- Best for: Those that want an Apple Watch but don’t need the extra sensors.
The Apple Watch SE is the budget option of the line, but it can still do most of what the other two models can. It’s missing the temperature, Blood O2, and ECG sensors, but it can still track heart rate and other health options.
The SE is a great watch for kids or those who aren’t particularly interested in some of the more advanced capabilities of the more costly models. Despite being cheaper, it still features excellent build quality and is a great introduction to the world of smartwatches.
