While waiting for my product(RED) series 6 to arrive next week, I got curious about how all the various Apple Watches we have seen vary in terms of hardware. Apple provides an excellent comparison page here https://www.apple.com/watch/compare/ but I wanted that info in a tabular form across all the models (ignoring the Series 0 or “1st gen” as Apple calls it).
So I set about creating this in Numbers and present here for your viewing pleasure.
There are some things that stand out to me.
The new SE model is a mixed bag - it has a fast S5 processor but lacks a modern optical sensor. In fact, it appears to be the same sensor as in series 3. This is a disappointment for me because my Training Today app has proven to be better on the newer sensor where Apple Watch seems to be able to make more HRV readings in the background automatically.
The SE model does offer a better screen than series 3, but not as far as offering Always On Display which is a killer feature for many.
The SE beats series 3 and 4 in a few ways: processing power, always-on-altimeter, 32GB capacity, International Emergency Calling, and beats series 3 (but not series 4) on Noise Monitoring, screen size and quality, better accelerometer, better connectivity, and supporting family setup.
At the current SE price of $80 more than the series 3, it’s a tough call. I’d be tempted to look for a bargain series 4, or even series 5 instead if I was in this market. The SE will eventually come down to the $199 price I expect though which makes it a more attractive proposition.
There’s new stuff in series 6 comes down to the faster processor, blood oxygen sensor and always-on-altimeter. Not massive but a solid enough incremental improvement over series 5, and a big improvement for anyone moving from series 3 or even 4.
Battery life is quoted as “up to 18 hours” throughout (I’ve not included this in the chart) but there are many variables that can affect this. I am still waiting for battery stats that for Apple Watch that let you determine battery burn per app or service, much like we have on iPhone. Too often I see variable battery life on a day by day basis and have no idea why.
No improvement for Bluetooth in the spec for series 6 but I’m still (probably stupidly) hopeful that it will now be able to connect to more devices like my car, or my power meters on my bike without jumping through hoops. We’ll see when my new watch arrives.
Click the image below (or this link) to download the whole table.
Let me know in the comments if there are any errors or anything missed.
Cheers
Ian