The Apple Watch SE was launched alongside the Apple Watch 6 and it’s the best affordable Apple Watch option. You can save an additional Rs 9K if you pick the Apple Watch 3 but you miss out on quite a few features. The Apple Watch Series 7 is the company’s current flagship wearable and comes with quite a few enhancements over the Series 6. So, should you pick the top-of-the-line Series 7 or choose the more-affordable SE? It all depends on the wellness features that matter to you.

Also read: How does the Apple Watch Series 7 fare against the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Smartwatch? 

Tough to tell them apart from a distance

The Series 7 features a larger Retina display that offers 20 percent more screen real estate compared to the SE. They are both bright with great visibility even under harsh daylight, but the Series 7’s larger display makes it a tad easier to navigate on screen. The extra screen real estate is reflected in the sizing options—41mm/45mm for the Series 7, and 40mm/44mm for the SE. The SE is only available in an aluminium case and has fewer colour options than the Series 7. If you’re looking for a stainless steel or titanium case, you have to opt for the 7.

The SE misses out on a couple of key wellness features

Both models come with all the fitness basics that can track multiple exercise modes, send notifications for high and low heart rates and irregular heart rhythms. They also feature an always-on altimeter as well as safety features like fall detection. However, the two key features missing from the SE are SpO2 tracking and ECG monitoring. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the timing and strength of the electrical signals that make the heartbeat.

Stuff that may not be deal breakers

 The Series 7 is powered by Apple’s S7 chip. Apple claims it is 20 percent faster than the S5 chip in the SE. You’re unlikely to realise this in everyday scenarios given that the SE is buttery smooth too. Both watches also have enough onboard memory for all your apps and media. The Series 7 comes with fast charging and needs only about 75 minutes to power up your watch, while the SE takes about two and a half hours for 0 to 100 percent. Again, this is a feature that might be critical to some users. The Series 7 also comes with a more crack-resistant front glass.

So, should you go premium or SE?

If you ask me, the key deal-breaker in the SE is the lack of an always-on display. It’s 2022 and I don’t think I want to shake my wrist every time I want the time. Aside from this, you get SpO2 tracking, an ECG monitor and faster charging on the Series 7. There’s also a larger screen and a faster processor that could make a difference once your watch is a year or two older. If these features are not critical to you, the SE might be all the Apple Watch you need.

The Apple Watch Series 7 starts at Rs 41,900, and the Apple Watch SE starts at Rs 29,900.