Apple Watch comparison
Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Apple Watch SE (3rd gen)
Compare Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) side by side: chip, memory, storage, display, ports, launch price and how each fits in Apple history.
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)The value Watch got the current-gen S8 brain and crash detection while dropping to $249, comfortably the best-value way onto the wrist.
Apple Watch SE (3rd generation)The third-generation SE keeps Apple’s entry watch fresh for kids, first-time buyers and anyone who wants the basics without the flagship price.At a glance
Released 3 years apart — the Apple Watch SE (3rd generation) is the newer model. 7 of 13 specs differ.
Going from the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) to the Apple Watch SE (3rd generation), the chip changes from the Apple S8 (64-bit dual-core) to the Apple S10 SiP and base storage rises from 32 GB to 64 GB. Both launched at $249.
- ChipApple S8 (64-bit dual-core)Apple S10 SiP
- Storage32 GB64 GB
Unchanged launch price, memory, ports.
Specs side by side
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) | Apple Watch SE (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Release | September 16, 2022 | September 19, 2025 |
| Launch priceSame | $249 | $249 |
| Price today | $266 | $251 |
| Chip | Apple S8 (64-bit dual-core) · 1.80 GHz | Apple S10 SiP · 1.80 GHz |
| GraphicsSame | Integrated | Integrated |
| CPU coresSame | 2 | 2 |
| MemorySame | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Display | 1.78" LTPO OLED, 448×368 | Retina LTPO OLED |
| Weight | ~33 g | Varies |
| DimensionsSame | 40 mm or 44 mm case | 40 mm or 44 mm case |
| PortsSame | Magnetic charging | Magnetic charging |
| Operating system | watchOS 9 | watchOS |
Highlighted cells win clear more-is-better specs (memory, storage, lighter weight). Historical pricing uses approximate US CPI; clock speeds are not full real-world performance.
Why each matters
Cheapest Apple Watch with the modern S8 chip and crash detection.
Current value Apple Watch.
Open the full archive entries
More Apple Watch comparisons
Last updated: 2026-08-18