Apple Watch Buyer's Guide 2025: A Full Comparison from Series 8 to 11 and SE
Apple Watch Models (Series 8–11 and SE 1–3)
As of late 2025, Apple offers two main Apple Watch lines: the flagship Series and the more budget-friendly SE. Here’s a quick breakdown of the latest generations.
Main Series
Series 8 (2022): Introduced temperature sensing for cycle tracking, Crash Detection, and an Always-On Retina display powered by the S8 chip.
Series 9 (2023): Upgraded to the S9 chip with a 4-core Neural Engine, enabling on-device Siri and the Double Tap gesture. The display became much brighter.
Series 10 (2024): Redesigned with a thinner, lighter case and larger display. Added sleep apnea detection, a water temperature sensor, and improved call clarity.
Series 11 (2025): The latest model with hypertension notifications, Sleep Score, and 5G cellular. Features a tougher scratch-resistant glass and longer battery life.
SE Series
SE (1st Gen, 2020): Apple’s first budget model with core features like a Retina display, Fall Detection, and Emergency SOS, powered by the S5 chip.
SE (2nd Gen, 2022): Faster S8 chip, added Crash Detection, and kept its reputation as the best value for essentials.
SE (3rd Gen, 2025): Biggest SE upgrade yet. Includes the S10 chip, an Always-On display, wrist temperature sensing, and 5G cellular. Also supports new AI-driven features like Workout Buddy.
Apple Watch Comparison (SE and Series 8 to 11)
Feature | Apple Watch SE 1 (2020) | Apple Watch SE 2 (2022) | Apple Watch SE 3 (2025) | Apple Watch Series 8 (2022) | Apple Watch Series 9 (2023) | Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) | Apple Watch Series 11 (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chip | S5 | S8 | S10 | S8 | S9 | S10 | S10 |
Display | Retina OLED | Retina OLED | Always-On Retina OLED | Always-On Retina OLED | Always-On Retina OLED (2000 nits) | Always-On Retina OLED (40% brighter) | Always-On Retina OLED |
Cellular | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 5G LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 5G LTE |
Key Health Features | Heart Rate, Fall Detection | Heart Rate, Fall & Crash Detection | Heart Rate, Fall & Crash Detection, Wrist Temp., Sleep Score | Heart Rate, Fall & Crash Detection, Wrist Temp., ECG, Blood Oxygen | Heart Rate, Fall & Crash Detection, Wrist Temp., ECG, Blood Oxygen | Heart Rate, Fall & Crash Detection, Wrist Temp., ECG, Blood Oxygen, Sleep Apnea Detection | Heart Rate, Fall & Crash Detection, Wrist Temp., ECG, Blood Oxygen, Sleep Apnea Detection, Hypertension Notifications |
Advanced Gestures | No | No | Double Tap, Wrist Flick | No | Double Tap | Double Tap | Double Tap, Wrist Flick |
Case Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | 40mm, 44mm | 40mm, 44mm | 41mm, 45mm | 41mm, 45mm | 42mm, 46mm | 42mm, 46mm |
Durability | Water resistant to 50m | Water resistant to 50m | Water resistant to 50m | Water resistant to 50m, IP6X Dust Resistant | Water resistant to 50m, IP6X Dust Resistant | Water resistant to 50m, IP6X Dust Resistant | Water resistant to 50m, IP6X Dust Resistant, More Scratch Resistant Glass |
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Recommendations by Budget
Under £250: Apple Watch SE (1st or 2nd Gen)
Best entry-level choice for first-time users or tight budgets.
Core features: activity tracking, notifications, heart rate monitoring, Fall Detection (SE 1), and Crash Detection (SE 2).
No Always-On display or advanced health sensors, but reliable and affordable.
£250 – £400: Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen)
The best balance of price and features.
Packs the fast S10 chip, Always-On display, wrist temperature sensing, and 5G support.
Nearly all the essentials of the Series 11 at a mid-range price.
Future-proof with support for years of watchOS updates.
£400+: Apple Watch Series 11
The most advanced Apple Watch available.
Includes ECG, Blood Oxygen, sleep apnea detection, and hypertension notifications.
Bright, durable Always-On Retina display and 5G connectivity.
Ideal for health enthusiasts and users who want the complete smartwatch experience.
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