Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Apple Watch Series 11
The Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) and Apple Watch Series 11 sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple Watch SE (2022) is the cheaper of the two at $249 versus $399, a difference of about $150. The Apple Watch Series 11 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple Watch SE (2022) stands out for same s8 chip as series 8 at $150 less — best value apple watch, while Apple Watch Series 11 is praised for hypertension detection for chronic high blood pressure. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (2022) if…
- →Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- →Crash Detection included at this price point
- →Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if…
- →Hypertension detection for chronic high blood pressure
- →Sleep score for sleep quality insights
- →24-hour battery life (up from 18h on Series 10)
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Pros
- Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- Crash Detection included at this price point
- Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
- Family Setup lets kids use it without an iPhone
- Full access to the Apple Watch app ecosystem
Cons
- No Always-On display — screen goes dark when wrist is lowered
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensors
- Thicker bezels than Series 8 make the screen feel smaller
- 18-hour battery still requires nightly charging
Apple Watch Series 11
Pros
- Hypertension detection for chronic high blood pressure
- Sleep score for sleep quality insights
- 24-hour battery life (up from 18h on Series 10)
- 5G connectivity on cellular models
- 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass
Cons
- Same S10 chip as Series 10
- Starting price increased to $399
- Still limited to one-day battery life
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | watchOS 26 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 34.6 g (42mm) / 43.1 g (46mm) |
| Case material | Aluminum | Aluminum or Titanium (Grade 5) |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | IP6X, 50m WR |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | 24 hours |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 42mm / 46mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | Retina LTPO3 OLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 496 x 416 (46mm) |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Apple S10 |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple Watch SE (2022) or the Apple Watch Series 11.