Apple launched the 2nd generation of the SE watch in September of 2022 at the launch event for iPhone 14 series. In the same event, Apple also launched the series 8 and ultra watches.
The first generation of the Apple Watch SE was launched in September 2020 alongside Apple Watch Series 6 as an entry-level smartwatch.
In this article, we will let you know the differences between the 1st and the 2nd generation of Apple Watch, which one you should consider, and whether you should upgrade.
Design: Apple Watch SE 1 vs SE 2
The Apple Watch SE 2nd generation features a lighter design for both 40mm and 44mm cases. There are few visual differences between the two watches apart from the colors. Colors in the second generation are a bit lighter than the previous generation.
Apart from this, the back of the Apple Watch SE 2nd generation now matches the color and has a different Nylon Composite material.
Spec Differences: Apple Watch SE 1 vs 2
Here are all the spec differences between the 1st and the 2nd generation of Apple Watch SE:
| Spec/Series | SE 1st Generation | SE Second Generation |
| International roaming | N/A | Comes with international roaming |
| Accelerometer | Upto 32 g-forces detection | High g-accelerometer upto 256 g-forces, crash and fall detection |
| Gyroscope | Gyroscope | High dynamic range gyroscope |
| Back | Sapphire crystal and ceramic back | Sapphire crystal and Nylon composite back |
Processors | S5 SiP with a dual-core processor and W3 Chip for wireless connectivity | S8 SiP with a Dual Core Processor and W3 Chip for wireless. |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.0 | Version 5.3 |
Color Options: Apple Watch SE 1 vs SE 2
Apple Watch SE 1st Gen
Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen
Image source: Apple
Both of the Apple Watches have 3 color options. However, the colors are different for the 1st and the 2nd generation of Apple Watches. Here are the color options for both of these Watches:
| Apple Watch SE 1st generation | Apple Watch SE 2nd generation |
| Space Grey | Midnight |
| Gold | Starlight |
| Silver | Silver |
Is it worth upgrading from Apple Watch SE 1st generation to 2nd generation?
Overall, only a handful of extra features exist in the 2nd generation of Apple Watch SE. Some of the main highlights are Bluetooth version 5.3, which is a little bit faster and lets you connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
The S8 chip is 20% faster than the 1st generation, and the back, which is now the same color as the front, adds to the style.
If the above features are important to you, you can consider upgrading to the newer version. Otherwise, I wouldn’t blame you to skip this one since the 1st generation is still active and could get watchOS updates for a couple more years.
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Final Words: Apple Watch SE 1st Generation vs 2nd Generation
We hope this article has helped you with the differences between the 1st and the 2nd generation of Apple Watch SE.
To sum up, the 2nd generation of Apple Watch SE is lighter than its predecessor and has the same colored back in terms of design.
There are different color options than the previous Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch SE 1st gen came with an S5 chip, whereas the 2nd gen has an S8 chip.
FAQs: Apple Watch SE 1st Generation vs 2nd Generation
Visually, Apple Watch SE’s 1st and 2nd generations look very similar. However, there are subtle visual differences and many technical differences between the 2 watches.
Yes, both watches come in the exact same size. However, the 2nd generation is slightly lighter than the first.
The highlighting feature that is different in the new Apple Watch SE is the S8 chip, whereas the old one had the S5 chip. The S8 chip is 20% faster. Refer to this article for more.