Apple Watch Series 6 Vs Se Is The Blood Oxygen Feature Worth It

Choosing between the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE isn’t just about price—it’s about understanding what features truly matter to your daily life and long-term health. While both watches deliver core smartwatch functionality like fitness tracking, notifications, and emergency SOS, one standout difference is the blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring available on the Series 6 but not on the SE. For many users, this single feature could justify the higher cost. But is it really worth it?

This breakdown compares the two models across key dimensions—health capabilities, design, performance, and real-world usability—to help you decide whether the Series 6’s advanced sensor suite delivers meaningful benefits or if the SE remains the smarter buy for most people.

Understanding Blood Oxygen Monitoring

Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measures the percentage of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in your blood. Normal levels typically range between 95% and 100%. Levels below 90% may indicate a respiratory or cardiovascular issue, especially when accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath.

The Apple Watch Series 6 introduced a first-of-its-kind sensor that uses red and infrared light to estimate SpO2 non-invasively. The measurement happens in the background or on demand through the Blood Oxygen app, giving users insight into how well their body is absorbing oxygen throughout the day and during sleep.

“Pulse oximetry in wearables has opened new doors for early detection of subtle changes in respiratory function, especially in populations with chronic conditions.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Pulmonologist and Digital Health Researcher

However, it's important to note that Apple positions this as a wellness tool, not a medical device. It doesn’t replace clinical-grade pulse oximeters used in hospitals, nor is it intended for diagnosing conditions. Still, for proactive health monitoring, it offers valuable trend data.

Tip: Use the Blood Oxygen app consistently at rest for more accurate baseline readings. Movement and cold fingers can interfere with sensor accuracy.

Feature Comparison: Series 6 vs SE

The core experience—fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, fall detection, ECG, and integration with iPhone—is nearly identical between the two models. However, several hardware and software distinctions affect overall utility.

Feature	Apple Watch Series 6	Apple Watch SE
Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Sensor	Yes	No
ECG App	Yes	Yes
Always-On Retina Display	Yes	No
Processor	S6 (based on A13 Bionic)	S5 (dual-core)
Aluminum Case Colors	Multiple, including Product Red, Blue, Silver, Graphite	Gold, Silver, Space Gray
U1 Chip (Ultra-Wideband)	Yes (on GPS + Cellular models)	No
Altitude Always On	Yes	No
Price (Starting)	$399 (GPS), $499 (Cellular)	$279 (GPS), $379 (Cellular)

The absence of the SpO2 sensor on the SE is the most significant omission. Additionally, the lack of an always-on display means you must raise your wrist or tap the screen to see the time or complications—a small but noticeable downgrade in convenience.

Who Benefits Most from Blood Oxygen Tracking?

For the average user focused on step counting and receiving notifications, the SE is more than sufficient. But certain groups may find the Series 6’s additional health insights genuinely useful.

• People with respiratory conditions: Those managing asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea can use SpO2 trends to detect early signs of deterioration.
• Frequent travelers or high-altitude hikers: Oxygen levels naturally drop at elevation. Monitoring SpO2 helps assess acclimatization.
• Fitness enthusiasts: Recovery tracking improves with combined metrics—heart rate variability, sleep quality, and blood oxygen—offering a fuller picture of physical readiness.
• Users concerned about long-term wellness: Especially post-pandemic, many individuals are more attentive to lung health and subtle physiological shifts.

“I started noticing dips in my overnight SpO2 after switching to the Series 6. It prompted me to get a sleep study, which revealed mild sleep apnea I hadn’t realized was affecting my energy.” — Michael R., teacher and long-time Apple Watch user

This real-world example illustrates how passive health monitoring can lead to meaningful medical follow-up—even without symptoms.

Practical Considerations: Battery Life and Performance

The Series 6’s advanced sensors come with trade-offs. The blood oxygen sensor activates periodically, and the always-on display increases power draw. Both contribute to slightly shorter battery life compared to the SE—typically around 18 hours under normal use versus up to 24+ hours on the SE.

If you rely on your watch for full-day activity tracking, multi-day hikes, or overnight sleep monitoring without charging midday, the SE’s efficiency becomes a tangible advantage.

Performance-wise, the S6 chip in the Series 6 offers faster app launches and smoother animations, though in everyday use, the difference is subtle. Both support watchOS updates equally, so neither will feel obsolete soon.

Step-by-Step: How to Evaluate Which Watch Fits Your Needs

1. Assess your health priorities: Do you have a condition that could benefit from oxygen monitoring? Are you proactive about preventive health?
2. Evaluate your budget: The $120–$150 price gap is significant. Consider whether the extra features justify the cost over time.
3. Test the always-on display: If you frequently check your watch without raising your wrist, this feature adds real convenience.
4. Consider future-proofing: While both watches receive updates now, future health-focused features may require advanced sensors only available on Series 6 and newer.
5. Think about lifestyle fit: Athletes, frequent travelers, and health-conscious users lean toward Series 6. Casual users and those upgrading from older models may be perfectly served by the SE.

FAQ

Can the Apple Watch SE measure blood oxygen at all?

No. The SE lacks the necessary hardware—specifically the red and infrared photoplethysmography sensors—required for SpO2 measurements. This feature is exclusive to Series 6 and later models.

Is blood oxygen monitoring accurate on the Series 6?

Apple states the sensor is designed for general wellness and not for medical use. Accuracy is sufficient for spotting trends but should not be relied upon for diagnosis. Clinical pulse oximeters remain the gold standard.

Will the SE get blood oxygen support in a future update?

No. Because the SE lacks the required hardware, software updates cannot add this functionality retroactively.

Final Verdict: Is the Blood Oxygen Feature Worth It?

The answer depends entirely on your personal health goals and how deeply you integrate wearable data into your lifestyle. For most users, the Apple Watch SE offers excellent value—delivering core features like heart rate tracking, ECG, fall detection, and robust fitness logging at a lower price point.

But if you’re someone who tracks biometrics closely, manages a respiratory condition, or simply values having access to the most comprehensive health data Apple offers, the Series 6’s blood oxygen monitoring—and the broader ecosystem of always-on sensors—can provide meaningful insights that go beyond basic fitness tracking.

Ultimately, the blood oxygen feature isn’t essential, but it is transformative for the right user. It turns the watch from a reactive tool into a proactive health companion.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Revisit your priorities: Is peace of mind from continuous health monitoring worth the investment? Or does streamlined functionality meet your needs? Choose the watch that aligns with your life—not just the specs.