Apple Watch SE Review: Optimal Balance
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Apple Watch SE is latest wearable offers an affordable alternative to the Series 6, omitting a few features which might not be essential for every user.
The Apple Watch SE stands out as the most cost-effective smartwatch available, earning the 2020 CNET Editors’ Choice award. While it lacks the Series 6’s advanced health monitoring tools and an always-on display, it retains most of the beloved features of the Apple Watch at a significantly reduced price.
Health enthusiasts might find the Series 6’s capabilities, like wrist-based blood oxygen and ECG readings, more enticing. However, after testing both the Series 6 and SE for a fortnight, it becomes clear that.
The Apple Watch SE stands out as the most cost-effective smartwatch available, earning the 2020 CNET Editors’ Choice award.
The Apple Watch SE, despite not featuring an always-on display and some health sensors, still offers important features like heart rate notifications and fall detection, available in both GPS and cellular models.
For those new to Apple Watch or upgrading from an older model like the Series 3, the SE provides a responsive screen that activates with a wrist flick. Its navigation, using the digital crown, is straightforward, and its display remains clear even in bright light. The design mirrors previous Apple Watches, with two sizes (40mm and 44mm) and the slimmer bezels introduced in Series 4. However, for Series 4 or 5 users, the SE might not seem like a significant upgrade.
The main distinction between the SE and the Series 6 (and 5) is the lack of an always-on display. Having used the Series 5 with this feature, it feels like a step back to have to raise your wrist to wake the SE’s screen. The always-on display is notably convenient during workouts, and it’s a feature you might not miss until you experience it.
Performance-wise, the Apple Watch SE is quick in handling calls, opening apps, and processing payments. It might load data-intensive apps like news or weather slightly slower than the Series 6, but this is hardly noticeable unless compared side-by-side. It’s powered by the S5 chip, the same as in last year’s Series 5.
Performance-wise, the Apple Watch SE is quick in handling calls, opening apps, and processing payments.
The Apple Watch SE is available in silver, gold, and space gray aluminum finishes, with a variety of band choices for customization.
Apple’s new Solo Loop band, made of silicone without clasps or buckles, offers a snug fit. It’s crucial to choose the correct size when ordering as it cannot be adjusted. The watch also comes with expanded watch face options in WatchOS 7, including customizable Animoji and Memoji.
Family Setup allows setting up a second Apple Watch for children or elderly relatives using one iPhone.
This feature is useful for staying in contact with kids without the distractions of a phone, like social media or web browsing. Parents can set location alerts, control contact access, and limit usage with School Time mode.
Family Setup requires the cellular model of the Apple Watch Series 4 or later. With the discontinuation of Series 5, the cellular SE is now the most affordable option for this setup.
Although missing the ECG and blood oxygen apps of the Series 6, the SE still boasts significant health features like fall detection and heart health notifications.
The watch can automatically contact emergency services after a hard fall and send a message with GPS coordinates to emergency contacts. It also monitors for abnormal heart rates and rhythms, potentially indicating conditions like atrial fibrillation.
The watch tracks noise levels too, alerting users to potentially harmful sound environments.
For users over 55, most health features are enabled by default, but they can be manually activated for others via the iPhone Watch app.
Although missing the ECG and blood oxygen apps of the Series 6, the SE still boasts significant health features like fall detection and heart health notifications.
The Apple Watch SE’s activity rings provide motivation and accountability for physical activity, especially relevant during home-based work routines. It offers monthly challenges, long-term trend analysis, and calculates cardio fitness levels.
Tracking over 40 exercises, including dance and swimming, the SE can automatically recognize some activities, ensuring credit for every workout. It also features a new always-on altimeter, like the Series 6, for real-time elevation tracking.
The Watch emphasizes developing a bedtime routine to aid in winding down, including silencing notifications across devices. While this feature is theoretically beneficial, it may not suit everyone’s lifestyle, especially those who work late. The sleep tracking provides valuable data, like heart rate and potentially SpO2 (with the Series 6), which can be useful for discussing sleep-related issues with a doctor.
The Apple Watch SE’s battery life is a pleasant surprise, exceeding Apple’s 18-hour claim on most days. It allows for a full night’s sleep tracking and additional usage in the morning. Battery performance varies based on usage, but it typically lasts through the day, including sleep tracking. In tests, both the SE and Series 6 showed similar battery drain during activities like outdoor jogs.
The Ideal Apple Watch for Most Needs
For iPhone users considering an Apple Watch, the SE is the recommended choice. It offers a comprehensive mix of health, fitness, and smart features at a more accessible price point than the flagship Apple Watch.
Video uploaded by Mike O’Brien on September 29, 2022.
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