When you’re looking to buy your first Apple Watch, the Watch SE 2 should not be your finances decide, it must be your place to begin. Apple’s reasonably priced smartwatch presents all of the instruments and options most customers will want, plus unequalled app help and highly-accurate health monitoring. The dearth of blood oxygen monitoring is a questionable miss and you will have to reside with out the Sequence 8’s bigger, always-on show, however in case you solely need the necessities, there is not any cause to not save your money.
The second technology Apple Watch SE checks plenty of bins. Primarily, it places Apple’s iconic sq. smartwatch onto customers’ wrists for a fraction of the value. Whereas it may not have all of the instruments of its costlier siblings, this budget-friendly wearable is stocked with all the pieces customers will ever want — so long as you’re rocking an iPhone, in fact. Discover out extra in our Apple Watch SE 2 review.
About this Apple Watch SE 2 review: I examined the Apple Watch SE 2 for seven days. It was related to my iPhone 11 Professional Max all through the testing interval. The Apple Watch SE 2 review unit was bought by Android Authority.
What it is advisable to know in regards to the Apple Watch SE 2
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
- Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS): $249 / £259 / €299
- Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS): $279 / £319 / €339
- Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS + Mobile): $299 / £319 / €369
- Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS + Mobile): $329 / £349 / €409
Apple’s smartwatch household expanded huge time in 2022, launching three new watches in September 2022. Alongside the standard Apple Watch Sequence 8, the corporate additionally launched the rugged, super-premium Apple Watch Extremely and an up to date, second-generation Apple Watch SE. The most affordable of those — the brand new Apple Watch SE (2022), which we’re calling the Watch SE 2 right here for comfort — brings various enhancements to Apple’s budget-conscious line whereas concurrently setting a cheaper price than its predecessor within the US.
As all the time, the SE lineup represents a simplified model of Apple’s flagship watch. Stripped of expensive sensors, it doesn’t report superior well being metrics resembling electrocardiogram (ECG) or SpO2 measurements. It additionally doesn’t pack Apple’s new temperature sensor for superior menstrual cycle monitoring. Nor does it have the Watch Sequence 8’s IP6X mud resistance ranking. Lastly, it doesn’t characteristic the most recent, outsized show or supply an always-on mode.
Nonetheless, the Watch SE 2 is the most effective worth Apple Watch obtainable with a lot on board for the common person. It builds on the dependable system we applauded again in 2020, including a quicker processor, low-power mode, and a barely redesigned aesthetic. It additionally helps watchOS 9 and consequently boasts Apple’s extremely dependable exercise monitoring, new security options, and deeper and extra insightful sleep monitoring. As with each different Apple Watch, although, it’s not appropriate with Android telephones.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is obtainable now from Apple and different main retailers. The collection contains 40mm and 44mm case sizes, every of which is obtainable in three colours: Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. Case builds are restricted to aluminum however may be paired with bands in a wide range of supplies together with silicone, nylon, and braided yarn. The bottom, Wi-Fi-only Apple Watch SE 2 mannequin begins at simply $249. Springing for the LTE mannequin provides $50 for a beginning worth of $299, an incredible deal when you think about that including mobile capabilities to the Apple Watch Sequence 8 requires a $100 surcharge.
What’s good?
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The brand new Apple Watch SE 2’s greatest promoting level is its identify and pedigree. Apple constantly makes stellar smartwatches. Whereas buyers might even see a budget-friendly price ticket, the Watch SE 2 hardly looks like an affordable or compromised system. As a substitute, the Watch SE 2 presents all of the core parts of an Apple wearable together with seamless integration with iOS gadgets, devoted and correct health monitoring, and unmatched app help.
The Watch SE 2 presents the core Apple Watch expertise, together with apps and integration, on the identical speedy processor because the Sequence 8.
On this yr’s mannequin, all of those options run smoother than ever on the system’s new S8 dual-core processor. Although it launched alongside the Apple Watch 6, the unique SE harbored an older S5 chip. The Watch SE 2’s leap to an S8 system-in-package (SiP) is important; Apple estimates a ensuing 20% quicker product. For customers, that equals a snappier efficiency, which you’ll positively discover primarily based on my testing.
Apps load shortly and menus scroll easily. Every day capabilities really feel practically equivalent to that of my common match, the Apple Watch Sequence 7. I used to be in a position to seamlessly swap between shedding a recreation of chess, silencing transfer alerts, and paying for the day’s third espresso, all whereas maintaining with an overactive group chat of faculty girlfriends. Add in breaking information updates and a Harry Potter audiobook and what else do you actually need in your wrist? This can be a highly effective smartwatch constructed for heavy utilization.
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On the {hardware} facet, Apple additionally upgraded the design of the SE’s watch case with a brand new color-matched, composite nylon backing. This materials does double obligation, refining the look of the wearable whereas additionally decreasing its carbon footprint. It’s a delicate change that you simply solely actually see when the watch is off your wrist, however hey, the atmosphere appreciates it. It additionally weighs ever so barely much less. It doesn’t overheat and performed good with my pores and skin by means of sweat and sleep.
Whereas the system is flipped over, customers can even discover a special sensor bundle than that of the Sequence 8. The Apple Watch SE 2 doesn’t supply the identical superior well being measurements because the high-end mannequin. Nonetheless, it does supply coronary heart price monitoring that’s each bit as correct, in addition to excessive, low, and irregular coronary heart price notifications. These measurements have been dependable at relaxation in addition to all through various exercises.
The graph above reveals coronary heart price knowledge recorded by the Apple Watch SE 2 in addition to the Apple Watch Sequence 7. The information is almost equivalent between the 2 gadgets regardless of their vital worth distinction. Actually, there are a number of situations when the SE 2 appears to outperform the Sequence 7, which often reveals single-point anomalies. Extra importantly, the SE 2 doesn’t simply carry out nicely in comparison with different Apple Watches. I used to be additionally very blissful to see the SE 2 constantly align with my Polar H10 chest strap.
Likewise, the SE 2 options notably correct built-in GPS. I took the Apple Watch SE 2 on various runs, and as soon as once more, Apple contends with devoted GPS gadgets. My watch recorded correct routes in addition to whole distances. For instance, I additionally in contrast GPS knowledge for a similar 30-minute run talked about above. Right here once more, the Apple Watch SE 2 and Apple Watch Sequence 7 routes largely mirrored one another.
I additionally merely had extra enjoyable with added exercise views and on-screen metrics. The brand new coronary heart rate-focused view means that you can see what coronary heart price zone you might be in all through your exercise. This characteristic formally validated that the hill I detest isn’t only a wrestle in my head. The exercise rings view, in the meantime, presents on the spot gratification for anybody who desires to see their rings replenish in real-time. watchOS 9 introduced various new instruments to Apple’s wearables. When paired with correct sensors like these of the SE 2, there isn’t a doubt that that is an efficient health companion.
Actually, within the well being and health enviornment, lots of the Apple Watch SE 2’s most important upgrades are discovered inside the software program expertise. Since these should not distinctive to the SE 2 and can the truth is roll again to the unique mannequin as nicely, I received’t dig into them an excessive amount of right here — try our deep dive for all the main points. Highlights embrace AFib Historical past, Remedy Reminder, multi-sport mode, and far deeper exercise evaluation together with coaching and restoration instruments. watchOS 9 additionally introduced enhancements to sleep monitoring (which I’ll speak extra about beneath) and 4 contemporary watch faces: Astronomy, Lunar, Metropolitan, and Playtime.
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Apple’s battery life declare for this mannequin is identical outdated 18-hour timeframe, which is a disappointment to make certain. However as a substitute of lamenting over why Apple can’t compete within the energy enviornment, I’ll say the watch constantly outlasted its promised lifespan. In common mode, my Apple Watch SE 2 review system lasted about 24 hours earlier than needing to cost up. In Low Energy Mode the battery lasted greater than 40 hours.
To preserve battery life, the brand new Low Energy Mode disables background exercise resembling resting coronary heart price measurements and irregular coronary heart price notifications. Nonetheless, in case you carry out a exercise on this mode, (which I did throughout testing), it’s going to nonetheless present coronary heart price knowledge in addition to GPS monitoring. Actually, I discovered the day-to-day person expertise just about unchanged when in low energy mode. The system nonetheless provided each characteristic I wanted and tracked all the information I wished to see. I charged my watch starting at 9 PM, turned on low energy mode, and climbed into mattress. Two days later I charged it once more whereas consuming a late lunch.
The Apple Watch SE 2 prompts customers to modify to Low Energy Mode when their battery reaches 10%. It additionally provides a yellow icon to your watch face to point the mode is enabled. You may set this power-saving characteristic up by tapping your present battery proportion within the management middle menu.
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The enhancements to Low Energy Mode are particularly handy contemplating Apple has lastly stepped up its sleep monitoring to maintain a better depend of customers’ Zs. The brand new SE 2 launched with extra superior sleep monitoring than the earlier technology, with watchOS9 lastly bringing sleep levels to the Apple ecosystem. This can be a main step for the corporate as limitations in sleep monitoring have been a constant ache level. Apple’s monitoring is dependable and detailed, with at-a-glance stats obtainable on the wrist and additional particulars obtainable in your paired iPhone within the Well being app.
That isn’t to say there isn’t room to enhance. Apple nonetheless doesn’t supply sleep teaching or actionable recommendation like different manufacturers. Fitbit’s Sleep Profile, for instance, offers a lot deeper insights and steering. Garmin’s sleep platform additionally presents sleep scores and knowledge evaluation. Apple stays considerably simplistic, however the knowledge it does present is at the very least correct.
I also can admire the seamless integration with the iPhone’s Focus settings. I reside in a area the place the time is a number of hours behind many long-distance members of the family. As such, I rely upon don’t disturb modes greater than most. I’m additionally deeply dedicated to remaining in mattress as soon as I tuck in and with the ability to simply set Sleep Focus mode on my cellphone with a number of faucets from my watch was superb each time.
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Apple additionally proves it values clients’ security with the addition of Crash Detection on the Apple Watch SE 2. Using the system’s new high-g accelerometer, together with different sensors, the watch can detect if a person has been in a automobile accident. It’ll even contact emergency providers. Fortuitously, I didn’t need to put this characteristic to the take a look at throughout my review interval. Nonetheless, it’s comforting to see Apple embrace this on its finances lineup quite than pare again the place security is anxious. Although you will want your iPhone close by to make use of Emergency SOS on an Apple Watch with out mobile connectivity.
What’s not so good?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Shiny, colourful, sq., Retina shows outline the Apple Watch dynasty. Intricate watch faces pair problems and funky designs so as to add model and stats to customers’ wrists. The Apple Watch SE 2 presents the identical 1,000 nits of brightness as its siblings, however not on a regular basis. Regardless of fashionable demand, the up to date mannequin nonetheless forgoes an always-on show. When not in use, the display is unabashedly clean.
The Apple Watch SE 2 does not take pleasure in the identical bump in show measurement because the Sequence 7 and Sequence 8, nor their non-compulsory always-on settings.
For anybody dedicated to a visual watch face, be it for appears or for operate, this omission is disappointing. However, the system’s elevate to wake may be very responsive. I can’t bear in mind a single time I discovered myself pissed off or ready for the display to seem throughout my testing. Equally, I didn’t actively miss the extra actual property customers will discover on the Sequence 7 and eight, although it could have been good for people who need a bigger show with out paying a premium (particularly contemplating it has comparatively giant bezels).
The Apple Watch SE 2 echoes the case sizing and show design of the Sequence 6. It’s obtainable in 40mm and 44mm circumstances quite than 41mm and 45mm. The display space is bigger than the unique Apple Watch SE, however roughly 20% smaller than that of the Sequence 8 and practically 27% smaller than that of the Extremely. Maybe because of the smaller measurement in comparison with its siblings, there’s additionally no QWERTY keyboard operate for responding to messages and the like. You probably have the handwriting of a small baby and may’t use the Scribble operate, you’ll have to stay with voice enter.
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Sadly, show house isn’t the one cutback. The key options lacking from the Apple Watch SE 2 are superior well being sensors. Like the unique SE, the 2022 mannequin skips out on blood oxygen monitoring in addition to an ECG. This isn’t altogether shocking as these options assist keep the worth distinction between Apple’s finances and flagship choices, although the dearth of an SpO2 sensor stands out when many rivals’ gadgets at this level — and lots of which are even cheaper — have one.
Superior well being sensors preserve Apple’s costlier fashions a step above the reasonably priced SE 2.
This yr, nevertheless, Apple additionally added temperature sensing to the Apple Watch Sequence 8. Using two sensors, one on the again of the system and a second below the show, the watch can decide customers’ physique temperature. This can be a highly effective instrument, with vital implications for feminine well being monitoring. Whereas a really lengthy shot, it could have been nice to see Apple make this well being instrument accessible for each finances.
Apple Watch SE 2 specs
| Apple Watch SE 2 | |
|---|---|
|
Show |
LTPO OLED Retina 368 x 448 pixels (44mm) 324 x 394 pixels (40mm) |
|
Dimensions and weight |
44mm: 44 x 38 x 10.7mm 33g 40mm: |
|
Sturdiness |
WR50 |
|
SoC |
Apple S8 with 64-bit dual-core processor |
|
RAM |
1GB |
|
Storage |
32GB |
|
Battery |
18 hours 45 min to 80% cost USB-C magnetic quick charging cable |
|
Software program |
WatchOS 9 |
|
Case supplies and colours |
Aluminum Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
|
Connectivity |
GPS/GNSS GLONASS Galileo QZSS BeiDou Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz Bluetooth 5.0 LTE bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
|
Sensors |
At all times-on altimeter |
|
Compatibility |
iOS 15 or later |
Apple Watch SE 2 review: The decision
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
The Apple Watch SE 2 is a robust contender and presents some of the well-rounded smartwatch experiences obtainable. With the launch of watchOS 9, the corporate added deeper exercise evaluation and extra intensive sleep monitoring, creeping into Fitbit and Garmin’s wheelhouses. These developments broaden Apple’s attain, and by chance, they’re not simply on the corporate’s most costly fashions. The Apple Watch SE 2 presents all the advantages of Apple’s newest software program replace. It additionally packs an extremely correct GPS monitoring system, intensive health monitoring, and ample battery life. Plus, with essentially the most intensive third-party app help in wearables, its potential is nearly limitless.
With the various new options of watchOS 9, the Apple Watch SE 2 is not simply Apple’s most reasonably priced possibility, it is the most effective entry-level smartwatches you should buy.
That mentioned, the Watch SE 2 isn’t the cream of Apple’s crop. The Apple Watch Sequence 8 ($399) remains to be the higher smartwatch. Nonetheless, the extra reasonably priced mannequin is maybe the higher decide for most individuals. Wanting superior well being sensors, the Apple Watch SE 2 presents practically an equivalent expertise at a a lot better worth. Solely you probably have related well being issues, or if detailed cycle monitoring is a precedence, is the pricier mannequin well worth the splurge. In fact, in case you’re an adventurer with cash to burn, the Apple Watch Extremely ($799) may additionally be the proper match. The Apple Watch Sequence 7 ($349) additionally makes our shortlist if you will discover it on sale, however you received’t get a temperature sensor with that possibility.
When you aren’t an iOS person, none of those will do, in fact. For higher or worse Apple Watches stay singularly appropriate with iPhones. Fortunately there are many Apple Watch options to think about. The main square-shaped system for non-Apple customers is the Garmin Venu Sq 2 ($249.99 at Garmin). It presents highly-accurate health monitoring, an SpO2 sensor, and a lot better battery life. Grabbing the Music Version can be nicely well worth the worth hike in case you can swing it so you may take heed to tunes on the go.
For a extra complete expertise, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 ($279.99 at Samsung) is presently the most effective Put on OS watch obtainable. It presents helpful smartwatch options together with the Google Play Retailer plus a high quality construct. For the most effective sleep monitoring on a finances smartwatch, Fitbit’s newest smartwatches, the Versa 4 ($229) and Sense 2 ($299) are additionally value contemplating. Fitbit’s ecosystem is an particularly good match for anybody new to monitoring who desires to deal with the fundamentals.
Once more although, in case you are already tied into the Apple ecosystem, it’s robust to argue in opposition to the Apple Watch SE 2. It’s reasonably priced, dependable, and highly effective. Most significantly, its worth is plain.
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Extra reasonably priced • Constructed from recycled supplies • Glorious show
The Watch SE 2 carries the important options of the Apple Sequence 8 at a extra reasonably priced worth. It options the identical processor and the Automobile Crash detector because the costlier fashions, and Apple says the battery lasts a good eighteen hours of use.
High Apple Watch SE 2 questions and solutions
Is the Apple Watch SE 2 waterproof?
The Apple Watch SE has a water resistance ranking of fifty meters. It’s protected for shallow swimming in a pool or ocean.
Does the Apple Watch SE 2 have a speaker?
Sure, the Apple Watch SE 2 has a speaker.
Does the Apple Watch SE 2 help Household Setup?
Sure, the Apple Watch SE 2 can be utilized to help members of the family who shouldn’t have an iPhone for cellphone calls, messages, and site sharing.
What security and emergency options does the Apple Watch SE 2 supply?
The Apple Watch SE 2 options Emergency SOS, Worldwide emergency calling, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Noise monitoring, and Backtrack.
Will the Apple Watch SE 2 work with Android telephones?
Sadly, all Apple Watches stay appropriate with iOS gadgets solely, so the Apple Watch SE 2 won’t work with an Android cellphone.
How lengthy does the Apple Watch SE 2 take to cost?
The Apple Watch SE 2 takes about an hour and a half to cost from 0 to 100%. It doesn’t characteristic the identical quick charging technology as costlier Apple Watch fashions, although it’s removed from the slowest charging smartwatch you’ll discover.
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