As of 2022, Apple has three smartwatch models at once, which allow the manufacturer to cover the needs of all categories of users. The Apple Watch Ultra is a fairly expensive model that occupies the top rung and gives you access to absolutely all the features that Apple has just implemented. The Watch Series 8 is a mid-range model from the Cupertino giant with an impressive array of features but no focus on sports or damage protection. And at the very end of the list is the relatively affordable Watch SE (2022), which is the successor to the original Watch SE that was released in 2020. And this is exactly the kind of watch that users who don’t really need Series 8 features will probably like.
Characteristics
- Display: 1.78″ Retina LTPO OLED, 448×368 pixels, 1000 nits, Ion-X protective glass.
- Processor: Apple S8, two cores, PowerVR graphics.
- Memory: 32 GB.
- RAM: 1 GB.
- Battery: 296 mAh, wireless charging.
- Dimensions: 44×38×10.7 mm, 33 grams.
Low barrier to entry into the smartwatch market
The new generation Apple Watch SE has a few fairly important upgrades over its predecessor – most of the innovations are directly related to a faster processor, a slightly updated case, and additional features like car crash detection. At the same time, I would like to immediately clarify that this watch does not have the latest display, like the Series 8, there is no support for Always-On Display, and this gadget is nowhere near as durable as the Watch Ultra. There is no body temperature sensor and many other specific features, but the Apple Watch Watch SE is a great entry point into the world of smart wearable electronics.
Same design as 2015
- Three body colors.
- Only aluminum.
- 40 and 44 mm.
- IPX6 protection rating.
The new generation of Apple Watch SE smartwatches gives the potential buyer the same design as the predecessor or Watch Series 6. However, this is not so surprising, given that the Series 8 smartwatch received exactly the same case design as the Series 7. Accordingly, the Watch SE has the same rectangular case with rounded corners and curved edges as any Apple watch since its release in 2015 (only the Watch Ultra stands out). Also, the new Watch SE boasts protection against water penetration at a depth of up to 50 meters, they are equipped with Haptic Touch hardware elements and a button on the case. But, it’s worth noting that unlike the Watch Series 8, the Watch SE doesn’t get an electrical heart rate sensor in the Digital Crown.
On the bottom of the Watch SE aluminum case (this model is only available in this format, there are no stainless steel options), there is an optical heart rate sensor and a button for changing the strap. Admittedly, the bottom bezel has been redesigned this year, so the Watch SE now has a bezel color that matches the bezel—it looks great. And, of course, as with the Series 8, all previous Apple watch bands remain compatible with the new generation Watch SE—they fit snugly into the case so they don’t have the unnecessary protrusions found on other smartwatches. It looks neat, although the device ends up looking less like a classic wristwatch.
And thanks to its thin aluminum case, Watch SE is very light and comfortable for everyday use. There are only two sizes, 40 and 44 mm, which is equivalent to 41 and 45 mm in the Watch Series 8. And since the screen of the SE model is not as stretched at the edges as the older model, the manufacturer does not need to increase the case by an extra millimeter. The color scheme even has new Starlight and Midnight colors that replace Gold and Space Grey, while Silver has not gone anywhere.
The display everyone is used to
- Frame 3 mm.
- Ion-X protection.
- Retina, LTPO OLED.
Of course, the bezels on the Apple Watch SE display are not as thin as those on the Watch Series 8 or Watch Series 7, but if it comes to that, the screen here is 30% larger than on the Watch Series 3. Accordingly, for an entry-level watch this is more than a worthy upgrade. The Watch SE has a 3mm bezel around the display, while the Series 8 has a 1.7mm bezel, but you probably won’t notice that unless you’re looking at the two models. In addition, there are no noticeable improvements compared to the previous generation either – this is the same display as the original model.
The new generation Watch SE uses the same Retina LTPO OLED screen with the same resolution as its predecessor – the base 40mm version has a resolution of 324×394 pixels, while the older 44mm model already has a resolution of 368×448 pixels. It’s a sharp enough display with decent detail, colors look as saturated as the original SEs, and blacks actually look black, making the screen even more pleasing to look at. But, unfortunately, the new Watch SE still lacks support for Always-On Display – this allows you to constantly see certain information on the screen like the time or activity rings, but instead you will see just a black screen when the display is off.
It’s certainly not a critical flaw that you’ll miss or can’t live without – especially if you’re upgrading from the Series 3. But of course, we’d love to see this feature in an entry-level device by the end of 2022.
Performance and autonomy
- S8 processor, as in Series 8.
- Second generation optical heart rate sensor.
- Built-in GPS, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope.
- 18 hours of autonomy.
In terms of performance, you should definitely not expect any breakthrough – the new Apple Watch SE uses the same processor as the Watch Series 8. We are talking about the S8 dual-core processor – it was also used by the manufacturer in Series 6 and Series 7. Considering that the original The SE had an S5 processor, Apple employees are talking about a decent 20% performance boost, plus it’s the only new Apple Watch this year to get a chip upgrade. And, of course, in everyday use, the Watch SE is simply excellent – it provides excellent performance comparable to the Series 8.
In addition, as with the Watch Series 8, this smartwatch boasts 32 GB of internal memory, plus the Watch SE is sold both in a GPS-only version and with GPS and cellular network support, which allows you to use the gadget regardless of your smartphone. In this case, the watch even supports international roaming, as in Series 8, but there is no body temperature sensor and SpO2 in Watch SE. But there is a second-generation optical heart rate sensor, a compass, an altimeter, an upgraded accelerometer, a gyroscope, and an ambient light sensor.
Actually, thanks to the upgraded accelerometer, which is able to recognize up to 256 g (acceleration of free fall) instead of 32 g in the previous generation, this smart watch is able to detect car accidents – the same function is implemented in Series 8 and Watch Ultra and iPhone 14 smartphones. This means that the watch will use the new accelerometer, barometer, GPS and microphone to determine the situation when a person has an accident and needs help.
At the same time, the battery life does not differ from what the original Watch SE provided – we are talking about 18 hours of operation on a single charge. And although there have been no improvements in this regard, there is certainly nothing to complain about. In testing, we removed the watch from charging at around 6 am and the device lasted all day and even night for sleep tracking. Moreover, the battery lasted even the next morning – tracking your sleep takes about 10% of the battery, plus if you do several workouts, the battery drains faster. But, as a rule, you still get day and night on a single charge with moderate use of the gadget.
And, of course, I would like to emphasize that there is no fast charging here, but this does not interfere much.
Functions and features
- watch OS 9.
- Advanced sleep tracking.
- Apple Pay.
- GymKit, Emergency SOS, crash detection.
The new Apple Watch SE runs on watchOS 9, the latest operating system Apple has, and it will no longer work with Watch Series 3. Of the interesting innovations of the operating system, it is worth highlighting a lot of new features such as more advanced sleep tracking, improvements in the Workout and Health applications. Yes, working with the basics of sleep is not as advanced as the Fitbit solutions, but there are some improvements in terms of data analysis, and the overall experience is pleasant.
Keep in mind, though, that this watch doesn’t have a skin temperature sensor, SpO2 sensor, or electrical heart rate sensor, so you won’t get some of the features that the Watch Series 8 and Watch Ultra have. On the other hand, as is the case with older smartwatch models, Watch SE provides smartphone notifications, supports GymKit, Apple Pay, and even Emergency SOS (only works in some regions so far). You can track your activities in various sports such as running, swimming or cycling, plus you can find interesting applications for every taste and color in the company’s software store. So I think it’s fair to say that although the Watch SE does not have some features, most of what most users will really need is implemented here.
Review
The new Apple Watch SE boasts a few decent upgrades over the original model – better performance, a new case with less environmental impact, and a host of different features like car crash detection. Yes, this watch does not have a new display or Always-On Display support, this model is not as durable and long-lasting as the Watch Ultra, plus some features are simply missing here – there is no body temperature sensor, for example. But the Watch SE is a great entry point into the smart wearable market, with loads of useful features and a great price.
✅ Benefits
- The bottom panel in tone of the case.
- Lightweight comfortable watch.
- Modern processor.
- Wide range of features.
- watch OS 9.
- Excellent price.
❌ Disadvantages
- No Always-On Display.
- There is no body temperature sensor.
- No SpO2 sensor.
This is a translation of the Pocket Lint review.
Source: Trash Box
I am Joyce Corbett and I have been working in the news industry for over 10 years. My current role is as an author at World Stock Market, where I focus primarily on the tech section. My specialty is creating engaging content that helps to explain and demystify complex financial topics.
