The New Apple Watch SE – Test
We take a look at the Apple Watch SE today, which is the cheaper version of the Apple Watch Series 6. This post is mainly about the differences between the two watches and whether we can recommend the Apple Watch SE.
Design, build quality and controls
The design of the Apple Watch SE is not different from its more expensive brother, the Apple Watch Series 6. The design is the classic Apple Watch design that has become a bit more rounded and modern over time. Ultimately, whether you prefer the design of classic watches or you like Apple’s design is entirely a matter of taste. One thing is certain, though: almost all smartwatches are round or square. The Apple Watch is just an example of the latter. The Apple Watch SE has a thin display bezel, a rectangular design, and a flat shape which is timeless and suitable for a casual style or formal wear.
The Digital Crown is located on the right side of the Apple Watch SE. It is used to navigate through the menus. By pressing the crown, you return to the home screen. Double-clicking allows you to open the last app, long press to launch Apple’s voice assistant Siri. There is another button underneath the Digital Crown. Press once to open the dock with recently used apps and twice to launch Apple Pay. Long presses to open the Medical ID menu, make an emergency call, or turn off the Apple Watch. The button layout cannot be customized, unfortunately.
Only one material variant of the Apple Watch SE is available, with an aluminum case. The reason for that is probably that the other materials are much more expensive. But even the aluminum variant is very well manufactured and looks high-quality.
Apple Watch SE: What is different?
The most important question: What is the difference between the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 6? Is it worthwhile to go for the cheaper alternative?
The first difference regarding the choice of materials has already been mentioned, plus the missing ECG sensor, you cannot measure the blood oxygen level and there is no Always-On Display. Additionally, the Apple S5 from the Series 4/5 is still used. From this point, we can give the thumbs up for the time being: The old processor is also more than sufficient and the handling did not differ during the entire test period.
The compass was already introduced in the Series 5, and the tactile feedback of the digital crown is also back. Also, there is 32 GB of storage and Apple’s W3 chip, but you have to do without 5 GHz WLAN.
The battery life issue is specified at 18 hours for both Apple Watch models, so there’s no difference there. You still have enough battery left at the end of the day, but if you want to keep the watch on overnight, recharging is often an exhausting issue. The Apple Watch SE thus has almost all the important features for less money.
Almost all functions of the Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch SE features all the smart functions of the Apple Watch Series 6. You just have to compromise on the sports functions. You can install apps via the App Store, listen to music and podcasts via Bluetooth on the watch, stream and store Apple Music, and also use Apple Pay thanks to the use of an NFC chip. It can also display all notifications from calendar events and reminders to email and messenger messages. Apple’s voice assistant Siri has also found a new home on the Apple Watch SE.
For whom is the Apple Watch SE suitable?
The Apple Watch SE is currently superior in all respects to the only variant that is newly available at a lower price, the Apple Watch 3. Only a few examples are the lack of ambient volume measurement, sleep tracking, and constant altitude measurement. At the moment, you can choose between the Apple Watch Series 6, the SE, and the Series 3, although the Series 3 is no longer an option.
Therefore, the SE is a good option for those who want to save some money compared to the Apple Watch Series 6 and can do without a few features, but still want to enjoy the new design and some new features. In the meantime, Apple’s watches can be used without an iPhone, but not set up. This is convenient because the fall detection and health features make the watches more and more interesting for older people.
Using the new family sharing, an Apple Watch can also be set up for a family member who does not have an iPhone themselves. The Apple Watch SE may therefore also become attractive for children, especially since the price has become more affordable in the meantime.
Conclusion
Apple has launched an inexpensive variant of the Apple Watch Series 6 with the Apple Watch SE that only makes very few compromises. The SE is really a good choice for those who want an Apple Watch and can do without an ECG function as well as the Always-On display and a few other little things. It could definitely convince us.
At present, you pay about $295 for the smaller SE and about $309 for the larger model. The Apple Watch 6 costs at least $409 for the smallest option.
