Today we’re looking at the Apple Watch SE and thus the cheaper version of the Apple Watch Series 6. This article is primarily about the differences between the two watches and whether we can recommend the Apple Watch SE. Have fun while reading.
Design, processing and control
The design of the Apple Watch SE does not differ from that of its more expensive brother, the Apple Watch Series 6. It is the classic Apple Watch design that has become a bit rounder and more modern over time. Whether in the end you prefer the design of classic watches or you like the design of Apple is a matter of taste. What is certain, however, is that almost all smartwatches are round or square. The Apple Watch is the latter. The Apple Watch SE has a slim bezel, a rectangular design and a flat shape that 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. Pressing the crown takes you back to the start screen. With a double click you can open the last application, long press to start Apple’s voice assistant Siri. There is another button under the digital crown. Press once to open the recently used apps dock and twice to start Apple Pay. Long press to open the Medical ID menu, make an emergency call, or turn off the Apple Watch. Unfortunately, the key assignment cannot be adjusted. The Apple Watch SE is only available in one material variant, with an aluminum housing. This is probably due to the fact that the other materials are much more expensive.
Apple Watch SE: What’s Different?
Let’s come to the most important question: What is the difference between the Apple Watch SE and an Apple Watch Series 6? And does it make sense to choose the cheaper alternative?
We have already mentioned the first difference in terms of the choice of material, plus the lack of an ECG sensor, you cannot measure the blood oxygen content and there is no always-on display. In addition, you still use the Apple S5 from the Series 4/5. At this point, we can give the all-clear from the current point in time: The old processor is also more than sufficient and we did not notice any difference in operation during the entire test period. The compass was already introduced in the Series 5, and the tactile feedback of the digital crown is also included again. There is also 32 GB of memory and an Apple W3 chip, but you have to do without 5 GHz WiFi.
The subject of battery life is specified as 18 hours for both Apple Watch models, so there is no difference. At the end of the day you still have enough battery left, if you want to keep the watch on overnight, charging it often becomes a strenuous affair. The Apple Watch SE has almost all the important functions for a little less money.
Virtually all of the features of the Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch SE offers all the smart functions of the Apple Watch Series 6. You only have to cut back on the sports functions. You can install apps via the App Store, listen to music and podcasts via Bluetooth on the watch, stream and save Apple Music and use Apple Pay thanks to the use of an NFC chip. In addition, all notifications of calendar entries and reminders of e-mail and messenger messages can be viewed. Apple’s voice assistant Siri has also found a new home on the Apple Watch SE.
Who is the Apple Watch SE suitable for?
The Apple Watch SE is the only variant that is currently available at a lower price, the Apple Watch 3, superior in all respects. Just a few examples are the lack of measurement of the ambient noise, sleep tracking and constant altitude measurement. You can currently choose between the Apple Watch Series 6, the SE and the Series 3, although the Series 3 is actually no longer an option.
Therefore, the SE is a good option for anyone who wants to save some money compared to the Apple Watch Series 6 and can do without a few functions, but still want to enjoy the new design and some new functions. Apple’s watches can now also be used without an iPhone, but they cannot be set up. This is practical because the fall detection and health functions make the watches more and more interesting for older people. With the help of 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 could also be of interest to children, precisely because the price has now become more affordable.
Our conclusion on the Apple Watch SE
In conclusion, it can be said that with the Apple Watch SE, Apple has launched an inexpensive version of the Apple Watch Series 6 that makes few compromises. The SE is really a good choice for anyone who wants an Apple Watch and can do without an ECG function, the always-on display and a few other little things. She was definitely able to convince us.
You currently pay around 290 euros for the smaller SE, and around 320 euros for the larger model. The Apple Watch 6, on the other hand, costs at least 420 euros in the smallest configuration.
