Is Apple Watch SE Worth Buying?

The Apple Watch SE is a great value smartwatch. Despite not having the advanced health sensors seen in the Series 6 or the always-on display, it has everything else we admire about Apple Watch for a lot less.

The smartwatch also misses out on extra health sensors. However, both of the company’s new smartwatches give high and low heart-rate notifications. They also come in a cellular version and have safety features such as fall detection.

Difference between the SE and the Series 3-4-5-6

If you are buying Apple Watch for the first time or upgrading your watch from a Series 3 or earlier, it looks the same as every other Apple watch before it. However, the Apple Watch SE screen is quick to wake at the flip of your wrist. It has the slimmer bezels that Apple first introduced in Series 4. It is available in two sizes (40mm or 44mm). However, if you’re looking to upgrade from a Series 4 or 5, the SE won’t feel like much of a step up.

The biggest difference between Series 5 and 6 and the SE screens is that the latter doesn’t have an always-on display. An always-on display makes looking at your stats during a workout a lot easier. It is something you probably won’t know you need until you try it.

The Apple Watch SE opens apps, takes calls, and makes payments fast, but loading some data-rich apps such as the news or weather takes a bit longer than the Series 6. Still, you’re probably not going to notice it unless you compare it directly with the more expensive watch. The SE features S5 chip, the one found in last year’s Series 5.

Familiar design

The smartwatch comes in three colors: silver, gold, and space gray in an aluminum finish. It has no other color options as the Series 6 has. However, you can spice up the look with different band options.

Recently, Apple released a new silicone band called the Solo Loop. It has no clasps or buckles. The band stretches like a rubber band around your wrist. Since there are no overlapping parts, you can’t adjust the strap once it’s on. So, you will have to make sure that the size you order is right.

However, the loop will stretch a bit over time, so if you’re in between sizes, it’s probably best to go a size down. The Solo Loop costs $50.