Apple is a modern technology phenomenon, with the world’s most popular smartphones and smartwatches. There were more than 100 million active Apple Watch users in 2021. By June 2022, 30% of iPhone users in North America also regularly used an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE is easily among the most popular.
In an astute move to capture more of the smartphone market, Apple released the first series SE smartwatch in 2020. Their goal was to reach audiences seeking a reliable model for less money. The Apple Watch SE follows the pattern of the iPhone SE, combining select features of more recent models while leaving out others to reduce cost.
A newer generation is now available since September 2022, but buyers should be aware of just what the Apple Watch SE lacks to make a reliable comparison with similar smartwatches.
Reasons to Avoid an Apple Watch SE
Apple touts the SE as a more affordable option with many of the same features as their high-end Watch models. Here are some downsides discerning buyers may see as reasons to avoid an Apple Watch SE.
Users are Tethered to an iPhone
The Apple Watch is designed as a companion to the iPhone for much of its functionality. In fact, an iPhone is necessary to set up the Watch SE due to the Watch app on the iPhone. Without it, you’ve just bought a costly and unique bracelet. You also cannot use a Mac or iPad to set it up. This is bad news for Android users who want to try an Apple Watch. You must switch to an iPhone at a considerable cost or stick with other Android products.
Apple boasts that the Watch SE can still use most functions independent of an iPhone. However, you still need a cellular plan with your iPhone carrier. Plus your watch battery capacity is reduced when separated from its companion iPhone.
Apple Watch SE Screen Issues
No doubt about it, the Apple Watch SE screen is somewhat small. The largest 44mm size isn’t much screen to view, especially if you choose this smartwatch for routine fitness use. The actual display area is 20% smaller than the Apple Watch Series 8 due to design differences.
The 40mm Apple Watch SE’s screen is 1.53 inches with a resolution of only 324 x 394 pixels with 326 PPI. The 44mm Apple Watch SE’s screen is 1.78 inches with a resolution of 368 x 448 with 326 PPI. This means the 40mm only has 759 sq. mm of viewable display area and the 44mm only has 977 sq. mm.
The most ominous deal-breaker for those with screen issues is the lack of Always-On functionality enjoyed in other Apple Watch models. Watch SE users must make a deliberate arm motion to “turn the screen on” for viewing. Too many users find this extremely cumbersome.
Unattractive Design
This is a common reason many choose not to jump on the Apple Watch bandwagon with any series — they think it’s ugly. Aesthetics matter, and some buyers are not attracted to the Apple Watch’s square shape. It’s almost like an old-fashioned Star Trek communicator strapped to your wrist that looks and feels awkward. Transitioning from a traditional watch to a clunky square design may be hard. Admittedly, this does make Apple Watches stand apart. However, watch traditionalists may find other smartwatch brands with a round design more appealing.
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Fewer Select Features
The real price-reducing measures Apple incorporated in the Watch SE are in the features. As a more affordable smartwatch for beginners or new Apple users, it offers some exercise and fitness tracking apps but is not a serious fitness smartwatch. The Watch SE boasts many of the same features as the newer Apple Watch Series 8, but it still lacks some that fitness-minded buyers would value.
There is no blood oxygen sensor (SpO2), no electrocardiogram (ECG), and no wrist-temperature sensors for sleep or ovulation tracking like with the Series 8. Basic health sensors are included to track heart rate and other fitness metrics, and the crash detection feature is also incorporated to notify emergency services in an accident.
Short Battery Life
The Apple Watch SE’s battery is rated at 18 hours of life with normal use, but many reviews reveal this is not the case. Regular use typically cuts battery life to about 10-12 hours, especially when using the Watch SE apart from its companion iPhone. This means staying close to a charger throughout the day or removing it to charge through the night. Taking off the watch to sleep eliminates using sleep tracking or other health options.
Charging doesn’t require a long time, but it’s enough to be inconvenient during a busy day. The Apple Watch SE takes about 1.5 hours to charge from 0-80% and a full 2.5 hours to charge it all the way to full from 0%. It also does not support fast charging like the Apple Watch Series 8.
Price
Smart buyers always consider price, which can be a real hangup with the Apple Watch SE. Smartwatches can be expensive, and high-end models with extensive features are several hundred dollars. For example, the Apple Watch Ultra is $749 at the time of writing. The new Apple Watch Series 8 with all the bells and whistles is between $400 and $500, while a new Second Generation (2022) 44mm Watch SE is $279 at the time of writing. A refurbished Watch SE can be found for under $200.
Conversely, comparable smartwatches like those we recommend below range from between $60 to $300. They offer similar features, and some notably better features, for around the same price, without the restrictions of a forced Apple-to-iPhone connection.
Alternatives to the Apple Watch SE
There are many alternatives to the Apple Watch SE, from high-end models to the more basic and extremely affordable. The Watch SE is a downgraded model of earlier Apple Watches, so our recommended alternatives are similar. We do not include the top-of-the-line smartwatches of every brand. Those can easily be found. The suggestions below are comparable to the Apple Watch SE.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 40mm
The new 40mm basic Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the best alternative to the Apple Watch SE. Feature for feature, they are very close, but the Galaxy Watch 6 has a larger screen, better cardiac monitoring, advanced sleep tracking, and a better battery life of up to 40 hours. It is also comparably priced at less than $300 at the time of writing.
- Bluetooth model
- Syncs with your other Galaxy devices
- Workout tracker can track over 90 exercises
- Always on heart monitor
- Track your sleep stages with Advanced Sleep Coaching
PlayBetter Garmin Venu Sq 2
The PlayBetter Garmin Venu Sq 2 is another great alternative. It is compatible with iPhone or Android, so Apple fans have another smartwatch option, too. It is a truly fitness-oriented device with pre-loaded sports apps and up to an incredible 11 days of battery life. This smartwatch is also in the affordable price range at about $250 at the time of writing.
- Up to 11 days of battery life
- Pre-loaded with sports apps
- Heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, and hydration monitor
- Compatible with iPhone or Android
- Women's health tracker
HUAWEI Band 7
The HUAWEI Band 7 (2022) is a great affordable alternative that is somewhat similar to the Apple Watch SE in functionality. It comes with basic health and fitness features that monitor sleep, steps, and heart rate and includes other useful apps. It also has a battery life of up to 10 days. Compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones, you can enjoy a truly modern wearable smart device for around $60 at the time of writing.
- Up to 10 days of battery life even with heavy usage
- HUAWEI fast charging delivers two days of use on a five-minute charge
- Monitors sleep, steps, heart rate, and more
- Compatible with iPhone and Android
- 1.47-inch AMOLED display
Reasons You May Still Want to Purchase an Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) is an acceptable option if all you need is a high-end watch, a convenient device for calls, texts, and notifications, and a way to keep track of basic health indicators. It is not a true fitness watch or recommended as a reliable GPS device. It is, however, from one of the most popular smartwatch brands, which in itself can be a reason for buying one.
Apple Watches are viewed by many as a fashion statement or status indicator. The Watch SE allows those with more limited budgets to join the Apple Watch trend and still enjoy a respectable device. It is a truly useful and functional wearable device, but buyers should know other similar products are available.
Alternatives to the Apple Watch SE
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 40mm |
| PlayBetter Garmin Venu Sq 2 |
| HUAWEI Band 7 |
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 40mm
- Bluetooth model
- Syncs with your other Galaxy devices
- Workout tracker can track over 90 exercises
- Always on heart monitor
- Track your sleep stages with Advanced Sleep Coaching
- PlayBetter Garmin Venu Sq 2
- Up to 11 days of battery life
- Pre-loaded with sports apps
- Heart rate monitor, sleep tracker, and hydration monitor
- Compatible with iPhone or Android
- Women's health tracker
- HUAWEI Band 7 (2022)
- Up to 10 days of battery life even with heavy usage
- HUAWEI fast charging delivers two days of use on a five-minute charge
- Monitors sleep, steps, heart rate, and more
- Compatible with iPhone and Android
- 1.47-inch AMOLED display
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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