The new 2nd generation Apple Watch SE replaces Series 3 and the 1st generation SE in Apple’s catalog.
It retains its design and its sensors, but is offered in three new colors: silver, light and midnight. This version is a more affordable version of l’Apple Watch Series 8, but offers the same health and safety measures thanks to the S8 chip. It is an essential accessory for the practice of sport (heart rate monitor, etc.).
The 2nd generation Watch SE has a newer and more powerful chip than previous generations. It enables better energy management and enables faster performance.
Let’s see what she has in her stomach!
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation): what’s changing?
Apple Watch SE takes the Series 4 design, updated with a nylon case back to match the aluminum case.
It is equipped with a 1.78″ AMOLED screen which still holds a candle to many other models, in size as well as in maximum brightness (1000 nits announced). It is relatively light (62.7 g with bracelet, 33.1 g without) and thick (10.7 mm without counting the sensor island which protrudes by about 2 mm). Its 5 ATM certification offers sufficient resistance for swimming. It takes advantage of practically the same capabilities and functions as the superior watches.
Analysis of the quality/price ratio
The Apple Watch SE is a complete smartwatch with an excellent price/performance ratio for iPhone users. It offers complete functions and a very well-made design with impeccable manufacturing quality.
In addition, it integrates perfectly into the Apple ecosystem and benefits from recognized ease of use. Finally, it offers precise measurements and a rich range of applications.
Its disadvantages:
- A bit old design and a bit smaller screen than the Series 8.
- No SpO2 (no blood oxygenation tracking function).
- Autonomy of about a day and a half.
- iPhones remain the only smartphones that can work with this Apple Watch SE 2.
Technical characteristics
| Features | Informations | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | Amoled Retina LTPO OLED tactile multitouch 1,78″ 1000 nits | 448 x 368 pixel resolution |
| Processor | S8 chip with W3 coprocessor | Announced performance 20% higher than that of the Watch SE 1st generation |
| Certification | 5 ATM | Water resistant up to 50 meters (164 feet) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth v5 ou Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2,4 GHz | Cellular LTE available for select models |
| Cardio sensor | Dual-LED infrared optical sensor | 2nd generation cardio sensor |
| GPS | Built-in GPS + GLONASS + Galileo + QZSS | Globally satisfactory GPS tracking |
| Autonomy | Until 6 p.m. |
My opinion
I’m really impressed with the 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE which offers so much more than I expected. This connected watch is very complete: it offers advanced features such as sleep monitoring or integrated GPS. The build quality is impeccable and its ease of use is very appreciable. In addition, it offers excellent value for money for iPhone users.
Our opinion on the connected watch Apple Watch SE 2nd generation
The new Apple Watch SE 2 has something to seduce with its simply updated design, inherited from the Apple Watch Series 4 and which now has a nylon case back to match the aluminum case.
A very light connected watch
With its high quality 1.78″ AMOLED screen, both in terms of size and maximum brightness (1000 nits announced), this watch is light (62.7 g with strap, 33.1 g without) and has a reasonable thickness. (10.7mm). It is also certified 5 ATM, which allows it to resist water and therefore can be used for swimming.
More performance than Apple Watch SE 1st generation
On the performance side, the 2nd generation Apple Watch SE has the same S8 chip as the Series 8, which allows it to offer performance advertised as being 20% higher than that of the 1st generation Watch SE. It benefits from advanced security features and has virtually the same capabilities and functions as superior watches. However, it should be noted that only iPhones can work with this Apple Watch SE 2.
Using the Apple Watch SE is very intuitive
As for the use of the watch, the notifications pane unfolds with a finger swipe down, while that of the shortcuts appears with an opposite gesture. A horizontal swipe of the screen allows you to switch from one dial (Watch Face) to another and not to scroll through widgets.
A long press on the rotating crown button opens the emergency menu, while a double press on the rotating crown returns to the last application opened. A double press on the second button on the right side of the watch allows you to open Apple Wallet to display or use our cards (payment with Apple Pay, loyalty, boarding, etc.). The Siri voice assistant remains at the heart of the watch and can be activated either by voice (“Hey Siri…”) or by pressing and holding the button on the rotating crown.
All your apps in your Apple watch
As for apps, the 2nd generation Apple Watch SE has the Watch app for setting up your watch, the Health app for health data, the Fitness app for exercisers, and has a 2nd generation cardio sensor. It offers overall satisfactory GPS tracking, but it should be noted that it does not have the blood oxygenation (SpO2) tracking function. On the other hand, it offers advanced sleep monitoring and a battery life of around a day and a half.
Verdict final
Despite its slightly older design and slightly smaller screen than the Series 8, the 2nd generation Apple Watch SE stands out for its impeccable build quality and comprehensive functions. It integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem and is easy to use, with high-level metrics and a rich app offering. It is therefore an excellent option for those looking for a high-performance and complete connected watch, without having to spend the price of a high-end watch.
