Apple Watch SE 2022 Review: The new budget model has a must-have smart trick

It’s not this year’s main event, but the Apple Watch SE is one of the best device offerings out there.

I tested the new model and there are a lot of things I love, especially the price.

–

Apple launched the first SE in 2020, offering a cheaper way to enter the Apple Watch ecosystem.

There is now an improved model with some additional benefits.

It’s a great alternative to the more powerful Apple Watch Series 8 (and the high-end Apple Watch Ultra), which also launched this month.

The price of the Watch SE hasn’t changed significantly with the new model.

Your iPhone camera can now reveal if the HUGE spider in the house is dangerous

– – –

Your iPhone may be too OLD to use the new iOS 16 update features

– – – – – – –

The original discontinued version retails for £ 249 / $ 279 (a constant price since launch), with the new one costing £ 259 / $ 249.

Yes, it actually had a price drop in the US.

The aluminum exterior design is practically the same as the previous version. That’s great, because it looks like a premium Apple Watch.

But beware that the bottom case now matches the color of the bezel.

As for the colors, the old versions Silver, Gold and Space Gray have been replaced with a new list of Silver, Starlight and Midnight. They are all great, really.

You can still customize the dial however you like, making it as detailed or minimalistic as you like.

Or you can use a large image of your cat, as I often do.

There are no improvements in battery life – it’s still set to 18 hours.

But a new low-power mode can help you save energy when you need it most.

Inside is an updated S8 chip (just like the Apple Watch Series 8.

It is said to be 20% faster than the 2019 S5 that appeared in the original Apple Watch SE.

And of course, the new watch runs Apple Watch watchOS 9 as standard.

WatchOS 9 is the best smartwatch operating system available today, without a doubt. It is feature-rich, easy to use, and pairs perfectly with an iPhone.

Obviously, the Apple Watch SE lacks a lot of features you’ll see on the 8 Series.

There is no always-on screen, ECG to detect heart rhythm defects, blood oxygen reader, or temperature sensor.

But there is a lot to love beyond the design and the price.

For example, Apple has added the new Car Crash Detection.

This can detect when you’ve had a serious car accident and then automatically share your location with emergency services if you don’t respond for 10 seconds.

You will also get in touch with your emergency contacts.

Obviously (and fortunately) I couldn’t test it, but it could be a real cure-all.

It is a must-have feature if you are a normal road user. You never know when you might need it (and you hope it isn’t), but it’s something you won’t regret if tragedy strikes.

There’s also fall detection, which performs a similar function when you make a hard fall.

And all the usual Apple Watch perks are included.

This means you get great fitness tracking (including a heart rate monitor that can inform you about calories burned and, well, heart rate).

And use the Rings play system that motivates you to close each circle every day (shift calories, exercise minutes, and hours standing).

If you’re looking to get your first real fitness tracker, the Apple Watch SE isn’t a bad way to go.

It’s even waterproof, so you can track a swim with it.

Watch SE also supports Apple Pay, so you can shop at the checkout or use some public transport without reaching your iPhone.

Overall, it’s hard to beat the Apple Watch SE.

Sure, some of the bells and whistles seen in Series 8 are missing.

But it’s also very capable for its low price point, especially when you consider all of its health monitoring capabilities.

Plus, it looks good as a smartwatch, is highly customizable (digitally with dials and physically with straps), and doesn’t get in the way.

The Sun says: A truly stylish Apple Watch that keeps costs down by giving you must-have features and reducing fat. A rare deal from Apple. 5/5

All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have changed since then.

Always do your research before making any purchases.