Apple Watch SE 2 packs all the features you’d want from a budget smartwatch

By

2022 Apple Watch SE features overview
The new Apple Watch SE is faster...and cheaper!
Photo: Apple

At its Far Out event, Apple announced the updated Apple Watch SE 2. The new model shares some of the core features of the Apple Watch Series 8, including the S8 SiP.

Despite the upgrades, the 2022 Apple Watch SE is cheaper than the model it replaces.

New Apple Watch SE looks the same as the older model

Apple’s latest Watch SE does not get any significant upgrades in the design department. It looks similar to the older model, with the only change being the redesigned back made of a nylon composite material. This helps in making it lighter than ever. The Apple Watch SE 2 is available in silver, midnight, and starlight colors.

Interestingly, the budget watch shares many of the same features as seen on the Apple Watch Series 8. This even includes the S8 SiP, which brings a claimed 20% performance boost.

Apple has equipped the 2022 Apple Watch SE with its new 3-axis gyroscope and updated accelerometer. This allows the watch to offer car crash detection, one of the key new features of the Apple Watch Series 8.

There’s no temperature sensor, though. So the budget smartwatch cannot provide more insight into ovulation and periods for females like the Apple Watch Series 8. ECG capabilities and Always-on Display are also missing from this model.

You can enjoy all the new watchOS 9 features on the Apple Watch SE 2, including sleep tracking with sleep stages, more detailed workout metrics, and an enhanced Mindfulness app.

2022 Apple Watch SE pricing and availability

Despite the faster chip and other key internal improvements, the 2022 Apple Watch SE is cheaper than its predecessor. It starts from $249 for the GPS-only model, with the cellular variant available for $299. This makes it about $30 cheaper than the outgoing model. You also have the option to select between 40mm and 44mm case sizes.

First-time Apple Watch SE buyers will get free access to three months of Apple Fitness+.

The new Apple Watch SE is available for pre-order and goes on sale on September 16.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.