The first reviews of the new 2022 version of Apple Watch SE highlight was a value the device is. Engadget calls it “a $400 smartwatch for $250.”
Considering your first model? Or an upgrade from an older one? Read on to see if the revamped Apple Watch SE is right for you.
Apple Watch SE: 2022 vs. 2020
The new SE is Apple’s second wrist wearable to target budget buyers, and it looks much the same and has the same screen size as the 2020 version.
That said, the 2022 edition borrows some of the core features of the new Apple Watch Series 8, like a faster new processor and car crash detection.
And it costs less than its predecessor.
Faster new processor
The 2022 Apple Watch SE uses an Apple S8 processor, the same as in Series 8. Apple says this is 20% faster than the earlier model.
“This makes the SE feel snappy and smooth overall; apps launched quickly, and Siri was able to recognize my speech right away,” notes Cnet.
“The Apple Watch SE (2022)’s performance is noticeably more sharp the original Apple Watch SE’s,” says Tom’s Guide.
A faster chip is especially important for anyone still using an Apple Watch Series 3.
Low power mode
Apple promises an 18-hour battery life for the 2022 version of Apple Watch SE. To extend that, Apple added Low Power Mode, which turns off some features like hart-rate monitoring.
Cnet put the feature to the test. “After 12 hours of use with the battery starting at 100%, my Apple Watch SE had more battery capacity left with low-power mode turned on compared to similar usage without it. But the difference was minimal.”
It’s still a budget smartwatch
While the 2022 Apple Watch SE borrows some of Series 8’s features, it didn’t get all of them, of course.
“The main features you’ll miss if you opt for an SE instead of a Series 8 is the Always On Display (AOD), ECG reader, blood oxygen app and the new skin temperature sensor,” says Engadget.
That doesn’t mean the device is too bare bones. “Many average users will find everything they need in the new SE,” opines Tom’s Guide.
Apple Watch SE 2022 starts at $249
In the United States, the price for the latest SE model costs $30 less than the 2022 version.
“At $250, the Apple Watch SE is the best option for those who just want a smartwatch for tasks like reading iPhone notifications, tracking workouts, logging sleep and using Apple Pay from your wrist,” says Cnet.
The wrist wearable can be preordered now from Apple, and starts reaching stores and customers on September 16.
