The Apple Watch SE 2, starting at $399 AUD, is a brilliant option for those looking for a versatile smartwatch without breaking the bank. This second-generation model offers many of the same features as the Apple Watch Series 8 and even the Ultra, making it a fantastic choice for most people. Here’s why.
Design and Build
The SE 2 maintains Apple’s signature aesthetic with a sleek, rectangular design. Available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, it’s slightly smaller than the Series 8 but hardly noticeable on the wrist. It comes in three aluminium finishes: Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. The aluminium build is lightweight, making it comfortable for everyday wear, but it’s worth noting that it’s more prone to scratches than the titanium or stainless steel options found on higher-end models.
You can pair the SE 2 with a variety of Apple Watch bands, including those from older models, so you can customise it to suit your style.
Display
The SE 2’s Retina display is bright and easy to read in most conditions, though it lacks the Always-On Display found in the Series 8 and Ultra. This means the screen is off when not in use, which could be a dealbreaker for those wanting their watch face visible at all times.
Performance
Under the hood, the SE 2 uses the same S8 chip as the Series 8, ensuring snappy performance and smooth navigation through WatchOS 10. Apps load quickly, and scrolling through menus feels seamless. It’s impressive to see this level of performance in a device at this price point.
The battery life is up to 18 hours, typical for Apple Watches. With fast charging, you can quickly top up the battery during your morning routine, making it less of a hassle for daily use.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The SE 2 is a reliable fitness companion. It tracks heart rate, steps, calories burned, and workout metrics like pace and distance. It also includes sleep tracking, though the absence of advanced sensors like the temperature sensor or blood oxygen monitoring makes it less comprehensive than the Series 8.
The SE 2 doesn’t support ECG (electrocardiogram) readings, but it does provide high and low heart rate notifications and irregular rhythm alerts. For casual fitness enthusiasts, this is more than sufficient.
Features
The SE 2 comes with watchOS 10, which brings all the latest software features:
- Crash Detection: Automatically calls emergency services if it detects a severe car accident.
- Emergency SOS: A lifesaving feature that’s great for peace of mind.
- Backtrack in Compass App: Ideal for hikers and outdoor adventurers, it helps you retrace your steps.
- Apple Pay: Quick and secure payments on the go.
It also integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, syncing with your iPhone for notifications, music control, and app compatibility.
Limitations
The SE 2 makes some sacrifices to keep costs down:
- No Always-On Display: The screen stays off until you lift your wrist or tap it.
- No Blood Oxygen or Temperature Sensors: This affects sleep tracking and female health insights.
- No ECG Support: For those wanting advanced heart health monitoring, the Series 8 is a better option.
Pricing in Australia
- Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS): Starting at $399 AUD
- Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS + Cellular): Starting at $499 AUD
Who Should Buy It?
The Apple Watch SE 2 is perfect for:
- Casual fitness enthusiasts who want reliable activity tracking.
- First-time smartwatch users looking for an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem.
- Everyday users who don’t need advanced health metrics like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring.
If you’re on a budget or don’t need the added features of the Series 8 or Ultra, the SE 2 is the sweet spot for performance, design, and value.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch SE 2 offers a lot for its price. It’s not as feature-packed as the Series 8 or Ultra, but it’s an excellent all-rounder with the same top-tier performance and seamless integration with Apple devices. For $399 AUD, it’s hard to beat.
Would you go for the SE 2, or do you need the bells and whistles of Apple’s more expensive models?