Apple Watch SE 2: should you upgrade?

Apple released the Apple Watch SE 2, a second generation of the SE, alongside the Series 8 smartwatch in fall 2022. And while it is a great economic option for Apple Watches, the SE 2 did not quite live up to what we hoped it would be: a smartwatch with ECG. You will need a Series 7, 8 or Ultra for ECG sensors in your newer Apple Watch.

For the 2020 model year, Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE, the first model to carry the SE moniker. The quality of the Apple Watch SE is comparable to that of the iPhone 6s, despite its lower price.

Read: Quick, Grab The Apple Watch SE For Less!

What does SE stand for?

What is SE’s acronym for? Is this a Standard, Student, or Even More Economical Edition? This is a hotly contested topic. Ending the mystery was Phil Schiller. Apple’s most senior product market executive, who claimed “SE” stood for “Special Edition”. To put it plainly, it was a letdown.

The SE designation has been used on Apple devices that precede the iPhone SE (which stood for System Expansion).

The competition from other wearables will be tougher and tougher by 2022. So, how does the Apple SE 2 stack up as a smartwatch in today’s tech world?

Read: Why We Think the Apple Watch SE is Good for Everyday Use

Apple SE 2 Design Updates

The core design updates to the SE 2 from the first generation are actually within the smartwatch’s core. This means a better operating system in OS9 with which your device will come installed, and a faster dual-core processor. So no matter if you purchase an SE 2 with GPS, or GPS and cellular, you’ll get those signals faster than with the original SE.

We did imagine an SE smartwatch with always-on display, however the SE 2 stills sports a simple retina display.

The external design updates are noticeable, and continue Apple’s aim to be a more environmentally conscious company. The case is made of recycle aluminum, while the color-matched back is a composite nylon.

Health Tracking

The health tracking and sensor availability did not change a lot between the SE and SE gen. 2. The new SE lacks blood oxygen and temperature sensors, and runs on a second generation heart rate sensor. The Series 8 and new Ultra, offer both sensors, and better heart tracking.

However, you’ll need to skip some features if you’re skipping a lot of the prices! The SE runs on OS9, so you could take advantage of all those new health features either way, most notably the scientific sleep tracking improvements.

Battery Life

The Series 8 and new SE both boast an 18-hour battery life. However, the SE does not come with speedy charging. But with less bells and whistles than the 8, the SE is less likely to drain your battery faster.

Price of the Apple Watch SE

The price is this smartwatch’s biggest dray: the SE gives you a seemless and intuitive user experience on your wrist without breaking your bank account. You would need to sacrifice some features and sensors, but it all depends on how much those things mean to you in the long run.

Someone with hear-related health issues, for example, may prefer an Apple watch option with the ECG and improved heart rate sensors. Or those who are out for serious adventure may prefer the rugged durability of the Apple Watch Ultra.

But for something simple, reliable, and as user-friendly as this smartwatch is, the SE is priced just right.

Apple Watch SE 2 Conclusion

The Apple Watch SE was debuted in 2020, the first time the SE designation was used on the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE, like its iPhone counterpart, aims to provide a high-quality experience at a lower price point, much like the iPhone. We think it accomplishes this with the faster processor, but we still would have loved to have recieved an ECG or blood oxygen monitor on this device!

So, will you be picking up an Apple Watch SE 2 or not?

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