The launch of the Apple Watch SE came as a surprise to many people. Just like the new iPad Air 2020 and the more expensive iPad Pro, the Watch SE has nearly all the important features that you would look for when it comes to purchasing an Apple Watch but a less pricey price than the headlining Apple Watch 6.

It doesn't have some key features like the always-on display, which is the biggest miss. However, while users can’t experience the blood oxygen-sensing and the electrocardiogram capabilities like with the Apple Watch 6, it is surely still a more attractive buy.

Apple Watch SE release date and price

The Apple Watch SE started going on sale on September 18. Consumers who are interested in the device can purchase it online or from the Apple Store.

The price of the device depends on whether you go for the cellular edition or the GPS-only version and whether you want the more elegant-looking Braided Solo Loop or the simple Sport band / Solo Loop.

The prices for the GPS-only version with Sport band / Solo Loop are $279 for the 40mm version and $309 for the 44mm one. Meanwhile, the prices for the cellular version are $329 for the 40mm version and $359 for the 44mm.

The prices for the GPS-only version with the Braided Solo Loop are $329 for the 40mm version and $359 for the 44mm version. The prices for the cellular version are $379 for the 40mm version and $409 for the 44mm one.

A basic “upgrade”

You might be asking what the Apple Watch SE replaces since it is equipped with the Watch 5’s always-on display but it is more powerful than the Watch 4. People would probably go with those two devices if they were still on sale.

So what upgrades do the SE actually have? The main change here is the chipset inside. The battery life of the Watch 5 improves remarkably when you switch off the always-on display. So with the Watch SE which doesn’t have this feature, good battery life is expected.

The device still has many useful features, especially for those who decided to upgrade from the Apple watch 3. And among these features, a lot is great for health tracking, which is probably the main reason why you should buy this smartwatch.

The device’s decibel meter delivers a great performance in terms of alerting you when you are in an environment where the sound is too high. With the new WatchOS 7, there is a sleep tracking feature, which is useful even though it isn’t as fully featured as the dedicated sleep monitors. The SE doesn’t have things like restorative sleeping time.

The constantly-running altimeter will let you know your reflection of a run, according to Apple. The Apple Watch SE is a great choice for an elderly relative who you might want to keep a keen eye on as it also has features like fall detection or heart rate alerts.

Combining that with a larger display on both sizes with less bezel, this will genuinely be a helpful device for older people.

The new Family Setup allows you to use your iPhone to set up an Apple Watch for someone else. So purchasing the Watch SE for someone who doesn’t own an iPhone can be a relatively straightforward proposition.

Apple Watch SE Design

In terms of design, Apple has made no changes to the Watch SE. It still has the same dimensions as other Apple wearables including the 4,5 and 6.

That means you still have the 40mm version and the 4mm version. The heart rate monitor is still on the back. The digital spinning crown is on the side. And the power button is below.

The second you take the watch from the box, all elements scream a premium device.

Because of environmental concerns, Apple announced that the USB power adaptor would be removed from Apple Watch boxes from now on.

This means that Apple Watch customers when buying the new smartwatches won’t receive the device plugging into the wall. However, the custom Apple Watch cable will still come with the box.

Apple Watch SE Display

While the display of the Apple Watch SE is supposed to be the same as that of the Watch 6, it is in fact a bit brighter.

When bringing the display the full brightness with the Torch app, the displays of the two watches are equally as bright.

WatchOS 7

The new range of watches truly shows off the key new features of the WatchOS 7. The Wach SE can track your sleep, monitor your handwashing, track more fitness workouts, and let you use new services such as the new Fitness Plus.

When using the watch, the new software delivers a great performance in monitoring your handwashing when it works. However, more often than not, the SE doesn’t realize that the user is soaping their hands.

The sleep monitoring works fine in terms of showing you how long you have been asleep and in bed. However, unlike other trackers, it doesn’t tell you the quality of your sleep.

The battery is enough to help the watch last through the night. However, if the battery drains when you wake yp, there’s no way you can charge it quickly.

Overall, the new Watch SE is an impressive device. It has all the necessary features, making it an affordable choice if you don’t care about advanced health metrics and need the always-on display.

It’s worth noting that the $279 starting price is only for the smaller model with GPS only. If you want a laarger model with cellular, the price is more expensive.