A Budget-Friendly Smartwatch with High-End Features
The Apple Watch SE is an impressive option for anyone looking to dip into the world of smartwatches without spending top dollar. Starting at $429 AUD, it offers an excellent range of features that balance performance and affordability. While it doesn’t boast every feature of its more expensive siblings, it’s an ideal choice for most users. Here’s a closer look at what the Apple Watch SE has to offer.
Design and Build
The Apple Watch SE comes in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) and features the same aluminium casing and slim bezels as the Series 4, 5, and 6. This means that, at a glance, no one would know you saved a chunk of money. It’s available in multiple colours, and the bands are easily interchangeable to match your style. The rectangular design may not appeal to everyone, but it’s functional and sleek. It’s water-resistant up to 50 metres, so swimming and surfing are no problem.
Features and Functionality
The Apple Watch SE doesn’t compromise on essential features. Here’s what stands out:
- Health and Fitness: Tracks workouts, steps, and calories with great accuracy. It includes heart rate monitoring and an always-on altimeter but skips the ECG and blood oxygen sensors found in premium models. Sleep tracking is present but lacks depth compared to other wearables like Garmin.
- Daily Convenience: Apple Pay, notifications, timers, alarms, and more are all included. The seamless integration with the iPhone is unmatched, offering easy access to calls, texts, and music streaming.
- Apps: From the Breathe app to maps, period tracking, and even a remote camera, the Apple Watch SE covers most day-to-day needs. You can also download games and other apps for extra fun and productivity.
- Customisation: Choose from an array of watch faces, including animated options like Toy Story characters or even your personalised Memoji.
Performance
The Apple Watch SE is powered by the S5 chipset, making it snappy and capable of handling multiple apps without lag. With 32GB of storage, there’s plenty of space for music, podcasts, and apps.
Drawbacks
No device is perfect, and the Apple Watch SE has a few downsides:
- Battery Life: Lasts around 1.5 days with regular use, meaning you’ll need to charge it daily if you use sleep tracking.
- Screen Protection: The screen sits flush with the casing, making it prone to scratches. A case or screen protector is highly recommended.
- No Always-On Display (AOD): Unlike the Series 6, you’ll need to raise your wrist to see the time.
- Limited Health Metrics: No blood oxygen monitoring or ECG means it’s not ideal for those who prioritise health tracking.
Who Should Buy It?
The Apple Watch SE is a jack-of-all-trades smartwatch that ticks most boxes:
- Everyday Users: Perfect for those looking for a well-rounded device that seamlessly integrates with their iPhone.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Great for casual workouts but may fall short for triathletes or those requiring advanced analytics.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: At a lower price point than the Series 6 or Ultra, it’s a fantastic entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem.
Who Should Skip It?
- Health Fanatics: If ECG and blood oxygen tracking are must-haves, the Series 6 or 8 is a better fit.
- Style Seekers: The rectilinear design may not suit those looking for a more traditional watch aesthetic.
- Adventurers: For extended battery life and rugged durability, consider Garmin or Suunto options.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch SE delivers excellent value for its price, making it one of the best budget-friendly smartwatches in Australia. It’s not the most advanced device on the market, but its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, robust feature set, and accessible price make it a standout for everyday users. Whether you’re tracking workouts, staying connected, or simply exploring what a smartwatch can do, the Apple Watch SE is worth considering.