So, is it worth buying the new Apple Watch Series 10, or should you opt for the more affordable Apple Watch SE 2, or even splurge on the premium Apple Watch Ultra 2? Choosing the wrong one could be a costly mistake, or you might miss out on life-changing features. While all of these models are excellent for iPhone users, the differences are becoming increasingly nuanced and sometimes confusing.
Let’s break it down for an Australian audience, looking at the features, design, pricing, and ideal use cases for each.
Fitness and Health Tracking
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch lineup is its health and fitness tracking capabilities. Here are the key differences:
- Apple Watch SE 2: A great budget-friendly option, but it lacks advanced features like ECG (electrocardiogram) and sleep apnea notifications. You still get high/low and irregular heart rate alerts, step tracking, and basic sleep monitoring.
- Apple Watch Series 10: Adds features like sleep apnea detection and a body temperature sensor, which is especially useful for sleep tracking and cycle tracking for women.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: The most advanced with dual-band GPS for more accurate outdoor tracking and water resistance up to 100m. Ideal for scuba divers or those needing rugged durability.
While the SE 2 misses some advanced features, all three watches perform admirably for general fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring. For Australians who want to stay on top of their health without spending a fortune, the SE 2 delivers fantastic value.
Design and Durability
- SE 2: Available in aluminium with three colour options. It’s lightweight but more prone to scratches.
- Series 10: Offers aluminium and titanium finishes with six colour options. It’s thinner and sleeker, with a larger screen-to-body ratio.
- Ultra 2: Made entirely of titanium, offering the best durability. It’s slightly chunkier but built for rugged use. It features a flat display, which makes it less likely to crack during high-impact activities like rock climbing.
The Ultra 2 is the most robust, but the Series 10’s new design makes it more appealing for everyday wear.
Display and Brightness
- SE 2: Features a smaller and dimmer display (1,000 nits max brightness) without an always-on option.
- Series 10: Offers an always-on display with 2,000 nits brightness and thinner bezels for a larger screen.
- Ultra 2: The brightest at 3,000 nits, making it perfect for Australia’s sunny outdoor conditions.
The always-on display on the Series 10 and Ultra 2 is a significant upgrade for those who value convenience.
Battery Life
- SE 2: Lasts up to 18 hours, meaning you’ll need to charge it daily.
- Series 10: Also 18 hours but charges faster, reaching 80% in 30 minutes.
- Ultra 2: Offers up to 36 hours, making it ideal for multi-day adventures or those who prefer not to charge every night.
Unique Features
- Series 10: Introduces double-tap gestures, a feature that lets you control the watch without touching the screen, and it’s the first to support music playback through the built-in speaker.
- Ultra 2: Includes exclusive features like a siren for emergencies, depth tracking for divers, and advanced GPS for precise navigation.
For Aussies who spend a lot of time outdoors or travelling, the Ultra 2’s rugged features could be a game-changer.
Pricing in Australia
- SE 2: Starts at $399 AUD (non-cellular) and $469 AUD (cellular).
- Series 10: Starts at $629 AUD (aluminium, non-cellular) and $779 AUD (titanium with cellular).
- Ultra 2: Comes in at $1,399 AUD but includes cellular by default.
Which Should You Buy?
- Apple Watch SE 2: Best for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable smartwatch for fitness and notifications. Perfect for casual users.
- Apple Watch Series 10: Ideal for those who value cutting-edge design, advanced health tracking, and a larger, more vibrant display. It’s the all-rounder.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: Designed for adventurers and professionals who need rugged durability, extended battery life, and high-end features.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an iPhone user in Australia, all three models are fantastic choices depending on your needs. The SE 2 offers unbeatable value, the Series 10 strikes a perfect balance between price and features, and the Ultra 2 is unmatched for outdoor enthusiasts.