Apple Watch SE (2022)

S8 chip is 20 percent faster ; It’s $150 cheaper than the Series 8 ; Gets the bulk of watchOS 9 features ; Excellent entry-level watch

The bezels are thick ; Smaller display isn’t good for elderly relatives ; No always-on display ; Fewer sensors

I got used to the SE’s smaller screen after a while, but I was happy to strap the Series 8 and Ultra back on my wrist for further testing. I will miss the lighter weight and the way it looks on my wrist, but not at the expense of my big, beautiful...

Premium build ; Water resistant ; Fast performance ; Great value for money

No always-on display ; Thicker bezels ; Slower charging ; Still no ECG and blood oxygen sensor

If you want the full-featured Apple Watch experience, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the better choice. But I think many average users will find everything they need in the new SE.

Wears great on the wrist ; Seamless integration with the iPhone ; Offers core Apple Watch features ; A wide range of fitness features ; Integrated GPS (you can leave the iPhone at home) ; 3 months of Fitness+ included ; Affordable price

90 minutes to charge from 0 to 100% ; Power adapter not included in the box ; No dust-resistant rating ; No Always-on Display (AoD)

According to Apple, for over 80% of people who bought the first generation SE series, this is their first Apple Watch. Which is quite understandable, given that offering the core functions of the Apple Watch series at an affordable price. But if...

Affordable without skimping on core features ; LTE isn't much more than the Wi-Fi only model ; Good alternative to providing a child an iPhone SE

No always-on display ; No ECG features ; No SpO2 monitoring

Lightweight, premium design ; Excellent apps and iPhone integration ; Very good fitness options ; Long battery life (for an Apple Watch)

No always-on screen ; Limited health sensors ; Low battery life (for a fitness watch) ; Only for iPhone users still

The new Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen is as smooth, fast and flexible as Apple's more expensive smartwatches, with all the app support you could want. The new lighter build makes it perhaps Apple's most comfortable watch ever, too. It's a pity it doesn't have...

Multiple case size and colour options ; Same processor as the Apple Watch Series 8 ; By-yearly release cycle means it retains its value for longer ; Lighter than Apple Watch Series 8 ; Almost all features as mainline Apple Watches

No always-on-screen option ; No ECG or blood oxygen ; Slower charge speed ; Comparatively thick bezel ; Uses an older optical heart rate sensor

Overall, the changes and updates offered by the Apple Watch SE 2 might not feel significant, but there ARE some upgrades, both hardware and software, which make the second iteration of Apple's affordable wearable more appealing. It might not be as...