Apple Watch SE (2nd generation): complete technical sheet, price and reviews

Already the second generation for the Apple Watch SE. Apple's most affordable connected watch is intended to be light, fashionable and equipped with all the features necessary to carry your iPhone on your wrist. But what about the technical characteristics and the software used on a daily basis? This is what we are going to see together now.

Screen

If you're looking for an Apple Watch with a big screen, this isn't the Apple Watch SE for you. Indeed, of all the watches still on sale at Cupertino, it is the one with the most compact display with a case of forty or forty-four millimeters. Enough for basic controls like playing a playlist or turning on a light bulb with HomeKit, but not enough for the watchOS 9 keyboard.

In terms of brightness, be aware that the Apple Watch SE reaches a maximum of a thousand nits.ThenitsEastaunitandofmesureofthelossanced‘andandcran.Ilreprandentitythequantityoflumieraandmwhereasparandandcranparunitandofsurface. For comparison, the Apple Watch Ultra reaches two thousand nits: with the SE version, you may therefore have a little more difficulty reading your data in direct sunlight.

Our opinion on the performance of the Apple Watch SE 2

It's surprising, but the manufacturer has chosen to equip the Apple Watch SE with the same chip as its other connected watches released in 2022. This is the dual-core S8 processor, responsible for executing watchOS 9 instructions without flinch. And that’s the case: the Apple Watch SE performs all the tasks we ask of it very quickly. However, the manufacturer does not specify the quantity of RAM preferred to accompany this component, which is quite a shame. But in any case, power is not really sought after with this type of product.

Concretely, taking a heartbeat measurement or reading a text message by voice only takes a few seconds with an Apple Watch SE. Please note that the watch also consumes relatively little energy thanks to joint optimization of the software and hardware, which is really welcome to avoid overheating the arm.

There are few notable bugs with the Apple Watch SE (second generation). On a daily basis, it is a real pleasure to use it without having to wait as you can sometimes do with Macs. So of course, you do experience some slowdowns after a while, including with the battery, but this is the case with all connected watches.

Mixed opinion on the battery

Let's talk about the battery. Its official technical sheet mentions up to eighteen hours of autonomy. Let's say it bluntly: it is quite rare to be able to reach such a level. This only happens under certain conditions that will be difficult for you to reproduce on a day-to-day basis. When it comes to using sensors that consume a minimum, such as with the heart rate sensor or with mobile data, the battery visibly melts.

PourPresse-citron.netwho was able to test the Apple Watch SE 2 in real conditions, on the other hand, it is easy to last two days in a row. But this does not take into account sleep tracking, which requires leaving the watch activated all night. A crucial point for many, sometimes even the only interest of an Apple Watch for others.

The Apple Watch SE fully charges in just over ninety minutes. It's a long time: mobiles with ten times more mAh on their technical sheet do much better, under the hour. It's a shame that Cupertino didn't want to offer us faster charging, but you can turn to the brand's other wearables to do this. The Apple Watch Ultra andl’Apple Watch Series 8are equipped with fast charging.

Nothing new on the design side

Another key characteristic of the technical sheet: the format. The Apple Watch SE follows the clear guidelines imposed since the start of the Watch range and in a case the same size as the Series 5. It is practical and light. With this, the manufacturer offers us the opportunity to personalize the watch at will thanks to three aluminum colors to choose from: silver, starlight or midnight. It is not possible to choose a titanium or stainless steel shell.

Users can, however, opt for straps with a pattern and color of their choice to complement the watch. Here too, the material is customizable: silicone? metal ? leather ? It’s up to you, depending on your budget and preferences. In terms of price, however, this will cost you more if you want to have several bracelets at home. Allow for example forty-nine euros for the braceletSingle looppink in color orblue cactus. A single braided loop bracelet, on the other hand, will cost you ninety-nine euros.

In terms of weight, know that the Apple Watch SE does not exceed forty grams. The mass (it's more accurate) actually depends on the integration of a mobile data modem and the size of the case, of course. Also good to know: with an Apple Watch SE 2, you can swim or sweat without fear of damaging the internal components because everything is water resistant. Of course, it's still better to take the watch off from time to time to clean it, but that's up to you.

In short, the Apple Watch SE is more of a fashion accessory than a real small pocket computer like Fitbit and others can do. And this is what allows us to give it a score of 9/10 in this area, the minus point because of its dial which is unfortunately not circular unlike a Pixel Watch from Google.

Health

The Apple Watch SE does not have a blood oximeter or the ability to take electrocardiograms on the fly. On the other hand, it is possible to be warned as soon as your heart rate is too high in order to prevent signs of vascular problems. In the event of an arrhythmia, the watch also alerts you and this has already saved more than one life. Please note that the Apple Watch SE 2 has all the necessary equipment to detect sleep phases. Better yet: women who want to guess their ovulation date have cycle tracking available with this. Be careful, however: Apple specifies that its Watch SE should not replace a doctor.

The second generation of the Apple Watch SE also mentions fall detection on its technical sheet. This feature uses – among other things – the accelerometer to recognize sudden movements, before automatically calling for help if necessary. In case the user doesn't respond to a prompt, to be exact. The operation is identical for the accident detection functionality.

Communications

There are two versions of the Apple Watch SE (second generation). The first only has GPS, while the second adds a 4G modem. With the latter, you therefore have the possibility of exchanging messages or emails without having to have your iPhone nearby. This is very practical, especially if it is in charge or if you want to go running. Because yes, let's remember, the Apple Watch SE 2 is also an ally for sport, capable of monitoring your running, cycling or step sessions.

The Apple Watch SE integrates several apps for communicating with friends, including Mail and Apple Messages. But you can also download competing services like Gmail, Messenger, Instagram or Telegram. All have a version for watchOS 9. Most of the time, developers do not limit the features accessible on Apple Watch SE 2 even if the watch is actually less efficient than its high-end counterparts from Apple.

Entertainment

With its very small screen, the Apple Watch SE won't really allow you to watch a movie comfortably, and that's not the goal. However, you should know that to control other devices remotely such as a connected speaker or an Apple TV, then the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) does very well. No more need for a remote control to pause your TV+ series: all it takes is a little flick of your wrist.

Choosing an Apple Watch SE 2 also gives you free access to Apple Fitness+, Cupertino's video-on-demand sports class service. However, this is a trial period, beyond which you will have to pay to continue consulting the catalog.

Very attractive prices

The second generation Apple Watch SE is the most affordable of all the Apple Watches of 2023. Its price starts from 299 euros for the basic version, with the simplest bracelet, the most compact panel and without 4G to communicate with your contacts. If you want to upgrade to a larger case (forty-four millimeters versus forty for the small model), it will cost you 339 euros, a difference of 40 euros. And for mobile data, the price is 50 euros more.

With a leather bracelet, add 100 euros more and 50 euros for a stainless steel bracelet. With this, be aware that the fak also offers the possibility of taking out insurance to repair the Apple Watch SE 2 in the event of damage occurring after purchase. The price is 3.49 euros per month as a package or 69 euros for complete coverage which lasts two years.

Conclusion: buy it, unless…

The Apple Watch SE is a good choice if:

• you are looking for an affordable Apple smartwatch
• you need to follow your sports sessions
• you are looking for an effective communication solution on the wrist
• you have an iPhone SE

On the other hand, it is better not to opt for the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) if:

• you need a blood oximeter
• you want to use the watch with gloves
• you need to tune your watch with high end iPhone
• you are looking for a large screen to read emails faster

The Apple Watch SE is, in our opinion, one of the best connected watches we have seen in a long time. Indeed, for once, Apple is offering us accessible prices with this range, which is not the case for its other wearables. In addition, the experience offered by watchOS 9 is the best available for any Mac or iPhone user thanks to the Continuity features between Apple devices.

So certainly, for extreme sports or precise measurements, the competition does better. But for this price, from Apple, there is nothing better: the relationship with quality is unbeatable and is close to the value proposition of a MacBook Air or an iPhone SE in other sectors.