Apple’s mid-tier Watch offering may suit most

APPLE released two new Watch models a fortnight ago. I’ve now had a chance to wear and test both. While the flagship Series 6 (reviewed in-depth on Independent.ie) is a worthy high-end choice, it’s the mid-tier Watch SE that may make more sense for most people interested in trying one.

In short: it’s the same shape and size as the Series 6, with the same display resolution, the same storage (32GB), the same access to Watch faces (and straps) and it has close to the same engine power. But it costs €130 less, keeping the overall price of the 40mm model under €300 (including a band).

And the differences? The SE doesn’t have the new blood oxygen sensor of the Series 6, nor does it have an ECG sensor for heart ‘afib’ warnings. It also has last year’s (still powerful) processor and doesn’t come in either the new blue aluminium casing or the Project Red edition, though it is available in the same grey, silver and gold casing options as the Series 6.

The upshot is that unless you have a real dedication to monitoring as many intricate elements of your health as possible, these aforementioned differences may not be enough to make a meaningful difference to many people.

What might make a difference is that the SE doesn’t have the always-on display of the Series 6. In other words, the

SE works like most previous Apple Watch models where the screen switches itself on when you raise or twist your wrist. By contrast, the Series 6’s low-power always-on mode that doesn’t require any wrist movement – you can glance at the time without any hand-shifting. I’ll admit that, for me, this always-on element is a draw. But it’s an open question as to whether others would find it worthy of an extra €100-plus. What else do you need to know? Like all new Apple Watches after the Series 3 (which has slightly smaller displays), the SE model comes in two sizes – 40mm (from €294 with band) and 44mm (from €324 with band). Mine is 44m, but the 40mm version sits slightly more comfortably for anyone with slim or small wrists (13cm to 20cm).

Unfortunately, there’s no point in looking for a cellular version of the Apple Watch (which costs more anyway), as no Irish mobile operators have partnered with Apple [or vice versa, depending on how you look at it] to give this functionality.

The main advantage to this in other countries is that you can go out for a walk, a run or a cycle and leave your iPhone at home while still having full access to the network for messages, calls and notifications.

Battery life on the new Apple Watch SE ranges from one to two days, depending on how much you use its apps and sensors. I get around 36 hours, except when using its fitness features (mainly the Workout app) a lot.

Yes, battery life on this Apple Watch is considerably shorter than you’ll get on many fitness-specific devices, such as Fitbit wristbands or Garmin running watches. But bear in mind that the Apple Watch has a far brighter, better screen and does an awful lot more than almost all others.

For an extended review of the SE, go to Independent.ie.