The big surprise during the Apple 2020 Fall event for me was the new Apple Watch SE and more specifically the specifications and price!
The full list of devices announced during the Apple 2020 Fall Event is:
Apple Watch SE
Although Apple has kept the 2017 Series 3 in circulation as an entry-level Watch, they have now given consumers another choice with the SE.
Like its namesake iPhone model, the Watch SE is targeted at those who want the Apple technology, and badge, but without the price tag that comes with them.
But when you compare the new SE next to the Series 3 and 6 Watch specifications, you’ll notice Apple has been uncharacteristically generous!
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Watch SE Overview
On the outside, there is no easy way of telling an SE watch from a Series 6 unless it’s in one of the new colours, otherwise, the few differences are all on the inside.
The SE is powered by the same W3 chip, shares the same battery & water-resistant performance and even has the same Retina LTPO OLED display with Ion‑X glass.
Where it differs from its more expensive sibling is the lack of sensors for heart health.
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Value for Money
At $310/£269, the starting price for the Watch SE, Apple is not only aiming its newest wearable at those preferring a more affordable device, but also family members who may not own a iPhone.
Along with Watch SE, Apple announced Family set-up built into watchOS 7. This new feature gives those without an iPhone the chance to own an Apple Watch and link it to someone who does.
A step that has already been taken by Fitbit and Garmin.
The Retina touchscreen comes in either a 40 or 44mm case size and is accompanied by the digital crown with haptic feedback. There’s even a cellular version for an additional $50/£50.
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Premium Features on a Budget
Whilst the SE may not have all of the sensors that can be found on Watch 6, it still beats Series 3 specifications. It has Fall Detection and International Emergency Calling (cell version only) as standard.
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Noise monitoring is included and makes use of the onboard microphone to monitor the ambient sound levels around the user. It then notifies them via haptic feedback on the wrist if the levels are at a point which could have an impact on hearing.
All of the standard apps and features including Apple Pay, Compass, Speaker, Accelerometer and Wi-Fi connectivity are included on the Watch SE.
“Apple Watch SE combines elements of the Series 6 design with the most essential features of Apple Watch, all at a more affordable price.”
Apple
Compare Apple Watch Models 2020/21
| Apple Watch | SE | Series 3 | Series 6 |
| Sizes | 40mm 44mm | 38mm 42mm | 40mm 44mm |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED display Ion‑X glass | Retina OLED display Ion‑X glass | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display Ion‑X glass Sapphire Crystal (Stainless steel and titanium models) |
| Colours | Silver Space Grey Gold | Silver Space Grey | Silver Space Grey Blue Product (RED)™️ |
| Casing Options | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium Stainless Steel Titanium |
| Connectivity | GPS GPS + Cellular Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 | GPS Wi-Fi Bluetooth 4.2 | GPS GPS + Cellular Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Storage | 32GB | 8GB | 32GB |
| Chip | W3 | W2 | W3 |
| Battery Performance | Up To 18 Hours | Up To 18 Hours | Up To 18 Hours |
| Charging | Magnetic Cable | Magnetic Cable | Magnetic Cable |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer 2nd Gen Optical heart sensor Always-on altimeter Compass | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Optical heart sensor Altimeter | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer 2nd Gen Optical heart sensor Always-on altimeter Compass Blood oxygen sensor Electrical heart sensor |
| Water Resistant | 50m | 50m | 50m |
| Control | Touchscreen Digital Crown w/ haptic feedback | Touchscreen Digital Crown | Touchscreen Digital Crown w/ haptic feedback |
| Emergency Calling | Fall Detection Emergency SOS Noise monitoring | Emergency SOS | Fall Detection Emergency SOS Noise monitoring International Emergency Calling |
| Notifications | High/Low Heart Rate Irregular Heart Rhythm | High/Low Heart Rate Irregular Heart Rhythm | High/Low Heart Rate Irregular Heart Rhythm Blood Oxygen ECG App |
| Prices (from) | $310 £269 | $199 £197 | $399 £379 |
