The Apple Watch SE Is (Probably) All the Smartwatch You Need
Sometimes the most expensive option isn’t the best, and smartwatches are no exception. Over the past two weeks, I’ve traded in my typical Apple Watch SE for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 , and for the most part, I prefer the $249 option over the $799 one.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 has everything you love, from an always-on display to an action button. But it’s a highly specialized device with a lot of features that most people won’t need. Even if cost weren’t a factor, I’m willing to bet that a large number of people would still prefer the Apple Watch SE or the Apple Watch Series 9 .
Let’s break down the pros and cons of the most expensive and cheapest Apple watches to help you find the one that’s right for you.
Why buy a smartwatch?
I only started wearing a smartwatch after the pandemic, when I started commuting more often. I’m not a big athlete, and I thought it was kind of stupid, like wearing a sign that said “please rob me.” I guess people used to say the same thing about flip phones.
The Apple Watch SE is for people like me. It’s small, lightweight, and does just enough to win me over. I like to think of it as an updated iPod Nano. It’s a tiny little box that I can use to manage my media, pay with one touch, and sometimes track my walks. That’s all I needed, but it was convenient enough and I loved this thing and how it allows me to keep my phone in my bag on the train.
Others, however, bought a smartwatch from the start. They love the detailed sensors found on higher-end models, the luxurious looks available with upgrades, and the feel of their hefty bodies on their wrists. For these people, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great choice.
What’s included in each Apple Watch model?
Apple currently sells three Apple Watch models, and I tested two. None of them are bad choices, but they each target a different audience, so there’s a lot to consider, even if money isn’t an issue.
The cheapest Apple Watch is the Apple Watch SE, which has the smallest size and minimal specifications. For $249, its aluminum body includes a 1,000-nit display, a battery good for an 18-hour charge, an S8 chip (powering features like Siri and Find My iPhone) and an optical heart rate monitor. You’ll get water resistance up to 164 feet, and for an additional $50 you can add the option of a cellular data plan.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is one step up, starting at $399 (cellular connectivity adds $100 to the price, and you can pay even more for the stainless steel case). For that extra money, you’ll get an always-on display with 2,000 nits of brightness, an S9 chip (unlocking double-tap and Siri updates, as well as Find My iPhone), a new ECG, temperature measurement, fast charging, and low charge. power mode for your battery that is designed to last up to 36 hours.
Finally, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799 and comes in just one model, with additional premiums reserved for accessories. All Ultra 2 models feature a titanium body, an always-on display with 3,000 nits of brightness, an S9 chip, water resistance to 328 feet, updated GPS, cellular compatibility, and an estimated battery life of up to 36 hours with normal use and up to 72 hours. in low power mode. There’s also an orange action button on the side and additional sensors including a gyroscope and depth gauge.
All Apple Watch models have OLED screens, a digital crown, speakers (though they’re upgraded on the Ultra) and a menu button, but if we were to discuss everything that’s different about them, we’d be here all day. More information can be found on Apple’s website , but even with everything I’ve laid out so far, I haven’t yet touched on the most important difference.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is too big and heavy for my wrist
Remember when I called the Apple Watch SE an updated iPod Nano? This will not work with Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The SE comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes (mine is 40) and weighs a maximum of 33g even on the larger model with cellular enabled. Apple Watch Ultra 2 measures just 49mm and weighs 61.4g.
This thing is bulky, especially on a small wrist like mine, and it feels less like carrying around the control center of your iPhone—or perhaps an entire separate iPhone. It’s cool for showing off, but not for everyday use, which is what got me into smartwatches in the first place.
Outside of special use cases, the always-on display is the only upgrade I really liked most of the time I used it. Everything else was just a burden.
If you’re like me, the Ultra 2 is simply a bad choice, even if you can afford it and usually go for top-end options like the M3 Max MacBook Pro . You’ll end up with a lot of stuff you don’t use and a worse experience with what you do, so do yourself a favor and save.
When should you buy an Apple Watch Ultra 2?
But that doesn’t mean the Ultra 2’s additions are just ready-made selling points that Apple uses to raise the price. They are really useful for people who need it, that is, for outdoor enthusiasts.
The only reason I started this comparison was to test out the updated Golfshot app , a golf assistant for Android, iOS and Apple Watch. Earlier this month , an update was released for the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 that was truly a game changer and would have totally justified my upgrade if I was a bigger golfer.
In addition to adding training ranges to the app’s line of courses, the update uses additional sensors in the Apple Watch Ultra line to track your swing in detail every time. SwingID allows the app to track factors like tempo, rhythm, swing, and more, and while it’s available on the Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra can track your swing at 800Hz, allowing it to pinpoint when you swing on the ball.
After just a few hours of play, I was able to use this data to see what was causing my shots to veer to the right so often and end the session by straightening them out.
This is where the Apple Watch shines. For example, the extra waterproofing andDepth app make it a must-have for diving, while its detailed watch face options , extra-large battery, loud speakers, and cellular connectivity make it useful for keeping tourists informed and safe .
I’m unlikely to use these features any time soon, but given that competing outdoor watches like the Garmin Mk3 dive computer can cost thousands of dollars, the Apple Watch Ultra could be a worthy replacement for more dedicated hardware.
The larger size also puts the Apple Watch Ultra in more competition with luxury watches. I’m not one for choosing my outfit to show off, but there’s no arguing that the Ultra looks ugly, especially when you add one of Apple’s official Hermès bands .
Do I need an Apple Watch Ultra if I’m just going to the gym?
I most enjoy thinking of the Apple Watch Ultra as a dedicated exercise companion, and while I tried wearing it to the gym, I didn’t get much use out of it. My typical day at the gym involves about half an hour on the elliptical and ten minutes of weight lifting, and in this case, the Ultra only gave me one benefit: the Action button.
On the side of both Apple Watch Ultras is an orange action button that can be configured to launch anything from a stopwatch to a flashlight (which turns the watch screen white and sets the brightness to maximum). Most of the available action button features are also available as features on Apple Watch SE and Series 9, but require searching through the menu, so being able to enable them with the press of a button is convenient. This is similar to the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max .
I set the Action button to start the workout and could press it again to pause the workout. I didn’t notice too much variation in the recorded data on either watch, but since I usually just wait for my SE to detect when I’m working out before I start tracking, I was able to time my workout tracking more accurately on the Ultra. 2. The SE, for all its lightness and convenience, can be a little slow to notice when I’m at the gym.
If you exercise outdoors, consider a larger battery. I usually have to charge my SE every night, but on the Ultra 2 I was able to charge it every night. Either way, you’ll still be attuned to the watch, but you’ll be less likely to accidentally put on a dead battery. look with a more expensive model.
Besides during-workout tracking, there’s also something to be said for ECG and cycle tracking apps. While they’re also available on the Series 9 at a more modest price, the closest the SE comes is the ability to manually log cycles.
Which Apple Watch should I choose?
The best Apple Watch for you may not be the one with the most bells and whistles. I prefer a small, lightweight device with a minimal interface that I can use as a commuting companion, so the SE isn’t just a budget compromise for me: it’s my favorite option.
Meanwhile, the Ultra 2 is great for people who regularly dive, golf, hike, or do some other more intense outdoor hobby. Its additional sensors and more rugged design allow it to compete with more expensive specialty equipment, and despite its size, it is still suitable for everyday tasks such as tap-to-pay.
The Series 9 is a great compromise. Its smallest variant is only slightly larger than the SE, it comes in more colors and has a few extra sensors, but it’s not as large as the Ultra 2. It’s a good choice, but be sure to do your research to see if you should buy it. actually use additional sensors for an additional $150.