Apple has recently launched the second generation of its Apple Watch SE, a more affordable alternative to its flagship Series 8. The new Apple Watch SE 2 comes with a new processor, car-crash detection, low-power mode, and a tweaked design. However, it still lacks some features that are available on the more expensive models, such as an always-on display and a QWERTY keyboard. Here’s everything you need to know about the Apple Watch SE 2 and how it compares to the Series 8.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is a step up from the original Apple Watch SE, which was released in 2020. The main upgrade is the new processor, which is the same as the one inside the Series 8. This means that the Apple Watch SE 2 should run faster and smoother than the previous model, and also support future software updates for longer.
Another new feature is the car-crash detection, which can automatically call emergency services and send your location to your emergency contacts if it detects that you have been involved in a car accident. This feature is also available on the Series 8, but not on the older models.
The Apple Watch SE 2 also has a low-power mode, which can extend the battery life by turning off some features and reducing the brightness of the display. This mode can be activated manually or automatically when the battery level is low. The low-power mode is also coming to the Series 8 and the Series 7 with the watchOS 9 update.
The design of the Apple Watch SE 2 is slightly different from the original model. The new watch has a thinner bezel around the display, which makes it look more modern and sleek. The display size is also slightly larger, at 41mm and 45mm, compared to 40mm and 44mm on the previous model. The new sizes are compatible with the existing bands, so you don’t have to buy new ones if you upgrade.
What’s missing in the Apple Watch SE 2?
The Apple Watch SE 2 is a great smartwatch for the price, but it doesn’t have everything that the Series 8 offers. The most noticeable difference is the lack of an always-on display, which means that you have to raise your wrist or tap the screen to see the time and other information. The always-on display is one of the main features that distinguish the Series 8 from the SE 2, and it can be very convenient and useful in some situations.
Another feature that the Apple Watch SE 2 doesn’t have is the QWERTY keyboard, which allows you to type messages and search queries on the watch. The QWERTY keyboard is a new feature that was introduced with the Series 8, and it can make texting and browsing easier and faster on the watch. The Apple Watch SE 2 still has the option to use Scribble, Dictation, or Emoji, but they are not as versatile as the QWERTY keyboard.
The Apple Watch SE 2 also lacks some health sensors that are available on the Series 8, such as the blood oxygen sensor, the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, and the body temperature sensor. These sensors can measure various aspects of your health and wellness, and alert you if there are any issues. The Apple Watch SE 2 still has the heart rate sensor, the fall detection, and the noise level monitor, but they are not as comprehensive as the Series 8.
How much does the Apple Watch SE 2 cost?
The Apple Watch SE 2 starts at $249 for the GPS-only version, and $299 for the GPS + Cellular version. This is $70 cheaper than the original Apple Watch SE, which started at $279 and $329, respectively. The Apple Watch SE 2 is also $150 cheaper than the Series 8, which starts at $399 and $499, respectively.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is available in three colors: silver, space gray, and gold. You can also choose from various bands and cases to customize your watch. The Apple Watch SE 2 is compatible with all the existing bands and cases, as well as the new ones that were launched with the Series 8.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is currently on sale at Walmart, where you can get it for just $179, which is a $70 discount from the original price. This is the lowest price we have seen for the Apple Watch SE 2, and it’s a great deal if you are looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch. However, you have to act fast, as this deal is only available until Nov. 26, or while supplies last.
Should you buy the Apple Watch SE 2?
The Apple Watch SE 2 is a great choice if you are looking for a smartwatch that can do most of the things that the Series 8 can do, but at a lower price. The Apple Watch SE 2 has the same performance, car-crash detection, low-power mode, and design as the Series 8, and it covers all the basics like notifications, fitness tracking, sleep tracking, and Apple Pay.
However, if you want the best of the best, and you don’t mind paying more, you might want to consider the Series 8 instead. The Series 8 has an always-on display, a QWERTY keyboard, and more health sensors than the SE 2, which can make a difference in your user experience and your health monitoring.
The Apple Watch SE 2 is a great smartwatch for the price, but it doesn’t have everything that the Series 8 offers.
