The Apple Watch SE May Be the Only Smartwatch You Require
Occasionally, the priciest option isn't the optimal choice, and smartwatches are no exception. In the last two weeks, I've replaced my normal Apple Watch SE with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and for the most part, I favor the $249 one over the $799 one.
There's much to admire with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, such as the always-on display and an Action button. However, it's a highly specialized gadget, packed with features that the majority of people won't need. Even if cost wasn't a concern, I believe that many individuals would still prefer the Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Series 9.
Let's examine the advantages and disadvantages of Apple's most inexpensive and most expensive smartwatches to determine which one suits you best.
Why wear a smartwatch?
I didn't start sporting a smartwatch until after the pandemic when I returned to commuting to work more often. I'm not much of an athlete, and I initially thought the whole idea was frivolous, akin to wearing a "mug me" sign. Maybe people had similar thoughts about flip phones back then.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
The Apple Watch SE is perfect for someone like me. It's compact, lightweight, and provides just the right amount of functionality to make me an enthusiast. I see it as a modernized iPod Nano. It's a mini gadget I can use to manage my media, make contactless payments, and occasionally track my walks. That's all I require, but I've grown to appreciate the device and how it saves my phone from being in my bag during my commute.
On the other hand, there are those who have been using smartwatches since their inception. They adore the advanced sensors that high-end models offer, the luxurious appearances available with an upgrade, and the satisfaction of feeling their weighty cases on their wrists. For these individuals, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an ideal choice.
What features come with each Apple Watch version?
Apple currently offers three Apple Watch models, and I've tried two. None are bad options, but each one caters to a different demographic, so it's essential to consider even when finances are irrelevant.
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt
The least expensive Apple Watch is the Apple Watch SE, which sells for $249 and sports an aluminum body. Its display boasts 1,000 nits, a battery capable of approximately 18 hours of use, the S8 processor (which powers Siri and Find my iPhone), and an optical heart rate monitor. It's water-resistant to a depth of 164 feet, and for an additional $50, you may choose to equip it with cellular connectivity.
The next level up is the Apple Watch Series 9, priced at $399 for the cellular version (or $449 for the stainless steel model). For this extra money, you obtain a 2,000 nit always-on display, the S9 processor (enabling the double tap feature and improving Siri and Find my iPhone), an ECG, temperature sensors, rapid charging, and a low power mode claimed to provide up to 36 hours of usage.
Lastly, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 begins at $799 and only comes in one configuration, with accessories commanding extra costs. All Ultra 2 models contain a titanium case, a 3,000 nit always-on display, the S9 processor, 328 feet of water resistance, improved GPS, cellular compatibility, and a purported battery life of up to 36 hours in regular operation and 72 hours in low power mode. There's also an orange Action button on the side and additional sensors like a gyroscope and depth gauge.
All Apple Watch models boast OLED displays, a digital crown, speakers, and a menu button, but discussing everything that sets them apart would keep us here all day. For more information, refer to Apple's site, and even with all that I've already outlined, I've yet to touch upon the most significant distinction.
$189.00at Amazon$249.00Save $60.00Apple Watch Series 9$329.00at Amazon
Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt## The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is too bulky and heavy for my wrist
Recall when I described the Apple Watch SE as a modernized iPod Nano? That certainly wouldn't work for the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The SE is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes (I have the 40), and even at its maximum size with cellular, it weighs a maximum of 33g. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 only comes in a 49mm size and weighs 61.4g.
This watch is rather chunky, especially for someone with a modest wrist like mine, and feels more like a device that's supposed to serve as a smartphone's control center—or potentially even a standalone smartphone itself. While the figured-out use cases are intriguing, for regular everyday use that initially seduced me to smartwatches, it's more of a burden.
$399.00Save $70.00
Besides its unique use cases, the always-on display is the only upgrade I genuinely appreciated during most of my time with the Ultra 2. Everything else just seemed like an inconvenience.
If you're like me, the Ultra 2 may not be the best option even if you can afford it and usually go for high-end choices such as the M3 Max MacBook Pro. You'll likely end up with features you don't need and a mediocre experience with the ones you do, so save yourself some money.
However, the enhancements in the Ultra 2 are not just gimmicks to boost the price. They are genuinely beneficial to those who require them, specifically individuals involved in outdoor activities.
The main reason I began comparing these watches was to test the updated Golfshot app, a golf course assistant for Android, iOS, and Apple Watch. Earlier this month, it received an update specifically for the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 that completely revolutionized my game.
$329.00at Amazon
The update added driving ranges to the app's list of courses and used the Ultra line's additional sensors to analyze your swing in great detail every time. SwingID allows the app to track tempo, rhythm, backswing, and more, with the Ultra 2 capable of detecting ball contact at 800hz, identifying the exact moment of impact.
In just a few hours of playing, I was able to use this data to determine why my shots were consistently veering to the right and corrected the issue.
Apple Watch truly excels in situations like this. For example, the increased waterproofing and the Depth app make it suitable for diving, while the detailed watch face options, large battery, loud speakers, and cellular connectivity make it ideal for maintaining awareness and safety during hikes.
I'm not likely to use these features in the near future, but given that similarly specialized equipment like Garmin's Mk3 Dive Computer can cost several thousands of dollars, the Apple Watch Ultra could be a viable alternative.
$399.00Save $70.00Apple Watch Ultra 2$779.99at Amazon
One of the biggest benefits of the Ultra's enormous size is its competition with luxury watches. Although I don't typically wear a watch for social status, the Ultra's stylish appearance, particularly when paired with one of Apple's Hermès bands, is undeniable.
Should I get Apple Watch Ultra for gym workouts?
I think of the Apple Watch Ultra as a specialized activity companion, but it wasn't particularly useful for me at the gym. My typical gym session includes about 30 minutes on the elliptical and 10 minutes of weight training. The Ultra 2 only offered one notable advantage for this: the Action button.
On the side of both Apple Watch Ultras, there's an orange Action button that can be programmed to activate anything from a stopwatch to a flashlight (which illuminates the screen in white and sets it to maximum brightness). While many Action button functions are available on the Apple Watch SE and Series 9, they require navigating through menus, so being able to turn them on with one button press is handy. The Ultra's Action button functionality is similar to that of the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
I assigned the Action button to start my workout and pressed it again to pause. There wasn't much difference in the data recorded on either watch, but the Ultra 2 allowed me to more accurately time my workout tracking because it often took the SE longer to notice that I was working out.
When it comes to in-exercise tracking, another advantage of the Ultra 2 is its larger battery. I usually have to charge my SE every night, but with the Ultra 2, I only needed to charge it every other night. You'll still have plenty of battery life either way, but you're less likely to inadvertently wear a dead watch with the more expensive model.
In addition to in-exercise tracking, the ECG and Cycle Tracking apps deserve mention. While these are also available on the more moderately priced Series 9, the closest the SE offers is the ability to manually log cycles.
Which Apple Watch Should I Choose?
$779.99at Amazon
For me, the best Apple Watch is the one with the least features. As someone who favors a light, compact device with a minimal interface primarily used for commuting, the SE isn't just a budget alternative: It's my top pick.
On the other hand, the Ultra 2 is excellent for people who regularly dive, golf, hike, or engage in other intense outdoor hobbies. Its additional sensors and more durable construction enable it to keep up with more expensive specialty gear, and even though it's bulky, it can still handle everyday tasks like contactless payments.
The Series 9 is an excellent alternative. Its most compact version is only slightly bigger than the SE's, it comes in additional hues, and it offers some extra detectors without becoming as bulky as the Ultra 2. It's a fabulous indulgence option, but ensure you check if you need its additional sensors before investing $150 more for these features.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case and Midnight Sport Band M/L. Health and Sleep Tracker, Fall Detection, Heart Rate Monitor - $189.00 on Amazon$249.00 at AmazonSave $60.00
Apple Watch Series 9 - $329.00 on Amazon$399.00 at AmazonSave $70.00
Apple Watch Ultra 2 - $779.99 on Amazon$779.99 at Amazon
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The 'best Apple Watch' for tech enthusiasts who value specialized features might be the 'Apple Watch Ultra 2', despite its high price tag of $799.
However, for individuals who prefer a compact and affordable smartwatch with enough functionality, the 'Apple Watch SE' could be the 'best Apple Watch', as it offers enough features at a more affordable price of $249.
