Apple Watch SE Gen 2 Review

The SE Gen 2 builds off the seminal design choices that were characteristic of its predecessor while adding meaningful improvements in processing power and a lighter-weight body. If you are an iPhone user, there is no better option than this wearable.

Performance Comparison

Fitness Impact

When evaluating the fitness impact of the Apple Watch SE Gen 2, our team conducted a comprehensive analysis of various fitness metrics. Our testers carefully assessed the accuracy of the step tracker, cycling monitoring, workout activities, and the quality of community features. Based on our findings, we consider the SE Gen 2 to be one of the top performers in this metric, delivering exceptional results across multiple submetrics.

The Apple Fitness app on the iPhone provides a wealth of features for reviewing past workouts and tracking progress. The activity circle, prominently displayed on the watch, offers a visual representation of daily movement, exercise, and standing goals. While the community features lack the same quality as other metrics, the app encourages users with meaningful badges and regular reminders to stay motivated. Sharing data is limited to other Apple Watch users, though awards received can be viewed by friends.

We were particularly impressed by the SE Gen 2's accuracy in step tracking. Comparing step counts with a manual counter, the differential was minimal, indicating reliable tracking during walking activities. This performance instills confidence in the device's ability to accurately record steps taken.

During our tests, this wearable consistently displayed precise measurements for a 1-mile distance on a treadmill. This reliability ensures users can trust the device for accurate step counting during their workouts.

In terms of distance precision, the Apple Watch SE Gen 2's ability to precisely measure a 1-mile distance on a treadmill further solidifies its accuracy. The combination of accurate step counts and distance measurements reassures users that their exercises are being reliably tracked.

Cycling Tracking impressed us with its inclusion of elevation logging, allowing users to monitor their performance on varied terrains. Although we wished for additional analytics, such as max speed, the Apple Watch SE Gen 2 still delivered accuracy and valuable insights for cycling activities.

The workout tracking submetric revealed a range of impressive features. Users can customize their workouts, adjusting various parameters such as time, heart rate alerts, distance, calories, and pace. Additionally, the device offers specific options for outdoor runs, including customizable functions like interval training, hill repeats, and more. With 81 trackable activities to choose from, the Apple Watch SE Gen 2 offers users a multitude of options to tailor their workouts to their preferences and goals.

Health Impact

In evaluating the health impact of the Apple Watch SE Gen 2, our assessment focused on the quality of its health features, including the heart rate monitor, dieting capabilities, additional health indicators, and sleep tracking. Based on our testers' findings, we have observed notable strengths and areas for improvement in each of these submetrics.

Beginning with the heart rate monitor, the SE Gen 2 demonstrated exceptional performance, consistently delivering accurate heart rate readings. Its reliability and precision in tracking heart rate make it a standout feature of this device, ensuring users can monitor their cardiovascular health with confidence.

While this device offers some nutritional tracking features, our testers noted several limitations. Accessing the health data app is somewhat obscure, as it requires navigating through the settings menu. Additionally, the input options for nutrition data, such as caffeine intake or dietary cholesterol, may not be user-friendly or practical for average users. The absence of a food diary or barcode scanning functionality further hampers the usefulness of this feature. Despite these limitations, the availability of third-party nutrition apps on the watch can partially compensate for the device's dieting shortcomings.

This wearable provides a range of lifestyle add-ons and customizable features. It includes standing and inactivity reminders, a stress detector, menstrual tracking, and a progress bar. However, notable omissions are the absence of blood oxygen readings, ECG functionality, and skin temperature monitoring. Nevertheless, the watch offers robust options for extending its capabilities through various apps, enhancing its overall health-tracking potential.

The sleep tracking feature allows users to set sleep schedules and wind-down times and includes screen customizations to reduce distractions before bed. While the device accurately tracks sleep duration, our testers identified a few areas for improvement. The absence of REM sleep tracking and the failure to register brief awakenings during the night were notable limitations. Additionally, the sleep tracking data lacks simplified metrics or comparative benchmarks to assess sleep quality easily.

Ease of Use

When assessing the Apple Watch SE Gen 2 for ease of use, our evaluation encompassed several key aspects, including battery performance, the companion app, and navigating the interface. Our testers' observations provide insights into each of these submetrics.

Beginning with battery performance, the Apple Watch SE Gen 2 offers a battery life of up to 18 hours, which falls below expectations compared to other trackers in the market. However, charging the device is notably hassle-free. With its convenient circular charger and magnetic connection, the watch effortlessly attaches to the charging dock, ensuring a secure and reliable connection.

In terms of the companion app, the SE Gen 2 provides a distinct division of information between the fitness and health apps on the paired phone device. Users can easily access relevant data by navigating to the respective app, which enhances the intuitive experience of finding specific information.

Navigating menus on the device is seamless, with a grid view layout and 360-degree movements. However, the split health and fitness apps may require switching between them for information. Putting on the watch is simple, securing it with a notch and sliding in the tail.

Display

Thorough testing was conducted on the SE Gen 2 to evaluate the quality and functionality of its display, a crucial component in the user experience. The assessment focused on screen quality, responsiveness, and smart notifications as key factors.

With a crisp screen and higher pixel density, details are sharp and staircasing is minimal. The screen remains enjoyable to view in various lighting conditions, although slight overcompensation in dimming could be improved.

In terms of responsiveness, it outshines other trackers, offering smooth and glitch-free interactions in all directions. Smart notifications go beyond typical fitness trackers, allowing for calls, images, and even videos. The larger screen size accommodates those with larger thumbs.

Ergonomics

In assessing the SE Gen 2's ergonomics, two primary factors were considered: comfort and profile design.

While the SE has a noticeable weight compared to other trackers, it's not a significant concern. The profile design leans towards a wider and more square shape, with a thicker screen and a wider band. These aspects contribute to a modern and streamlined look. Despite its slight heft, the SE Gen 2 remains comfortable to wear, making it suitable for extended use.

Should you buy the Apple Watch SE Gen 2?

The SE Gen 2 is perfect for those who have iPhones and need a high-performing device for measuring health metrics throughout a standard day.

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