![Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61umEhyV-UL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display
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AI Verdict
This 40mm Apple Watch SE with 32GB storage and GPS is for iPhone users who want essential fitness tracking and safety features without the premium display or advanced health sensors.
This 40mm Apple Watch SE is a strong fit for iPhone users entering the smartwatch world, offering essential features like GPS, 32GB storage, and the S8 chip for smooth operation. It provides crucial safety and basic health tracking without the higher cost of premium models.
If an Always-On Display or advanced health sensors like ECG are critical, look for an Apple Watch Series model.
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Pros
- The S8 chip delivers responsive performance, mirroring the Series 8.
- Its Retina OLED display achieves up to 1000 nits brightness, visible in most outdoor conditions.
- Safety features like Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and Emergency SOS are included.
- It offers seamless integration with other Apple devices, enabling features like Mac unlock and Apple Pay.
- The 50m water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and shallow-water activities.
- Heart rate monitoring provides notifications for irregular rhythms, high, or low heart rates.
Cons
- It lacks an Always-On Display, requiring a wrist raise to activate the screen.
- Advanced health sensors like ECG, Blood Oxygen, and temperature tracking are not present.
- The 18-hour battery life typically requires daily charging, especially with sleep tracking.
- The included sport band can become uncomfortable and sweaty during extended wear or workouts.
- There is no dust resistance rating for the watch.
Dimension Scores
The 40mm Retina OLED display reaches up to 1000 nits, providing clear visuals, but it lacks an Always-On feature and has larger bezels compared to higher-end models.
Equipped with the S8 chip, this watch offers responsive and smooth operation, matching the performance found in the Apple Watch Series 8.
With an 18-hour battery life, it typically requires daily charging, which is average for smartwatches but not suitable for multi-day use.
It integrates seamlessly with Apple devices and services, allowing for features like automatic Mac unlocking, Apple Pay, and Find My functionality.
Best For
- iPhone users new to smartwatches who need core notifications and activity tracking.
- Individuals prioritizing safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection.
- Users tracking basic fitness metrics and sleep patterns.
- Anyone seeking seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem for tasks like Apple Pay.
Not Recommended For
- Users who require advanced health monitoring, such as ECG or Blood Oxygen readings.
- Individuals needing multi-day battery life without daily charging.
- Anyone accustomed to an Always-On Display for quick time checks.
Watch Out For
- The absence of an Always-On Display means the screen stays off until you perform a wrist raise gesture to view the time or notifications.
- Battery life is rated for 18 hours, which often means you'll need to charge it daily, especially if you use sleep tracking.
- The standard sport band can feel uncomfortable and cause sweating during workouts or prolonged wear.
- Apple does not include a charging brick in the box, only the charging cable.
- Text input is limited to voice dictation or a swipe-to-draw method, as there is no on-screen keyboard.
Full Specifications
| GPS | Built-in GPS |
| ASIN | B0DGJ73CFS |
| Brand | Apple |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Item Weight | 1.28 ounces |
| Screen Size | 40 Millimeters |
| Manufacturer | Apple |
| Special Feature | Activity Tracker, Cycle Tracking, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Voice Control |
| Operating System | watchos |
| Item model number | MXEF3LL/A |
| Product Dimensions | 24 x 7.7 x 3 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | GPS |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
| Wireless Communication Standard | 802.11n, Bluetooth |
What Buyers Say
Many users find the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) to be a strong entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem, often highlighting its value for the price. The S8 chip ensures a fluid experience, and safety features like Crash Detection are frequently mentioned as significant benefits. However, the absence of an Always-On Display is a recurring point of contention, and the 18-hour battery life means daily charging is a routine. Some users also note the sport band can get sweaty and uncomfortable during intense activity.
“Okay, so it doesn't have the fancy always-on screen, but for the price, getting Crash Detection and all my notifications right here is pretty sweet. Just wish the band wasn't so sweaty after my run!”
Common Praise
- The S8 chip provides smooth and responsive operation, matching the performance of the Series 8.
- The Retina OLED display reaches up to 1000 nits, making it bright enough for most outdoor conditions.
- Safety features like Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and Emergency SOS offer peace of mind.
- It integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, enabling features like Mac unlock and Apple Pay.
- The 50m water resistance allows for swimming and other shallow-water activities.
- Heart rate monitoring includes notifications for irregular rhythms, high, or low heart rates.
Common Complaints
- The absence of an Always-On Display means the screen remains off until a wrist raise gesture.
- It lacks advanced health sensors such as ECG, Blood Oxygen, and temperature tracking.
- The 18-hour battery life necessitates daily charging, especially with sleep tracking.
- The included sport band can become uncomfortable and sweaty during prolonged wear or workouts.
- Text input is limited to voice dictation or a cumbersome hand-drawing method, as there is no keyboard.
- The watch does not have a dust resistance rating.
Ownership Tips
- Initial battery performance might be lower for the first two weeks as the watch indexes and learns usage patterns.
- Charging the watch during short breaks, like showering, can help maintain battery levels throughout the day if sleep tracking is used.
- While the screen is bright, direct sunlight can still make it somewhat difficult to view without adjusting your wrist.
- The 40mm size is often found to be proportionate and less gadget-like on smaller wrists.
- The watch band mechanism is consistent across Apple Watch models, allowing for a wide variety of third-party band options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) have an Always-On Display?
No, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) does not feature an Always-On Display; you need to raise your wrist to activate the screen.
Can this watch track my heart rate?
Yes, it tracks your heart rate and can notify you of irregular rhythms, or unusually high or low heart rates.
Is the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) waterproof?
It is swimproof with 50m water resistance, making it suitable for activities like swimming in shallow water.
What is the typical battery life of this model?
The battery is rated for up to 18 hours, meaning it generally requires daily charging, especially if you use features like sleep tracking.
Is this Apple Watch compatible with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) requires an iPhone 8 or later running the latest iOS version to function.
Does the box include a charging adapter?
The watch comes with a charging cable, but a power adapter (charging brick) is not included in the box.
Can it detect falls or car crashes?
Yes, it includes both Fall Detection and Crash Detection features, which can automatically alert emergency services.
Buying Guide
When looking at smartwatches, you need to think about what you actually want it to do. This isn't just a tiny phone on your wrist; it's a health tracker, a notification center, and a safety device. Consider if you need advanced medical readings or just the basics, and how often you're willing to charge it.
screen_size: 40 Millimeters
This measurement refers to the diagonal size of the watch face. A 40mm screen is compact, fitting smaller wrists without feeling bulky, but it offers less screen real estate for information compared to larger models.
storage: 32 GB
This is how much space the watch has for apps, music, and podcasts. 32GB is plenty for downloading playlists for offline listening during workouts or storing a good number of apps without needing your iPhone nearby.
connectivity: GPS
GPS allows the watch to track your location and distance during outdoor activities like running or cycling, even if you leave your iPhone at home. It's like having a tiny navigation system on your wrist for your workouts.
os: watchos
This is the operating system that runs the watch. watchOS is Apple's dedicated software for its smartwatches, ensuring seamless integration with your iPhone and access to the Apple App Store for watch-specific applications.
Alternatives
If you need an Always-On Display, ECG, or Blood Oxygen tracking, look for smartwatches with those specific health sensors and display technologies. For multi-day battery life, consider models with lower-power displays or larger battery capacities.
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