Apple has unveiled an update to its entry level Apple Watch SE. The new Apple Watch SE looks a lot like it predecessor but when you scratch the surface, there are a few important differences.
Need to know
| Apple Watch SE 2022 | Apple Watch SE 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 40mm and 44mm | 40mm and 44mm |
| Size and weight | 40 x 34 x 10.7mm 30.49g for GPS only, 30.68 for GPS and Cellular 44 x 38 x 10.7mm 36.20 for GPS only, 36.36 for GPS and Cellular | 40 x 34 x 10.7mm 30.49g for GPS only, 30.68 for GPS and Cellular 44 x 38 x 10.7mm 36.20 for GPS only, 36.36 for GPS and Cellular |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Processor | S8 processor | S5 processor |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Sensors | Second generation optical heart rate sensor Crash Detection Better sleep tracking | First generation optical heart rate sensor |
| Other | Comes in silver, starlight or midnight colours | Came in silver, gold and space grey colours |
The Short Answer
The short answer is that the Apple Watch SE 2022 is not a major upgrade. The processor bump is nice – Apple says it’s about 20% faster – and Crash Detection is a great feature I hope no-one ever has to use. The heart rate sensor gets an update but otherwise it’s pretty much the same device.
In short, the 2022 version of the Apple Watch SE is not very different to the OG version. If you’re running the 2020 version, I’d not upgrade.
But, if you’re on a budget and upgrading form a Series 5 or earlier, the new Apple Watch SE is worth considering.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.