If you know you want a new Apple Watch, the Watch SE is the one to go for: it’s got all the useful features of the Watch 6, but it’s much cheaper, and thus one of the best smartwatches around. The always-on display is sorely missing, but the fitness tracking – including motivating nudges to keep you active – is as good as ever, and will improve when Fitness Plus lands. However, the Watch SE comes with the same issues as the rest of the Apple Watch line: some features and apps are too lightweight, and the battery life is just too short to get the best out of the watch.

Premium design; Excellent phone companion; Great range of features;

Lacks always-on display; Battery life lacking

My daughter is extremely happy

Great watch. Am especially enjoying the activity tracker.

The Apple Watch has a lot to offer. Sure it lacks the blood oxygen measurement and ECG abilities of the Apple Watch 6, but those probably only matter to you if you have a condition that requires monitoring.

Apple Watch SE does exactly what it was designed to do – provide the stellar Apple Watch experience at a more accessible price. While you miss out on a few premium features, there’s little to be disappointed about in this reasonably priced wonder.

The Apple Watch SE lacks key features that the Series 6 and other competing smartwatches boast, including ECG and SpO2 monitoring, but if you're not too fussed about the advanced metrics those offer, the SE is the perfect entry point into the Apple Watch family.

Premium design and build quality; Fall Detection; watchOS is a joy to use

No always-on display; Lacks ECG or SpO2 monitor; 18-hour battery life

The Apple Watch SE lacks key features that the Series 6 and other competing smartwatches boast, including ECG and SpO2 monitoring, but if you're not too fussed about the advanced metrics those offer, the SE is the perfect entry point into the Apple Watch family.

Premium design and build quality; Fall Detection; watchOS is a joy to use;

No always-on display; Lacks ECG or SpO2 monitor; 18-hour battery life;