Apple Watch Series 6 review: should you buy it or SE / Series 3?
Today, Apple is selling three Apple Watch models - the three-year-old Apple Watch Series 3 starting at $ 199, and the newly released Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6 models, which start at $ 279 and 399, respectively. $.
With these options in mind, which Apple Watch should you buy? Should you be doing all you can for the Apple Watch Series 6, or should you go the more economical route with the Series 3 or SE? Watch our hands-on video walkthrough as we explore Apple's line of wearable devices as they stand today.
Apple Watch 3 series
Speaking as the owner of every Apple Watch since its debut in 2015, if you are thinking of buying a new Apple Watch, I recommend that you avoid the Apple Watch Series 3. Although this is the first Apple Watch to Coming with cellular connectivity, the Series 3 looks and feels outdated in 2020.
For starters, Apple no longer sells Series 3 models with cellular connectivity. If you're someone who likes the idea of staying connected with your Apple Watch outside of Wi-Fi and your Bluetooth-paired iPhone, remove Series 3 from your consideration.
Video Walkthrough: Apple Watch Series 6 Review
Besides the lack of cellphones, there are more important reasons for ignoring Apple's cheapest watch. The Apple Watch Series 3 models feature smaller bezels with a significantly smaller screen area for watch faces and apps. The Series 3 features inferior microphones and speakers than the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6.
More importantly, the Series 3 is stuck with the Apple S3 System Package (SiP), which features a relatively turtle-like 32-bit dual-core processor. The Series 3 is usable, otherwise Apple still wouldn't sell it, but the experience of browsing the operating system is often hampered by lag and dropped frames.
I could go on to name features that the Apple Watch Series 3 lacks, but it's really not necessary. Overall, Apple Watch Series 3 offers a worse experience than newer hardware.
The main selling point of the Apple Watch Series 3 is its price of $ 199. It's attractively priced, of course, but wait and save another $ 79 and go for the Apple Watch SE instead.
Apple WatchSE
Starting at $ 279, the Apple Watch SE is $ 120 less than the cheaper Apple Watch Series 6. If you're looking for a wallet-friendly laptop, but don't want to make huge sacrifices on features, then the Apple Watch SE is the smart choice for most users.
Like the Series 6, the Apple Watch SE comes with larger 40mm or 44mm case options, with more generous screen sizes in tow. And with the Apple Watch SE, you don't make huge speed sacrifices. The SE comes with the S5 SiP which makes it twice as fast as the 3 Series, a very noticeable increase in performance.
The Apple Watch SE can be configured with cellular connectivity for just $ 50 more, which is $ 50 less than the cellular supplement for Apple Watch Series 6. In other words, the cheapest Apple Watch SE with cellular. costs just $ 329, while the cheapest cellular-compatible Apple Watch Series 6, at $ 499, leaps well beyond impulse buy territory.
The Apple Watch SE also includes an always-on altimeter for measuring altitude. This feature, which gives SE users something that latest-generation 5 Series users lack, sets the stage for a new Altitude complication on the watch face.
Like the Apple Watch Series 3, users don't have a wide variety of colors or case finishes. The Apple Watch SE has a gold aluminum case option not offered on the Series 3, but nothing beyond. But unlike the Series 3, the SE can be configured during the build-to-order process with the new Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop tapes. More information on these great new band options later.
The Apple Watch SE forgoes the EKG capabilities and flagship blood oxygen measurement features of the 6 Series. Depending on your reasons for buying an Apple Watch, you may consider these wellness-related features to be exhausted. .
In my opinion, the biggest drawback between the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 6 is the lack of the always-on display offered on the more expensive model. Debuting with last year's flagship fifth-generation Apple Watch, this keeps the display constantly on, letting you quickly read the time without awkwardly lifting your wrist.
While I don't consider always-on display to be an absolute necessity for every user, now that I've experienced it over the past year or so, it's a luxury I wouldn't want to be without. In fact, if you can find a pre-owned Apple Watch Series 5 in good condition, this might be the most desirable option for those who want an always-on display.
Apple Watch 6 series
The Apple Watch Series 6 is essentially an Apple Watch Series 5 / Apple Watch SE with a 6% faster S20 SiP, improved always-on display, as well as blood oxygen and ECG measurement capabilities.
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the only new watch sold by Apple that can be configured in a variety of aluminum (blue and red!), Titanium and stainless steel finishes. This is the watch that will offer you the most customization options with regard to the finish of the case and the choice of strap.
Of all the advantages the Apple Watch Series 6 has over the two cheaper models, the always-on display is the one that will have the most effect on everyday use. This is the main reason why I recommend going for the Apple Watch Series 6 over the Apple Watch SE if you are wrong between the two.
As I explained in my Apple Watch Series 5 review, having an always-on screen makes the Apple Watch feel more like a normal watch. It allows you to simply look at your wrist to find out the time and gather information about the complications of the watch face.
6 Series Performance Upgrades
The Apple Watch Series 6 S6 SiP is based on the iPhone 13's A11 Bionic, so it can run up to 20% faster than its predecessor. While it doesn't provide the same boost as the Series 3 jump, the increased speed translates into slightly faster app launches and restarts.
While there is no widespread application at the moment, the 6 Series comes with a built-in U1 chip and ultra wideband antennas. It's the same chip as the iPhone 11 for short-range wireless connectivity to support features like next-gen digital car keys.
The Apple Watch Series 6 also sports a screen that is up to 2,5 times brighter. When you're in the sun with your wrist down, the screen becomes brighter to make it easier to passively view content on the always-on screen.
Of course, the big novelty of the 6 Series is the inclusion of a blood oxygen sensor and the corresponding blood oxygen application. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) represents the percentage of oxygen carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. The measurement of oxygen in the blood is made possible by a new sensor exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 6.
The sensor uses four groups of green, red and infrared LEDs, in addition to the four photodiodes on the rear crystal of the device to measure light reflected from the blood. The Blood Oxygen app then uses this data to measure levels between 70% and 100%.
On-demand SpO2 readings are possible by launching the Blood Oxygen app, but passive readings will also take place while the wearer is asleep. All measurements are stored in the Health app for further tracking and analysis.
Unlike ECG features, which are also exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 6, blood oxygen measurement capabilities have not been approved by the FDA and its accuracy has been debated.
Apple makes it clear that blood oxygen measurements are not intended for medical use, but it notes in its marketing materials that such a feature provides additional insight into overall well-being. Translation: Blood oxygen measurements are for entertainment / informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose any health problems.
I think helping users stay aware of their well-being can only be a good thing, and as technology develops it can actually save lives. That being said, I wouldn't buy the Apple Watch Series 6 because of the blood oxygen sensor, as this technology will undoubtedly improve in future hardware and software revisions.
Two remarkable new groups
Along with the release of the 6 and SE series, Apple unveiled two notable new band options - the Solo Loop and the Braided Solo Loop. Both bands are completely devoid of clasps or buckles for a super comfortable fit that's easy to put on and take off.
The Solo Loop is like a more stretchy and flexible Sport Band, while the Braided Solo Loop is made from recycled yarns and silicone yarns. The two straps attach to the Apple Watch forming a continuous loop, and both require the wearer to stretch the strap over their hands to put it on and take it off.
There are questions about the durability of these tapes after prolonged use, but so far so good. As long as you make sure you're ordering the right size, and Apple recently made the measurements easier, you'll be good.
While I particularly like the Solo Loop braided loop, especially the look and feel of the material on my wrist, I'm a fan of the simplicity of the two bands in general. Not having to deal with clasps and buckles resonates with me because it's so easy to put on and take off while increasing comfort for extended wear.
Watch 7
As I showed in my overview of the main features of watchOS 7, all three Apple Watch models get a software upgrade, but only the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6 get the most out of the annual version. For example, Apple Watch Series 3 only gets un among the seven new faces in the watchOS 7 upgrade. With that in mind, it probably won't be long before Apple completely drops support for future software releases for Apple Watch Series 3.
Be sure to read and watch our full list of top watchOS 7 features to find out more.
If you're coming from an Apple Watch Series 5, a watch that Apple no longer sells, I highly recommend that you keep it for at least another generation. While the Series 6 blood oxygen sensor and some of the other upgrades are nice, it's still not worth it in my opinion. With the Series 5 you have a fast watch with an always-on screen, so it's an even better watch than the Apple Watch SE if you ask me.
The owners of the Series 4 have a more difficult decision. The Apple Watch Series 4 to Apple Watch SE is almost a sideways move in some ways. In fact, the Apple Watch SE does not have the ECG app and the various Series 4 case options. However, upgrading from an Apple Watch Series 4 to the Apple Watch Series 6 not only results in an increase in speed and functionality, but you get the still touted. While it certainly doesn't take another generation, I can understand why an Apple Watch Series 4 owner would be tempted to upgrade.
If you're coming from an Apple Watch Series 3 or lower, it's a simple choice: upgrade. You'll get a much, much faster watch, a bigger case with a bigger screen, better speakers and microphone, and a lot more. In addition, you will be able to take advantage of all the important new improvements that watchOS 7 has brought to you and future updates to watchOS. In my opinion, it's an obvious decision to upgrade to an SE or Series 6 if you're coming from an Apple Watch Series 1, 2, or 3.
Do you have or are you planning to upgrade your Apple Watch? Are you a first-time Apple Watch user? What do you think of the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 6? Sound off below in the comments with your thoughts.
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