Other - Apple Watch SE

Summary

If you are looking for a watch for just getting into running or where activities and fitness tracking is secondary to you, this is a great option. It does a good job collecting information, but is NOTHING compared to a Garmin/Coros etc.

Posted Apr 14, 2023

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Apple Watch SE

4.0/5

(1)

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Pros

Easy to have competitions with friends - chances are your non athlete friends have one
User friendly for life, communication, and other apps
good size face
decent battery for apple watch

Cons

athletic data is really subpar on this model
Does not Support ANT+ so your chest heart rate monitor or other run/bike accessories might not work
the fitness app on the phone is REALLY sub-par compared to competitors
no built in training (running or strength or biking) programs

The main takeaway from this review is that the apple watch SE is a beginning runner's watch. It is great for that purpose, but if you are going to be doing this hobby seriously or are very outdoorsy - you might want to consider a dedicated Garmin/Coros instead.

I have been through two apple watches and two garmin watches on my journey so I thought i would compare.

Pros:

Competitions - your friends probably have an apple watch, so it is easy to stay motivated and compete with friends
Battery - Lasts several days without charge even when under heavy use (nothing compared to the 32 days of the Garmin Fenix)
Fitness App - Very basic interface which is great for beginners

Cons: (this is Con compared to dedicated running/multisport watches so take it with a grain of salt)

Fitness App -
- Interface - touch screen makes it difficult to pause or do splits, especially when you are sweaty. Competition offers buttons and sometimes touchscreen (see Garmin 749 & Fenix 6x)
- GPS - not incredibly sensitive or accurate if you're in the city. Competition offers different GPS networks to increase accuracy
- ANT+ isn't available. This limits the accessories you can attach which limits the data you are provided
Training
- Apple watch doesnt provide its own coaching - you might be able to download an app but this is sub par compared to some of the coaching built into dedicated watches which will walk you though runs and build a program into your calendar. There are even pre-programmed strength training courses built into Gamins

Holding You Accountable

I wish the apple watch had a way to hold me accountable for weekly mileage. The most you can do on the apple watch is put in a "steps" goal or show the little running icon. On my past dedicated running watches, you have your weekly mileage staring at you in your face. Having that subtle pressure staring you down can give you the extra motivation you need to get a couple extra miles in.

Apple Apps - Pay to Play

The really nice thing about the apple watch ecosystem is that there is likely an app available for everything you need. The downside is that you are likely going to have to pay something for it on a monthly basis. That is not the case with Garmins. You don't really have great additional apps for the Garmin, but for anything outdoorsy - that functionality is built in and free. I know this isn't running but a good example is the golfing app on the apple watch se that costs $5/mo and was less accurate than the included garmin golfing application.