The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Apple Watch in 2022
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Choosing the Right Apple Watch
The Apple Watch may not be the oldest device in Apple's lineup, having debuted in April 2015 alongside the iPhone 6. Nevertheless, in just seven years, this compact gadget has evolved rapidly, with multiple generations emerging. It has become one of Apple's standout products, far exceeding initial expectations. If you’re considering your first Apple Watch or looking to upgrade from an older model, this guide will help us navigate the options currently available.
Available Models
At present, Apple offers three primary Apple Watch models on its website. These include the premium Apple Watch Series 7, which comes with a higher price tag, and two budget-friendly alternatives, the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 3.
The Apple Watch Series 7
If your budget allows for $399, the Apple Watch Series 7 could be the ideal choice. It stands out as the top-tier option, boasting the latest features and minimal compromises. Apple redesigned this model to have 40% thinner borders, resulting in a 20% larger display compared to the Series 6, and a whopping 50% increase compared to the Series 3. The Series 7 is available in two sizes: 45 mm and 41 mm, and features a thicker front crystal for added durability.
This model is offered in five colors: blue, green, midnight, starlight, and product red. With Apple’s S7 chip, it includes an always-on Retina display, a compass, an altimeter, and fall detection capabilities for safety. It also houses a 32 GB storage capacity, sufficient for most users, and includes an optical heart sensor, which allows for heart rate and blood oxygen level monitoring, as well as sleep tracking and ECG functionality.
However, it’s worth noting that the battery life mirrors that of the SE, lasting around 18 hours, with the advantage of faster charging introduced last year.
Pricing: The 41 mm model starts at $399, while the 45 mm version begins at $429. The base GPS model can handle calls and messages when paired with your iPhone, and for an additional $100, a cellular model with LTE connectivity is available.
The Apple Watch SE
Launched in 2020, the Apple Watch SE presents a different choice, offering a more affordable price at the cost of some premium features. It’s available in two sizes (40 mm and 44 mm), but each is slightly smaller than the Series 7. This model is equipped with the S5 chip, which is slower than the S7, and features a Retina OLED display that lacks the always-on functionality of the Series 7.
Available colors include Gold, Silver, and Space Gray, and it is only offered in an aluminum casing. The SE also provides a 32 GB storage capacity. While it includes fall detection, its health monitoring capabilities are limited to heart rate measurement and irregular rhythm alerts, lacking blood oxygen monitoring and ECG.
The battery life matches that of the Series 7 at 18 hours, but charging is slower.
Pricing: The 40 mm model starts at $279, while the 44 mm model is priced at $309. The GPS version is the base model, with an additional $50 for the cellular variant.
The Apple Watch Series 3
For those seeking an entry-level experience with the Apple Watch, the Series 3 is the most budget-friendly option. It serves as an introduction to the Apple Watch experience, albeit with several compromises in features. The sizes available are 38 mm and 42 mm, and this model is powered by the older S3 chip and W2 wireless chip.
With only an 8 GB storage option, the health features are minimal, lacking fall detection but still offering heart rate monitoring and irregular rhythm alerts.
Pricing: The 38 mm model is priced at $199, while the 42 mm version costs $229, translating to about $8.29 per month if you opt for Apple's 24-month payment plan.
Which Model is Right for You?
Choosing the right Apple Watch can be complex due to various factors, but fortunately, all three models are well-designed and competitively priced. Key considerations include pricing, size, and the importance of health features to you. Battery life is consistent across models, so it may not significantly influence your choice.
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the best option if you want the latest technology without compromise, making it a clear favorite for many users, despite its higher price point. It’s the fastest model and ideal for those interested in advanced health monitoring.
If you don’t require ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, the Apple Watch SE is a great alternative, offering solid performance and features at a lower cost.
The Apple Watch Series 3 is suitable for those new to Apple Watches or seeking a basic, inexpensive option, though it may feel outdated compared to the newer models.
I personally wouldn’t recommend the cellular model for the Series 7 due to the additional $100 cost, especially if you rarely leave home without your iPhone. However, it might be worth considering for gym use when you want to minimize your phone’s bulk.
In conclusion, you might also want to hold off until September for the announcement of the Apple Watch Series 8, rumored to include a blood glucose sensor.
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