OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£150Screen size:1.78 inchBattery life:0.88 daysDisplay type:OLED

Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 23 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Technical score

30%

8.3

Review score ( 11 · 12)

Review score 30% · 8.3 · based on 23 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 6 more reviews are not scored yet.
â–²Better than 75% of smartwatches
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

24%

5.7

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

3.2

Battery

14%

8.6

Smart features

12%

8.8

Connectivity

9%

7.6

Display & Design

4%

7.4

Hardware

â–²Better than 71% of smartwatches
8.3

Review score

Review score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Grades by review (23)
11 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 6
✓ explicit
5

7.4%

9.0

trustedreviews.com

7.4%

8.5

cnet.com

7.4%

8.0

techradar.com

5.9%

9.0

radiotimes.com

5.9%

8.0

livescience.com

≈ estimated
1

5.9%

8.0

theguardian.com

Video reviews 3

2.9%

9.0

iClassic

2.9%

8.0

Isaac Brown

1.5%

9.0

heyitsb

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 83% of smartwatches
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components:

24%

5.7

Health

21%

9.9

Fitness

16%

3.2

Battery

14%

8.6

Smart features

12%

8.8

Connectivity

9%

7.6

Display & Design

4%

7.4

Hardware

7.2
Review score
Review score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Grades by review (23)
11 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 6
✓ explicit
5

7.4%

9.0

trustedreviews.com

7.4%

8.5

cnet.com

7.4%

8.0

techradar.com

5.9%

9.0

radiotimes.com

5.9%

8.0

livescience.com

≈ estimated
1

5.9%

8.0

theguardian.com

Video reviews 3

2.9%

9.0

iClassic

2.9%

8.0

Isaac Brown

1.5%

9.0

heyitsb

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 64% of models
Popularity:
Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm has a popularity of 7.5 points, which is higher than 64.4% of smartwatches.
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components:

60%

7.5

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

8.2
Brand name
Apple
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
â–² Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 66.8% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
â–² Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
â–² Better than 30% of models
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
â–² Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
0.88 days
Battery life
0.88 days
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 0.88 days which is shorter than that of 96.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 1.7% of smartwatches.
Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
Battery life in training mode
6 h
Battery life in training mode
6 h
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 6 h in training mode which is shorter than 83.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.1% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
6.5 h
Battery life with GPS on
6.5 h
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 6.5 h with GPS on which is shorter than 86% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.6% of smartwatches.
Battery power
296 mAh
Battery power
296 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 296 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 55.8% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.4% of smartwatches.
Battery capacity varies by case size/model variant.
Charge time
150 min
Charge time
150 min
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges in 150 min which is slower than 88.7% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 7.2% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
watchOS
Operating system
watchOS
★ Better than 96% of models
This smartwatch runs watchOS which is more advanced than the operating system in 95.7% of smartwatches and the same as that in 4.3% of smartwatches.
OS detail: watchOS (7).
Software update frequency
ended
Software update frequency
ended
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 42.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 57.5% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
â–² Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
â–² Better than 82% of models
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
â–² Better than 2% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
â–² Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
â–² Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
1.78 inch
Screen size
1.78 inch
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.78 inch which is larger than the screens of 85.3% of smartwatches and equal to those of 3% of smartwatches.
Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
Display type
OLED
Display type
OLED
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This smartwatch uses a OLED display type which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of smartwatches and the same as that of 9.6% of smartwatches.
Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
Resolution
368x 448
Resolution
368x 448
â–² Better than 57% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 368x448 which is higher than that of 57.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 2.7% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
326 ppi
Pixel density
326 ppi
â–² Better than 46% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi which is higher than that of 46.2% of smartwatches and equal to that of 8.1% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
1,000 nits
Display brightness
1,000 nits
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
This smartwatch reaches 1,000 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 59.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 26.5% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
Apple S5
Processor model
Apple S5
★ Better than 92% of models
This smartwatch uses the Apple S5 processor model.
RAM
1 GB
RAM
1 GB
â–² Better than 31% of models
Market range: <0.5 GB – >2 GB
This smartwatch has 1 GB of RAM which is larger than the RAM in 31.3% of smartwatches and equal to that of 45.8% of smartwatches.
Internal storage
32 GB
Internal storage
32 GB
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 32 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 84.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 13.4% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more
What reviewers say

Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (7).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Readiness score
    Readiness score
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 17.5% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Readiness score
    Readiness score
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 17.5% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Tracked through the companion app or smart-scale sync.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Supports on-watch route guidance via Apple Maps.
  • Supports wireless charging
    Wireless charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This smartwatch supports wireless charging, the average smartwatch does not. 24.5% of smartwatches support wireless charging.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • Maps support
    Maps support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch supports maps, the average smartwatch does not. 31.5% of smartwatches support maps.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Rugged construction
    Rugged design
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
  • 0.38 inch larger screen size
    Screen size
    1.78 inch
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a larger screen size than the average smartwatch (1.8 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    Some sources mention multiple/uncertain size variants.
    1.78 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 400 nits higher display brightness
    Display brightness
    1,000 nits
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <450 nits – >2k nits
    This smartwatch has higher display brightness than the average smartwatch (1000 nits vs 600 nits). The average smartwatch reaches 600 nits.
    1,000 nits vs 600 nits
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Ion-X
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch uses Ion-X display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Ion-exchanged strengthened glass (Ion-X)
    Ion-X vs mineral glass
  • 1.2 mm thinner watch body
    Thickness
    10.40 mm
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thinner than the average smartwatch (10.4 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    10.40 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 8.8 g lighter weight
    Weight
    36.2 g
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (36.2 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    36.2 g vs 45.0 g
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    watchOS
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (watchOS vs Proprietary OS).
    OS detail: watchOS (7).
    watchOS vs Proprietary OS
  • Fall detection
    Fall detection
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 21.3% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 28 GB more storage
    Internal storage
    32 GB
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers more internal storage than the average smartwatch (32 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    32 GB vs 4 GB
  • More advanced processor model
    Processor model
    Apple S5
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This smartwatch uses the Apple S5 processor model, while the average smartwatch uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko.
    Apple S5 vs Silicon Labs EFM32 Giant Gecko
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 6.12 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.88 days
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.9 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    0.88 days vs 7 days
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IPX7
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    Also reported with 50M water-resistance rating.
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • No always-on display
    Always-On Display
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • 13.5 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    6.5 h
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (6.5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    6.5 h vs 20 h
  • 13.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    6 h
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (6 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    6 h vs 19.25 h
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    Blood oxygen monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 66.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No stress monitoring
    Stress monitoring
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 65.4% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • 5,534 m lower max altitude
    Maximum altitude
    3,000 m
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <3k m – >9.1k m
    This smartwatch supports a lower maximum altitude than the average smartwatch (3000 m vs 8534 m). The average smartwatch reaches 8534 m.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 6.12 days day/s shorter battery life
    Battery life
    0.88 days
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 0.9 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    Converted from roughly 18-24 hours of battery life.
    0.88 days vs 7 days
  • 13.5 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    6.5 h
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (6.5 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    6.5 h vs 20 h
  • 13.25 h shorter training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    6 h
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts less in training mode than the average smartwatch (6 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    6 h vs 19.25 h
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 30 min longer charge time
    Charge time
    150 min
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <60 min – >150 min
    This smartwatch charges slower than the average smartwatch (150 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    150 min vs 120 min
  • Not compatible with Android
    Android compatibility
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This smartwatch is not compatible with Android, the average smartwatch is. 95.3% of smartwatches are compatible with Android.
  • Lower IP rating
    IP rating
    IPX7
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This smartwatch has a lower IP rating than the average smartwatch (IPX7 vs IP68).
    Also reported with 50M water-resistance rating.
    IPX7 vs IP68
  • No always-on display
    Always-On Display
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This smartwatch does not have an always-on display, the average smartwatch does. 67.6% of smartwatches have an always-on display.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    OLED
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This smartwatch uses OLED display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    Retina branding. LTPO panel wording.
    OLED vs AMOLED
  • Less practical form
    Form
    rectangular
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 10 °C lower max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    35.0 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a lower maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (35 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    35.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • 2 mm wider band
    Width of band
    24.0 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a wider band width than the average smartwatch (24 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    24.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • No smart alarm
    Smart alarm
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 52.7% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • 1 year/s older release date
    Release date
    2020
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch is an older model than the average smartwatch (2020 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2020
    2020 vs 2021

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
iClassic
≈ estimated
28/12/2024
Long-term daily use · secondhand buying advice
Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm is a good budget pick if you find one cheap secondhand, though it will lose value and get no new watchOS updates.
8.0
Isaac Brown
≈ estimated
11/02/2024
Long-term test · four years of daily use
Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm is still in good shape after four years, and its battery health holds up, though it needs charging twice a day.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 11 · 12

Reviewers praise the snappy performance, sleek design and workout tracking, but miss an always-on display, advanced health sensors and longer battery.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
theguardian.com
≈ estimated
08/10/2020
Full review · Battery and sleep
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE is a solid Apple Watch with a good battery and reliable fitness tracking, but its screen goes dark when not in use.
uk.pcmag.com
29/09/2020
Not graded yet
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
06/10/2020
Full review · Fitness tracking
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE is the Apple Watch most people should buy: it keeps GPS, water resistance and a sharp OLED screen but drops the always-on display.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
15/07/2022
Full review · Everyday fitness
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE suits iPhone owners who want fitness features and easy sync, but it lacks an always-on display and lasts only a day and a half.
9.0
radiotimes.com
✓ explicit
12/03/2021
Full review · Series 6 alternative
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE is a strong alternative to the Series 6 for most people, though it needs nightly charging and lacks an always-on display.
8.0
livescience.com
✓ explicit
27/02/2026
Full review · iPhone companion
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE suits anyone who wants a companion watch for their iPhone, but its slower chip and lack of always-on display hold it back.
8.6
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
10/09/2022
Lab test · Entry-level model
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2020) suits iPhone users who want calls, messages and fitness tracking, and can live with a one-day battery and no ECG.
macwelt.de
03/10/2020
Not graded yet
computerbild.de
23/09/2020
Not graded yet
8.0
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
18/11/2020
Full review · Heart rate tracking
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE is a good compromise for iPhone owners, with accurate heart rate and a fluid interface, but its battery is too short.
7.0
phonandroid.com
≈ estimated
15/10/2020
Hands-on test · Sensors and screen
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE is a stripped-down Series 6 with the Series 5 design and screen, but without ECG and blood oxygen sensors.
01net.com
02/10/2020
Not graded yet
andreagaleazzi.com
23/09/2020
Not graded yet
8.5
iphoneitalia.com
✓ explicit
05/10/2020
Review · Series 5 without ECG
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2020) is a Series 5 without ECG, a good upgrade from a Series 3 for people who don't need close health monitoring.
global.techradar.com
24/11/2020
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm

  • Excellent value for money, offering core Apple Watch features at a lower price point
  • Large, high-resolution Retina OLED display that is bright and clear
  • Fast and snappy performance for everyday apps and navigation via the S5 chip
  • Comprehensive fitness and activity tracking with reliable heart rate monitoring
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for all-day wear and sleep tracking
  • Robust safety features including fall detection, Emergency SOS, and noise monitoring
  • Access to the extensive watchOS app ecosystem and seamless iPhone integration

What we don't like about Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm

  • Lacks an always-on display, requiring a wrist raise or tap to see the time
  • Missing advanced health sensors for ECG (electrocardiogram) and SpO2 (blood oxygen)
  • Battery life typically requires daily charging, especially with active usage
  • Charging speed is slower compared to newer flagship models
  • Sleep tracking is considered basic compared to competitors and more recent models
  • Compatible only with iPhone, making it unusable for Android users
  • Design features larger bezels compared to the Series 7 and later models

Verdict

The Apple Watch SE 2020 44mm is an entry-level smartwatch featuring a 44mm Retina LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 368 by 448 pixels and 1,000 nits brightness. It is powered by the S5 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor, offering up to 18 hours of battery life and 32GB of internal storage. Key characteristics include a 50-metre water resistance rating, a second-generation optical heart sensor, an always-on altimeter, and safety features like fall detection and Emergency SOS. Its primary advantages are its responsive performance, excellent haptic engine, and comprehensive fitness tracking within a more affordable aluminium case. However, it lacks more advanced health sensors such as the ECG and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitors found in flagship models, and notably does not include an always-on display mode.

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