Apple Watch SE 1st Generation: Affordable Smartwatch Excellence
Hey there, tech enthusiasts and savvy shoppers! Cast your mind back to September 15, 2020, remember what happened? If you’re retard, let me refresh your memory. It was the day Apple held their “Time Flies” event, and boy, did they have something special up their sleeve” or should I say, on their wrist? That’s right, we’re talking about the Apple Watch SE (1st generation), the smartwatch that proved you don’t need to break the bank to get a slice of Apple’s wearable magic!
As Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, said during the event, “Apple Watch SE combines elements of the Series 6 design with the most essential features of Apple Watch, all at a more affordable price.” The SE was about to shake up the smartwatch market in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
So buckle up, sigmas! We’re about to dive deeply into the Apple Watch, which brought premium features to a more accessible price point.
The SE Difference: Premium Features at a Palatable Price
The Apple Watch SE 1st Generation wasn’t just another budget offering to the public, it was a carefully crafted blend of high-end features and affordability. Apple was essentially saying, “Hey, you can have your cake and eat it too!” But what exactly made the SE that good? Let’s break it down.
Technical Specifications:
Alright, nerdy boys and girls, let’s get into the nitty-gritty, What made the Apple Watch SE 1st Generation so special? Here’s the lowdown:
Processor:
The SE was powered by the T8006 CPU, the same processor found in the Apple Watch Series 4 and 5. This little powerhouse ensured smooth performance across all functions. I know it was not the latest at that time but Apple had to cut the costs so it was fine.
Display:
The SE sported a gorgeous LTPO OLED Retina display with Force Touch. It was Crisp, clear, and responsive – just what you’d expect from Apple.
Sizes and Models:
The SE came in two sizes and two connectivity options:
- 40mm: GPS (N140sAP – Watch5,9) and Cellular (N142sAP – Watch5,11)
- 44mm: GPS (N140bAP – Watch5,10) and Cellular (N142bAP – Watch5,12)
Connectivity:
- Built-in GPS for accurate location tracking
- Optional cellular (LTE) for staying connected without your phone
Compatibility:
Works with iOS 14 or later running on an iPhone 6s or newer
Additional Sensors:
The SE added a built-in magnetometer, giving it a leg up on its predecessors.
Design and Build:
The Apple Watch SE 1st Generation maintained the sleek, square design that had become synonymous with Apple’s wearables, available in aluminum, it struck a perfect balance between durability and affordability.
As Jony Ive, Apple’s former Chief Design Officer, once said, “We believe that we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make.” This philosophy shone through in the SE’s design, where every curve and button was purposeful and refined.
Here’s a quick comparison of the SE with its siblings:
| Feature | Apple Watch SE 1st Generation | Series 3 | Series 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | S5 (T8006) | S3 | S6 |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED | Retina OLED | Retina LTPO OLED |
| Sizes | 40mm, 44mm | 38mm, 42mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Always-On Display | No | No | Yes |
| ECG | No | No | Yes |
Features That Pack a Punch:
Despite its more affordable price tag, the Apple Watch SE 1st Generation didn’t skip on old features:
- Fitness Tracking: Comprehensive workout modes and activity tracking
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Optical heart sensor for continuous heart rate tracking
- Fall Detection: Uses the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect hard falls
- Noise Monitoring: Alerts you when environmental noise levels could impact your hearing
- Emergency SOS: Quickly call for help when you need it
As Jeff Williams, Apple’s COO, put it during the launch, “Apple Watch SE combines elements of the Series 6 design with the most essential features of Apple Watch, all at a more affordable price.”
Performance and Battery Life:
Thanks to Apple’s “old is gold” S5 chip (the T8006 CPU), the SE delivered snappy performance across all apps and functions, apple managed to maintain the all-day 18-hour battery life we’d come to expect from their watches, proving that affordability doesn’t have to mean compromise.
watchOS 7:
The SE shipped with watchOS 7, which brought several new features and improvements:
- Sleep tracking
- Hand washing detection
- New workout types
- Family Setup (for cellular models)
Impact and Legacy:
The Apple Watch SE 1st Generation marked a significant milestone in Apple’s wearable journey. By offering a more affordable option without significantly compromising on features, Apple made its smartwatch technology accessible to a broader audience.
As tech analyst Ben Bajarin noted, “The Apple Watch SE 1st Generation is a strategic move by Apple to capture a larger share of the smartwatch market. It offers the core Apple Watch experience at a price point that’s hard to ignore.”
Conclusion:
The Apple Watch SE 1st Generation was more than just a budget option – it was a change that was needed, with its powerful processor, comprehensive health and fitness features, and attractive price point, it redefined what we could expect from a mid-range smartwatch.
The first SE set the foundation of Apple’s affordable wearable tech, It pushed the boundaries of what an “affordable” smartwatch could do, bringing premium features to a wider audience.
So, the next time you check your notifications or track a workout on your Apple Watch SE 1st Generation, take a moment to appreciate its legacy. It might not have been the most expensive Apple Watch, but it was the one that truly made Apple’s wearable tech accessible to the masses.
- Want to see how Apple Watch Series 5 made a quantum leap by introducing the always-on king, check out this article: Apple Watch Series 5: The Always-On Revolution