Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsThrilled with this watch!
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2020
I like gadgets, so I'm surprised I hadn't jumped onto the smartwatch bandwagon already. I think I was reluctant to pay a lot to tell the time when I already had a watch - that told me the date too! But, come Amazon Prime day, I decided to dish out $30 bucks on a low end smart watch. And I loved it! It could count my steps, set an alarm, set a timer, and had a relaxation/meditation app! Much more than just a watch...
So it began. I started looking into a proper smart watch and asked around amongst my friends. I did my research on all the different Apple Watch series and face sizes. To summarize, Apple only sells series 3 (gps only), SE, and series 6. Series 4 and 5 are being discontinued but can still be found here and there to buy.
SE seems to be the best compromise on cost and value. It has the bigger screen size, louder mic, and more space than the series 3, but doesn't have the blood oxygen, ECG, or always-on screen like the series 6. I can live without those perks to save over $100. The new SE also has a lower price than series 5.
I had bought the 44m at first, thinking I don't have dainty skinny wrists and I'd probably appreciate the bigger screen in the long run. But the 44mm was just a bit TOO big for my liking, so I got the 40mm instead, which is perfect for me. It really is a personal preference, but the smaller screen is still perfectly clear enough for me.
Set up was easy peasy and I love the additional functions on this watch. I can control Audible from my watch instead of shouting at Siri while I'm driving, I can check the time and weather across the globe from my wrist, I can check emails and texts at a glance without having to dig out my phone, I can add expenses to my tracker app using my watch, and I can record voice memos on the go! I love it! I haven't even used the Apple pay feature yet. And yes, it does everything that my other cheap smart watch does too.
For me, it wasn't worth paying extra for the cellular option as I tend to always have my phone nearby, so I don't need to pay for an extra data plan. The only major bummer about this watch is that the battery power isn't great. I usually hardly ever remove my regular watches from my wrist. Even my cheapo smart watch lasted two weeks on one charge. With this one, it needs to be charged pretty much daily, or every other day if you're lucky. I've already bought a portable smart watch charger that can charge directly from USB, I keep it in my handbag. I think this battery issue is the same for all Apple Watches so I'm ok with accepting there's no way around it.
I've also bought a third party metal band and a clear plastic cover with screen protector. I'd be heartbroken if I managed to scratch this watch anytime soon, but I might be less precious about it after a few months! Very happy with my purchase and I look forward to making good use of it!
