The Apple Watch SE (2023) 44mm GPS model, specifically the MREE3LL/A, MREC3QA/A, and MREC3LL/A variants, arrived on my desk promising a blend of affordability and Apple’s signature user experience. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put it through its paces, testing its fitness tracking capabilities, everyday usability, and overall performance. This review delves into the specifics, providing a balanced perspective based on my real-world experiences.

The Apple Watch SE (2023) boasts a compelling array of features for its price point. The bright Retina display, even under direct sunlight, is a standout. The responsiveness of watchOS is excellent, making navigation intuitive and seamless. Essential health features like high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notification, and fall detection are all present, providing peace of mind. The availability of cellular connectivity is a significant advantage for those who want to stay connected even without their iPhone nearby. Family Setup is also a valuable addition, enabling the pairing of multiple watches with a single iPhone.

In terms of performance, the Apple Watch SE (2023) consistently delivered. The S8 SiP is surprisingly snappy, handling app launches and transitions without lag. Fitness tracking accuracy is generally good, although I did notice a slight discrepancy in distance tracking during intense runs compared to my dedicated GPS running watch. Battery life typically lasted me a full day with moderate usage (including notifications, workout tracking, and music streaming). Heavy usage, particularly with cellular connectivity enabled, might require daily charging.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money.
• Bright and responsive Retina display.
• Comprehensive health and safety features.
• Smooth performance thanks to the S8 SiP.
• Cellular connectivity option.

Cons:

• Fitness tracking accuracy could be improved, particularly for distance measurement during high-intensity activities.
• Battery life might not be sufficient for heavy users.
• Lacks some advanced features found in the Apple Watch Series 8.

Overall, the Apple Watch SE (2023) (MREE3LL/A, MREC3QA/A, MREC3LL/A) offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and affordability. It’s a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank. While it might not match the top-tier Apple Watch Series 8 in every aspect, the compromises are minimal, making it a highly recommended option for most users. Its strong health features and convenient cellular connectivity options make it especially appealing.