The Apple Watch SE 44mm has become one of the most popular smartwatches in Apple’s lineup. It offers a balance between affordability and premium features, making it a favorite among people who want an Apple Watch without the high price of the Ultra or Series 9.
If you’re considering buying the Apple Watch SE 44mm, this guide will help you understand its design, features, performance, battery life, pros and cons, and whether it’s the right smartwatch for you.
What is the Apple Watch SE 44mm?
The Apple Watch SE is Apple’s mid-range smartwatch. Unlike the flagship models, it doesn’t include all the advanced health sensors like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring. However, it still provides a wide range of features such as:
Fitness and activity tracking
Heart rate monitoring
Fall detection and emergency SOS
Notifications and apps
GPS and optional cellular connectivity
The 44mm version is the larger size, making it a great choice for people who prefer a bigger display or have larger wrists. It offers the same features as the 40mm model but with a more spacious screen and slightly bigger battery.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch SE 44mm has Apple’s signature sleek design. It features:
Aluminum case: Lightweight yet durable.
Rounded corners: Comfortable on the wrist.
Retina display: Bright and easy to read, even outdoors.
Multiple band options: Sport band, solo loop, leather, and third-party straps.
The 44mm case is 10.7mm thick and weighs about 33 grams, which is very comfortable for all-day wear. It’s also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and workouts.
Size Comparison: 40mm vs 44mm
| Feature | Apple Watch SE 40mm | Apple Watch SE 44mm |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.57 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Resolution | 324 x 394 | 368 x 448 |
| Case Height | 40mm | 44mm |
| Weight | ~30 grams | ~33 grams |
If you like a bigger screen and easier readability, the 44mm is the better choice.
Display Quality
The Apple Watch SE 44mm comes with a Retina LTPO OLED display. This means:
Brightness up to 1000 nits for outdoor visibility.
Crisp text and colorful icons.
Smooth animations thanks to Apple’s S-series chip.
Unlike the higher-end Series 9 or Ultra, the SE does not have an always-on display. You need to lift your wrist or tap the screen to wake it. For many users, this is not a dealbreaker, especially considering the lower price.
Performance and Software
The Apple Watch SE 44mm is powered by Apple’s S8 SiP dual-core processor (the same chip used in Series 8). This ensures smooth performance for apps, fitness tracking, and notifications.
It runs on watchOS 10 (with upgrades available), which brings:
Redesigned widgets and apps.
Improved fitness features.
Better sleep tracking.
Smarter Siri integration.
You can use it with an iPhone to:
Answer calls and messages.
Control music or podcasts.
Use Apple Pay for contactless payments.
Download apps from the App Store.
Health and Fitness Features
One of the main reasons people buy the is for fitness and health tracking. While it lacks advanced sensors like ECG and blood oxygen, it still offers excellent features:
Heart Rate Monitoring – Continuous tracking with alerts for high/low heart rates.
Activity Rings – Move, Exercise, and Stand rings encourage daily activity.
Workout Tracking – Supports running, cycling, swimming, yoga, strength training, and more.
Fall Detection – Detects hard falls and can alert emergency services.
Emergency SOS – Press and hold the side button to call for help.
Sleep Tracking – Tracks sleep duration and quality.
For casual and even serious fitness enthusiasts, the SE 44mm is more than capable.
Battery Life
Apple rates the Apple Watch SE 44mm for up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. This includes:
Notifications
Workouts
GPS usage
Calls and apps
With light use, some users can stretch it to almost 2 days. Charging takes about 1.5 hours from 0–100%.
While this isn’t as long as some competitors (like Fitbit or Garmin), it’s standard for Apple Watches due to the bright screen and advanced features.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Apple Watch SE 44mm comes in two models:
GPS – Connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
GPS + Cellular – Can make calls and use apps without your iPhone nearby.
It works with iPhones running iOS 16 or later. Unfortunately, it does not support Android devices.
Pros and Cons of Apple Watch SE 44mm
Pros:
Affordable compared to Series 9 and Ultra
Large and bright Retina display
Smooth performance with S8 chip
Wide range of fitness features
Fall detection and SOS safety functions
Comfortable and lightweight
Cons:
No always-on display
No ECG or blood oxygen monitoring
Battery life only up to 18 hours
iPhone-only compatibility
Who Should Buy the Apple Watch SE 44mm?
The Apple Watch SE 44mm is perfect for:
First-time smartwatch users who want Apple’s ecosystem without paying for the Ultra or Series 9.
Fitness enthusiasts who track workouts but don’t need advanced medical sensors.
iPhone users looking for a smartwatch for notifications, calls, and apps.
People with larger wrists who prefer a bigger display.
It may not be ideal for those who want cutting-edge health features or multi-day battery life.
Apple Watch SE 44mm vs. Other Apple Watches
If you’re comparing the SE 44mm with other Apple Watches:
Series 9 – Offers always-on display, ECG, blood oxygen, and faster chip. Costs more.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Rugged, larger 49mm case, advanced health sensors, double the battery life, but very expensive.
Apple Watch SE 40mm – Same features as but smaller display and slightly lighter.
For most people, the SE 44mm strikes the best balance between price and features.
Tips for Using Apple Watch SE 44mm Effectively
To get the most out of your
Customize watch faces – Choose modular or fitness-focused faces to display key info.
Set up Activity Rings goals – Adjust them to match your lifestyle.
Enable fall detection – Especially useful for elderly users.
Use Focus Modes – Sync with your iPhone to reduce distractions.
Try Apple Fitness+ – Guided workouts and training directly on your watch.
Pricing and Value
The is priced lower than flagship models, making it accessible to more users. Prices vary depending on region and whether you choose GPS or Cellular.
Considering its design, performance, and features, it offers excellent value for those who don’t need advanced health sensors.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch SE 44mm is one of the best mid-range smartwatches available today. It offers all the essentials—fitness tracking, health monitoring, notifications, and apps—at a much lower price than the premium Apple Watch models.
If you want a smartwatch that fits seamlessly into your iPhone ecosystem, provides excellent fitness tracking, and comes in a comfortable large-screen design, the is a smart choice.
Conclusion
The continues Apple’s tradition of blending design, performance, and everyday usability. It may not have the advanced sensors of the Series 9 or Ultra, but it covers all the essentials at a fair price.
For anyone new to smartwatches or looking for an affordable yet powerful Apple Watch, the SE 44mm is a reliable option that balances style, performance, and value.
Bottom line: If you’re an iPhone user who wants a smartwatch that does it all without breaking the bank, the Apple Watch SE 44mm is worth considering.
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