Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

SE, 9 or Ultra 2?

J

jakja83

Cancelled
Original poster
Aug 4, 2010
261
167
I want a new watch and I am considering going SE just to save money, but want AOD and worry-free battery life - a sapphire-screen would also be nice. The problem is pricing.

Here a 44 MM SE Cellular costs around 380USD. A graphite AW Series 9 is 935 USD and Ultra 2 is 999.

The SE looks like a lot of "bang for buck" in comparison, but is it "good enough"?
 
Find an Ultra 1 with discount, plenty of places selling them much cheaper now the U2 is out, for what amounts to basically the same thing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jetsam and 4sallypat
The SE is a fantastic watch and an attractive price. If you think you can live without AOD (which for me is very easy to do), you most likely won't be disappointed with the SE.
 
My wife is a physical therapist and banging her nike watch all day long. her current and previous watch look fine. If $ is an issue I would take any risk you think there may be with the SE and enjoy the savings. I do not think you'll be disappointed in the SE and savings.

AOD? I have to turn my wrist to see the time any way. $600 for a screen and AOD, nah
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4sallypat
Currently trying out the SE2 44 mm LTE-version. I feel the plastic backing is more prone to feel unpleasant to wear. (more moisture between it and my skin compared to glass backing?)

AOD is missed, but it's lightness is attractive. A sapphire screen would be nice, feeling av bit extra OCD with a screen more prone to scratching...
 
You won't have worry free battery life with the SE or the Series 9. Only the Ultra 2 has that.
 
Zest28 said:
You won't have worry free battery life with the SE or the Series 9. Only the Ultra 2 has that.
Click to expand...
I am aware of that, but I end a day with 50+% on the SE so it's not a big problem.

My latest question was more about discomfort with a plastic back-plate versus a glass one on the more expensive watches. I feel the SE itches a bit more than I can remember earlier watches I've tested did.(?)

I can also see that the Ultra is quite a bit easier to use, especially when pressing the outer areas of the display. Flat display is more sensitive/easier to hit.
 
I change my smart watches after several years, I had a Series 0 a Series 6 and and Ultra 2 now. The Series 0 was amazing because I had the Stainless Steel one that had Sapphire glass. That one is still in perfect physical condition, cosmetically.

The Series 6 I got was the more economic one but the glass in that one was not good. It got scratched very easily. That's why I opted now for the Ultra 2, I like that is so rugged and the glass is back to Sapphire. And since I use the Watch every day and is my main payment system I decided to get it and use it for as long as possible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: usmaak
I had the Ultra 1 and was pretty rough with it. And not one micro scratch on the display or casing, nor any dents. Now I have the Ultra 2. For that reason, battery life, and the action button. I don't think I can go back to a normal AW. Also, I don't have to deal with accidental crown presses anymore based on the design.
 
Do you also need LTE version? if you do, I would look at a discounted Stainless Steel models - perhaps series 8. I personally feel if someone is considering an aluminum watch with LTE, they might as well go with stainless steel as the difference at that point is about $200 and you get for sure more watch for your money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dmccombs
LTE is mandatory - Will seek out stainelss 45 mm on discount if possible. Love the graphite versions. Or perhaps U2 if there is discount to be had.

Thanks once more.
 
Zest28 said:
You won't have worry free battery life with the SE or the Series 9. Only the Ultra 2 has that.
Click to expand...
With fast charging, you leave it plugged in for 15 or 20 minutes and you get 50%. So it might not be entirely "worry free", but if you have a USB-C charger and the cord next you with 15-minutes to spare - battery is not a show stopper.

I slept on fast-charging for the Apple Watch and realized what I was missing a few weeks back.
 
Just back to say I put in an order for an Ultra 2. I used discounts and vouchers to get 20% off that made it "only" 70$ more than a discounted Ultra 1. I think the U2 will hold value at least that much better so...

Appreciate the advice and help received in the thread! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: adam1080 and dotzero123
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back