Apple has an event scheduled for Wednesday (9th), where the launch of a new series of iPhones is expected. However, the company should also take this opportunity to present new smartwatches for the Apple Watch line. Nevertheless, it is not essential to own the latest model to have an effective device for monitoring health and physical activities, as previous models still perform this function well.
To assist those considering purchasing an Apple Watch, Olhar Digital has prepared a detailed analysis of the Apple Watch SE 3, which represents the lowest-cost model in the line. Below, we present the details to verify if it meets your needs.
The design of the Apple Watch SE maintains the aesthetic of other smartwatches in the line, characterized by a rectangular aluminum body with rounded corners. On the side, there are a button and a rotating crown, elements used to navigate the operating system. The back features a nylon band finish with a central crystal disc that houses the sensors that make contact with the skin.
The front face uses reinforced glass, designed to withstand daily use without suffering scratches. It is available in two sizes: 40 mm and 44 mm, and both allow the strap to be replaced with one of the user's preference. Additionally, the model offers water resistance, allowing its use in pools to accompany swimming sessions.
The display has a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under intense sunlight, which can be reduced to 2 nits to avoid visual discomfort in dark environments. It is possible to customize the main screen by positioning shortcuts for the most used applications. Although the screen can remain always on, displaying time and crucial information, this feature consumes more battery. To optimize energy, the screen can be turned off, being activated only by tapping the display or by raising the wrist.
Internally, the Apple Watch SE 3 is equipped with the S10 processor, developed by Apple itself, providing great agility in opening applications and switching between screens. The device has 64 GB of internal storage, allowing you to save apps with direct access to the store without needing another device.
In addition to the physical button and rotating crown, interaction with the watch can occur through screen taps and gestures. It also recognizes gestures without requiring physical contact, such as two quick taps between the thumb and index finger, which trigger functions without touching the display.
Regarding health monitoring, the Apple Watch SE 3 has sensors that track heart rate, count steps, estimate calorie expenditure, and record daily movement. It also analyzes sleep patterns, alerts about possible signs of apnea, and measures wrist temperature to monitor the menstrual cycle. The model is capable of detecting severe falls and traffic accidents, and can be configured to activate emergency services or contact an emergency contact. However, unlike other Apple smartwatches, this one does not perform electrocardiograms or measure blood oxygen.
Battery life is pointed out as a weakness of the Apple Watch SE, as it sustains 18 hours of uninterrupted use. This time may vary depending on GPS usage, the number of notifications received, and whether the always-on display feature is engaged. This implies that the Apple Watch SE 3 will need to be recharged daily. If used to monitor sleep during the night, it is crucial to ensure there is enough charge. Recharging is done via a magnet located on the back, and Apple guarantees that about 80% of the charge will be reached in approximately 45 minutes connected to the outlet.
For those who exercise, the Apple Watch SE includes sensors to record walking, running, cycling, swimming, and weight training. Thanks to integrated GPS, it records distance, pace, and the route traveled on outdoor trails without depending on the proximity of a cell phone. When synchronized with an iPhone, the watch receives alerts from the phone, allows replying to messages using voice commands or predefined responses, and has built-in microphone and speakers to make calls directly from the wrist. Voice can also be used to set alarms, timers, and reminders, and the integrated NFC chip enables contactless payments without needing to take out the phone from your pocket.
If the user is already part of the Apple ecosystem and is looking for a more economical smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE 3 is a worthwhile purchase. It allows receiving notifications on the wrist, making payments without needing to access the phone, and tracks physical activities and health indicators well, although it has some limitations compared to other devices in the line.
The built-in GPS allows running and walking without needing to carry the phone, and automatic emergency alerts and fall detection are very helpful for the elderly. However, it is not compatible with Android smartphones, being exclusive to iPhones; therefore, users of other brands cannot use it. Furthermore, the battery requires daily attention, as it may not last a full day away from the charger, requiring frequent recharging depending on the level of use.
