9 Cons of Apple Watch SE (Review 2024)

I’ve read about a million glowing takes on the Apple Watch SE, and I get it—it’s cheaper than Apple’s premium models, it syncs up nicely with my iPhone, and it doesn’t look half-bad on my wrist. But after sifting through endless praise, I’m ready to cut through the noise.

If you’re a bit like me—someone who doesn’t just swallow the hype and actually wants to know what you’re missing out on—then let’s step outside the “it’s fine for most people” echo chamber. Don’t get me wrong, I still think the SE is decent for what it is. But once I started really thinking about its shortcomings, they seemed tougher to ignore than I’d expected. Yes, I’m going to harp on the negatives for a bit, so consider this fair warning.

Limited Health Sensors

I’ve always been impressed by the cutting-edge health features Apple packs into its higher-end watches. Between ECG readings, blood oxygen measurements, and even body temperature checks, I feel like those flagship models are practically mini health clinics for my wrist. But when I strap on the Apple Watch SE, it’s a different story.

This thing acts like advanced health sensors never happened. Sure, I get basic heart rate tracking and a friendly poke to stand once in a while, but that’s where it ends. If I ever wanted deeper health insights—maybe detecting subtle sleep apnea signs or training for a marathon with detailed performance analytics—the SE would leave me high and dry. It’s basically a cheerful fitness buddy, not the all-knowing health guru I might crave down the road.

Of course, not everyone cares about that extra layer of health data. If you’re content just closing those activity rings and ensuring you’re not glued to your chair 24/7, maybe the SE’s bare-bones approach is enough. But in a world where wearables are shifting toward becoming full-blown health companions, the SE feels like it’s just skimming the surface. I might not care now, but if I ever do get more serious about health tracking, I’m worried I’ll be kicking myself for not going with a model that offers more.

A Display That’s Not Always There (And a Bit Dull)

I’ve glanced at top-of-the-line Apple Watches and been quietly jealous of their Always-On Displays. They make checking the time or skimming a notification feel totally effortless—no flicks, no taps, just a quick peek. With the SE, though, I’m stuck waking it up myself, like I’m tipping my hat in old-fashioned greeting every time I want to see the screen. It’s a small inconvenience, but once you’ve tasted that always-on goodness, it’s hard to forget it’s missing here.

And while the SE’s display looks fine indoors, I’ve found myself squinting awkwardly under direct sunlight. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely noticeable if I’m used to something brighter. Add to that the thicker bezels, and the SE’s screen starts to feel a bit behind the curve. I’m a bit picky about displays—call me a screen snob if you like—so this stands out to me more than it might to others. But trust me, once you’ve seen the better options out there, going back to the SE’s dimmer, bezel-heavy look feels like settling.

Durability? Ehh, Could Be Better

I tend to be clumsy at times, and I’ve smacked my wrist against metal door frames more often than I’d care to admit. With a sturdier watch, I’d shrug it off and move on. But with the SE’s lightweight aluminum case, every bump makes me wince. Aluminum might keep things light, but it’s also more susceptible to scratches and dings. Over time, I’ve come to expect the SE to collect a few battle scars that I’d rather avoid.

It doesn’t help that the SE’s display is slightly curved. Sure, it looks cool, but this curve doesn’t improve durability. One bad drop in a locker room and I might be on the hook for a pricey repair. If I’m always careful, maybe I can avoid accidents. But realistically, life happens. I could slap a screen protector on it, or just learn to live with a watch that shows its age a bit faster. Neither option feels great, especially when I know there are tougher alternatives out there.

Where Are My Fancy Features?

I’ve heard plenty about Apple’s Ultra-Wideband U1 chip—this super-smart bit of tech that improves location tracking and lets devices find each other more accurately. It’s the kind of thing that feels like future-proofing. The SE, though, just skips it. If I’m not big on the fancy bells and whistles, maybe I won’t miss it. But a part of me can’t help thinking I’m missing out on a feature that could prove really handy later.

And while we’re at it, dual-band GPS? Not here either. Pricier models can guide me through urban canyons or forest trails as if they have a built-in explorer mode. The SE’s navigation is more “meh” than “wow.” If I’m just jogging around the neighborhood, that’s fine. But if I tried to run a marathon in a cityscape with tall buildings, I’d likely notice the difference. I don’t always need these advanced features, but I love knowing they’re there if I do.

Battery Life: The Daily Plug-In Dance

Battery life is the Achilles’ heel of so many gadgets, and the SE’s 18-hour span is basically an invitation to charge every night. It’s not terrible, but it’s still one more device demanding my attention in the evening. I’ve dreamed of a smartwatch that can survive a weekend trip without begging for a charger. The SE, unfortunately, doesn’t grant that wish.

If I want to track my sleep, this gets trickier. I’d need to find another time during the day to charge it, maybe when I’m eating breakfast or showering, and even that’s an extra layer of effort. It’s not life-ruining, just another minor annoyance that adds up over time. When I think about having a watch that doesn’t need this constant TLC, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of envy.

No Fast Charging, For Real?

Picture this: I doze off on the couch watching videos and forget to charge my watch. Morning comes, I’m running late, and the SE’s battery is almost dead. On a higher-end Apple Watch, I could throw it on the charger for a quick burst of power and head out. The SE, though, sips juice at a slower pace. That means I’m forced to wait around or leave the house with a near-dead watch. Not ideal.

This might not be a big deal if I’m a creature of habit who charges it nightly without fail. But life happens. Sometimes I forget, sometimes I’m pressed for time. Without fast charging, the SE feels less flexible, less forgiving. I don’t always need it, but when I do, I’d really appreciate that feature.

The Sound Situation: It’s Not a Boombox

I never planned on using my Apple Watch as a speaker, but some pricier models have shown me that it’s possible to get decent audio from the wrist. Not so with the SE. Its speaker is just okay—for calls, alerts, maybe a quick Siri command—but not for much else. If I ever feel like listening to a voice note or a short podcast snippet without earbuds, I’m basically out of luck.

Granted, this might not bother me too much. Most of the time I’ve got earbuds handy anyway. But knowing that other models handle audio better makes me feel like I’m missing a small convenience. It’s not a deal-breaker, just another subtle reminder that the SE isn’t the top dog in Apple’s smartwatch lineup.

Water Resistance: Decent, But No Mermaid Watch

The SE’s 50m water resistance seems pretty good until I think about what I might want tomorrow. Swimming in a pool? Showering with it on? No problem. But if I ever get serious about diving, surfing, or other more intense water adventures, 50m might feel like a glass ceiling. The Apple Watch Ultra laughs at those limitations, doubling that resistance rating.

For most folks, this is probably fine. But as more people get into hardcore sports or underwater exploring, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll regret not having a watch that can keep up. Right now, it’s a non-issue. But later? Who knows.

So, Who Is This Watch Really For?

Let’s not go overboard here—the SE isn’t a lemon. If it’s my first Apple Watch and I just want basic features—reading texts, tracking a casual run, maybe controlling my music—it’s perfectly okay. For many people, that’s all they need. It’s less pricey and still wraps neatly into Apple’s ecosystem, which is a nice perk.

But if I’m the kind of user who wants deep health metrics, hardcore durability, pinpoint GPS accuracy, or convenience features like fast charging, these missing pieces might drive me up the wall. The SE starts to feel like a stepping stone, something that’s fine now but might not grow with me as my needs evolve. In other words, it’s like a starter bike with training wheels—you can outgrow it pretty fast if you’re serious.

Wrapping It Up

It’s easy to love the Apple Watch SE if I don’t think too hard about what it’s missing. It carries the Apple name, it’s priced fairly for what it offers, and it slots nicely into the Apple universe. But shine a brighter light on the gaps—like the lack of advanced health sensors, no always-on display, no fast charging, less durable materials, weaker audio, and limited water resistance—and it’s clear that it’s more of a mid-tier contender than a champion.

In short, the SE reminds me of a band’s decent but not mind-blowing second album. It’s alright, sure, but if I’ve already heard what the band can do at their peak, I can’t help but feel a little underwhelmed. And that lingering sense of “what if?” might matter way more than I realize before I click “Add to Cart.”

Nevertheless, if you’ve weighed all these drawbacks. Still wish to go with the purchase, congratulations! You’re making a considered decision that you won’t regret.

Reference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cw-WlX4vV0&pp=ygUVQXBwbGUgV2F0Y2ggU0UgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9IiEgfy9Ig&pp=ygUVQXBwbGUgV2F0Y2ggU0UgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxqNmOhrM_4&pp=ygUVQXBwbGUgV2F0Y2ggU0UgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCItYTyVtuc&pp=ygUVQXBwbGUgV2F0Y2ggU0UgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us9Qc1bMcE4&pp=ygUVQXBwbGUgV2F0Y2ggU0UgcmV2aWV3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=079rAyl63Bw&pp=ygUVQXBwbGUgV2F0Y2ggU0UgcmV2aWV3