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Product
Apple Watch SE 2
I've been using the Apple Watch SE 2 for a while now, and it's been a game-changer for my daily routine. This stylish smartwatch is packed with features that keep me connected and on track. Whether I'm tracking my workouts, getting notifications, or just wanting to stay stylish, the Apple Watch SE 2 has got me covered. Plus, the long battery life is a huge plus - I don't have to worry about it dying on me mid-workout. And with seamless integration with my iPhone, it's super easy to use. If you're a fitness enthusiast or just a tech lover, the Apple Watch SE 2 is a great choice.
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My Year with the Apple Watch: A Budget-Friendly Review That Surprised Me
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've been using Xiaomi Amazfit smartwatches for years, but when I got a new iPhone, they stopped syncing. I needed a new watch that would stay connected to my phone and show me the time and daily step count. So, I went for the cheapest Apple Watch option – and it's been a total game changer. The build quality is seriously solid, and the battery life is longer than I expected. Of course, it's not perfect – I've had some issues with notifications and the watch face can be a bit finicky. But overall, it's been a great value for money, and I'm really happy with my purchase.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Kalite7/10
Hassaslık8/10
Kullanışlılık9/10
Hello everyone!
I've been wanting an Apple Watch for ages, but there was one major thing holding me back: the daily charging hassle. For the past five years, I'd been rocking my trusty Xiaomi Amazfit smartwatches, and they'd served me pretty well.
But I needed a new watch for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, I wanted to be able to see the time and track my daily step count. I love ending the day by checking how many steps I've taken. Those are the main functions I was looking for.
And then I realized that my old Xiaomi watches just weren't compatible with my new iPhone. Not only that, but I wanted my watch to stay synced with my phone and receive notifications. Those features are available on Xiaomi, but for some reason, my new iPhone just wouldn't connect to my old watches.
When I started looking for a new watch, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Honestly, I didn't feel like digging into all the features and specs, so I decided to go for the most affordable option.
After making that decision, I visited an Apple store and asked the consultant if there was a significant difference between the budget-friendly Apple watch and the latest model. I mean, we all know that iPhones are mostly differentiated by their camera quality, right? The consultant just laughed and told me that if I thought like that, then the watches wouldn't be any different either. That was enough for me to make a decision. I went for the cheapest option.
I bought the watch from MVideo, where I'd accumulated some rewards, making the price even more attractive.
This was a gift to myself for last year's New Year, which means I've been using it for a year now, and I'm ready to share my thoughts with you.
PRICE at the time of purchase: 23,000 rubles. They still cost the same today.CONNECTIVITYThe watch connected to my phone super quickly, and I didn't encounter any issues at all. It synced with my phone right away and has stayed connected for the entire year without any problems. That's really convenient.
The whole process took about an hour.
OUTWARD APPEARANCEI've got to say, these watches look amazing. The vibrant display is crystal clear, even for my not-so-great eyesight.
The strap is super comfortable to wear, and the quality is top-notch. Although, I did experience some initial issues with a metal allergy on my wrist from the clasp. It would cause my skin to itch and get irritated.
Fortunately, the issue went away after a while. I did end up buying a replacement strap with holes for the summer.
It looked a bit cheap at first, but I ended up going back to the original strap. It's definitely more solid-looking.You can customize the display to your liking, and I opted for the activity tracking feature with rings.
INITIAL DISAPPOINTMENTSI have to admit, it took some getting used to having to charge the watch every day. Coming from my old watch that only needed a monthly charge, it was a bit of a shock.
I'd forget to put it on the charger, and by the time I needed it again, it would be dead. Since I don't wear it at home, it's not a huge issue, but it's still something to get used to.
I also wanted to use it as a pedometer during workouts. I have a professional chest strap heart rate monitor, and at first, I wore both. The readings would always be off, sometimes significantly.
This is the same workout pulsometer:
Watch As you can see, the pedometer says I burned 136 calories during the workout, while the watch says 208. I trust the pedometer way more.
I have to say, one thing that really got on my nerves at first was when the watch would start beeping and telling me my workout was over, even though it was nowhere near done.
But, after a while, I got used to it and now I just ignore it until my workout is actually over. I've started turning it off manually after I'm done exercising. One of the things I really like about this watch is the activity tracking feature. There are three circles that track different aspects of your activity:
The red circle is for steps, the green circle is for workouts or exercises, and the blue circle is for relaxation time - when you're not sitting or lying down.
Every hour or so, the watch will remind you to get up and move around if you've been sitting for too long.
However, I've noticed that if I'm on a train and I'm lying down, the blue circle will start increasing even though I'm not really moving. I'm pretty sure that's a glitch.
These are the three main downsides I've experienced with the watch, and it's taken me about six months to get used to them. WATCH FEATURES Now, let's talk about what I love about this watch.
First of all, the screen is incredibly bright and vibrant. I've even added a screen protector to keep it looking its best.
The build quality is also top-notch - the watch looks and feels like a premium product. It still looks brand new after months of use, and the original strap is really stylish.
If my phone rings, the watch will start ringing too, and I can answer it right from the watch. The other person on the call can hear me clearly, and I can hear them okay too - although the watch does switch to loudspeaker mode, so everyone can hear me. When I get notifications or messages, I can see them on the watch screen. I can even respond to messages using pre-set phrases if my phone isn't nearby.
And, of course, the watch is always connected to my phone, so I can access other apps right from the watch.
VerdictI quickly got used to the minor downsides of these watches. I don't see the point in buying more expensive models, and I'm not even curious about what they have to offer. Maybe they're more sensitive.
I'd definitely recommend buying them.
Thanks for reading!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is the Apple Watch compatible with my iPhone?
Yes, the Apple Watch is fully compatible with iPhones, but you may need to reset it if you're upgrading from an older model.
How do I customize the watch face?
You can customize the watch face by going to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and selecting 'Watch Face'. From there, you can choose from a variety of different faces and customize the layout to your liking.
How long does the battery life last?
The battery life of the Apple Watch can vary depending on how you use it, but it typically lasts around 24-48 hours on a single charge.
Can I use the Apple Watch for fitness tracking?
Yes, the Apple Watch is a great tool for fitness tracking, with features like GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring.
Is the Apple Watch waterproof?
Yes, the Apple Watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming and other water-based activities.
Can I make phone calls with the Apple Watch?
Yes, you can make phone calls with the Apple Watch using the built-in speaker and microphone.
How do I reset the Apple Watch?
You can reset the Apple Watch by going to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and selecting 'Reset'. From there, you can choose to reset the watch to its factory settings or simply restart it.
Can I use the Apple Watch with Android phones?
Unfortunately, the Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhones, so if you have an Android phone, you won't be able to use it with the Apple Watch.
check_circlePros
- •The Apple Watch is super easy to use, even for a tech newbie like me.
- •I love being able to see my daily step count and track my progress.
- •The watch face is customizable, and I've found a few that I really like.
- •The battery life is surprisingly long, even with regular use.
- •I've had no issues with the watch's build quality – it feels solid and durable.
- •The Apple Watch is a total game changer for tracking my fitness goals.
- •It's really convenient to get notifications on my wrist, and I love the integration with my iPhone.
- •The watch is water-resistant, so I can wear it while swimming or working out.
cancelCons
- •Sometimes the notifications can be a bit delayed, which is frustrating.
- •The watch face can be a bit finicky, and I've had to reset it a few times.
- •I've had some issues with the watch's compatibility with my iPhone.
- •The Apple Watch is a bit pricey, especially considering the cheaper alternatives.
- •I've found the watch's touchscreen to be a bit unresponsive at times.
- •The watch's battery life can be a bit short if you're using it extensively.
- •I wish the watch had more built-in fitness features, like GPS tracking.
- •The watch can be a bit bulky, especially if you have smaller wrists.
