Apple Watch - which one I'm clueless?!

[orangesandapples001]

So the husband wants one and we never splurge on one another. Money has always and still is tight tbh but he treated me recently and I want to do the same. Sod it, we've not been on holiday since 2011 (no joke!) and we have always had other priorities. We deserve a treat right?! Thing is I know nothing about Apple Watches. Please help recommend one? Sometimes the most recent model isn't the best so wonder if you guys in the know can help? Cheers.

What will he use it for? There are different models and they have different benefits. If he's just using it for basic things then the SE (2nd Gen) would be fine. If he wants to use it for climbing/diving/serious sporty things then go for the Ultra.

The only real discernible difference between the Series 8 and the Series 9 of the regular version is the double tap feature but the apple website has a comparison tool so you can make a bit more of an informed decision.

I would always opt to get the cellular version rather than just Bluetooth as that means he can use it when not in range of his phone.

@tenpoundpombear thanks I already learned much from you - for example the cellular part! He goes to the gym but that's it. He does want to get fit but just from gym rather than sports. Any further advice is handy. Thanks x

I recently got the SE and love it! I use it for checking my progress when walking, and exercising in the gym and as a pedometer. I also like that I can keep my phone in my bag and use the watch to pay contactless in shops, etc.

my adult dd has the one with more functions as she is very tech savvy.

I think if you get the cellular version, you also need to pay for an additional contract or similar every month so that it works. So, that wasn't worth it for me.

On some of the models, the screen is on all the time, and on some it isn't (and it activates as you turn your wrist).

They're massive, so maybe have a look in person before you choose.

I like my Apple watch, but I could live without it.

Does he know you're getting it for him? If so I'd probably ask him which he prefers.

If you're flying blind then I'd say if you think he would use the blood oxygen and ecg features then go for a series 8 or 9 (cost depending) if those things aren't a priority then I'd go for the SE, just make sure it's the latest version x

@TellySavalashairbrush I need to figure out the difference between them all. There's so much and I'm not bothered about this sort of thing so I must admit it's a bit of a minefield for me and just bores me 🤣

You can turn off the always on display in the watch app, you don't have to have it on

@LuckOfTheDrawer
Heck some stay on all the time? That's not good for him. He interviews criminals so that would be a no no. It would also annoy me.
Oh a monthly thing wouldn't be suitable for a pressie either. Bah.

Also my cellular connection costs £7 a month (on o2) I'm not sure about other networks but I'd assume it was similar. It's been an absolute godsend for me when going to the gym/for a run as means I don't need to take my phone and at times my phone has died and I've relied on it to be able to call a taxi at 1am from the airport with a delayed flight!

I sound like I work for Apple, I don't 🤣 I just like tech

@tenpoundpombear going in blind. I want it to be a surprise. X

@tenpoundpombear haha it's handy chatting to you thank you. He is quite techy im sure we can manage the £7 a month. I think I'll need to chat to someone about it as you suggested.

@orangesandapples001 based on what you've said I would go for the SE, it would do all the things you've said he needs it for x

I have a series 8 and I'm not enamoured enough with the double tap to change it for the newest one, it does all the things I need it to and then extras like ecg.

As I've said upthread the always on display can be turned off, that's not a reason to choose one over the other x

@tenpoundpombear brilliant thank you. ☺️

I’d get the Series 8, and be a bit disappointed if someone got me the SE given it’s still expensive but missing a lot of health features. I have an SE and I’m thinking about upgrading but can’t justify it as mine works fine, but would really love an 8. There’s nothing that would make me choose a 9 over an 8 though.

I have cellular but have never used it as I don’t pay the subscription. I’ve never really missed it either. I have my music and Apple Wallet on it, so I can go to the gym without my phone still, I just can’t make calls.

Gift him a fresh apple in a fancy box (see if he can guess what it means), and let him choose his own?

I wanted one and went into John Lewis and was advised to get the SE - bloody love it and it’s perfect

I have an se because I just wanted basic features. We got my child a series 8 because she has occasional silent asthma atracks and we wanted the blood oxygen tracking.

@PosteriorPosterity yes I wondered if getting an SE would be a bit meh.

To start with I wondered where this was going. I might take a trip to the Apple Store and chat with the staff. It's a fair trek from where I live though.

@Ponderingwindow is it very basic the SE? I like my glitzy watch so never been interested in a smart watch haha I'm so clueless! 🙃

I found the cellular version useful for the gym or exercising outside. The watch can store music or stream for Spotify and other internet radio sources. I use it with Bluetooth earphones and don't need to carry my phone with me. The cellular bit means I can make phone calls or send texts if I need to.

It also has the wallet with the same credit and debit cards that are stored on the iPhone. So I can even stop at the shop on the way home if needed.

@glasgow1983 which one do you have please? X

Following this thread with interest because I'm trying to decide between 9 v SE and cellular v non-cellular.

If I choose non-cellular can I:
a) Play downloaded music from Spotify if I don't have my phone with me?
b) Track runs and swims?

I'm trying to justify if the expense of a 9 cellular is worth it over an SE non-cellular!