Apple Watch Series 8 and SE 2 in the test: body temperature sensor explained, software features praised

The first tests of the Apple Watch Series 8 and the second generation Apple Watch SE are here. Before pre-orders hit shoppers on Friday, these early reviews offer our first in-depth look at the modest Apple Watch Series 8 upgrades and the new generation of entry-level Apple Watch models with the SE 2.

to The edge, most Apple Watch Series 8 upgrades are invisible to the naked eye as they have the exact same design with slightly different colors. The review notes how the body temperature sensor works as Apple hasn’t provided much information about it:

The watch’s temperature sensing is mostly passive. Unlike the existing ECG, heart rate and blood oxygen sensors, you cannot take on-demand measurements. You can only read wrist temperature when Sleep Focus is on and sleep tracking is enabled. Also, you need five nights of sleep with the Apple Watch to establish a baseline. Once this is complete, you will only see deviations from this baseline. You’ll never really look at your wrist and say, “Oh, I have a fever because my temperature is 100 degrees Fahrenheit.”

(…) If you’re tracking your cycles in the Health app, enabling wrist temperature tracking means you’ll get retrospective ovulation estimates after about two cycles.

Tom’s guide talks about the new Car Crash Detection feature and highlights two improved sensors on the Apple Watch Series 8:

The Apple Watch Series 8 has two new motion sensors inside, as well as an improved gyroscope and accelerometer. These combined can sense movement four times faster than before, allowing the watch to spot an impact exactly as it happens. And in the unfortunate event of an accident, Apple Watch automatically calls emergency services and notifies your emergency contacts. Though it’s a grim thought, faster help could be a matter of life or death.

Engadget notes that the new S8 chip isn’t faster, but could improve the battery in general:

Despite using a newer S8 system-in-package processor, the Series 8 didn’t feel dramatically faster than its predecessor. It generally took a little longer, though I need more testing time to know for sure. I also suspect that the larger size might have something to do with it. I used the new battery saver mode in watchOS 9 one morning when the Series 8 battery was down to 20 percent and I still had to run to the gym for an 8am workout. It lasted at least another two hours while also being able to track my performance throughout the HIIT class. I was struck by how little it felt like sacrificing in exchange for the extra juice.

The Wall Street Journal praises the new low-power mode:

[Low Power mode] cuts out the always-on display and heart rate readings in the background while retaining activity tracking and fall detection – great for long flights or a weekend trip without a charger (…) In my testing, the power saving mode extended the battery life of the Series 8 – as well as my older Series 7 watch. The watches had some battery left even after 36 hours, but needed to be charged to 30% for a second night of sleep tracking. (Apple’s 36-hour estimate is based on tests that don’t include sleep tracking, although sleep tracking still works when the feature is on.)

TechCrunchfor example, highlights the importance of emergency features, especially for older users. One of the new functions is the international emergency call:

International Emergency Calls expand functionality for people traveling abroad, covering approximately 120 countries/regions around the world. The system can also be triggered when the watch detects a fall. These aren’t “sexy” features by any means – and that probably contributed to the somewhat muted reaction surrounding the product launch. I’d venture to guess that these sorts of additions aren’t exactly the kind of features that will get the needle moving for too many users, but Apple is making a strong case as a device for older users and those with known health issues.

Apple Watch SE (2022) reviews

The streets Buzz what it’s like to dial the new Apple Watch SE in 2022:

The Apple Watch SE is best suited if you’re new to Apple Watch, don’t need all the health features of an always-on display, or have an older model like a Series 1, 2, or 3.

Engadget doubles up The streets Check by highlighting what you lose when choosing Apple Watch:

The main features you’ll miss if you opt for an SE over a Series 8 are the Always On Display (AOD), ECG reader, blood oxygen app and new skin temperature sensor. Like the older SE, this year’s model charges slower than the 7 and 8 Series and doesn’t have the U1 chip for ultra wideband. It also lacks the IP6X dust resistance of its higher-end counterparts. So if you’re likely to take this Tough Mudding or to the beach, it might be worth considering a more expensive model. Those who hate chunky bezels will also find the SE’s thicker bezels off-putting, but without a direct comparison I didn’t notice much of a difference.

The Wall Street Journal talks about small differences between Apple Watch SE 2 predecessors and for whom this smartwatch could be worthwhile:

SE ($249 and up): If you want the basic activity tracking and security features, get the SE. There’s no always-on display, temperature sensor, blood oxygen sensor, or ECG app. Like the Series 8, it is water resistant to a depth of 50 meters.