Choosing the Right Apple Watch to Buy in 2020

Thinking about purchasing an Apple Watch? The Apple Watch is a perfect instrument for wellness, fitness, and communication, but when making a purchase, there's a lot to consider.

For a more affordable older model, you need to choose the case material and strap, select a GPS or cellular model, and determine whether to purchase the new Apple Watch or spring.

In order to help you find out which Apple Watch can better suit your needs, this guide guides you through the various choices you can choose from, but it assumes that you are already aware of the feature set.

Our Apple Watch roundup is a good guide with an overview of features like the always-on display, Blood Oxygen monitoring, heart rate tracking, ECG functionality, and more, if you want to know what the Apple Watch can do.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE

There was a new flagship model and an older, less powerful model to choose from for much of the lifespan of the Apple Watch, but that changed in 2020 with the launch of the low-cost Apple Watch SE, a more affordable Apple Watch option that provides most of the same features as the flagship model, but at a lower cost.

Apple will sell the Apple Watch Series 6, starting at $399, and the Apple Watch SE, starting at $279, in 2020, and there are a few key differences that make it easy to decide between the two.

In terms of form factor, the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 6 are similar, but there are three key features absent from the SE: ECG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, and an always-on display. The Apple Watch Series 6 is the only choice if you want any of those three features (or all three).

The Apple Watch SE has a slower S5 chip and no WiFi 6 features, which may also affect your decision. You can save a decent amount of money by opting for the Apple Watch SE instead of the Apple Watch Series 6 if you don't need the feature set given by the Apple Watch Series 6 and are solely interested in basic health and fitness features such as heart rate and motion tracking along with alerts and similar features.

Apple Watch Series 6

• Case size of 44 mm or 40 mm
• Always-on View of Retina LTPO OLED
• GPS and GPS + Cellular models
• 64-bit dual-core S6 Chip
• W3 wireless chip
• Haptic Digital Crown
• Optical heart sensor
• Notifications regarding the heart rate
• Emergency SOS (International)
• Fall Detection
• Monitoring the noise
• Water resistance up to 50 meters
• 5GHz Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth 5.0
• Family Setup Support
• Compass and an altimeter always-on
• 32GB capacity
• 18-hour "all-day" battery life
• U1 Ultra-Wideband chip
• Blood Oxygen app
• ECG app
• Full charge in 1.5 hours
• Standard colours plus red and blue

Apple Watch SE

• Case size of 44 mm or 40 mm
• Standard Retina LTPO OLED display
• GPS and GPS + Cellular models
• 64-bit dual-core S5 Chip
• W3 wireless chip
• Digital Crown haptic
• Optical heart sensor
• Heart rate notifications
• Emergency SOS (International)
• Fall Detection
• Noise monitoring
• Resistance to water up to 50 metres
• 2.4GHz Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth 5.0
• Support for ‌Family Setup‌
• Compass and always-on altimeter
• 32GB capacity
• 18-hour "all-day" battery life
• No U1 Wltra-Wideband chip
• No app for Blood Oxygen
• No ECG app
• Full charge in 2.5 hours
• Standard colors

It is also worth noting that the Apple Watch SE does not come in stainless steel or titanium, nor does it have the latest blue and PRODUCT(RED) colours, so if you prefer the more affordable model, your only choice is an aluminium casing in silver, space grey, or gold.

We have a complete guide comparing the Apple Watch Series 6 to the Apple Watch SE, so if you want to see the features broken down in more detail, make sure to check it out.

Apple Watch Sizing

Two sizes come with the Apple Watch: 40 mm and 44 mm. Apple says the 40 mm Apple Watch is designed to suit wrists from 130 to 200 mm, while the 44 mm Apple Watch is designed to fit wrists from 140 to 220 mm.

You need to remember your wrist size and the way you want the Apple Watch to match when selecting a case size. Individuals with small wrists would possibly want to choose the 40 mm model, while individuals with larger wrists would want to choose the 44 mm model.

Size choice would be apparent for certain individuals, but for those with medium-sized wrists where the choice is not evident, visiting an Apple Store or a retail location that sells the Apple Watch to try it on is the best option because there is really no substitute for seeing how it works on the wrist in person.

Model Choices on Apple Watch

Three different materials for the casing are available: aluminium, stainless steel and titanium, along with special Apple Watches produced in collaboration with Hermès and Nike.

Both Apple Watch models have the same internal components and capabilities, irrespective of casing content.

Apple Watch Aluminum

The lightest weight and the most inexpensive Apple Watches that Apple offers are aluminium Apple Watches. In silver, space grey, gold, blue, and (PRODUCT)RED, the aluminium content comes with the two latter colours being new in 2020.

In the past, Apple branded its Apple Watch aluminium models as "sport" models for their light weight, but the sports branding has since dropped. As with some of the other casing options, aluminium is not as durable, but it has the advantage of being less heavy.

The aluminium is soft, brushed aluminium, and the stainless steel or ceramic is not as polished as these watches. There is an Ion-X glass display on Apple Watch aluminium models, which is less scratch-resistant than the sapphire glass used in more costly models.

The aluminium Apple Watch is the perfect option for most individuals because it is suitable for all kinds of operations and is the most affordable, beginning at $399 for the 40 mm model and $429 for the 44 mm model. Models with LTE are $100 more. Apple Watch SE aluminium versions are even cheaper, starting with the 40 mm model at $279.

Apple Watch Stainless Steel

Stainless steel Apple Watches are the middle tier Apple Watches that Apple sells. They're more expensive than the aluminum models and less expensive than the titanium models.

The stainless steel models have more of a high-end professional look compared to the aluminium models built for regular wear, including exercise. Apple Watches in stainless steel are heavier than other options and those who like a heavier weight on the wrist may prefer them.

Apple Watch models in stainless steel come in silver , gold, and space black, and the finish is shiny. This shiny finish can, sadly, be more susceptible to scratching than aluminium, but it looks better.

Apple's stainless steel models also feature sapphire crystal for the displays instead of Ion-X glass, so the displays are more resistant to scratching and damage.

The stainless steel Apple Watches, combined with Apple 's cheapest band options, start at $699 for the 40 mm model and $749 for the 44 mm model. All versions have LTE networking support.

Apple Watch Titanium

For those who are looking for a higher-end, luxury watch, the titanium Apple Watch is Apple's most costly Apple Watch choice.

The Apple Watch titanium is lighter but stronger than stainless steel, and it has a special polished titanium finish that is resistant to stain and fingerprints. It comes in a traditional titanium and space-black finish.

The Apple Watch titanium models start at $799, with prices going up based on band selection. The titanium models are better suited to those who want a more luxury watch's look and feel and have the extra cash to spend on the aesthetic.

Apple Watch Nike

The Apple Watch Nike models, designed in conjunction with Nike and targeted at athletes, are similar to Apple's aluminium Apple Watch models in every way. However, they can be bought with unique Nike-branded bands, including reflective Sport Loops in distinctive colours and perforated Sport Bands for enhanced aeration.

With the Nike Run Club app, Nike Apple Watches also have exclusive Nike watch faces and come pre-installed. Nike Apple Watch options start at $399, like the aluminium Apple Watch models.

For cyclists, fans of the Nike brand or those who simply enjoy the look of Nike bands, Nike Apple Watch models are perfect..

Apple Watch Hermès

The Apple Watch Hermès models are similar to Apple's stainless steel Apple Watches, but with high-end, costly Hermès bands made of leather, created in partnership with Hermès and targeted at those looking for a higher-end luxury watch.

Hermès Apple Watches feature unique Hermès watch faces, just like Nike Apple Watch models, that are not available on other Apple Watch choices. A special Hermès Orange Sport Band also comes with all Hermès Apple Watches.

Apple Watch Hermès models are priced from $1249 onwards.

Band Choices

Apple's standard aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium Apple Watch models can be paired with almost any of the bands that Apple sells through the Apple Watch Studio feature on Apple's website.

Click on the "Apple Watch Studio" option on the Apple Watch purchase page to choose from the available sports, leather, and stainless steel bands with any case pairing. An overview of each band choice which can be applied to a standard watch is given below:

• Solo Loop ($49)-The Solo Loop features a slip-on style with no buckle or clasping mechanism, similar to the Sport Band. It's made of stretchy rubber that can fit over the hand to fit the wrist and then collapse down. These bands come in nine sizes, and it can be difficult to find the right size, so if you can, it's better to fit in an Apple Shop.

Braided Solo Loop ($99)-The Braided Solo Loop is also made of a stretchable recycled yarn interwoven with silicone threads so it can fit over the hand without a buckle or clasp. As with the Solo Loop, it can be difficult to find the right fit, so visiting an Apple Store is your best option when buying this band, because if it doesn't fit, if you don't have an Apple Store nearby, the whole Apple Watch needs to be returned.

Sport Band ($49)-Sport Bands are made from a fluoroelastomer that is flexible and lightweight and is intended for use during exercise or physical activity. These bands come in a variety of colours and are waterproof.

Sport Loop ($49) - Sport Loops are made from a fabric material and they're designed to be soft, breathable, and lightweight. They're fabric so if you get them wet they're going to feel damp, but they dry quickly. Sport Loops are also available in a range of colors.

Nike Band ($49)-Nike Bands are similar to Sport Bands, sold with Nike Watches or standalone, but have a perforated design with holes for improved breathability. In exclusive colours, there are also Nike Sport Chains.

Modern Buckle ($149)-Made of leather, the Modern Buckle is limited to the smaller 40 mm versions of the Apple Watch. It has a two-piece magnetic buckle and Apple's watch options have the bulkiest fastening mechanism.

Leather Loop-( $99)-The wrap-style Leather Loop is made of a quilted leather material and is only available for 44 mm Apple Watch models.

Leather Link-The Leather Link is similar to the Leather Loop, but instead of a loop closure, it has a magnetic clasp. The Leather Connection is made of French leather from Roux Granada and comes in a variety of subdued colours.

Link Bracelet-( $349 to $449)-Apple 's most costly band is the Link Bracelet, made from a stainless steel alloy. It is intended to look like conventional watch bands of metal and comes in silver and black space.

Milanese Loop-( $99)-A lightweight mesh material that wraps around the wrist is used to make the Milanese Loop. It's such a fine mesh that the casual Sport Loop and Sport Band options are easy to wear, lightweight, and look more professional.

Hermès (Pricing varies)-Apple sells a range of all-leather Hermès bands on a stand-alone basis alongside Hermès Apple Watches, all of which are produced by the fashion house.

All bands from Apple can also be bought separately, so if needed, you can get multiple bands for a single watch and switch between them. When buying a Hermès or Nike Apple Watch, Hermès and Nike bands are only available in a package and can not be combined with a normal casing, but they can be bought separately.

With a Hermès band, all Hermès Apple Watch models ship, while all Nike Apple Watch models ship with a Nike band. On Apple's website , you can find current colour choices for each form of Apple Watch.

Cellular vs. GPS-Only

Apple has been selling both cellular models with LTE connectivity and less costly GPS-only models without cellular connectivity since the Apple Watch Series 3.

The Apple Watch is untethered from the iPhone with an LTE connexion and does not need a 'iPhone' or a known internet connexion Wi-Fi network. This implies that on the Apple Watch without an iPhone, maps, phones, messages, Apple Pay, and more can all be used.

The Apple Watch can be used almost entirely independently of an iPhone with the dedicated App Store available as watchOS 5, although an iPhone is still needed for certain functions such as updates.

LTE access through a carrier often demands that an iPhone be on the cellular plan, but without an iPhone, a cellular Apple Watch will not be bought and used. Many Apple Watch cellular plans apply a $10 monthly charge to your cell phone bill. In the higher-end Apple Watches, LTE connectivity is the norm, but aluminium LTE versions are $100 more costly.

There is probably no need for cellular connectivity if you only use an Apple Watch with an iPhone, but if you want to leave the iPhone behind for things such as runs and hikes, the cellular feature is worth considering.

In several countries around the world, Apple Watches with LTE are affordable, with a list available on Apple's website. Note that on Series 5 models, LTE Apple Watches have a red ring around the Digital Crown on.

Pricing Consumption

For both LTE and GPS-only options, a complete comparison of the Apple Watch pricing in each finish is below, so you can see the cost differences at a glance. Notice that for each model, these are the starting prices, and the final price will differ depending on the choice of band.

Apple Watch Series 6

• 40mm Aluminum Non-LTE - $399
• 40mm Aluminum LTE - $499
• 44mm Aluminum Non-LTE - $429
• 44mm Aluminum LTE - $529
• 40mm Stainless Steel (LTE only) - $699
• 44mm Stainless Steel (LTE only) - $749
• 40mm Titanium (LTE only) - $799
• 44mm Titanium (LTE only) - $849
• 40mm Nike Non-LTE - $399
• 40mm Nike LTE - $499
• 44mm Nike Non-LTE - $429
• 44mm Nike LTE - $529
• 40mm Hermès (LTE only) - $1249
• 44mm Hermès (LTE only) - $1299

Apple Watch SE

• 40mm Aluminum Non-LTE - $279
• 40mm Aluminum LTE - $329
• 44mm Aluminum Non-LTE - $309
• 44mm Aluminum LTE - $359

‌The Apple Watch SE models are aluminium only, so no stainless steel or titanium options are available.

Which Apple Watch is Best For You?

The aluminium Apple Watch Series 6 models will be your best bet if you want all of the new bells and whistles for the best price. Given its rich feature set, its light weight, and its affordable price point, the aluminium Apple Watch is the Apple Watch that we recommend for most individuals. The Nike models are similar to the aluminium Apple Watch models, if you like the aesthetic.

The stainless steel models should be checked out by those looking for a higher-end watch that is still affordable, while the Edition Apple Watch models and the Hermès Apple Watch models should be looked at by those who want the best Apple has to offer. Notice that you're not getting extra features for the price if you pick one of these versions-all Apple Watches have the same internal features.

A new casing material that is higher quality and a higher-quality display that is less resistant to scratching is what you get with the higher-end versions.

The choice and size of bands is quite a personal preference. Some of the most stylish choices are Sport Bands and Sport Loops, and they come in a variety of colours that change seasonally, whereas the higher-end leather and metal bands from Apple give a classier look. The new options for Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop are easy, but if buying online, use caution because sizing is tricky.

The Apple Watch SE provides a great value for those who just want a simple Apple Watch mainly for activity monitoring and do not want to spend a whole lot of money on health features such as ECG and blood oxygen tracking along with the faster chip and the always-on monitor.

The Apple Watch SE, which starts at just $279, provides all the same fitness features as the Series 6 and the older S5 chip is still very fast for regular use. At $199, the Apple Watch Series 3 is even better, but this technology is older, slower, and we don't recommend it. It's better to select the Apple Watch SE over the Series 3 if you can afford it, since the Series 3 will not have the same longevity or software support as the two newer versions, so its lifetime will not be as long.

Be sure to check out our Series 6 Apple Watch roundup and our Apple Watch SE roundup for a detailed rundown of the features available in the Apple Watch and a closer look at the various versions.