Buying Guide: The Best Apple Watch for 2022 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
It's no secret that the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch for iPhone users. The issue for potential buyers is that Apple currently offers three different versions: the standard Series 8, the entry-level SE, and the high-end Ultra. There are also older Apple Watches still available that might offer everything you want at the right price.
We're here to help you break down your options so you can choose the best Apple Watch model for your needs and budget. Read on for our breakdown of each model we currently recommend. And when you find the right one for you, make it your own with our favorite accessories and watch bands.
Apple Watch Series 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Overnight temp sensing | - Same design as previous model |
| + Car crash detection | - Limited usefulness for retrospective ovulation estimates |
| + Improved battery life | |
| + More accurate period predictions |
Apple Watch Series 8
Why We Picked It
The Apple Watch Series 8 is the right Apple Watch for most people. It sits squarely between the SE and Ultra models in price and capabilities.
The Series 8 features an always-on OLED screen that's 20% larger than the SE's and uses Apple's third-generation heart rate sensor to report blood oxygen, ECG, and heart rate data. A new temperature sensor provides more fitness metrics and can even track ovulation.
This watch makes sense for people who don't want to compromise on features or spend $800 on the Apple Watch Ultra. It's worth the premium over the SE because of its larger screen, high-end components, and comprehensive set of fitness features.
Apple Watch Ultra
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Highly rugged and water resistant | - Large |
| + Much better battery life than other Apple wathces | - Expensive |
| + Customizable Action button | - Digital Crown may irritate skin |
| + Emergency siren | |
| + Cellular connectivity comes standard | |
| + Louder speaker than Series 8 | |
| + Tactile buttons work with gloved hands | |
| + Dual-frequency GPS | |
| + Fantastic Depth app |
Apple Watch Ultra
Why We Picked It
The Ultra is the biggest, most powerful, and priciest Apple Watch. To put that price into perspective, you can buy two Series 8 or three SE models for the same price. It works hard to justify its cost, though.
To start, the Ultra has the largest and brightest screen of any Apple Watch. It uses a 49mm, MIL-STD 810H-tested titanium case and an OLED display that puts out twice as much light (2,000 nits) as the Series 8 or SE. It includes an additional Action button for custom functions and has a battery life of 36 hours (double the Series 8 and SE).
The Ultra has all of the same health features as the Series 8, but sets itself apart when you step outside the gym. The watch is built for all types of adventure, from dives to hikes and more. When you're on foot, it uses L1 and L5 GPS for better accuracy and has a built-in 86dB siren that is audible from up to 600 feet away. For underwater treks, the watch has an EN13319 certification and a depth gauge with a water temperature sensor. It also works for recreational dives at depths of up to 40 meters and can function as a dive computer with the Oceanic+ app.
The Apple Watch Ultra is clearly the best Apple Watch for climbers, swimmers, and anyone else who spends a lot of time in the great outdoors. It's pricey, though, and people with smaller wrists should be aware of its bulky design.
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Why We Picked It
We've yet to fully test the latest model of the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE, though our review of its predecessor should give you a basic idea of what to expect.
On the plus side, the 2022 edition of the Apple Watch SE uses the same S8 processor as the Series 8 and Ultra, plus it offers heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, fall and crash detection, and water resistance up to 50 meters.
It makes some compromises to hit its lower price, however. For instance, its OLED screen is the smallest of the bunch (40/44mm) and it doesn't have an always-on display option like the two more expensive models do. It's also the only one of the trio that can't take blood oxygen and ECG readings. And you can get it only in aluminum.
But aside from the missing fitness features and the less premium screen, it works just like the Apple Watch Series 8. That means it's a capable and relatively affordable entry point into the Apple Watch lineup.
Apple Watch Series 7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Larger display than previous models | - No major feature updates from last generation |
| + Faster charging | - One-day battery life remains the same |
| + Improved durability | |
| + New watch colors and faces |
Apple Watch Series 7
Why We Picked It
So, what about the previous Apple Watch, the Series 7? It's still a fantastic smartwatch, and you might be able to find it for a fair amount cheaper than the Series 8 (though still more than the SE). The big difference between the Series 7 and the Series 8 is that the Series 8 has dual temperature sensors that can measure your body temperature and monitor it for variations from your baseline temperature. It can also help track ovulation, though you might not want to do that.
The Series 8 also adds crash detection. If you're in a car accident, the Series 8 can sense it and connect you to emergency services. It's a helpful safety feature to consider if you're torn between the two watches.
Otherwise, they're basically the same Apple Watch. If you can find the Series 7 for a much lower price than the Series 8, it's worth considering over the SE for its more advanced health features including a blood oxygen sensor and ECG.
What Is the Best Alternative to the Apple Watch?
If you use an Android phone (or don't want an Apple Watch for whatever reason), our roundup of the best smartwatches offers several platform-agnostic options. And if your biggest priority is tracking your health, some of the best fitness trackers are more affordable than the Apple Watch SE.