Source: Luke Filipowicz / iMore
Best Apple Watch for Teens iMore 2021
Apple Watches are available in various styles and price points. Our best Apple Watch for teens is the well-reviewed 2020 Apple Watch SE, which is available at an excellent price and includes many of the same features found on the flagship Apple Watch Series 6. We've also included other models to help you make a better-informed decision. Once that decision is made, consider some of the best accessories for your new purchase.
- Best Overall: Apple Watch SE
- Runner-Up: Apple Watch Series 6
- Best Value: Apple Watch Series 3 - Space Gray Aluminum Case
- Best Gift: Apple Watch Series 6 Titanium Edition
Best Overall: Apple Watch SE
Source: Luke Filipowicz / iMore
In 2020, Apple revealed two new Apple Watches at the same time. The Apple Watch SE looks just like our runner-up in this category, the Apple Watch Series 6. However, it's missing features that most teens probably won't want, which is good news since fewer features mean a lower price.
The Apple Watch SE comes in 40mm and 44mm case sizes and has an S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor on the inside. The chip provides two times the speed of the Apple Watch Series 3. Like other Apple Watches, it's available with GPS and GPS + Cellular. Other features include high and low heart rate notifications and irregular heart rhythm notifications, emergency SOS alert, fall detection, an always-on altimeter, and more.
You should bypass the Apple Watch SE if you need features unique to the Apple Series 6. You can see these below.
Pros:
- Most Series 6 features for less
- The price
- Variety of options
Cons:
- No Sp02 monitor
- No ECG monitor
Best Overall
Apple Watch SE
A less expensive Apple Watch that's still a fantastic beast.
If you're looking for the newest Apple Watch for less, this is the one to get and the one your teen will probably want the most.
Runner-Up: Apple Watch Series 6
Source: Lory Gil / iMore
The Apple Watch Series 6 includes the latest features found on Cupertino's now-iconic wearable device. This version features a third-generation optical heart sensor, blood oxygen monitor (Sp02), and electrocardiogram (ECG) system capable of detecting whether you're experiencing cardiac abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation. The Apple Watch Series 6 also includes an S6 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor, a relatively loudspeaker (which is ideal when receiving calls), a ceramic and sapphire crystal back, and plenty of storage capacity for your favorite photos, podcasts, and music tracks.
Keep in mind, this year's Nike version is also an Apple Watch Series 6.
Besides the extra price you'll pay for the Apple Watch Series 6 over the Apple Watch SE, consider its life-cycle. Both the Series 4 and Series 5 before it were retired after only a year on the market. The same could happen to this model as early as September 2021.
Pros:
- Heart rate sensor
- ECG monitor
- Sp02 monitor
Cons:
- iPhone SE is cheaper
- Refresh could soon be coming
Runner-Up
Apple Watch Series 6
The one with extras
When it comes to internals, there's no better Apple Watch than the Series 6. Still, it could be overkill for your teen.
Best Value: Apple Watch Series 3
Source: iMore
The Apple Watch Series 3 includes a smaller display area than the more recent models and older internals. However, it's still packed with many of the same features that make it worth considering, especially for students and young people looking for a deal. These include an onboard optical heart sensor, water-resistance up to 50m, a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 18 hours between charges, and a barometric altimeter.
The Series 3 doesn't include the refreshed design first introduced with the now-discontinued Apple Watch 4, and there's no gold finish option. Despite this, you can't deny the awesome price of this still impressive wearable device.
Pros:
- Price is right
- Supports watchOS 7
- Great for swimming
Cons:
- Limited selection
- Older design
Best Value
Apple Watch Series 3 - Space Gray Aluminum Case
It still packs a punch
The 2017 Apple Watch Series 3 is still a great choice that's available at a steep discount.
Best Gift: Apple Watch Series 6 Titanium Edition
Source: iMore
The Titanium Edition Apple Watch is like the well-bred, financially independent cousin of the aluminum and stainless steel series. It's got a familiar brushed metal look, but the colors are a little richer ... a little deeper. It comes in titanium or Space Black. It's the perfect watch for someone wanting to make a very subtle statement. If your teen is celebrating a big accomplishment, this is the one to get. Otherwise, choose the best Apple Watch for teens or something cheaper.
Pros:
- Deep rich metal look
- Stronger than aluminum or stainless steel
- Serious status symbol
Cons:
- Only two color options
- Only comes in a cellular model
Best Gift
Apple Watch Series 6 Titanium Edition
It's the first-class version of the Apple Watch.
If you're the type of person that doesn't show off your Benjamins but still likes to look well put-together, this is a luxury watch for your understated tastes.
Best Apple Watch for teens
If you're a teen looking for a new Apple Watch, you'll quickly notice there's a wide selection of versions available. Our favorite model for those under 20 is the Apple Watch SE. It lacks some of the features found on Apple's current flagship model. And yet, this probably won't mean anything to younger wearers. You can't deny its impressive price.
The Apple Watch SE supports watchOS7, includes an onboard optical heart sensor, offers water-resistance up to 50m, a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and more.
Did we mention its lower price?
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Bryan M. Wolfe is a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading. @bryanmwolfe
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