The Apple Watch SE has become a popular choice for those wanting Apple’s smartwatch experience without the premium price tag. This second-generation model brings useful features from higher-end models while keeping costs down. The Apple Watch SE delivers impressive value with its health tracking capabilities, safety features, and seamless iPhone integration at a more affordable price point than the flagship models.
Looking at what the SE offers, users get core Apple Watch functions like step counting, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking, plus newer safety features like Crash Detection. The upgraded processor from the previous model ensures the watch stays snappy and relevant for years. People who have used the SE regularly mention its lightweight design and good battery life as major benefits.
While it lacks some premium features found in the Series models, many users find the SE hits the sweet spot between price and function. It serves as a great entry point into Apple products for those with tighter budgets. The watch excels at being very good at what you allow it to do, making it a smart choice for most Apple users who don’t need advanced health sensors.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) Review: The Perfect Budget Smartwatch
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it one of the best value smartwatches in Apple’s lineup. It’s designed for users who want core smartwatch features without splurging on the higher-end Series or Ultra models. While it lacks some advanced health sensors and premium materials, it delivers in areas that matter most for everyday users.
Feature Ratings (1-5 Scale)
Design and Build Quality: 4/5
The SE 2 keeps a familiar design—clean, minimal, and lightweight. The aluminum casing is durable and comfortable, and color options like Midnight, Starlight, and Silver offer solid variety. However, there’s no premium material option like stainless steel or titanium, and the bezels are thicker than newer Series models.
Display: 3.5/5
The Retina LTPO OLED display is bright and clear, with smooth touch responsiveness. But the lack of an Always-On Display makes it feel a bit dated compared to other models, and the bezels are more noticeable. Still, for a budget smartwatch, it gets the job done well.
Performance and Speed: 5/5
Powered by the S8 SiP—the same chip as the Series 8 and Ultra (2022)—the SE 2 is snappy and efficient. Apps open quickly, animations are smooth, and it feels future-proof for several watchOS updates to come.
Health and Fitness Tracking: 4/5
You get core features like heart rate monitoring, fall detection, crash detection, sleep tracking, and comprehensive workout tracking. However, it lacks ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensing, which limits its appeal for those who want more advanced health data.
Safety Features: 5/5
The addition of Crash Detection (borrowed from higher-end models) is impressive at this price point. Combined with Fall Detection and Emergency SOS, it makes the SE 2 a great choice for safety-conscious users or family members.
Battery Life: 4/5
Apple promises up to 18 hours of battery life, which holds true for daily use. While it doesn’t outperform premium models, it’s efficient and supports fast charging, making it reliable for day-to-day use.
Software and Ecosystem: 5/5
The SE 2 runs watchOS 10 (and beyond), giving users access to a rich app ecosystem and seamless integration with iPhones. Features like Family Setup, Apple Pay, and Siri are smooth and reliable. It’s a fantastic entry point into Apple’s broader ecosystem.
Water Resistance: 4/5
With a 50-meter water resistance rating, the SE 2 is swim-proof and great for casual swimmers and water workouts. However, it’s not designed for diving or extreme water sports, unlike the Ultra models.
Value for Money: 5/5
Starting at $249, the SE 2 offers tremendous value. It delivers essential smartwatch features with reliable performance at a much lower price than Apple’s flagship models. It’s arguably the best budget smartwatch for iPhone users.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) is a nearly perfect budget smartwatch. It doesn’t try to do everything, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. For first-time smartwatch buyers, casual fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a simple, reliable Apple Watch experience without spending a fortune, the SE 2 is a standout option. While advanced health sensors and premium materials are missing, its performance, safety features, and seamless software experience make it an easy recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- The Apple Watch SE offers core health tracking and safety features at a lower price than other Apple Watch models.
- With its updated processor and lightweight design, the SE balances performance and comfort for everyday use.
- Despite missing some premium features, the SE provides excellent iPhone integration and app selection for most users.
Apple Watch SE Overview
The Apple Watch SE delivers a strong balance between affordability and essential features. It offers impressive performance and a sleek design without the premium price tag of higher-end Apple Watch models.
Design and Build
The Apple Watch SE maintains Apple’s recognizable square watch face design with rounded corners. Available in both 40mm and 44mm sizes, it fits different wrist sizes comfortably. The aluminum case keeps the weight light while still feeling sturdy.
Unlike the premium models, the SE lacks some luxury materials. It doesn’t have the sapphire crystal or titanium options found in higher-end versions. Instead, it features an Ion-X glass display and aluminum case only.
The digital crown and side button work smoothly for navigation. The watch comes with various band options that users can easily swap out. Its water resistance makes it suitable for swimming and everyday wear without worry.
Display Quality
The Apple Watch SE features a Retina LTPO OLED display that delivers bright, vibrant colors. Text appears sharp and easy to read even in outdoor conditions. The screen responds quickly to touches and gestures.
While the display lacks the always-on feature found in pricier models, it activates promptly when users raise their wrist. This helps preserve battery life without significantly impacting usability for most people.
The screen size feels generous enough for reading notifications and navigating apps. Watch faces look clear and colorful. Though not cutting-edge, the display quality remains more than adequate for daily smartwatch tasks.
Hardware and Performance
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) runs on the S8 processor—the same chip powering the Series 8. This gives it excellent speed and responsiveness that handles all basic functions without lag. Apps open quickly, and transitions feel smooth.
Battery life typically lasts a full day with normal use. Users report getting through entire days with plenty of charge left. The SE includes key health sensors like heart rate monitoring and an accelerometer for activity tracking.
Missing from the SE are some advanced health features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. However, it still tracks steps, heart rate, and sleep cycles effectively. For most users, these core features cover their daily fitness tracking needs without the extra cost of rarely-used sensors.
Key Features of Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE packs essential smartwatch features at a better value than ever. It balances functionality with affordability while still offering core capabilities that most users need daily.
Notifications and Connectivity
The Apple Watch SE excels at keeping you connected to your iPhone. You can read and respond to texts, emails, and app notifications right from your wrist. This feature lets you stay in touch without constantly checking your phone.
The watch supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections to your iPhone. These connections work seamlessly in the background. You’ll rarely notice any issues with staying connected.
For those who need more independence, cellular models are available. With cellular connectivity, you can make calls, send messages, and stream music without your iPhone nearby. This is perfect for runs or trips when carrying a phone is inconvenient.
GPS functionality comes standard on all models. This feature tracks your location accurately during outdoor workouts and helps with navigation.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Apple Watch SE offers robust fitness tracking capabilities. It counts steps, monitors heart rate, and tracks various workout types. The built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect movement with impressive accuracy.
Sleep tracking is available through the Sleep app. It monitors your sleep patterns and helps establish healthy bedtime routines. Many users find this feature wonderful though not essential.
The watch includes health safety features like Fall Detection and Emergency SOS. These can be life-saving in unexpected situations. The watch can detect if you’ve taken a hard fall and can call emergency services if needed.
Workout tracking supports numerous activities including running, swimming, cycling, and more. The Fitness app syncs this data with your iPhone, providing a complete picture of your activity levels.
Battery Life and Charging
The Apple Watch SE typically delivers 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. This “all-day” battery performance means most users can go from morning to night without recharging.
Battery performance varies based on usage patterns. Heavy GPS use, workout tracking, and cellular connectivity will drain the battery faster. Using basic features like checking time and notifications preserves battery life.
Charging is straightforward with the included magnetic charging cable. The watch typically reaches 80% charge in about 1.5 hours and 100% in around 2.5 hours. Many users develop a routine of charging overnight.
Low Power Mode extends battery life when needed. This mode disables some features but keeps essential functions running. It’s helpful during long trips or when you’ve forgotten your charger.
Water Resistance and Durability
The Apple Watch SE is water-resistant to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming in pools or the ocean. You can track swim workouts without worry. The watch automatically locks the screen when submerged to prevent accidental touches.
The Ion-X front glass protects the display from scratches and minor impacts. While durable, it’s not indestructible. Some users opt for screen protectors for added peace of mind.
The aluminum case balances weight, durability, and cost. It’s lightweight enough for comfortable all-day wear while still feeling solid and well-built.
The watch handles everyday bumps and weather conditions with ease. Rain, snow, and sweat pose no problems. However, high-impact activities might require more careful consideration to avoid damage.
Health and Safety Technologies
The Apple Watch SE packs impressive health and safety features despite its budget-friendly price. It offers tools to monitor your well-being and get help when needed, making it a practical health companion for everyday use.
Heart Rate Monitoring
The Apple Watch SE includes a reliable optical heart rate sensor that tracks your pulse throughout the day. This feature works in the background to record your heart rhythm and alert you if it detects anything unusual.
The watch sends notifications for both high and low heart rates when you appear inactive. If your heart rate goes above 120 BPM or below 40 BPM while resting, you’ll get an alert to check things out.
Unlike the more expensive Apple Watch models, the SE doesn’t have ECG capabilities or a blood oxygen sensor. However, its basic heart rate tracking is very accurate for most users’ needs.
You can check your heart rate anytime through the dedicated app or add it as a complication on your watch face for quick viewing.
Emergency Response and Crash Detection
The Apple Watch SE includes Fall Detection that uses its accelerometer to identify when you’ve taken a hard fall. If you don’t respond to the alert, it can automatically call emergency services.
Another standout feature is Crash Detection. Using the advanced accelerometer and gyroscope, the watch can detect severe car crashes and connect you with help. This technology surpassed performance in tests compared to some pricier models.
The Emergency SOS feature lets you quickly call for help by holding the side button. It will contact emergency services and share your location with your emergency contacts.
International emergency calling works in many countries even without your phone nearby, as long as your watch has cellular capability or Wi-Fi access.
Sleep and Tracking Special Health Metrics
The Apple Watch SE offers solid sleep tracking capabilities. It monitors your sleep duration and can identify different sleep stages like REM, core, and deep sleep periods.
The built-in Sleep app helps you establish a bedtime routine. You can set sleep goals and review your sleep trends over time to improve your rest quality.
The watch uses its altimeter to track elevation during workouts, providing more accurate calorie calculations for activities like hiking or climbing stairs.
While it lacks the temperature sensor found in higher-end models, the SE still tracks your steps, heart rate, and sleep cycle effectively for most health monitoring needs.
The Workout app supports numerous activities and provides useful metrics for each, making the SE a valuable health companion despite missing some premium sensors.
User Experience
The Apple Watch SE brings a smooth, intuitive interface to users’ wrists with responsive controls and thoughtful design. Daily interactions feel natural while the watch seamlessly connects with other Apple products to enhance functionality.
Interacting with the Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE offers multiple ways to control your device. The Digital Crown serves as the main navigation tool, letting you scroll through menus and apps with precision. A simple press returns you to the home screen.
Touch controls on the OLED display are responsive and easy to use. The screen is bright and clear, though unlike higher-end models, it lacks an always-on display feature.
Siri works well on the Apple Watch SE, responding quickly to voice commands. You can ask for directions, set timers, or send messages without touching the screen.
The watch includes a gyroscope that detects wrist movement, automatically lighting up the display when you raise your arm. This feature works reliably in most situations.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
The Apple Watch SE works best with iPhones, creating a powerful combination for tracking fitness, receiving notifications, and controlling smart home devices.
Setup is straightforward—just bring the watch near your iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions. Once paired, your apps and settings sync automatically.
The watch connects to AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones for music listening during workouts. This integration feels seamless and reliable.
Apple Pay works well on the SE, making quick payments possible with just a double press of the side button. Many users find this more convenient than pulling out their phone or wallet.
Apple Watch OS and Updates
The Apple Watch SE runs on watchOS, with newer models shipping with watchOS 9. Apple regularly provides updates, with watchOS 11 expected later this year.
Updates bring new features and improvements to the watch experience. The company typically supports older models for several years, making the SE a good long-term investment.
The operating system feels polished and responsive. Apps load quickly, and navigating between screens happens without noticeable lag.
Watch faces are customizable with various complications (widgets) that display information like weather, activity rings, or calendar events. This lets users personalize their experience based on their needs.
Accessibility Features
Apple has included several helpful accessibility options in the Apple Watch SE. VoiceOver reads screen content aloud, making the watch usable for people with vision impairments.
The double tap gesture lets users answer calls or end workouts with a simple finger movement. This proves useful when your other hand is occupied.
Text size can be adjusted for easier reading, and bold text makes information stand out more clearly on the OLED Retina display.
Haptic feedback provides subtle vibrations for alerts and notifications. These can be customized in intensity, making them detectable without being disruptive.
For those with hearing challenges, the watch can flash the screen for notifications or connect directly to compatible hearing aids.
Comparison with Other Models
The Apple Watch SE offers solid value in Apple’s smartwatch lineup, with notable differences in features, price, and size compared to other models. Each watch serves different needs depending on budget and intended use.
Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra represent opposite ends of Apple’s smartwatch spectrum. The Ultra is designed for extreme athletes and adventurers, while the SE targets everyday users.
The Ultra features a larger, brighter display (49mm) with higher durability thanks to its titanium case. It has significantly longer battery life—up to 36 hours compared to the SE’s 18 hours.
The Ultra includes exclusive features absent from the SE:
- Depth gauge for diving
- Dual-frequency GPS for precise tracking
- Action button for quick access to functions
- Emergency siren
- Temperature sensors
These differences are reflected in the price—the Ultra costs more than twice as much as the SE. For most daily users, these premium features may not justify the price gap unless you’re regularly in extreme environments.
Apple Watch SE vs Series 10 and 8
The Apple Watch SE shares the same processor as the Series 10, making them equally fast for most tasks. However, the Series 10 offers larger screens (42mm and 46mm) compared to the SE’s more modest sizes.
Key features missing from the SE but present in Series 10:
- Always-on display
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- ECG capability
- Temperature sensing
- Faster charging
The Series 8 sits between these models, offering most Series 10 health features while being closer to the SE in price. For health-conscious users, the Series 8 or 10 may be worth the extra cost.
The SE still handles sleep tracking and workout monitoring well, making it suitable for casual fitness enthusiasts who don’t need specialized health data.
Budget Considerations in Apple Watch Lineup
The second-gen Apple Watch SE stands out as the clear budget option in Apple’s lineup, yet it doesn’t feel cheap or compromised in daily use.
Price comparison (starting prices):
- Apple Watch SE: $249
- Apple Watch Series 8: $399
- Apple Watch Series 10: $449
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: $799
The SE saves money by using an aluminum case instead of titanium or stainless steel options. It also has a display with slightly thicker borders and no always-on feature.
For first-time smartwatch buyers or those upgrading from Series 3, 4, or 5, the SE offers the best value. It includes critical safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS without the premium price.
When budget matters most, the SE delivers about 80% of the Apple Watch experience at roughly 50% of the price of higher-end models. This makes it an excellent entry point into Apple’s smartwatch ecosystem.
Additional Features and Services
The Apple Watch SE offers a broad range of features beyond basic timekeeping and fitness tracking. It combines payment options, app functionality, and lifestyle tools that enhance its value in everyday use.
Apple Pay and Security
The Apple Watch SE makes payments quick and secure with Apple Pay. Just double-click the side button and hold your watch near a reader to pay. No need to pull out your wallet or phone.
The watch stores payment cards securely using a device-specific number and unique transaction codes. Your actual card numbers aren’t shared with merchants or stored on Apple servers.
Security extends beyond payments. The watch includes Emergency SOS, which calls for help with a press and hold of the side button. It can also detect falls and alert emergency contacts if you’re unresponsive.
A passcode lock protects your data, and you can set the watch to automatically lock when removed from your wrist. This keeps your information safe if your watch is lost or stolen.
App Ecosystem and Third-Party Apps
The Apple Watch SE works with thousands of apps from the App Store. Popular options include Spotify, Strava, and various news apps that deliver notifications to your wrist.
Communication apps let you respond to messages directly from your watch. You can use dictation, scribble text with your finger, or choose from preset responses.
The watch face uses complications – small interactive elements that display information from your favorite apps. These can show weather, calendar events, or activity data at a glance.
Navigation apps provide turn-by-turn directions with gentle taps to signal when to turn. This feature is especially useful when walking or biking through unfamiliar areas.
Health and fitness apps connect with the watch’s sensors to track workouts, monitor heart rate, and record activity rings progress throughout the day.
Lifestyle Integration
The Apple Watch SE tracks your steps, heart rate, and sleep cycle to help build healthy habits. The Activity app monitors three rings: Move, Exercise, and Stand.
The Workout app tracks various exercises including running, swimming, and yoga. It records calories burned, distance covered, and workout duration. The data syncs with the Apple Health app on your iPhone for long-term tracking.
Women’s health features include cycle tracking to log periods and symptoms. The watch can predict future cycles and send notifications before they begin.
The Sleep app measures time spent in bed and estimates sleep quality. It works with Wind Down and Sleep Mode to help establish a consistent sleep routine.
The watch also serves as a remote control for music, podcasts, and smart home devices. You can unlock Mac computers, find your iPhone, and control Apple TV without reaching for another device.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch SE (2022) offers incredible value for those wanting key smartwatch features without the premium price tag. It shines in daily use with its reliable health tracking and smooth performance.
Battery life is quite good, lasting a full day with normal use. Many users report it can track steps, heart rate, and sleep cycles with impressive accuracy.
What’s surprising is how the SE model sometimes outperforms its pricier siblings. Tech Gear Lab’s testing found it surpassed more expensive Apple Watch models in health and fitness performance.
It’s not perfect though. The SE lacks some advanced features like the ECG and blood oxygen sensors found in higher-end models.
For most people, these missing features won’t matter much. The core experience remains intact, making it an excellent choice for first-time smartwatch buyers.
Long-term users seem very satisfied with their purchase. Many call it a game changer even months after buying it.
The SE works best as part of the Apple ecosystem. iPhone users will appreciate the seamless connection and notification management.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Solid battery life
- Core health tracking features
- Fast performance
Cons:
- No always-on display
- Missing some advanced health sensors
- Limited customization options
For anyone considering their first Apple Watch or upgrading from an older model, the SE represents the sweet spot of features and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple Watch SE offers many features at a lower price than other Apple Watch models. Users often have questions about its capabilities, limitations, and how it compares to more expensive options.
What are the main differences between the Apple Watch SE and the Series 7?
The Apple Watch SE lacks several premium features found in the Series 7. The SE has a smaller display without the always-on feature that the Series 7 offers.
The Series 7 includes blood oxygen monitoring and ECG capabilities, while the SE does not have these health tracking options.
Series 7 also charges faster and has more durable glass on its screen. The SE maintains core Apple Watch features at a more budget-friendly price point.
How does the battery life of the Apple Watch SE compare to other models?
The Apple Watch SE battery typically lasts about 18 hours with normal use, similar to other Apple Watch models. Some users report declining battery performance over time, with newer watches sometimes struggling to last through a full day.
Battery drain increases with features like workout tracking, GPS usage, and cellular connections. The SE’s battery life is comparable to the standard Apple Watch series, but less than specialized models like the Ultra.
What are the limitations of the Apple Watch SE in terms of health monitoring features?
The Apple Watch SE lacks several advanced health features found in premium models. It does not have blood oxygen monitoring or ECG functionality.
The SE still tracks steps, heart rate, and sleep cycles effectively. It also provides fall detection and emergency SOS capabilities.
While it covers basic fitness tracking needs, users requiring detailed health insights may need to consider more advanced Apple Watch models.
How does the performance of the most recent Apple Watch SE model hold up against the latest Apple Watch Series?
The second-generation Apple Watch SE uses the same processor as the Series 8, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks. It handles notification management and basic app functions with no noticeable lag.
The SE’s performance remains strong for core smartwatch functions. Where it falls behind is in specialized features rather than processing power or speed.
For most users, the performance difference between the SE and latest Series models is minimal for daily tasks.
Can the Apple Watch SE operate independently without an iPhone?
The Apple Watch SE requires an iPhone for initial setup and many core functions. The cellular model can make calls and send messages without an iPhone nearby, but still needs an iPhone to set up and manage apps.
The SE can track workouts, play stored music, and use Apple Pay without an iPhone connection. However, it cannot be set up or fully managed with Android devices.
Full independence from smartphones is not possible with any Apple Watch, including the SE.
What improvements have been made to the Apple Watch SE in the latest version?
The second-generation Apple Watch SE (2022) offers several upgrades over the original model. It features a faster processor, matching the one in the Series 8, which improves overall performance.
The newer model includes improved crash detection safety features. It also has a redesigned back case that makes the watch lighter than its predecessor.
The latest SE model provides better value while remaining a budget-friendly option for Apple users. Battery efficiency has improved slightly, but the core functionality remains similar to the original SE.
