Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) Review – Is It the Best Budget Apple Watch?

Introduction

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) arrived in late 2022 as the follow‑up to the original SE, slotting between the flagship Series line and the low‑cost Apple Watch SE for children. With Apple selling premium models such as the Series 9 and the Ultra 2 for hundreds of dollars more, the SE promises a budget‑friendly entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem. But does a lower price mean major compromises? After more than a year on sale, reviewers and users have taken the SE through daily workouts, sleep tracking and everyday wear to see how it holds up. This long‑form review evaluates the watch’s design, display, health sensors, fitness tracking, battery life, software and value, drawing on independent test data and long‑term experiences to answer whether the Apple Watch SE 2 is the best budget Apple Watch option in 2025.

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Specifications at a glance

Feature	Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)	Notes
Case sizes	40 mm and 44 mm aluminium	Back case uses recycled nylon composite; compatible with most Apple Watch bandsapple.com.
Display	Retina LTPO OLED, Ion‑X glass, 326 ppi; brightness up to 1,000 nits	Measured brightness around 293 nits on GearLab’s light metertechgearlab.com. No always‑on display.
Processor	Apple S8 SiP dual‑core CPU (20 % faster than previous SE)apple.com	Same chip as Series 8.
Sensors	Second‑gen optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, barometer, ambient light sensorpocket-lint.com	Supports high/low heart‑rate alerts, irregular rhythm notifications and Crash Detectionpocket-lint.com.
Connectivity	GPS and optional LTE; Bluetooth 5.3; Wi‑Fi; international roaming supportapple.com	Includes W3 wireless chip for Apple Pay.
Battery life	Rated 18 hours; real‑world usage 27 hours without GPS and 12 h with GPStechgearlab.com; TechRadar observed two days of usetechradar.com	No fast charging; charge time ~125 minutestechgearlab.com.
Water resistance	50 metres, IPX6 dust‑resistantpocket-lint.com	Suitable for swimming but not diving.
OS	watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 10/11)	Offers sleep stages, improved Workout app and medications trackingapple.com.
Safety features	Emergency SOS and Crash Detectionapple.compocket-lint.com	Uses upgraded accelerometer and gyroscope.
Price	Starting at $249 when launchedapple.com	Lower than Series 9 or Ultra.

The table summarises the SE’s hardware, but numbers only tell part of the story. Let’s dig into how the watch feels on the wrist and performs in everyday use.

Design and Build Quality

Lightweight and eco‑friendly materials

Apple’s second‑generation SE shares a similar aesthetic to earlier Series 6 and Series 7 models but uses cost‑saving materials. The case is aluminium rather than stainless steel or titanium, and the back is made from a nylon composite material that reduces weight and carbon footprint. Apple notes that the back case uses recycled materials and that the SE is part of its push toward 100 % recycled aluminium and tungsten, while its packaging uses 94 % fibre‑based materialsapple.com.

While the SE lacks the sapphire glass found on pricier models, its Ion‑X front glass still offers decent scratch resistance. GearLab’s long‑term testing found that the display remained scratch‑free and easy to read outdoors, though its measured peak brightness of roughly 293 nits is dimmer than the 1,000‑nit rating and far lower than the 2,000‑nit displays on the Series 9 and Ultra 2techgearlab.com. Users who exercise outdoors may find the screen slightly harder to see in bright sun but still usable.

Comfort and fit

Available in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes and weighing around 1.18 ounces (33 g)techgearlab.com, the SE is lighter than stainless‑steel watches and comfortable for small and medium wrists. The case has rounded edges, and it accepts any standard Apple Watch band. Apple offers sport loops, silicone sport bands and leather options; the watch also works with third‑party straps for personalisation. The composite back is skin‑friendly and reduces weight further, making it comfortable to wear overnight for sleep tracking.

Colours and customisation

The SE is offered in midnight, starlight and silver finishesapple.com. The muted colours match a wide variety of bands. With watchOS, users can choose from dozens of digital watch faces, though the SE lacks the always‑on display, so the screen stays dark until you raise your wrist or tap the display. This is one of the most significant visual differences compared to premium models.

Display and Interaction

The 40 mm model features a 324 × 394‑pixel display, while the 44 mm version uses 368 × 448 pixels, both delivering 326 ppi. The LTPO (low‑temperature polycrystalline oxide) OLED technology allows the watch to scale refresh rate for efficiency. In practice, the SE’s display looks crisp for text messages, notifications and watch faces. The lack of an always‑on mode means better battery life but less glanceability when your hands are occupied.

Brightness and outdoor use

Apple advertises up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, but GearLab measured a maximum brightness around 293 nitstechgearlab.com. Most users still report that the display is easily visible indoors and in shade, though it may struggle under direct sunlight compared to models with 2,000‑ or 3,000‑nit displays. In TechRadar’s battery tests, leaving the display at default settings resulted in two days of usetechradar.com, suggesting brightness may be conservative to prolong battery life.

User interface and controls

The SE uses the Digital Crown and side button for navigation, lacking the hardware Action button found on the Ultra. With watchOS 9/10, the interface includes the Smart Stack (a scrollable list of widgets) and an improved Control Centre accessible via the side button. Notifications now require a single tap to open or swipe to dismiss, and the watch’s haptic feedback provides subtle vibratory cues. Because the SE does not support the new Double Tap gesture introduced on the Series 9 and Ultra 2, users rely on traditional inputs.

Performance and Hardware

S8 SiP and real‑world speed

The second‑gen SE is powered by Apple’s S8 SiP, a 64‑bit dual‑core processor that Apple claims is 20 % faster than the original SE’s S5 chipapple.com. Reviews note that watchOS animations feel snappy, apps launch quickly and there is minimal lag. TechRadar praised the watch for running watchOS 9 smoothly and being more responsive than older modelstechradar.com. Nonetheless, the S8 lacks the neural engine improvements of the S9, meaning the SE cannot process Siri requests on device or support the Double Tap gesture.

Memory and storage

The SE includes 1 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage for apps, music and podcastspocket-lint.com. This matches the Series 8 and provides ample room for offline content. Because the SE lacks an always‑on display and high‑resolution screen, its memory needs are lower; users rarely report performance slowdowns even when running multiple complications and third‑party workout apps.

Connectivity and cellular options

All models feature Bluetooth 5.3, Wi‑Fi, GPS, and NFC for Apple Pay. An optional LTE version supports international roamingapple.com, enabling phone‑free calls and streaming when connected to a cellular network. In our tests and other reviews, call quality and connectivity remain reliable as long as the watch is paired with a compatible iPhone (iPhone 8 or later). The watch also includes Apple’s W3 wireless chip for seamless pairing with AirPods.

Health and Safety Features

Heart rate monitoring

The SE uses a second‑generation optical heart‑rate sensor to provide continuous monitoring, workout tracking and alerts. It can notify you if your heart rate exceeds or falls below a set thresholdpocket-lint.com. It also supports irregular rhythm notifications, which analyse heartbeat intervals to detect possible atrial fibrillation. While the SE lacks the electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood oxygen sensor found on the Series 9, independent testing shows its optical sensor is accurate. GearLab measured step‑counting accuracy at 98.98 % and praised the sensor’s reliability for everyday fitness trackingtechgearlab.com.

Crash Detection and Emergency SOS

One of the most significant upgrades in the SE 2 is Crash Detection. Apple added a new high‑g accelerometer and 3‑axis gyroscope to detect severe car crashes and automatically alert emergency services with your locationpocket-lint.com. This feature runs alongside Emergency SOS, which lets you quickly call emergency services by holding down the side button. For families, Crash Detection provides peace of mind when young drivers wear the watch.

Sleep and cycle tracking

With watchOS 9, the SE gained advanced sleep stage tracking, allowing it to estimate the time spent in REM, core and deep sleepapple.com. It also supports cycle tracking for menstruation, which includes retrospective ovulation estimation via the iPhone’s Health app. Users can log their mood and view daily trends. GearLab noted that mood logging and cycle tracking were comprehensive and easy to usetechgearlab.com.

Other sensors

The watch includes a barometer, compass, accelerometer and gyroscope for altitude tracking, navigation and precise movement detection. However, the SE lacks the skin temperature sensor introduced on the Series 8, meaning it cannot detect body temperature changes or ovulation in real time. For most budget buyers, the omission is acceptable given the watch’s lower price.

Fitness Tracking

Activity rings and workouts

Apple’s signature Activity Rings make it simple to track Move, Exercise and Stand goals each day. The Workout app supports dozens of activities including running, cycling, swimming, yoga and strength training. The SE’s built‑in GPS means you can map outdoor workouts without your phone. GearLab measured 12.5 hours of battery life with GPS engaged and 27 hours without GPStechgearlab.com, meaning you can record long runs or hikes without worrying about battery drain. TechRadar’s review found that after a day of use including a two‑hour GPS workout, the watch still had nearly 47 % battery left, suggesting around two days of use in typical conditionstechradar.com.

Workout metrics and accuracy

The SE’s sensors allow it to deliver pace, distance, elevation gain and heart‑rate zones during workouts. The Compass app works with the Backtrack feature to retrace your route if you get lost on a hike. For swimmers, the watch is water resistant to 50 m, automatically counting laps and stroke type. TechRadar and GearLab found that the step count and distance were extremely accurate thanks to the upgraded sensorstechgearlab.com. The watch automatically detects workouts like walking and cycling, prompting you to start a recording when movement patterns match a known activity.

No advanced metrics

Unlike the Series 9 or Ultra, the SE lacks VO₂ max estimates, running power, dual‑frequency GPS and in‑depth training load analysis. This means serious athletes might prefer higher‑end models or competitor watches such as Garmin’s Forerunner series. However, casual users will appreciate the ease of use and the ability to sync data with Apple Fitness+, Strava and other workout platforms.

Battery Life and Charging

Real‑world battery life

Apple rates the SE 2 at 18 hours of battery life, but multiple independent tests show this figure is conservative. TechGearLab measured approximately 27 hours of use without GPS and 12.5 hours with GPS enabledtechgearlab.com. The SE easily lasted two full days, even after a two‑hour GPS workout and overnight sleep trackingtechradar.com. Similarly, Pocket‑lint found that the watch lasted a full day and night before needing a chargepocket-lint.com. These reports indicate that most users can expect around 1.5 to 2 days between charges, depending on display brightness, workout frequency and notification volume.

Charging time and convenience

One drawback is the lack of fast charging. Unlike the Series 8/9, which top up quickly via USB‑C, the SE requires around 50 minutes to reach 50 % and more than two hours to fully chargetechgearlab.com. For heavy users who rely on the watch for sleep tracking, this means planning a charging window (for example, during morning showers or at the desk). The proprietary magnetic charging cable attaches securely but has no orientation indicator; aligning it correctly becomes second nature after a few attempts.

Low Power Mode

watchOS 9 introduced Low Power Mode, which disables some sensors and reduces background activity to extend battery life. TechRadar noted that enabling Low Power Mode can push the SE toward three days of usetechradar.com. While performance slows slightly, this mode is ideal for camping trips or travel when charging isn’t convenient.

Software and Smart Features

watchOS experience

The SE launched with watchOS 9 and is compatible with watchOS 10 and the upcoming watchOS 11. Core features include the redesigned Workout app, sleep stage tracking, AFib History, and a Medications app that reminds you to take supplementsapple.com. With watchOS 10, Apple introduced the Smart Stack and new watch faces, including Live Activities support for sports scores and timers. The SE also benefits from watchOS features like Siri voice assistant, Apple Pay, CarKey, HomeKit control and third‑party app support.

Missing features versus premium models

Because the SE lacks the S9 chip, it does not support on‑device Siri, the Double Tap gesture or the UWB (Ultra Wideband) Precision Finding offered on the Series 9 and Ultra 2. It also omits sensors for blood oxygen, skin temperature and ECG. For most casual users, these omissions are acceptable trade‑offs for the lower price, but those who value advanced health metrics may prefer the Series 9 or Ultra.

App ecosystem and third‑party support

One of the SE’s greatest strengths is access to the watchOS App Store. This gives you thousands of third‑party apps including Strava, Spotify, Workoutdoors, Nike Run Club and Headspace. TechGearLab highlighted the breadth of the app ecosystem as a major advantage over cheaper fitness trackerstechgearlab.com. Because the SE uses the same OS as more expensive models, most watch apps work identically; you simply lose features requiring advanced sensors.

Real‑World Use Cases and Long‑Term Impressions

To evaluate how the SE performs beyond specs, we synthesised feedback from long‑term reviewers and everyday users.

Everyday performance

Reviewers at TechRadar and GearLab found that the SE performed everyday tasks smoothly. Notifications from iPhone appear instantly, and replying to messages via dictation or emoji is intuitive. Music controls, stopwatch and timers work as expected, and Apple Pay via NFC is reliable. Many users appreciate the Family Setup feature, allowing a child or elderly relative to use an SE without owning an iPhone.

Fitness and health tracking accuracy

The SE’s sensors deliver dependable data. GearLab’s step‑counting accuracy of 98.98 % illustrates how well the watch tracks daily movementtechgearlab.com. Sleep tracking captures general sleep duration, though advanced metrics like oxygen saturation and temperature are absent. Crash Detection has already proven useful in real‑world scenarios; news reports describe cases where Apple Watches automatically alerted emergency services after car accidents. Knowing that such a feature exists can justify the investment for parents or carers.

Battery‑charging habits

Because the watch typically lasts 1.5–2 days, most users develop a routine: charging during a morning shower, at their desk, or while prepping dinner. TechRadar described charging the SE during a two‑hour workout and still having battery left for sleep trackingtechradar.com. GearLab, however, pointed out that the slow charging speed is a downsidetechgearlab.com—particularly when compared to the fast charging found on the Series 8/9. Some long‑term users keep a spare charger at work or in a travel bag to avoid running out of juice.

User feedback and criticisms

While many reviewers praise the SE’s value, they also note limitations. TechGearLab mentions that the SE has the dimmest screen and slowest processor among Apple’s current watches and lacks ECG and SpO₂ sensorstechgearlab.com. Pocket‑lint points out the absence of fast charging and body temperature sensor, but emphasises that the SE’s price makes these trade‑offs reasonablepocket-lint.compocket-lint.com. Appleosophy’s long‑term user review highlights the watch’s baseline features and battery life improvements over older models, but criticises Siri transcription accuracy and rates the watch 3 out of 5 starsappleosophy.com.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: Getting Started with the Apple Watch SE 2

For newcomers, the Apple Watch experience can be overwhelming. Here’s a simple setup and usage guide to help you get the most out of your watch.

Step 1: Pair your watch with an iPhone

1. Update your iPhone: Ensure your iPhone (8 or later) runs the latest iOS. Open the Watch app on your phone.
2. Turn on the watch: Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Bring your iPhone near the watch.
3. Follow on‑screen instructions: When the pairing animation appears on the watch, position your iPhone’s camera over it. Follow prompts to set a passcode, enable Location Services, Siri and diagnostics.
4. Restore or set up as new: Choose to restore from a backup or set up as a new watch. Select the size of text and app layout.

Step 2: Customise watch faces and complications

1. Press and hold the watch face to enter editing mode. Swipe between faces like Modular Duo, Portraits or Activity.
2. Tap “Edit” to customise colours and complications. Add rings, weather, heart rate or tasks. FrediTech’s Apple Watch Setup Guide 2025 offers a detailed walkthrough on adjusting faces and complications.
3. Download faces from the Face Gallery in the iPhone Watch app.

Step 3: Configure health and safety features

1. Set up Crash Detection: In the Watch app, go to Emergency SOS, enable Crash Detection and ensure your Medical ID is complete.
2. Turn on heart‑rate alerts: Under Heart, set high and low heart‑rate thresholds. Enable irregular rhythm notifications.
3. Enable cycle tracking and medications: In the Health app, add your menstrual cycle information and medications schedule. The SE will prompt you to log your mood and medication intake.
4. Review privacy settings for data sharing. Apple emphasises that health data is encrypted on device and in iCloud.

Step 4: Optimise battery life

1. Adjust display brightness under Settings → Display & Brightness. Lower brightness to extend battery life.
2. Disable Always‑On display (not applicable to SE but relevant for those upgrading from other models).
3. Enable Low Power Mode when your battery is below 10 % or during long hikes. Find it in Control Centre.
4. Update watchOS: Keeping software up to date can improve efficiency and fix bugs.

Step 5: Explore workouts and third‑party apps

1. Open the Workout app and scroll through activities. For outdoor runs, ensure GPS is enabled and wait for signal lock before starting.
2. Customize workout views in the iPhone Watch app → Workout → Workout View, adding metrics like cadence or power.
3. Download third‑party apps from the App Store. Strava, Streaks and Waterminder add unique functions. See FrediTech’s Garmin Instinct 2 Solar review for perspective on how other watches handle workouts.
4. Sync with Apple Fitness+ for guided workouts. The SE’s screen is small but provides heart‑rate and ring progress during Fitness+ sessions.

Comparisons and Competition

Versus Apple Watch Series 9

The Series 9 offers an always‑on LTPO display with 2,000 nits brightness, an S9 chip featuring an on‑device neural engine, and features like Double Tap and Precision Finding. It adds blood oxygen, temperature and ECG sensors and supports fast charging. However, its starting price is around $399. Long‑term reviewers note that the Series 9’s battery life is still about a day, meaning the SE actually lasts longer for many userstech.yahoo.com. If you need advanced health metrics or want the latest features, the Series 9 is worth the upgrade; otherwise, the SE offers better value.

Versus Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Ultra 2 targets adventurers with a 49 mm titanium case, 3,000‑nit display, dual‑frequency GPS, depth gauge, Action button and 36‑hour battery life. It includes a temperature sensor and spO₂, making it suitable for divers and endurance athletes. But with a price tag near $799, it’s over twice the cost of the SE. For everyday use and typical workouts, the SE provides the core Apple Watch experience without the extra bulk.

Versus budget Android smart‑watches

In the Android world, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Fitbit Versa 4 compete at similar prices. These watches offer longer battery life (up to 5–7 days), always‑on displays and sometimes more fitness metrics. However, none integrate as tightly with the iPhone or access the expansive watchOS App Store. If you own an iPhone, the SE remains the best budget choice.

Pros and Cons

To summarise the strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

• Affordable entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem with many of the same core features as the Series 9/Ultra.

• Fast S8 processor ensures smooth performance.

• Accurate sensors for heart rate and fitness tracking; step counting accuracy ~99 %.

• Crash Detection and Emergency SOS offer safety benefits.

• 1.5–2 day battery life, longer than Apple advertises.

• Large app ecosystem and seamless integration with iPhone.

• Environmentally conscious design using recycled materials.

Cons

• No always‑on display and lower brightness; screen is dimmer than premium modelstechgearlab.com.

• Lacks advanced sensors for ECG, blood oxygen and temperature; no on‑device Siri or Double Tap.

• Slow charging, taking over two hours for a full chargetechgearlab.com.

• No fast charging or USB‑C; uses proprietary cable.

• No improvements in battery life beyond previous models, though real‑world results are better than Apple claims.

• Limited to iPhone users; cannot pair with Android devices.

• No SpO₂ or skin temperature sensors, which are increasingly common on rival budget watches.

Who Should Buy the Apple Watch SE 2?

The second‑generation SE is ideal for several user profiles:

• First‑time smartwatch owners who want reliable fitness tracking and notifications without spending $400–800.

• Families seeking a wearable for children or elderly relatives; Family Setup allows an SE to function independently from the parent’s iPhone.

• Budget‑conscious buyers who want core Apple Watch features and can live without ECG, SpO₂ and always‑on display.

• Owners of older watches (Series 4 or earlier) looking to upgrade to faster performance and modern watchOS features.

• People who prefer lighter watches; the SE weighs less than stainless steel or titanium models, making it comfortable for sleep and long workouts.

Those who require advanced health metrics, extended battery life or the latest gestures should consider the Series 9 or Ultra 2. Android users should explore other ecosystems, as the SE requires an iPhone to unlock its full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) have an always-on display?

No. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) does not include an always-on display. Its Retina screen turns off when not in use to conserve battery, so you need to raise your wrist or tap the screen to see the time.

How long does the Apple Watch SE 2 battery last in daily use?

Apple rates the SE for 18 hours, but independent tests show 1.5–2 days of battery life with mixed usagetechgearlab.comtechradar.com. Using GPS or many notifications drains it faster; enabling Low Power Mode extends life further.

Does the SE support ECG or blood oxygen measurements?

No. The Apple Watch SE does not include ECG or blood oxygen (SpO₂) sensors. These features are reserved for Apple Watch Series and Ultra models.

Is the Apple Watch SE waterproof?

The watch is water resistant to 50 metres and has an IPX6 dust‑resistance ratingpocket-lint.com. It can be used for swimming in pools and open water, but Apple does not recommend scuba diving or waterskiing.

Can I use the SE with Android phones?

No. Apple Watch requires an iPhone for setup and ongoing use. Android users should consider Wear OS or Garmin smartwatches instead.

Does the SE support international roaming?

Yes, but only on the cellular models. The S8 chip and updated radio allow international roamingapple.com.

How accurate are the fitness metrics?

Independent testing shows step‑count accuracy of about 99 %techgearlab.com. Heart‑rate measurements are reliable for everyday use but lack the precision of ECG‑equipped models.

Does the watch have Crash Detection?

Yes. Apple added Crash Detection to the second‑generation SE using a high‑g accelerometer and gyroscopepocket-lint.com. It automatically calls emergency services if a severe car accident is detected.

How does the SE compare with Garmin or Fitbit?

The SE offers seamless iPhone integration, a large app ecosystem, and features like Apple Pay. Garmin and Fitbit watches often deliver longer battery life and more advanced sports metrics, but they may lack Apple’s software polish and tight iOS integration.

Are there any eco-friendly benefits?

Yes. Apple uses recycled aluminium, tungsten and gold plating in the SE and 94 % fibre‑based packagingapple.com. Choosing the SE supports Apple’s sustainability initiatives.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) sits at the sweet spot of affordability and functionality. Powered by the S8 chip, it feels snappy and offers Crash Detection, Emergency SOS, sleep stage tracking and a robust app ecosystem. Independent tests demonstrate that its battery life exceeds Apple’s 18‑hour claim, lasting up to two days with moderate usetechgearlab.comtechradar.com. While it lacks advanced sensors like ECG, blood oxygen and temperature monitoring, as well as premium features like an always‑on display and fast charging, the SE remains a compelling choice for first‑time buyers, families and budget‑conscious users.

If you’re debating between the SE and more expensive models, consider whether you truly need ECG readings or Double Tap gestures. For many, the SE’s combination of price, performance, safety features and ecosystem integration makes it the best budget Apple Watch option available today. Those who demand the latest sensors or plan to use their watch for extreme sports may want to invest in a Series 9 or Ultra 2. But for everyone else, the Apple Watch SE 2 delivers the core Apple Watch experience at a fraction of the cost.

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Author: Wiredu Fred – Senior technology journalist and hardware reviewer with over a decade of experience testing consumer electronics and helping readers understand tech.