Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation)

Overview

The Apple Watch SE 2 represents Apple’s answer to “How cheap can we make an Apple Watch while keeping it genuinely good?” At $249, it delivers the core Apple Watch experience with strategic omissions that most users won’t miss. With the same S8 processor as the Series 8 and crash detection, it’s far from a compromised product.

What You Get for $249

The SE 2 includes more than you’d expect:

• S8 SiP processor: Same as Series 8 (not 9)
• Crash detection: Life-saving feature from flagships
• Fall detection: Automatic emergency calls
• All workout tracking: 80+ sports modes
• Water resistance: Swim-proof to 50m
• Apple Pay: Full payment capabilities
• Emergency SOS: International emergency calling
• 32GB storage: Same as Series 9

What’s Missing (And Whether It Matters)

No Always-On Display

The biggest omission. Screen turns off when wrist is down:

• Impact: Must raise wrist to see time
• Battery benefit: Helps achieve 18-hour life
• Workaround: Faster wake response than old models
• Who cares: Dealbreaker for some, irrelevant for others

No Advanced Health Sensors

Missing vs Series 9:

• No ECG: Can’t detect AFib
• No blood oxygen: No SpO2 monitoring
• No temperature sensing: No cycle tracking insights
• What you keep: Heart rate, sleep tracking, cycle tracking

Most users don’t regularly use these advanced features anyway.

Other Omissions

• Plastic back: Nylon composite vs glass (lighter though)
• Single-band GPS: No dual-frequency (still accurate)
• No fast charging: 90 vs 75 minutes to full
• Fewer materials: Aluminum only, three colors

Real-World Performance

Daily Use

The S8 chip means no performance compromises:

• Apps launch quickly
• Smooth scrolling and animations
• Responsive Siri interactions
• No lag in workouts or navigation

You’d never know it’s the “budget” model from performance alone.

Battery Life

Apple’s 18-hour claim is conservative:

• Light use: 24-30 hours possible
• Typical use: 18-20 hours reliably
• Heavy use: 12-15 hours with GPS
• Low Power Mode: Extends to 36 hours

Similar to Series 9 since no always-on display drain.

Fitness Tracking

All the fitness features that matter:

• Accurate GPS tracking (single-band is fine for most)
• Heart rate zones and alerts
• Automatic workout detection
• Swimming metrics
• Apple Fitness+ integration
• Activity rings and competitions

Missing VO2 max is the only fitness limitation.

SE 2 vs Series 9: The $150 Question

Series 9 adds:

• Always-on display (biggest difference)
• ECG and blood oxygen
• Temperature sensor
• Double tap gesture
• Slightly brighter display (2000 vs 1000 nits)
• Faster charging
• More color options

Is it worth $150 more?

• Yes if: Always-on display is important, you want health sensors
• No if: You’re budget conscious, don’t need advanced health features
• Consider: Many users happy with SE never miss the extras

Size and Model Selection

40mm vs 44mm

• 40mm: $249, better for smaller wrists, lighter
• 44mm: $279, larger screen, slightly better battery
• Both get same features, just size preference

GPS vs GPS + Cellular

• GPS: $249/$279, requires iPhone nearby
• Cellular: $299/$329, standalone connectivity
• Cellular rarely worth it for SE buyers

Who Should Buy the SE 2?

Perfect For:

• First-time Apple Watch buyers
• Upgrading from Series 3 or older
• Kids and teens (Family Setup)
• Fitness tracking focus
• Gift giving
• Budget-conscious iPhone users

Should Get Series 9 Instead:

• Always-on display is must-have
• Advanced health monitoring needed
• Want latest features
• Budget allows extra $150

Should Get Ultra Instead:

• Extreme sports use
• Multi-day battery needed
• Maximum durability required

Smart Shopping Tips

Best Time to Buy

• Back-to-school sales (August)
• Black Friday ($50 off typical)
• Post-holiday clearance
• Refurbished from Apple ($40-50 less)

Money-Saving Options

• Previous gen SE still good ($50 less)
• Education discount (10% off)
• Trade-in old Apple Watch
• Costco/Sam’s Club bundles

Long-Term Value

The SE 2 will receive watchOS updates for 4-5 years minimum:

• Currently on watchOS 10
• Will get same updates as Series 8
• Performance should remain smooth
• Features will expand via software

Verdict

The Apple Watch SE 2 is the smartwatch deal of the year. At $249, it delivers 85% of the Apple Watch experience for 60% of the price. Unless you specifically need always-on display or advanced health sensors, the SE 2 provides everything that makes Apple Watch great: fitness tracking, notifications, apps, payments, and seamless iPhone integration.

For most iPhone users, especially first-time buyers, the SE 2 hits the sweet spot of features and value. It doesn’t feel like a budget product because Apple smartly kept what matters most. The processor is current-gen, the software is identical, and the build quality is pure Apple.

Bottom line: Buy the SE 2 unless you can articulate exactly why you need Series 9 features. For most people, this is all the Apple Watch they’ll ever need at a price that doesn’t sting. It’s not just a good budget smartwatch—it’s a great smartwatch that happens to be budget-priced.