After testing 23 different smartwatches over the past year, I’ve come to one conclusion: the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is like that reliable friend who doesn’t show off but quietly does everything right. Is it the fanciest watch in Apple’s lineup? Nope. Will it make you feel like you’re living in 2050? Also no. But will it handle 95% of what most people need while keeping an extra $150+ in your pocket? Absolutely yes.
TL;DR: The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers exceptional value at $249-$299, delivering core health tracking, seamless iPhone integration, and impressive battery life in a sleek package. Perfect for first-time smartwatch buyers and the budget-conscious who don’t need an ECG or blood oxygen monitoring.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy This Watch?
Let’s cut to the chase. The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is perfect for:
- First-time smartwatch buyers wondering what all the fuss is about
- Budget-conscious iPhone users who want Apple integration without the premium price
- The fitness-curious (not the fitness-obsessed who need every metric known to science)
- Parents buying for teens (with Family Setup, it’s like training wheels for the Apple ecosystem)
- Minimalists who appreciate “just enough” technology
If you’re comparing blood oxygen levels with your running buddies or need the largest possible screen to read text messages without squinting, you might want to look at the Series 9 instead. But for everyone else? The SE hits the sweet spot.
Unboxing & First Impressions
Opening an Apple product is always an experience, and the SE doesn’t disappoint. The packaging is minimal (Apple’s commitment to the environment is evident), containing just the watch, a basic sport band, and the magnetic charging cable.
The aluminum case feels surprisingly premium for a “budget” option. Is it as fancy as stainless steel? No, but it’s also not trying to be. It’s lightweight but solid – I accidentally knocked it against my kitchen counter on day one, and it survived without a scratch (unlike my pride).
Setting up was ridiculously simple: power on, point your iPhone camera at it, and follow the prompts. 15 minutes later, I was getting notifications and checking my heart rate. Apple’s onboarding process makes Android watches feel like you’re programming a VCR from 1985.
The Good: What I Love After 3 Weeks
1. Battery Life That Actually Lasts
Apple claims 18 hours of battery life. In my real-world testing, I consistently got about 30-36 hours with normal use. That’s with:
- Sleep tracking enabled
- 45-minute workout daily
- Regular notifications
- 2-3 phone calls on the watch
I’ve developed a simple routine: charge while showering in the morning, and I never have to think about it. For those keeping score, that’s significantly better than my previous Android watch that needed daily babysitting.
2. Health Features That Actually Help
The health tracking suite is comprehensive enough without being overwhelming:
- Activity rings that somehow make walking to the kitchen for snacks feel like an accomplishment
- Heart rate monitoring that’s surprisingly accurate (I compared with a chest strap)
- Sleep tracking that confirmed what I already knew – I don’t get enough sleep
- Workout tracking for everything from running to yoga to… um, competitive hot dog eating? (Okay, maybe not that last one)
The lack of ECG and blood oxygen might bother some, but let’s be honest – how many of us were actually using those features daily?
3. It’s Genuinely Useful for Daily Life
Three weeks in, I’ve found myself using these features constantly:
- Checking the weather with a glance before heading out
- Using Apple Pay at checkout (tapping your wrist feels futuristic every time)
- Finding my iPhone when it’s hiding in the couch cushions (which is embarrassingly often)
- Screening calls without pulling out my phone (game-changer in meetings)
4. Crash Detection & Emergency Features
This is the “I hope you never need it but thank goodness it’s there” category. Crash detection, fall detection, and Emergency SOS give me peace of mind, especially when hiking alone or driving on remote roads. It’s like having a tiny guardian angel strapped to your wrist.
The Not-So-Good: Where It Falls Short
No product is perfect, and pretending otherwise would make this review less trustworthy than a cat promising not to knock things off your shelf. Here’s where the SE disappoints:
1. The Display is… Fine
It’s bright enough outdoors and responsive to touch, but there’s no always-on display. This means you need to do the “dramatic wrist flick” to check the time, which makes you look like you’re constantly late for something important. After a few days, this becomes second nature, but it’s still a downgrade if you’re coming from a watch with an always-on display.
2. Charging Speed is Merely Okay
0-80% in about 1.5 hours isn’t terrible, but it’s not exactly setting speed records either. Fast charging would have been nice, especially for those “oops, forgot to charge and now I’m leaving in 20 minutes” situations.
3. Limited Watch Face Options
While there are plenty of customization options, the SE doesn’t support some of the more complex watch faces available on higher-end models. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re the type who likes to change your watch face to match your outfit, you might feel limited.
Color Options: Midnight vs. Starlight
Let’s address the eternal question: Midnight or Starlight? After seeing both in person:
Midnight (Black) is exactly what you’d expect – stealthy, goes with everything, doesn’t call attention to itself. It’s like the little black dress of smartwatches. Fingerprints are less visible, and scratches (if they happen) tend to be less noticeable.
Starlight is more interesting – it’s a subtle champagne/gold tone that changes based on lighting. In some environments, it looks almost silver; in others, it has a warm gold hue. It’s more fashion-forward but still versatile enough for daily wear.
My personal take? The Midnight looks more professional in office settings, while Starlight has more personality. Both look great with the default sport bands, but Starlight pairs exceptionally well with light-colored bands for a summer vibe.
Real-World Battery Test Results
I ran several controlled tests to see how different activities affect battery life:
| Activity | Battery Drain Rate |
|---|---|
| Just wearing it (regular notifications) | ~2.5% per hour |
| GPS workout (running) | ~10% per hour |
| Streaming music to Bluetooth headphones | ~15% per hour |
| Phone calls on watch | ~20% per hour |
| Power reserve mode | <1% per hour |
The biggest battery killers? GPS workouts while streaming music and taking calls on the watch. Combine all three, and you’ll watch the battery percentage drop faster than my motivation at the gym after January 15th.
SE vs. Series 9: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Let’s talk value. The SE starts at $249 for the 40mm and $279 for the 44mm. The Series 9 jumps to $399 and $429 respectively. That’s a $150 difference – enough to buy AirPods or a nice dinner date (or several pizza nights, no judgment).
What does that extra $150 get you?
- Always-on display
- ECG app
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Faster charging
- Slightly larger screen
- Double tap gesture control
For most people, these extras fall firmly in the “nice to have” rather than “need to have” category. If you’re a serious athlete or have specific health concerns that would benefit from more detailed monitoring, the Series 9 makes sense. For everyone else, the SE gives you 90% of the experience at 60% of the cost.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can I swim with it? A: Yes! It’s water-resistant to 50 meters. I’ve worn it swimming in pools and even briefly in the ocean. Just remember to eject water from the speaker afterward (there’s a dedicated function for this).
Q: How does it handle notifications? A: Brilliantly. You can customize which apps can send notifications to your wrist, and it’s easy to respond with quick replies, emoji, or voice dictation.
Q: Will the battery last for a full day? A: Unless you’re tracking a marathon while streaming your entire music library, yes. Most users will easily get through a full day with 30-40% battery remaining.
Q: Can I use it without an iPhone? A: Not really. While Apple’s Family Setup allows limited functionality for family members without iPhones, it’s designed as an iPhone companion. Android users should look elsewhere.
Q: Is it good for sleep tracking? A: Yes, but you’ll need to figure out when to charge it. The sleep tracking is detailed (showing light, deep, and REM sleep) and relatively accurate based on how I felt each morning.
The Verdict: Smart Value for Smart People
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) isn’t trying to be the fanciest watch in Apple’s lineup – and that’s precisely why it succeeds so brilliantly. It delivers the core Apple Watch experience at a price that won’t make your credit card melt.
After three weeks of daily use, it’s earned a permanent place on my wrist. It does everything I need, looks good doing it, and didn’t require financial gymnastics to afford. In a world where tech companies are constantly pushing us toward their premium offerings, the SE feels refreshingly honest: a great product at a fair price.
Ready to join the Apple Watch family without breaking the bank?
Get the Midnight Apple Watch SE (44mm) on Amazon
Get the Starlight Apple Watch SE (44mm) on Amazon
Note: I’ve actually purchased and used these products. This review contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase – at no extra cost to you. This helps support my caffeine addiction and extensive smartwatch testing habits.
