Apple Watch SE 2 review: All the essentials for less

The second-generation Apple Watch SE checks a lot of boxes. Primarily, it puts Apple’s iconic square smartwatch onto users’ wrists for a fraction of the price. While it might not have all the tools of its more expensive siblings, this budget-friendly wearable is stocked with everything users will ever need — as long as you’re rocking an iPhone, of course. Find out more in our Apple Watch SE 2 review.

Update, February 2023: Added details about new features brought via software updates as well as new market competitors.

What you need to know about the Apple Watch SE 2

• Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS): $249 / £259 / €299
• Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS): $279 / £319 / €339
• Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS + Cellular): $299 / £319 / €369
• Apple Watch SE (44mm GPS + Cellular): $329 / £349 / €409

Apple’s smartwatch family expanded big time in 2022, launching three watches in September 2022. Alongside the traditional Apple Watch Series 8, the company also introduced a rugged, super-premium Apple Watch Ultra and an updated, second-generation Apple Watch SE. The cheapest of these — the Apple Watch SE (2022), which we’re calling the Watch SE 2 here for convenience — brings a number of improvements to Apple’s budget-conscious line while simultaneously setting a lower price than that of the original Apple Watch SE in the US.

As always, the SE lineup represents a simplified version of Apple’s flagship watch. A quick Apple Watch Series 8 vs SE 2 comparison demonstrates the latter is stripped of costly sensors. It doesn’t record advanced health metrics such as electrocardiogram (ECG) or SpO2 measurements. It also doesn’t pack Apple’s temperature sensor for advanced menstrual cycle tracking. Nor does it have the Watch Series 8’s IP6X dust resistance rating. Finally, it doesn’t feature the latest, oversized display or offer an always-on mode.

However, the Watch SE 2 is the best value Apple Watch available with plenty on board for the average user. It builds on the reliable device we applauded back in 2020, adding a faster processor, low-power mode, and a slightly redesigned aesthetic. It also supports watchOS 9 and consequently boasts Apple’s highly reliable activity tracking, added safety features, and deeper and more insightful sleep tracking. As with every other Apple Watch, though, it is not compatible with Android phones.

The Apple Watch SE 2 is available now from Apple and other major retailers. The series includes 40mm and 44mm case sizes, each of which is available in three colors: Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. Case builds are limited to aluminum but can be paired with bands in a variety of materials including silicone, nylon, and braided yarn. The base, Wi-Fi-only Apple Watch SE 2 model starts at just $249. Springing for the LTE model adds $50 for a starting price of $299, a great deal when you consider that adding cellular capabilities to the Apple Watch Series 8 requires a $100 surcharge.

What’s good?

The Apple Watch SE 2’s biggest selling point is its name and pedigree. Apple consistently makes stellar smartwatches. While shoppers may see a budget-friendly price tag, the Watch SE 2 hardly feels like a cheap or compromised device. Instead, it offers all the core components of an Apple wearable including seamless integration with iOS devices, dedicated and accurate fitness tracking, and unmatched app support.

In the 2022 model, all of these features run smoother than ever on the device’s S8 dual-core processor. Though it launched alongside the Apple Watch 6, the original SE harbored an older S5 chip. The Watch SE 2’s leap to an S8 system-in-package (SiP) is significant; Apple estimates a resulting 20% faster product. For users, that equals a snappier performance, which you’ll definitely notice based on my testing.

Apps load quickly and menus scroll smoothly. Daily functions feel nearly identical to that of my regular fit, the Apple Watch Series 7. I was able to seamlessly swap between losing a game of chess, silencing move alerts, and paying for the day’s third coffee, all while keeping up with an overactive group chat of college girlfriends. Add in breaking news updates and a Harry Potter audiobook and what else do you really need on your wrist? This is a powerful smartwatch built for heavy usage.

On the hardware side, Apple also upgraded the design of the SE’s watch case with color-matched, composite nylon backing. This material does double duty, refining the look of the wearable while also reducing its carbon footprint. It’s a subtle change that you only really see when the watch is off your wrist, but hey, the environment appreciates it. It also weighs ever so slightly less. It doesn’t overheat and played nice with my skin through sweat and sleep.

While the device is flipped over, users will also notice a different sensor package than that of the Series 8. The Apple Watch SE 2 doesn’t offer the same advanced health measurements as the high-end model. However, it does offer heart rate tracking that is every bit as accurate, as well as high, low, and irregular heart rate notifications. These measurements were reliable at rest as well as throughout a number of workouts.

The graph above shows heart rate data recorded by the Apple Watch SE 2 as well as the Apple Watch Series 7. The data is nearly identical between the two devices despite their significant price difference. In fact, there are a few instances when the SE 2 seems to outperform the Series 7, which occasionally shows single-point anomalies. More importantly, the SE 2 doesn’t just perform well compared to other Apple Watches. I was also very happy to see the SE 2 consistently align with my Polar H10 chest strap.

Likewise, the SE 2 features notably accurate built-in GPS. I took the Apple Watch SE 2 on a number of runs, and once again, Apple contends with dedicated GPS devices. My watch recorded accurate routes as well as total distances. For example, I also compared GPS data for the same 30-minute run mentioned above. Here again, the Apple Watch SE 2 and Apple Watch Series 7 routes largely mirrored each other.

I also simply had more fun with added workout views and on-screen metrics. Apple’s heart rate-focused view allows you to see what heart rate zone you are in throughout your workout. This feature officially validated that the hill I loathe isn’t just a struggle in my head. The activity rings view, meanwhile, offers instant gratification for anyone who wants to see their rings fill up in real time. watchOS 9 brought a number of tools to Apple’s wearables. When paired with accurate sensors like those of the SE 2, there is no doubt that this is an effective fitness companion.

In fact, in the health and fitness arena, many of the Apple Watch SE 2’s most significant upgrades are found within the software experience. Since these are not unique to the SE 2 and will in fact roll back to the original model as well, I won’t dig into them too much here — check out our deep dive for all the details. Highlights include AFib History, Medication Reminder, multi-sport mode, and much deeper workout analysis including training and recovery tools. Race Route lets you race your own past performances in outdoor workouts and the watch can even detect when you arrive at a running track. watchOS 9 also brought improvements to sleep tracking (which I will talk more about below) and four fresh watch faces: Astronomy, Lunar, Metropolitan, and Playtime.

Apple’s battery life claim for this model is the same old 18-hour timeframe, which is a disappointment to be sure. But instead of lamenting over why Apple can’t compete in the power arena, I will say the watch consistently outlasted its promised lifespan. In regular mode, my Apple Watch SE 2 review device lasted about 24 hours before needing to charge up. In Low Power Mode the battery lasted more than 40 hours.

To conserve battery life, Low Power Mode disables background activity such as resting heart rate measurements and irregular heart rate notifications. However, if you perform a workout in this mode, (which I did during testing), it will still provide heart rate data as well as GPS tracking. In fact, I found the day-to-day user experience virtually unchanged when in low-power mode. The device still offered every feature I needed and tracked all the data I wanted to see. I charged my watch beginning at 9 PM, turned on low power mode, and climbed into bed. Two days later I charged it again while eating a late lunch.

The Apple Watch SE 2 prompts users to switch to Low Power Mode when their battery reaches 10%. It also adds a yellow icon to your watch face to indicate the mode is enabled. You can set this power-saving feature up by tapping your current battery percentage in the control center menu.

The enhancements to Low Power Mode are especially convenient considering Apple has finally stepped up its sleep tracking to keep a closer count of users’ Zs. The SE 2 launched with more advanced sleep tracking than the previous generation, with watchOS9 finally bringing sleep stages to the Apple ecosystem. This is a major step for the company as limitations in sleep tracking have been a consistent pain point. Apple’s tracking is reliable and detailed, with at-a-glance stats available on the wrist and further details available on your paired iPhone in the Health app.

That isn’t to say there isn’t room to improve. Apple still doesn’t offer sleep coaching or actionable advice like other brands. Fitbit’s Sleep Profile, for example, provides much deeper insights and guidance. Garmin’s sleep platform also offers sleep scores and data analysis. Apple remains somewhat simplistic, but the data it does provide is at least accurate.

I can also appreciate the seamless integration with the iPhone’s Focus settings. I live in a region where the time is several hours behind many long-distance family members. As such, I depend on do not disturb modes more than most. I am also deeply committed to remaining in bed once I tuck in and being able to easily set Sleep Focus mode on my phone with a few taps from my watch was glorious every time.

Apple also proves it values customers’ safety with the addition of Crash Detection on the Apple Watch SE 2. Utilizing the device’s added high-g accelerometer, along with other sensors, the watch can detect if a user has been in a car accident. It will even contact emergency services. Fortunately, I didn’t have to put this feature to the test during my review period. However, it’s comforting to see Apple include this on its budget lineup rather than pare back where safety is concerned. Though you will need your iPhone nearby to use Emergency SOS on an Apple Watch without cellular connectivity.

What’s not so good?

Bright, colorful, square, Retina displays define the Apple Watch dynasty. Intricate watch faces pair complications and funky designs to add style and stats to users’ wrists. The Apple Watch SE 2 offers the same 1,000 nits of brightness as its siblings, but not all the time. Despite popular demand, the updated model still forgoes an always-on display. When not in use, the screen is unabashedly blank.

For anyone committed to a visible watch face, be it for looks or for function, this omission is disappointing. On the other hand, the device’s raise to wake is very responsive. I can’t remember a single time I found myself frustrated or waiting for the screen to appear during my testing. Similarly, I didn’t actively miss the additional real estate users will find on the Series 7 and 8, though it would have been nice for those that want a larger display without paying a premium (especially considering it has relatively large bezels).

The Apple Watch SE 2 echoes the case sizing and display design of the Series 6. It’s available in 40mm and 44mm cases rather than 41mm and 45mm. The screen area is larger than the original Apple Watch SE, but roughly 20% smaller than that of the Series 8 and nearly 27% smaller than that of the Ultra. Perhaps as a result of the smaller size compared to its siblings, there’s also no QWERTY keyboard function for responding to messages and the like. If you have the handwriting of a small child and can’t use the Scribble function, you’ll have to stick with voice input.

Unfortunately, display space isn’t the only cutback. The major features missing from the Apple Watch SE 2 are still advanced health sensors. Like the original SE, the 2022 model skips out on blood oxygen monitoring as well as an ECG. This isn’t altogether surprising as these features help maintain the value difference between Apple’s budget and flagship options, though the lack of an SpO2 sensor stands out when many rivals’ devices at this point — and many that are even cheaper — have one.

In 2022 however, Apple also added temperature sensing to the Apple Watch Series 8. Utilizing two sensors, one on the back of the device and a second under the display, the watch can determine users’ body temperature. This is a powerful tool, with significant implications for female health tracking. While a very long shot, it would have been great to see Apple make this health tool accessible for every budget.

Apple Watch SE 2 specs

Apple Watch SE 2 review: The verdict

The Apple Watch SE 2 is a strong contender and offers one of the most well-rounded smartwatch experiences available. With the launch of watchOS 9, the company added deeper workout analysis and more extensive sleep tracking, creeping into Fitbit and Garmin’s wheelhouses. These advancements broaden Apple’s reach, and luckily, they’re not just on the company’s most expensive models. The Apple Watch SE 2 offers all the benefits of Apple’s latest software update. It also packs an incredibly accurate GPS tracking system, extensive fitness tracking, and adequate battery life. Plus, with the most extensive third-party app support in wearables, its potential is almost limitless.

That said, the Watch SE 2 isn’t the cream of Apple’s crop. The Apple Watch Series 8 ($329 at Amazon) is still the better smartwatch. However, the more affordable model is perhaps the better pick for most people. Short of advanced health sensors, the Apple Watch SE 2 offers nearly an identical experience at a much better price. Only if you have relevant health concerns, or if detailed cycle tracking is a priority, is the pricier model worth the splurge. Of course, if you’re an adventurer with money to burn, the Apple Watch Ultra ($799 at Amazon) might also be the right fit. The Apple Watch Series 7 (300) also makes our shortlist if you can find it on sale, but you won’t get a temperature sensor with that option.

If you aren’t an iOS user, none of these will do, of course. For better or worse Apple Watches remain singularly compatible with iPhones. Luckily there are plenty of Apple Watch alternatives to consider. The leading square-shaped device for non-Apple users is the Garmin Venu Sq 2 ($249.99 at Amazon). It offers highly-accurate fitness tracking, an SpO2 sensor, and much better battery life. Grabbing the Music Edition is also well worth the price hike if you can swing it so you can listen to tunes on the go.

For a more comprehensive experience, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 ($162.57 at Amazon) is currently the best Wear OS watch available. It offers useful smartwatch features including the Google Play Store plus a quality build. For the best sleep tracking on a budget smartwatch, Fitbit’s smartwatches are also worth considering. We weren’t thrilled with the newest generations during our reviews and would recommend the older Versa 3 ($158 at Amazon) or the original Sense ($168 at Amazon). Fitbit’s ecosystem is an especially good fit for anyone new to tracking who wants to focus on the basics. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel Watch ($329 at Amazon) offers a unique Wear OS experience with Fitbit integration. The device has some shortcomings but is the only option with both the Google Play Store and Fitbit’s tracking suite.

Again though, if you are already tied into the Apple ecosystem, it’s tough to argue against the Apple Watch SE 2. It’s affordable, reliable, and powerful. Most importantly, its value is undeniable.

Top Apple Watch SE 2 questions and answers