Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band 44mm Case + Medium/Large band GPS Without AppleCare+

TLDR Review: Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm

Published: September 18th, 2025

Verdict

If you're new to smartwatches or looking for a budget-friendly entry into the Apple Watch world, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) offers a compelling blend of essential features and performance at an accessible price. While it lacks certain premium features like an always-on display and boasts a somewhat limited battery life, it remains a strong choice for those looking for seamless integration with Apple devices and solid fitness tracking capabilities. For those seeking more advanced features and better battery life, higher-end models like the Apple Watch Series 8 or Ultra might be worth considering.

Top pro:
Excellent introduction to the Apple Watch ecosystem with essential features like heart rate monitoring and text-to-speech.
Top con:
Lacks an always-on display, which can be inconvenient particularly during workouts.
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Pros

  • •Excellent introduction to the Apple Watch ecosystem with essential features like heart rate monitoring and text-to-speech.
  • •Offers comprehensive fitness tracking with Apple Fitness and GymKit integration.
  • •Stylish design with a vibrant Retina display and lightweight aluminum case, providing comfort for daily wear.
  • •Upgraded S8 processor offers snappy performance and improved app handling.
  • •Offers solid fitness and health tracking with accurate heart rate and step monitoring.
  • •Great price point for the features provided, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
  • •Seamless integration with Apple devices, enabling easy reading and responding to messages.
  • •Supports Apple Pay and includes convenient features like crash detection and 'find item' for locating lost Apple devices.
  • •Customizable with various watch faces and aluminum color options.
  • •Good call quality and robust app ecosystem with access to the iOS App Store.

Cons

  • •Lacks an always-on display, which can be inconvenient particularly during workouts.
  • •Battery life may diminish over time, requiring more frequent charging.
  • •Slower charging compared to premium models, with an overall limited battery life of about 18 hours.
  • •Screen brightness is the dimmest among Apple Watches, although still sufficient in sunlight.
  • •Lacks some advanced health features and double tap gesture present in more premium models.
  • •May be more suitable for new users to wearables rather than serious fitness enthusiasts.
  • •Slow to detect the start of walks/runs, potentially affecting exercise tracking accuracy.
Lowest at Amazon
$219.00 at Amazon
Price seen Sep 18, 2025
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$267.79 at Staples
Price seen Sep 18, 2025

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How we researched this

About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 6 retailers in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Sep 18, 2025.

Where to Buy

Prices last seen Sep 18, 2025
RetailerPriceLast seenBuy
$109.04Sep 18, 2025
may have changed
$169.99Sep 18, 2025
may have changed
$219.00Sep 18, 2025
may have changed
$267.79Sep 18, 2025
may have changed
$269.00Sep 18, 2025
may have changed
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