Apple Watch SE 2nd generation review: Is it still worth it after 2 years?

Today I'm looking at the second generation Apple Watch SE. I've owned this device for around two years and overall I'm very happy with it. But is this device worth buying in 2024? With rumors of the third generation SE coming this year, I think there are certain users who can still get a lot out of this device. Let's take a look.

NOTE

The second-generation Apple Watch SE was released on September 16, 2022. It was announced along with the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra during Apple's Far Out event.

What we like about the device

Great introduction to the Apple Watch

Originally, I only wanted to get an Apple Watch to test the crash detection feature that was being introduced on Apple devices at the time. While I was able to successfully test crash detection, journalist Joanna Stern was a little more successful in getting this information out to the public (but only slightly). However, I had never considered an Apple Watch before this, and didn't really think it would be for me.

Two years later, I can't imagine living without it. Even if this device only had text-to-speech for messages and a digital clock, I would still consider it an essential device in my tech arsenal. Every time I receive a message and reply with my voice, I feel like an old spy in a 1950s comic book, and I love that way too much.

Of course, this does not even cover the numerous functions of the device, including Cycle tracking, Heart rate monitor, Apple Pay, Emergency call SOS, 32GB storageA Camera remote controland more. For the price, the Apple Watch SE is a great entry into the world of wearable smart devices and I'm ultimately glad I made the purchase. However, there are still some drawbacks that I'll get to later.

Apple Fitness keeps me fit

I love to work out. While this isn't a fitness blog, one of the best features of the Apple Watch is the GymKit and Fitness integration. Being able to record my workouts while monitoring my heart rate is incredible to me. Thanks to my Apple Watch, I'm more mindful of how long I'm working out and the different workouts I'm doing. While there are devices that track my fitness better, having all of this on top of the other features of the Apple Watch is a huge win.

Although I love Apple Fitness, I am not a big fan of how it solely works with my Apple Watch. If you don't have an Apple Fitness+ subscription, you won't be able to start workouts from your iPhone.

NOTE

At a fundamental level, iPhone users only can only be a Move target based on steps, distance and calories burned.

This can also get annoying with Siri, as asking the assistant to start a workout on your watch when your iPhone is nearby may launch the prompt from the iPhone and confuse Siri. It's frustrating, but not a dealbreaker.

Another thing I really like about my Apple Watch is the exercise ring. Rings help the user set activity goals for the day, including moving, exercising, and standing. In terms of my health, this is easily one of my favorite features. Knowing how much I'm moving and exercising motivates me to keep going, and getting little reminders is fantastic for me. I will warn you that some might find the reminders annoying, but they can be turned off via the Watch app under Reminders. activity Section.

The adaptation and durability

I think the fantastic thing about the Apple Watch is that it's one of the most customizable Apple devices on the market right now. However, it's an Apple product, so of course there are limits. I'm talking about the different watch face options, of which watchOS offers plenty.

Even better: Many of the watch faces are also customizable. You can even make your watch look like a Pip Boy from the popular Stand out series. I'm personally a fan of the modular watch face, which gives me instant access to the weather, time, California time, my rings, heart rate monitor, and even the current solar system orientation. The watch face provides access to all of these features with a display that's still super easy to navigate and beautiful to look at.

In closing, I don't think this deserves its own section, but overall I'm impressed with the durability of the device. Despite having a few scratches on the corners of the screen, the second-generation Apple Watch SE has done a fantastic job of standing up to my incredibly clumsy lifestyle. For something I wear on my wrist every day, this thing can take a lot of punishment.

What is not so great

While there are many things I like about the Apple Watch SE, there are also some drawbacks.

No always-on display

A big difference between the second-generation Apple Watch SE and the high-end models of the time is the lack of an always-on display. I knew that when I bought it, and at the moment I thought I could live without it.

While I can still physically live without it, I wish I had it. I never had an always-on display until I got my iPhone 15 Pro, and this feature makes things so convenient for me. To make matters a little worse, there can be situations where it can be difficult to view the display on the watch. This is especially true when working out.

Too often I find that I can't turn on my screen when I'm working out. In the worst cases, it takes me several attempts to activate it, even when I'm not doing anything. That was my fault too. For many, however, the lack of an always-on display can be a deal-breaker, so keep that in mind.

The battery was good… for a while

When I first got the Apple Watch SE, I had no concerns about battery life. With a promised battery life of up to 18 hours on a single charge, the battery life was pretty good at first. Most of the time, I could leave the device charging while I showered and never really had to worry about battery life during the day. Then, about a year after actually owning it, I started working out more.

While it may be due to the device being older and constantly doing daily fitness tracking, my battery just isn't what it used to be. Recording a workout can use up a lot of juice, especially if you do it multiple times a day. While charging the device in the morning was usually enough, I find that I have to charge the device much more frequently now. However, it has never randomly died on me during the day, which I really appreciate.

There are better devices now (and even better devices back then)

The Apple Watch SE was always intended to be an introduction to the world of smart wearables. On the day it was released, the Series 8 was packed with far more features than the 2nd generation SE. Around this time, the Apple Watch Ultra also came out, an absolute wearable behemoth. The Apple Watch SE's main selling point, however, is its price, and at $249, it's hard to beat.

For me, this was actually one of the deciding factors when purchasing the device. Since I really only wanted crash detection (or so I thought), it was a no-brainer for me to go with the cheaper SE. However, as time goes on, I'm wondering if I made the right purchase in the first place because I'm skipping out on key features (like the display). I'll probably replace my Apple Watch this year, although I'm not sure if I'll go with the much-rumored third-generation SE or the latest model in the main series.

Should you buy the second generation Apple Watch SE?

So is the Apple Watch SE worth it? Well, it's old now, so it really depends. I don't want to sound like I'm harping on this too much, but I would really consider how much you want the always-on display. However, if you work out a lot or really plan on using the device all the time, I would consider the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra.

Personally, I would say the first-generation Apple Watch SE is worth around $100-$150. It's not hard to find it at that price, and I think that price is ultimately fair. However, if you can try the battery before you buy, I would highly recommend you take that opportunity. At this point in the model's life cycle, it's perfect for anyone just getting started with wearable devices, or for those looking to gift the device to a child or grandparent.

However, considering that you can currently find the Apple Watch Series 9 for a good price and the Series 10 may be out soon, I'm not entirely sure this device is worth considering right now. While you may not completely regret the purchase, there are certain features you will want. However, it's always fun to pretend to be a spy.