Is Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen Worth Buying in 2025
Introduction — The Affordable Entry to Apple’s Ecosystem
When Apple launched the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), it quickly became the go-to smartwatch for users who wanted the core Apple Watch experience without paying flagship prices. Released in 2022, the SE 2nd Gen delivers the same smooth performance as higher-end models, thanks to the S8 chip — the same processor used in the Apple Watch Series 8. It brings Apple’s signature design, health tracking, and seamless integration with iPhone, all at a more affordable cost.
In 2025, the SE 2nd Gen remains one of the most budget-friendly ways to join Apple’s smartwatch ecosystem. But with Certified Used and Refurbished models now starting at just $120+, and the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 available for only about $130+, many shoppers are wondering whether saving that small amount is truly worth it.
Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen Overview and Key Features
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) combines essential Apple Watch functions with reliable performance, offering a near-premium experience for everyday users. It runs on the S8 SiP dual-core processor, giving it the same speed and responsiveness as the more expensive Series 8.
Key features include:
- Comprehensive Fitness Tracking: Tracks heart rate, calories, steps, and workouts across dozens of activity types.
- Crash Detection & Fall Detection: Uses advanced motion sensors to automatically detect severe accidents and alert emergency services.
- Sleep and Heart Health Monitoring: Provides insights into sleep stages, heart rate trends, and irregular rhythm notifications.
- watchOS 26 Compatibility: Fully supports the latest watchOS 26 in 2025, ensuring ongoing updates, app compatibility, and security support for years ahead.
- Same S8 Processor as Series 8: Delivers fast performance and excellent power efficiency.
- Water Resistance up to 50 meters: Suitable for swimming, showers, and most daily activities.
Overall, the SE 2nd Gen offers 90% of what most users want in an Apple Watch — but lacks a few high-end features like the always-on display, ECG, and blood oxygen sensor found in the Series 7 and 8.
Price and Value in 2025
As of 2025, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) continues to offer great value — but competition from slightly newer models has narrowed the gap.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen models now start around $120+, depending on size (40mm or 44mm) and condition. Meanwhile, the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 starts at roughly $130+ — only about a $10 difference.
That small price gap makes the decision tougher. While the SE 2nd Gen is newer in terms of internal hardware (with the same S8 processor as the Series 8), the Series 7 offers a more premium design with a larger, always-on display, slimmer bezels, and additional health sensors like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring.
In other words, unless you find the SE 2nd Gen for significantly less than $120, the Series 7 offers better long-term value for most users. Both models receive watchOS 26 updates and deliver similar performance, but the Series 7’s display and sensors make it a more complete smartwatch at nearly the same cost.
Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen vs Series 7
When comparing the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) and Apple Watch Series 7, it’s clear that both offer impressive performance for their price, especially in 2025. However, there are important distinctions in design, features, and health capabilities that determine which one offers better long-term value.
Full Specs Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) | Apple Watch Series 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2022 | 2021 |
| Processor | S8 SiP dual-core | S7 SiP dual-core |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED (not always-on) Up to 1000 nits |
Always-On Retina LTPO OLED Up to 1000 nits |
| Display Size | 40mm / 44mm | 41mm / 45mm |
| Case Material | Aluminum only | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
| Health Sensors | Heart Rate, Fall Detection, Crash Detection | Heart Rate, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Fall Detection |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging Speed | Standard Charging | Fast Charging (0 - 80% in 45 mins) |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| Processor Generation | S8 (same as Series 8) | S7 (one generation older) |
| Latest watchOS Support (2025) | watchOS 26 | watchOS 26 |
| Starting Price (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $120+ | $130+ |
Chipset and Performance
Both watches deliver snappy, fluid performance — but the SE (2nd Gen) has the upper hand with the S8 SiP processor, the same chip used in the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra. This gives it slightly better efficiency and future-proofing. In real-world use, you won’t notice much difference between the two, but the SE 2nd Gen is expected to receive one extra year of watchOS updates beyond the Series 7.
For everyday tasks like notifications, workout tracking, Siri, and app use, both watches perform almost identically. The SE 2’s advantage comes from having newer internal architecture, while the Series 7 compensates with premium hardware features.
Design and Display
Design is where the Series 7 truly stands out. Its larger Always-On Retina display stretches closer to the edges, offering nearly 20% more screen area than the SE 2nd Gen. Text, notifications, and app interfaces look more vibrant and easier to read, especially outdoors.
The SE 2nd Gen’s display, while bright and crisp, lacks the always-on functionality — meaning you’ll need to raise your wrist or tap the screen to view the time or metrics. It’s available only in aluminum, while the Series 7 offers premium options in stainless steel and titanium, appealing to users who prefer a more elegant or durable look.
Health and Fitness Features
Both watches track daily activity, steps, workouts, and heart rate with great accuracy, and both include Fall Detection and Crash Detection — life-saving safety features.
However, the Series 7 offers advanced health sensors that the SE 2nd Gen lacks:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): Helps detect irregular heart rhythms.
- Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Sensor: Measures oxygen saturation for general wellness insights.
For users focused on health tracking and medical-grade data, the Series 7 is far superior. The SE 2nd Gen covers essential fitness needs but misses out on the more advanced metrics.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Battery life is roughly the same for both — up to 18 hours of mixed use — but charging speed differs significantly.
The Series 7 supports fast charging, allowing it to go from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes, which is nearly twice as fast as the SE 2nd Gen’s standard charger. That means you can top up your watch quickly before heading out, a meaningful advantage for busy users or those who wear the watch overnight for sleep tracking.
Software Support
Both the SE 2nd Gen and Series 7 currently support watchOS 26 in 2025. However, Apple typically supports each chipset for about 5–6 years.
Since the SE 2nd Gen launched a year later with the newer S8 chip, it’s likely to receive one additional year of major software updates compared to the Series 7. That means the SE 2 should stay fully supported through at least watchOS 30, while the Series 7 may stop at watchOS 29.
That said, both will continue receiving security patches for a few years even after full updates end — making either option a safe investment for the near future.
Verdict — Should You Still Buy the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen in 2025?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) remains one of the best budget smartwatches in 2025 — offering a great mix of performance, reliability, and Apple’s signature user experience at a very reasonable price. With the S8 processor, watchOS 26 support, and safety features like Crash Detection, it continues to deliver strong day-to-day performance and long-term value.
However, the situation changes once you consider the tiny price gap between the SE 2 and the Series 7. For just about $10 more, you can get a watch with an always-on display, larger screen, ECG and SpO2 sensors, and faster charging. Those upgrades make the Series 7 feel noticeably more premium in everyday use.
So, while the SE 2nd Gen is still a smart buy for anyone prioritizing simplicity, reliability, and price, the Series 7 is the better all-around choice for most users. Unless you find the SE 2 significantly cheaper (under $100), spending a little more on the Series 7 gives you far more functionality and future-proofing.
In short:
- 💰 On a strict budget? The SE 2nd Gen is still a fantastic, modern Apple Watch.
- ⚡ Looking for the best value? Go for the Series 7 — it’s only slightly more expensive but delivers much more.
FAQ: Buying the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen in 2025
1. How much does the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen cost in 2025?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen models start around $120+, depending on condition, size, and band style. Prices may vary slightly between trusted sellers.
2. Is the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen still supported by Apple in 2025?
Yes. The SE 2nd Gen fully supports watchOS 26, Apple’s latest operating system for Apple Watch. It’s expected to receive software updates and new features for at least another 3–4 years, keeping it secure and compatible through 2028 or beyond.
3. What’s the difference between the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen and the Series 7?
The SE 2nd Gen and Series 7 perform similarly, but the Series 7 includes premium upgrades like an always-on display, ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors, larger screen, and fast charging. Given the small price gap (around $10), most users will find the Series 7 a better long-term investment.
4. What is the difference between the SE and the SE 2nd Generation?
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (2022) uses the newer S8 processor, the same chip found in the Series 8, making it faster and more power-efficient than the original SE (2020), which used the S5 chip. The SE 2 also adds Crash Detection, improved sensors, and better battery optimization, while keeping the same design.
5. What are the downsides of the Apple Watch SE?
The SE (2nd Gen) lacks some premium features found in higher-end models, such as:
- Always-on display
- ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors
- Fast charging support
- Premium case materials (only available in aluminum)
For most users, these limitations aren’t deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting if you want advanced health tracking or faster charging.
6. What does SE stand for in Apple Watch?
The “SE” in Apple Watch stands for “Special Edition.” It represents Apple’s value-focused model line — offering essential features and the same performance as higher-end models, but at a more affordable price.
7. What does the Apple Watch SE not have?
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen does not include:
- Always-on display
- ECG app
- Blood Oxygen monitoring
- Temperature sensor
- Fast charging
While it covers all core fitness, health, and safety features, these omissions are what keep its price significantly lower than flagship models.
8. Does the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen have ECG or Blood Oxygen monitoring?
No. The SE 2nd Gen lacks ECG and SpO2 sensors. It still tracks heart rate, calories, sleep, and workouts, and includes Crash Detection and Fall Detection — but it’s not designed for advanced medical data tracking.
9. How long will the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen receive updates?
Since it uses the S8 chip, the same as the Series 8, the SE 2nd Gen should receive watchOS updates for at least 5 more years. That means full support until watchOS 30 or around 2030, depending on Apple’s update schedule.
10. Is the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen waterproof?
Yes. It’s water resistant up to 50 meters, making it safe for swimming and most daily activities. However, it’s not designed for scuba diving or high-velocity water sports.
11. Should I buy the SE 2nd Gen or spend more on the Series 7?
If you’re focused on price and basic fitness tracking, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen is a great buy. But for just a small increase in price, the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 offers more features, faster charging, and a more premium design — making it the better overall value for 2025.
