Is It Worth Buying Apple Watch SE 1st Gen in 2025
Introduction — Apple’s First Affordable Smartwatch
When the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) launched in 2020, it marked Apple’s first serious attempt at making the smartwatch lineup more affordable. It combined many of the same features found in the flagship Series 5 but omitted certain high-end sensors like ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring to reduce cost. The result was a well-balanced, value-driven watch that offered the Apple experience at a much lower entry price.
For several years, the SE 1st Gen remained one of the most popular Apple Watches due to its reliable performance, sleek design, and smooth integration with iPhone. However, as of 2025, things have changed. The SE 1st Gen no longer supports the latest watchOS 26 and is officially reaching End of Life in Apple’s software cycle.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) models now start around $110+, while the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7—with a newer design, always-on display, and faster charging—can be found starting at $130+. With such a small price difference, the Series 7 offers significantly more value and longevity, making it the smarter choice for most buyers in 2025.
Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) Overview & Key Features
The Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) was designed to bring the best of Apple’s smartwatch experience to a wider audience. Powered by the S5 dual-core processor (the same chip used in the Series 5), it delivered smooth day-to-day performance for fitness tracking, notifications, and app usage.
Despite lacking advanced sensors, the SE 1st Gen provided all the essentials — including heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and emergency SOS, making it a capable and practical smartwatch for most users. It also featured a Retina OLED display, available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, and came in aluminum with multiple color options and interchangeable bands.
Here are its key features:
- S5 Dual-Core Processor: Same chip as Series 5 for fast, reliable performance.
- Retina Display (Non–Always-On): Bright and responsive, but requires wrist movement to wake.
- Heart Rate Sensor & Fall Detection: Tracks daily activity and detects hard falls.
- Swim-Proof (Water Resistant up to 50m): Suitable for swimming and daily wear.
- Sleep & Activity Tracking: Integrated with the iPhone Health app for comprehensive data.
- Emergency SOS & International Calling: Useful for safety and travel.
- watchOS 25 Support (Final Version): Runs smoothly, but will not receive watchOS 26 updates.
Even in 2025, the SE (1st Gen) remains functional for basic fitness and notifications, but its aging hardware and lack of future updates make it less ideal for long-term use — especially when newer, more capable models are available at nearly the same price.
Price and Value in 2025
As of 2025, the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) is no longer the unbeatable deal it once was. While it can still handle basic smartwatch tasks like activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notifications, it’s quickly becoming outdated compared to newer models that support watchOS 26.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) models now start around $110+, depending on size and condition. That may sound attractive for budget buyers, but the reality is that the SE 1st Gen has reached the end of its software support. Its last compatible version is watchOS 25, meaning it will no longer receive new features, bug fixes, or security updates moving forward.
In contrast, the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 now starts at around $130+, and that small $20 difference is significant. The Series 7 supports the latest watchOS 26, has a larger always-on display, faster charging, and includes advanced sensors like ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring — all while being newer, more durable, and better supported.
For long-term value, the Series 7 far outshines the SE 1st Gen. Spending just a little more gives you a modern design, better display, future-proof software updates, and a richer health experience.
Unless you find an SE 1st Gen at a steep discount (below $80), it’s better to avoid it in 2025. Instead, look toward the Series 7, which offers vastly improved longevity and compatibility.
Performance and Software Support
The Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) still performs smoothly for basic tasks like step tracking, workout logging, and notifications, thanks to its S5 dual-core processor — the same chip used in the Apple Watch Series 5. For casual users, its performance remains acceptable even in 2025. However, the real limitation lies not in its speed, but in its outdated software support.
Apple officially ended major software updates for the SE (1st Gen) with watchOS 10. It does not support watchOS 11, released in September 2024, nor the latest watchOS 26, released in September 2025. That means the SE 1st Gen is now two generations behind in Apple’s update cycle — missing all the new features, design enhancements, and security improvements found in newer versions.
Without access to the latest watchOS versions, the SE 1st Gen is gradually losing app compatibility, especially with newer iPhones running iOS 18 and beyond. Over time, this can lead to sync issues, reduced battery efficiency, and limited access to Apple’s evolving health and safety features.
Here’s what that means for users in 2025:
- ✅ Still runs watchOS 10 smoothly for basic fitness and notifications.
- ⚠️ No support for watchOS 11 or watchOS 26, making it outdated for future app and system updates.
- ❌ Misses new safety, Siri, and Health features available on newer models.
In contrast, the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 supports watchOS 26 and will continue receiving updates for several more years — likely through watchOS 30 or 31. This extended support makes the Series 7 a much better long-term investment.
So while the SE (1st Gen) still functions well for basic use, it’s now obsolete from a software standpoint. If you want a smartwatch that stays compatible, secure, and up-to-date, the Series 7 is the clear winner.
Better Alternative: Apple Watch Series 7
If you’re considering the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) in 2025, it’s worth spending just a little more for the Apple Watch Series 7. For about $130+ (according to UpTrade’s Price Tracker), the Series 7 offers a massive leap in display quality, charging speed, health features, and long-term software support — all for roughly $20 more than the aging SE 1st Gen.
Specs Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) | Apple Watch Series 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2020 | 2021 |
| Processor | S5 SiP dual-core | S7 SiP dual-core |
| Display | Retina OLED (not Always-On) | Always-On Retina OLED (Edge-to-Edge) |
| Display Size | 40mm / 44mm | 41mm / 45mm |
| Brightness | Up to 1000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Case Material | Aluminum | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium |
| Health Sensors | Heart Rate, Fall Detection | Heart Rate, ECG, Blood Oxygen, Fall Detection |
| Charging Speed | Standard Charging | Fast Charging (0–80% in 45 minutes) |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| Software Support (2025) | watchOS 10 (Final) | watchOS 26 (Latest) |
| Starting Price (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $110+ | $130+ |
Key Differences
1. Display and Design
The Series 7 introduces a striking Always-On Retina display with thinner bezels and nearly 20% more screen area than the SE 1st Gen. It’s also protected by a more durable front crystal that’s resistant to cracks and scratches. Text and apps appear larger and easier to read, and the edge-to-edge design gives it a noticeably more modern look compared to the SE’s thicker borders and wake-to-view display.
2. Health and Safety Features
While the SE 1st Gen handles basic fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring well, the Series 7 takes health tracking to another level. It adds ECG (Electrocardiogram) and Blood Oxygen (SpO₂) sensors, allowing users to monitor more detailed health data. These features make the Series 7 not only a fitness device but also a valuable tool for proactive health awareness.
3. Charging and Convenience
The Series 7 supports fast charging, reaching 80% battery in about 45 minutes, while the SE 1st Gen still uses standard charging that can take over 90 minutes. This upgrade is a major quality-of-life improvement, especially for users who wear their watch overnight for sleep tracking — a quick morning charge keeps it powered all day.
4. Software Longevity
The SE 1st Gen stopped at watchOS 10, while the Series 7 runs the latest watchOS 26 and will continue receiving updates for several more years. This means ongoing access to new watch faces, security updates, health insights, and performance improvements. If you’re planning to keep your watch for a few years, the Series 7 is far more future-proof and better integrated with newer iPhones.
5. Value for Money
At just $20 more, the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 offers far more functionality, durability, and software support than the SE 1st Gen. It’s a true flagship experience at a near-budget price — and easily the smarter purchase for 2025.
Why Not Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
At first glance, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) seems like a logical step up from the 1st Gen — after all, it’s newer, faster, and supports watchOS 26. However, when you look at current pricing, the value proposition shifts dramatically.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) models now start around $120+, while the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 starts at just $130+. That’s a difference of only $10, and for that small gap, the Series 7 gives you:
- A larger, always-on edge-to-edge display
- Fast charging (0–80% in 45 minutes)
- Advanced health sensors like ECG and Blood Oxygen monitoring
- Premium build options in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium
While the SE 2nd Gen shares the same S8 processor as the Series 8 and runs watchOS 26, it still lacks these higher-end features and design elements that make daily use more enjoyable.
In other words, the SE 2nd Gen is a solid watch — but not the best deal. For just $10 more, the Series 7 delivers a noticeably better experience, more longevity, and greater overall value in 2025.
Conclusion — Skip the SE 1st Gen, Go for the Series 7 Instead
In 2025, the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) is simply too outdated to recommend. While it was Apple’s best affordable smartwatch when launched in 2020, it has since lost major software support, ending at watchOS 10. Without watchOS 11 or watchOS 26, it can no longer access new features, health updates, or long-term compatibility with newer iPhones.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) models now start around $110+, but for just $10–$20 more, buyers can step up to a Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 at $130+. The Series 7 offers an always-on display, fast charging, ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors, and watchOS 26 support — making it the far better value for 2025 and beyond.
Even the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), starting at $120+, doesn’t match the Series 7’s display, charging speed, or health tracking capabilities. For anyone buying in 2025, the choice is clear: skip the outdated SE 1st Gen and invest in the Series 7, which delivers a truly modern Apple Watch experience at a still-affordable price.
FAQ: Buying the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) in 2025
1. How much does the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) cost in 2025?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) models start around $110+, depending on size, color, and condition.
2. Does the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) support watchOS 26?
No. The SE (1st Gen) stopped receiving major updates at watchOS 10. It does not support watchOS 11 or watchOS 26, meaning no new features or long-term compatibility.
3. Is the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) still usable in 2025?
Yes, but only for basic functions like tracking steps, heart rate, and workouts. However, it’s no longer receiving software updates or security patches, so it’s not ideal for long-term use.
4. Is the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) waterproof?
Yes. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming and most daily wear. However, it’s not designed for scuba diving or high-pressure water activities.
5. Can the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) pair with new iPhones?
It may still connect to newer iPhones in 2025, but compatibility could break in future iOS versions since the SE 1st Gen no longer receives software updates.
6. How long will the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) last?
Most units should remain functional for another 1–2 years, but without software support, app compatibility and battery efficiency will decline over time.
7. What’s the difference between SE (1st Gen) and SE (2nd Gen)?
The SE (2nd Gen) features a newer S8 chip, Crash Detection, and full watchOS 26 support, making it smoother and more efficient than the SE (1st Gen).
8. Is the SE (2nd Gen) a better buy than the SE (1st Gen)?
Yes — but not the best value overall. The SE 2nd Gen starts around $120+, while the Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $130+ and adds an always-on display, fast charging, and advanced sensors for only about $10 more.
9. Is the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) safe to use?
It’s safe but outdated. Without new updates or security patches, its long-term reliability and data protection may decline.
10. Should I buy the SE (1st Gen) or the Series 7?
The Certified Used or Refurbished Apple Watch Series 7 is the clear winner. For about $20 more, it provides far better performance, features, and future-proofing — making it the smarter buy in 2025.
