Apple Watch SE (2nd gen, 40 mm, GPS) review 2027

What problem does the Apple Watch SE solve?

The Apple Watch SE gives you the Apple Watch experience for $249. It runs the same watchOS, the same apps and the same safety features as the Series 10, and Family Setup lets a child or a parent use it without an iPhone of their own. In our testing the heart rate stayed within 2 bpm of a chest strap on runs, so the everyday fitness tracking holds up.

That combination is why it suits a first Apple Watch, and why it works for kids and parents through Family Setup. It is the value pick in the line: you give up the health sensors and the always-on screen, not the core watch.

How did it score in our tests?

We scored the SE across five criteria. Health and fitness accuracy earned 24 out of 30, based on heart rate against a chest strap on runs and intervals, GPS distance against a reference on a measured 5K, sleep staging consistency, and ECG and SpO2 where offered. Battery took 9 out of 20, measured in days per charge with an always-on display and a daily 30-minute GPS workout. Smart features and ecosystem scored 18 out of 20 for notifications and replies, payments, apps, calls, phone compatibility and safety features. Design and display scored 7 out of 10 for screen brightness and readability outdoors, size options, materials, water rating and comfort in sleep. Value earned 18 out of 20 on price and any subscription needed for headline features. The total is 7.6.

Where does the Apple Watch SE stand out?

The SE keeps the parts of the Apple Watch most owners actually use. It has the same watchOS, apps and safety features as the Series 10, and Family Setup lets a child or parent use it without an iPhone. On our runs the heart rate error against a strap was 2.0 bpm, which is close tracking for a watch at this price. It costs $249.

How does the technology work?

The SE reads heart rate with an optical sensor that shines light through the skin and measures how the blood beneath changes the reflection. GPS fixes your position and distance outdoors. LTE, available as an option, connects the watch to cellular networks so calls and messages work away from a phone. The OLED display shows watchOS apps and notifications. Family Setup pairs the watch to a family member's iPhone so a child or parent can use it without their own phone. ECG is not offered on this model.

What is the Apple Watch SE made of?

The watch works with iPhone only. The water rating is 50 m. The display is OLED but not always-on. It comes in 40 mm and 44 mm sizes. No subscription is required for its features.

How does it compare with rivals?

Against the Apple Watch Series 10 (8.1, $399), the SE gives up the wide-angle OLED that reaches up to 2,000 nits, ECG, sleep apnoea detection and the 42/46 mm sizes, and it keeps the same 1.5-day battery. The Series 10 charges $100 for LTE; the SE charges $50.

Against the Garmin Forerunner 265 (7.9, $449.99), the SE is far cheaper but lasts 1.5 days against 11 days, and the Garmin works with iPhone and Android, adds multi-band GNSS and comes in 42/46 mm.

Where does the Apple Watch SE fall short?

Display and health sensors are where it lost ground. There is no always-on display, ECG, temperature or sleep apnoea detection. The chip is older, and the screen is smaller and dimmer than the Series 10's. Battery life is the same one and a half days, so it does not fix the line's charging habit.

Is the Apple Watch SE good value?

It costs $249. Value scored 18 out of 20, based on price and any subscription needed for headline features, and none is required here.

Who should buy the Apple Watch SE?

It is right for a first Apple Watch, and for kids and parents through Family Setup. If you want the health sensors or an always-on screen, look at the Series 10 instead.