Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) Review 2025 – Pros, Cons, Specs & Buying Guide

Intro

Many students and budget buyers ask: Can I get a good smartwatch without paying much?

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) wants to be that answer. It has fitness tools, safety alerts, and iPhone links in one watch. But is it still good in 2025? Let’s check.

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What is Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)?

This is Apple’s mid-price watch. It gives the main things:

• Tracks fitness and sleep.
• Alerts for heart rate.
• Safety tools like fall and crash help.
• A bright Retina screen.

It does not have fancy extras like ECG, skin temp check, or always-on display. But it runs on the fast S8 chip and supports watchOS 11. It feels smooth and works well with iPhones.

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Key Features

• Crash & Fall Help – Calls for aid if you need it.
• Fitness & Sleep Track – Tracks workouts and rest.
• Emergency SOS – Quick help in danger.
• Heart Rate Alerts – Warns if too fast or too slow.
• Retina Display + S8 Chip – Clear and fast.
• Swim-Ready (50m) – Safe for pools and showers.
• Eco Build – Made with lower impact.
• Apple Link – Unlock Mac, use Pay, and stay in sync.

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Who Should Use It?

• Students and iPhone users who want a low-cost Apple Watch.
• Fitness fans who need good, simple tracking.
• Safety-focused users who like SOS and fall alerts.
• Eco buyers who like green products.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

✅ Costs less than $200

✅ Runs fast with S8 chip

✅ Great safety tools

✅ Good for fitness and sleep

✅ Eco-friendly

Cons

❌ No always-on screen

❌ Battery lasts only 18 hours

❌ No ECG or temp check

❌ Bezels look a bit old

❌ Battery still weak

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Tips to Use It Best

1. Turn on SOS and crash alerts in settings.

2. Wear it at night for sleep track.

3. Try fun watch faces for easy use.

4. Save power by closing extra apps.

5. Wash the band after workouts.

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Top Alternatives (2025)

• Garmin Venu 3 – Best battery (10–14 days), top for workouts.
• Google Pixel Watch 3 – Best if you love Google apps.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic – Stylish, lasts 40 hours.
• Huawei Watch 5 – Has ECG, works on iOS + Android.
• Amazfit Active 2 – Under $100, battery lasts 10 days.

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Buying Guide

• Ecosystem: iPhone users → Apple SE. Android users → Samsung or Huawei.

• Battery: Want long life? → Garmin or Amazfit. Okay with daily charge? → Apple SE.
• Health: Best safety → Apple SE. Best deep health → Garmin / Huawei.
• Design: Square sporty → Apple. Round stylish → Samsung / Huawei.
• Budget: Under $200 → Apple SE / Amazfit. Around $300 → Garmin / Samsung.

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Final Verdict

The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is still a top mid-range watch in 2025. It runs smooth, has green design, and life-saving safety tools.

If you want an Apple Watch under $200, this is the one. But if you need more battery or health data, pick Garmin Venu 3, Pixel Watch 3, or Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

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FAQ

Q: Does it have ECG or temp check?

No, only higher models.

Q: How long is the battery?

About 18 hours.

Q: Can I swim with it?

Yes, safe up to 50m.

Q: Does it work with older iPhones?

Yes, if your phone runs the right iOS.