Apple Watch SE 2 Review: an excellent entry-level Apple Watch

Updated on 4 August 2023

Here we talk about the Apple Watch SE 2, which released in 2022 and follows the second iteration of the first Apple Watch SE back in 2020. But what does SE mean? Is it an acronym? On Apple's website, you won't find an answer, but what we know is that this range was intended to be accessible to lower budgets without compromising Apple's trademark quality.

Screen

Like most Apple Watches, this generation comes in two models of slightly different sizes.

One 44 mm with a 368 x 448 pixel screen, and one 40 mm with a 324 x 394 pixel screen.

The screen is the same, Retina OLED LTPO that can shine at 1000 nits hidden under Ion-X glass. But no sapphire crystal glass like in the Apple Watch Series 6 or Series 7 or the Apple Watch Series 8 which was released at the same time as the Apple Watch SE 2.

All our Apple Watch SE 2 products

Design

Apple Watches all look the same (except for the Ultra), and we know it's what's inside that counts.

In terms of finish, whether it's the GPS or GPS+ Cellular model, you'll only get aluminium for the case, but that's okay, because it's 100% recycled aluminium and the glass is arsenic-free.

The colours available are:

Silver .
Midnight.
Starlight.

As far as handling is concerned, I'm talking about size and weight (some would say mass).

Size

Model	40 mm	44 mm
Height	40 mm	44 mm
Width	34 mm	38 mm
Depth	10.7 mm	10.7 mm

There are some slight differences between the cellular and non-cellular editions. The size is the same but the weight slightly different.

Model	GPS	GPS + Cellular
40 mm	26.4 g	27.8 g
44 mm	32.9 g	33 g

Watchstrap

To personalise your Apple Watch SE 2, in addition to the base colour, you can of course choose from a variety of watchstraps.

There are several types of watchstraps:

Braided Solo loop
Solo loop
Sport band
Sport loop
Nike sport band
Nike sport loop
Leather strap
Stainless steel band
Hermès strap
Milanese loop

View all our Apple Watch SE products

Features

The Apple Watch is an all-purpose connected watch. The 2022 SE generation has a new feature: detection of (serious) accidents. Previously, they could detect falls. Now, in the event of an accident, your watch detects it and calls the emergency services.

The other functions are still very standard, where you can:

Read your heart rate, and be notified when your heart beats fast or slow, or in the event of arrhythmia.
Access applications such as GymKit, with the ability to add many more thanks to the 32 GB of storage.
Pay with Apple Pay.
Connect to 4G LTE, Wi-Fi and use the new version of Bluetooth, 5.3.
Make calls thanks to an integrated speakerphone and microphone.
Geolocate yourself and not get lost thanks to the GPS, compass and altimeter.

Processor

Apple could have offered us an obvious entry-level connected watch with a downgraded processor to really differentiate the entry-level from the high-end, but Apple decided to use the same chip that's in the Series 8 and the Apple Watch Ultra for the SE 2: the SiP S8 chip with a 64-bit dual-core processor.

Battery Life

In normal use, the battery lasts 18 hours. Depending on the tests, you'll be able to train:

10 hours indoors.
6 hours if you're outdoors and using GPS .
5 hours if you are outdoors and using GPS and 4G.

Unfortunately, there is no fast charging option on the SE 2.

Final thoughts

The Apple Watch SE 2 is an excellent entry-level Apple Watch. Unfortunately, you won't get a temperature sensor, a blood oxygen level sensor, your ECG or the Always-On Display with this model.

If these features aren't a deal breaker for you, then this watch is perfect for you to stay in the Apple universe of other Apple products you may already have.

What are the alternatives to Apple Watches?

The question you should be asking yourself is, "What am I going to use my smartwatch for?"

If you want to be stylish and stay in the Apple universe and need a temperature sensor, blood oxygen level sensor, ECG and cycle tracking, then the Apple Watch 8 and Ultra are for you.

If you're an athlete, we recommend the Ultra, as it's more resistant because it's made of titanium and tolerates both low and high temperatures. Its battery lasts 36 hours and it has a siren if you get lost.

Also for athletes, Fitbit running watches will be your everyday partner if you want a big screen, but if you're not interested in the screen then Fitbit wristbands offer you lots of features and sometimes more than the Apple Watch for your well-being.

There's also Garmin, which is less well known to the general public, but which also has 'classic' models such as the Venu and models for athletes such as the Garmin Forerunner.