The always affordable Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is now cheaper than ever before (2024)
If you were thinking of buying the best budget smartwatch from Apple to use with your new or old iPhone this holiday season, your choice probably seemed pretty simple... until last week. That's when the company's ancient Series 6 model returned to the limelight with a bang at a simply irresistible price in brand-new condition.
If you somehow did manage to resist that objectively phenomenal deal, your original first option may well shoot back up to the top spot on your holiday shopping list. That's because the second-gen Apple Watch SE is now even cheaper than the Series 6, as well as more affordable than it's ever been.
Apple Watch SE (2022)
40mm, GPS Only, Apple S8 Processor, Retina LTPO OLED Display with 1000 Nits of Brightness, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Compass, Always-on Altimeter, Built-in Speaker, Third-generation Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Aluminum Case, Sport Band, Multiple Color Options
That's true for every single variant sold by Amazon, be it with or without standalone cellular connectivity, available in a 40 or 44mm case size, and in a bunch of different colorways. All of these models are marked down by a very cool 60 bucks at the time of this writing, and there's a pretty good chance you're looking at the best of the best Black Friday 2023 deals on this specific product.
Released just last year, the low-cost Apple Watch SE 2 packs the exact same decidedly high-end S8 processor as the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, not to mention that it's guaranteed to receive the same flawless long-term software support as its much pricier "cousins."
One of the key reasons why the Apple Watch SE (2022) is so affordable is of course its lack of cutting-edge ECG technology, and compared to this year's Apple Watch Series 9 (as well as last year's Series 8), its Retina display is noticeably inferior too.
But at these lower-than-ever prices, you clearly get more than enough value and quality, with the iconic Apple Watch design made to withstand water immersion and the health monitoring arsenal including everything from advanced sleep tracking to a fancy heart rate sensor that can provide incredibly useful irregular rhythm alerts (among others). In short, this is an absolute bargain right now, and if you consider yourself a hardcore Apple fan, you may not want to miss this unprecedented opportunity to save big on such a well-reviewed budget-friendly smartwatch.
Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
One of the key reasons why the Apple Watch SE (2022) is so affordable is of course its lack of cutting-edge ECG technology, and compared to this year's Apple Watch Series 9 (as well as last year's Series 8), its Retina display is noticeably inferior too.
The Apple Watch SE pricing starts at $279 on the 40mm model with GPS only and a Solo Loop band. The prices can go up to $359 with the 44mm version with GPS+ Cellular.
2022: The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) was released in September 2022. It was an affordable Apple Watch with essential features and updated design. 2022: The Apple Watch Series 8 was released in September 2022. It featured a new body temperature sensor, improved crash detection, and new watch faces.
The Apple Watch Series 8, the second-generation Apple Watch SE, and the Apple Watch Ultra were announced during Apple's "Far out" event on September 7, 2022. Pre-orders opened on the same day, with the Series 8 and 2nd gen SE shipping on September 16, while the Ultra shipped on September 23.
The SE's biggest compromise is the lack of an always-on display. Your browser does not support the video element. While the Apple Watch has had an always-on display since the Series 5, the SE omits this feature as a tradeoff for a lower price.
Well, here's where it gets interesting. Amazon operates on incredibly thin margins, particularly for hot-ticket items like Apple products. They're looking at a 15 – 20 % wholesale discount, and the majority of that discount is funneled directly to you, the consumer.
While the new SE is an excellent watch, it's not always the right choice. It's meant to be a gateway watch, so it's best suited to folks who are completely new to the Apple Watch and want to spend as little as possible.
Although the Apple Watch SE (1st gen) is discontinued, it is still receiving support and updates. It's not known when Apple will end support for the watch, but it is something you should bear in mind when buying a second-hand Apple Watch or any tech for that matter.
The biggest change in the Apple Watch SE 2 is the processor. While the original model had an older S5 system in a package that debuted in the Apple Watch Series 5, the second-generation SE has the newest S8 SiP, the same processor that's in the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra.
All-day battery life is based on the following use: 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth, over the course of 18 hours; Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) (GPS) usage includes connection to iPhone via Bluetooth during the entire ...
It will likely not be worth upgrading if you already have the first-generation Apple Watch SE, unless you particularly want improved performance or Crash Detection.
Raise your wrist or tap on the screen to bring everything back to full brightness and make the watch screen active so that you can interact with your watch. * Apple Watch SE doesn't support Always On.
The affordable Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) looks the same as its predecessor; it features improved fitness tracking and is powered by the latest and most powerful Apple S8 chip. It's available in three colors and supports the same bands as the last generation.
The Apple Watch SE 2 and Watch SE pack the same sensors, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, heart rate (2nd-gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, and compass. However, the accelerometer and gyroscope have been updated on the new model. This should theoretically offer better fall detection and wins this round.
Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543
Phone: +99513241752844
Job: Design Supervisor
Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles
Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
