With wearable tech evolving at lightning speed, smartwatches have transformed from optional gadgets into powerful lifestyle companions. The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (GPS, 40mm) stands out by delivering premium Apple experiences at a more accessible entry point. With standout features like fast app performance and comprehensive health tracking, this watch is turning heads for all the right reasons in 2025.
Here at RatedByMia, we test out some of the most talked-about gadgets, and naturally, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (GPS, 40mm) landed on our radar. Engineered with Apple’s S8 chip, an always-on altimeter, and a suite of health and safety features, it’s worth your attention — whether you’re chasing fitness goals or trying to stay organized in a hectic world.
If you’ve been considering a fitness smartwatch with advanced tracking and sleek design, this review breaks down everything you need to decide whether this is the wrist companion for you.
![Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor, Retina Display](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316IR-VGDlL._SL160_.jpg)
Who Is It For?
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (GPS, 40mm) is perfectly tailored for users who want the core Apple Watch experience without splurging on the flagship models like the Series 9 or Ultra. It’s an excellent choice for:
- iPhone users seeking a reliable fitness smartwatch
- Beginners new to wearable tech
- Health-conscious individuals interested in sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring
- Students, young professionals, or parents who prefer affordability without sacrificing performance
If you’re a professional athlete or someone who requires advanced health diagnostics like blood oxygen saturation or ECG, the SE might feel a bit limited. It’s also not ideal for Android users, as the Apple Watch works exclusively with iOS.
Product Overview & Summary Box
Features:
- S8 SiP for faster performance
- Retina display, bright and colorful
- Heart rate, sleep, and crash detection tracking
- Water-resistant up to 50 meters
- Emergency SOS and fall detection
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Design & Build
Apple never fails to deliver superior design, and the SE 2nd Gen is no exception. The 40mm case feels lightweight yet solid, crafted from 100% recycled aluminum. Whether you’re pairing it with sport bands, leather, or Milanese loop styles, the smartwatch blends effortlessly with your outfit — from gym wear to business casual.
Its rounded edges and Retina display offer an upscale look, while the screen is vibrant enough for visibility in harsh sunlight. The build is also robust, with water resistance of up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimmers and sweaty workouts alike.
Features & Functionality
Despite being a mid-tier Apple smartwatch, the SE 2nd Gen packs a wealth of smart features that elevate daily life. Here’s what we loved:
- Fitness & Activity Tracking: The watch tracks your movement across key fitness rings — Move, Exercise, and Stand. Whether you’re walking, running, or doing yoga, it encourages you to keep moving.
- Sleep Tracking: As a sleep tracking watch, the SE shines with detailed metrics and trends. You can review your sleep stages and make adjustments for better rest over time.
- Heart Health: Real-time heart rate monitoring with high and low alerts helps keep tabs on your heart wellness.
- Safety Features: With crash and fall detection, plus Emergency SOS, it offers peace of mind — especially for outdoor adventurers or elderly users.
- Integration with iPhone: From answering calls to reading texts and navigating with Maps, the Apple ecosystem integration is seamless.
Though the SE doesn’t offer blood oxygen or ECG capabilities like the Series 9, its core features are more than sufficient for everyday users.
Ease of Use
Apple’s hallmark simplicity shines through from the unboxing to daily use. Pairing the watch with an iPhone is nearly instant and intuitive via the Watch app. The interface is snappy, and newer users will appreciate the guided setup and customization tips.
Customizable watch faces and sleek haptic feedback make navigation pleasurable. Whether you’re adjusting settings, reviewing activity goals, or using Siri for quick tasks, everything flows naturally. Apple has clearly focused on making this device user-friendly — even for first-timers.
Performance / Effectiveness
Running on the powerful S8 chip, borrowed from Apple’s flagship watches, the SE 2nd Gen delivers outstanding speed and responsiveness. Animations are smooth, apps open quickly, and transitions feel buttery-fluid. Notifications are instant, and there’s no lag whether you’re checking messages or logging a workout.
Activity tracking is impressively accurate, almost on par with the Series 9. GPS connectivity adds precision for outdoor walks or runs, especially in unfamiliar routes. Sleep tracking, while not as granular as in some dedicated sleep tools, still gives actionable insights about your rest patterns.
Battery life holds steady for a day and a half under moderate use — including fitness sessions, app notifications, and sleep monitoring. It’s enough for most people, though heavy users may need to top up more frequently.
Value for Money
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen delivers a surprisingly premium experience without a premium price tag. You’re getting the same core fitness smartwatch features found in Apple’s higher-end models, minus a few advanced health sensors.
For anyone looking for solid performance, usability, and essential health tracking, it’s a smart purchase. To see the most up-to-date pricing and current deals, check the product below.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Smooth performance with the S8 chip
- Reliable fitness and sleep tracking features
- Lightweight, stylish, and well-built
- Fall/crash detection for added safety
- Great Apple ecosystem integration
- Cons:
- No ECG or blood oxygen sensors
- Battery life could be better for power users
- Exclusively compatible with iPhones
Alternatives & Comparisons
One strong alternative to the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen is the Apple Watch Series 9. While the Series 9 adds always-on display and more advanced health features like blood oxygen and ECG, it’s positioned as a premium option. The SE still covers the essentials beautifully and is the better choice for value seekers.
Alternatively, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a solid option for users prioritizing battery life and cross-platform compatibility. However, it lacks the deep integration with iPhone and the robust app ecosystem that Apple offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen waterproof?
The watch is water resistant up to 50 meters — perfect for swimming and everyday exposure to moisture, but not recommended for scuba diving or high-velocity water sports.
Can you make calls and reply to messages with this watch?
Yes, when paired with an iPhone, you can make calls, send replies, and even use Siri for voice commands. Note that this is the GPS-only version, so it does not support cellular independence.
Does it support third-party fitness apps?
Absolutely. You can download and use popular apps like Strava, Nike Run Club, and MyFitnessPal directly on the watch or via iPhone sync.
What devices is the SE 2nd Gen compatible with?
It requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or newer. It doesn’t work with Android devices.
How accurate is the sleep tracking?
While not medical-grade, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen provides fairly accurate readings on sleep duration, consistency, and sleep stages — ideal for everyday wellness tracking.
Conclusion & CTA
The Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (GPS, 40mm) strikes a nearly perfect balance of performance, usability, and affordability. It covers all the essentials most users need — fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep insights, safety alerts, and seamless iOS integration. Unless you specifically need advanced medical-health sensors, this smartwatch more than earns its place on your wrist in 2025.
Whether you’re stepping into the world of wearables or upgrading from an older model, the SE is a reliable choice that won’t disappoint.