Watch SE 2 44 mm

Introduced as a budget-friendly option alongside the Series 8, the Apple Watch SE 2 (2022) is essentially an updated version of the original SE, incorporating the faster processor from the Apple Watch Series 8. While it omits the "Always-On" display and advanced health sensors, it retains key features like Activity tracking, heart rate notifications, Emergency SOS, and Crash Detection, and is available exclusively in aluminum. This GPS-only model lacks cellular connectivity and requires an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or newer for full functionality. It is controlled by a Digital Crown with haptic feedback and a touch-sensitive display. This 44 mm model has a 368x448 LTPO OLED screen with Ion-X glass, housed in an aluminum case with a ceramic and sapphire crystal back. Battery life is rated for up to 18 hours of typical use. Three aluminum case finishes were offered: Starlight, Midnight, and Silver.

The Apple Watch SE 2 garnered positive reviews as an excellent value proposition within Apple's smartwatch lineup. Reviewers consistently praised its performance improvement over the original SE, thanks to the Series 8 processor, which delivered snappy responsiveness comparable to higher-end models. Critics appreciated that Apple managed to reduce the price while upgrading internal components, making it an attractive entry point for new smartwatch users. The absence of the Always-On display was noted as the primary compromise, though many reviewers found this less significant than expected due to Apple's effective wrist-raise detection. The device was particularly recommended for fitness tracking accuracy, with some tests showing superior step counting compared to more expensive models. Overall, it was viewed as successfully balancing features and affordability without feeling like a compromised experience.