Apple Watch SE 44mm Review: Is It Worth Buying in 2025

The 44mm Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) targets a specific gap in the market: it keeps the essentials without adding every sensor Apple can fit. For anyone who wants a larger screen and solid performance without chasing yearly upgrades, this watch asks a simple question—do you really need more?

Display resolution: 368 x 448 pixels (977 sq mm) ·
Processor: Apple S8 SiP ·
Battery life: Up to 18 hours ·
Release date: September 2022 (2nd generation) ·
Starting price: $249 / €279 ·
Weight: 33 grams

Here is a quick overview of the main specifications for the Apple Watch SE 44mm.

How old is the Apple Watch SE 44mm?

The Apple Watch SE 44mm (2nd generation) was released in September 2022 alongside the Series 8. That makes it about three years old as of early 2025. Compared to the first-gen SE from September 2020, it’s a full generation newer. It’s older than the Series 9 (2023) and Ultra 2 (2023), but newer than the Series 8 and the original SE. The age matters if you’re eyeing a smartwatch that will stay compatible with future watchOS updates – Apple typically supports each model for five to six years, so the SE 44mm should keep getting updates until around 2028.

Release date of the Apple Watch SE 44mm (2nd generation)

• Announced at Apple’s September 2022 event alongside the Series 8 and Ultra (Apple Newsroom announcement).
• Pre-orders began September 9, 2022; in-store availability from September 16, 2022.

How the age compares to other Apple Watch models

For a quick timeline: the SE 1st gen launched in 2020, the SE 2nd gen in 2022, and as of early 2025 no third-gen SE has been released. The Series 9 (2023) and Ultra 2 (2023) are newer. The trade-off: you get a more mature product with known performance, but you miss out on the always-on display and the S10 chip that arrived with the 2025 SE 3.

Is the Apple Watch SE 44mm good?

Yes, if your idea of “good” matches what it offers: reliable everyday performance, solid fitness tracking, and a clear 44mm display. The S8 SiP chip inside the SE 44mm is the same processor used in the Series 8 Apple SE 2 Specs, so app launching and navigation feel zippy. It lacks the always-on display, blood oxygen sensor, and ECG, but for core functions – notifications, workouts, sleep tracking, and basic health monitoring – it handles everything smoothly.

Key features and performance

• Crash detection, fall detection, and emergency SOS (Apple SE 2 Specs)
• Sleep stages tracking and heart rate monitoring
• Retina display with 368 x 448 resolution (977 sq mm area)
• Water resistance to 50 metres (WR50)

Display and design

The 44mm case is the larger of the two SE sizes, fitting wrists from 140 to 245mm. The screen is big enough to read messages and see workout stats without squinting, but it’s not an always-on OLED – you need to raise your wrist or tap to see the time. The aluminium case keeps weight to just 33g, making it comfortable for all-day wear and sleep tracking.

Health and fitness tracking

The SE 44mm tracks heart rate, sleep stages, and steps, and includes cycle tracking. You don’t get ECG, blood oxygen readings, or skin temperature, which are reserved for the Series and Ultra models. For recreational fitness – running, swimming, cycling – the built-in GPS and heart rate sensor are more than adequate.

What is the battery life of the Apple Watch SE 44mm?

Apple rates the battery life at up to 18 hours. This is standard for the Apple Watch lineup and is enough for a full day of use, including workouts, notifications, and sleep tracking. Charging takes about 1.5 hours for a full charge.

Does the Apple Watch SE 44mm have GPS?

Yes, the Apple Watch SE 44mm includes built-in GPS and GLONASS. This allows you to track outdoor workouts like running, walking, and cycling without needing your iPhone nearby.

What colors does the Apple Watch SE 44mm come in?

The Apple Watch SE 44mm is available in three aluminum case finishes: Midnight, Starlight, and Silver. Each color pairs with a matching sport band or other Apple Watch bands.

Is the Apple Watch SE 44mm water resistant?

Yes, the Apple Watch SE 44mm has a water resistance rating of WR50, meaning it is safe for swimming, showering, and water activities down to 50 meters. It is not designed for high-velocity water sports or diving.

Is an Apple Watch SE worth buying?

For the price – typically $249 (€279 in Ireland) – the SE 44mm offers a very strong value proposition. The question is whether its three-year age and missing premium sensors outweigh the savings.

Price and value compared to newer models

At $249, the SE 44mm is about $150 cheaper than the Series 9 and $450 less than the Ultra 2. Given that it shares the same S8 SiP chip with the Series 8, performance is similar. The SE 3 (2025) starts at the same price but brings an always-on display, S10 chip, and twice-as-fast charging. That makes the SE 2 a tougher sell today unless you find a discount.

How much is an Apple Watch SE 44mm worth?

As of 2025, the Apple Watch SE 44mm (2nd gen) is worth around $249 / €279 at retail. Discounts are common in Irish retailers, often knocking €20 to €40 off the list price. On the used market, prices range from $150 to $200 depending on condition and accessories.

Five key factors, one pattern: the SE 44mm sacrifices premium sensors for a lower price, but the 2025 SE 3 almost closes that gap.

Who should buy the Apple Watch SE 44mm

• First-time smartwatch buyers – you get all the core features without the premium cost.
• Budget-conscious iPhone users – especially in Ireland where retailers often knock €20–40 off the list price.
• Those who don’t need ECG or blood oxygen – if your doctor hasn’t recommended those, you likely won’t miss them.

Why is the SE Apple Watch so cheap?

Apple keeps the SE line affordable by using older components, simpler materials, and fewer sensors. It’s a deliberate trade-off: the company charges less by leaving out expensive parts like the always-on display and the ceramic/sapphire back that houses additional sensors.

Materials and display

The SE 44mm uses an aluminium case with a plastic composite back, not the ceramic or sapphire found on the Series and Ultra watches. The display is a standard Retina LTPO OLED without the always-on capability – a cost saving that also reduces battery drain. The glass is strengthened Ion-X rather than sapphire, which is less scratch-resistant but still durable.

Sensors and features omitted

To hit the $249 price point, Apple left out the blood oxygen sensor, ECG electrode, temperature sensor, and the fast-charging hardware. The SE 2 also lacks the keyboard input (dictation or scribble only) and the double-tap gesture that debuted on the Series 9. These omissions add up to a simpler bill of materials, which is passed on to you. For a deeper understanding of modern charging standards, you can read our article on What Is a USB-C?

The implication: Apple’s tiered feature strategy makes the SE line a deliberate trade-off, not just a discount.

What is the downside of the Apple Watch SE?

Every value product has compromises. The SE 44mm’s downsides centre on three areas: health sensors, display, and battery charging.

Missing health sensors

No ECG, no blood oxygen, no temperature sensing. That means you can’t take a medical-grade ECG from your wrist or track overnight temperature variations. If you’re managing a heart condition or want ovulation tracking, the SE won’t do it.

Display limitations

The lack of an always-on display is the most immediate difference in daily use. You have to raise your wrist or tap the screen to see the time – small inconvenience, but one you’ll notice dozens of times a day. The screen is also not as bright as the Series 9’s 2000-nit display.

Battery life and charging

Battery life is rated at 18 hours – the same as every other Apple Watch. But the SE 2 uses a slower charger (0–80% in about 1.5 hours) compared to the SE 3’s 45-minute fast charge. That 45-minute difference matters if you’re using the watch for sleep tracking: you need to find time to charge it during the day.

The pattern: the SE 44mm is still a great smartwatch, but the 2025 SE 3 fixes nearly every downside without raising the price. For many, that makes the SE 2 a hard recommendation unless it’s deeply discounted.

Apple Watch SE 44mm: timeline

• September 2020 – Apple Watch SE (1st generation) released with S5 chip.
• September 2022 – Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) released with S8 chip, crash detection, 44mm option. (Apple Support page)
• 2023–2024 – SE 44mm sold at reduced price; no refresh.
• September 2025 – Apple Watch SE 3 announced with always-on display, S10 chip, fast charging, same $249 price. The Verge

“The larger 44mm model helps alleviate the screen-size concern enough that it recommends choosing 44mm if buying now.”

– The Verge on the SE 2 (2022)

“The SE 3 includes an always-on display, a feature specifically highlighted as a major upgrade over the previous SE generation.”

– Apple SE 3 specs page

For Irish shoppers eyeing a value Apple Watch, the choice between the SE 44mm (2nd gen) and the SE 3 is now about timing and discount depth. The SE 44mm at €250 or less is still a fine daily driver for notifications, fitness, and sleep tracking. But at full price, the newer SE 3 gives you an always-on display, twice-as-fast charging, and longer software support – without costing a cent more. For the budget-minded iPhone user in 2025, the implication is clear: grab a closeout deal on the SE 2 before stock dries up, or put your money on the SE 3 and enjoy the updates.