Apple Watch SE 2025: Still a Smart Choice for Most?
Apple Watch SE in 2025: Still a Smart Choice for Most?
The smartwatch market is booming in 2025, with the latest Apple Watch Series 10 boasting premium features, the Ultra built for the toughest adventures, and fitness brands offering wearables at every price point. But amidst this flurry of new releases, the Apple Watch SE, launched a couple of years ago, quietly continues to hold its own.
Does the Apple Watch SE Still Make Sense in 2025?
If you’re not chasing the absolute latest features like blood oxygen sensors or the new stress-tracking chip in the Series 10, the Apple Watch SE delivers everything you need and more. It runs on Apple’s latest watchOS, syncs seamlessly with your iPhone, and handles everyday tasks without a hitch. You can track your workouts, monitor your heart rate, get notifications, and even use Siri, all on a bright Retina display that’s easy to read even in direct sunlight.
The second-generation SE, still widely available in 2025, packs the same powerful chip found in the Series 8. Unless you’re deeply into biohacking or need advanced health metrics, you won’t miss much.
A Stylish Smartwatch Without the Premium Price
The SE has always been Apple’s way of offering an affordable smartwatch without sacrificing style or quality. Even in 2025, it doesn’t look outdated. It boasts the iconic Apple Watch design with rounded edges, a haptic crown, and decent water resistance. Sure, you won’t get the always-on display or the titanium build of the Ultra, but you’ll save a significant amount of money—around ₹20,000 or more. For most users, that’s a tradeoff worth making.
Who Should Consider the Apple Watch SE in 2025?
The Apple Watch SE is designed to be the best smartwatch for most people, not necessarily everyone. Here are a few examples:
- First-Time Smartwatch Buyers: If you’re new to the Apple Watch world, the SE is a great entry point.
- Students and Gen Z: It’s affordable, stylish, and functional without being overwhelming.
- Casual Fitness Users: You’ll get all the activity tracking you need for everyday fitness goals.
- Parents Buying for Their Kids: It works seamlessly with Apple’s Family Setup feature.
- iPhone Users Seeking a Companion Device: The SE is a great way to expand your iPhone’s capabilities without a major lifestyle overhaul.
What You’ll Miss (But Might Not Care About)
The SE does have some limitations compared to its pricier siblings. It lacks an ECG, SpO2 sensor, temperature sensor, and always-on display. Fast charging is also not available. However, many users find they don’t consistently use these features anyway.
The Price-Performance Sweet Spot
The SE (GPS) now retails for under ₹30,000, and you can often find deals for around ₹26,000. At this price point, the SE becomes an incredibly compelling choice. It offers 80% of the experience of the newer models for 50% of the cost—a fantastic value proposition.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a reliable, polished, and feature-rich smartwatch that doesn’t break the bank, the Apple Watch SE remains a top contender in 2025. It might not be the flashiest option, but it gets the job done with style and substance. Sometimes, simplicity and affordability are all you need.
