The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) pictured with the Spigen Crystal Liquid Pro Apple Watch band.
Kayla Solino/ZDNET
Apple’s popular watch devices are available in several models, and the Watch SE (2nd Gen) is still the latest base model watch to hit the market. Despite Apple unveiling the Watch Series 10 in September 2024, the SE did not get an upgrade as originally rumored. While it’s not packed with all the Series 9 or 10 features, it offers great value for those looking to track basic health and fitness metrics, keep in contact with ease, and benefit from connection to the Apple ecosystem.
Also: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the premium smartwatch I prefer – here’s why
I own the Watch SE (2nd Gen), and it’s been the perfect smartwatch companion to my mostly low-key tech lifestyle. It’s proven great for tracking my workouts, steps, and other health metrics, and it has been a great introduction to sleep tracking. Right now, you can grab my favorite watch model (and Apple’s most up-to-date base model), the Watch SE (2nd Gen) for $80 off at Walmart.
This deal only applies to the 40mm model with either Starlight, Midnight, or Denim Sport Band. The 44mm Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is on sale, too, for $199. That isn’t quite as low as I saw the watch drop during Black Friday sales (where it was briefly on sale for $149), but prior to this price drop, the Watch SE hadn’t seen many discounts at all, so this 32% off offer is solid.
If you’re not looking for the advanced features offered in the newer Series 9, 10, or Ultra and Ultra 2 models, the watch SE is a great buy with all the essentials. You’d be surprised how well this model compares to Apple’s other contenders.
The SE offers users up to 18 hours of battery life and 32GB of internal storage. It does offer some of the same health and safety features as the Series 9, 10, and Ultra, though it doesn’t track blood oxygen, perform ECG heart checks, or check your temperature.
Also: I ran with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and it both humbled and motivated me
During Black Friday sales last year, I upgraded from the Series 3 Apple Watch to the 40mm SE model, and I’ve never been happier with a tech purchase. The SE has all the necessary features without the complicated bells and whistles I didn’t want (or need) — yet it still offers a crisp display, fast response rate, and seamless use. It’s perfect for tracking my workouts and walks and for quickly answering texts, emails, and more. Plus, with the savings I got from purchasing the more basic SE model, I was able to snag several different watch bands to dress my look up or down.
Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
How I rated this deal
Based on the 32% off savings being offered, ZDNET’s rating system gives this a 4/5 Editor’s deal rating. This is not the lowest offer I’ve seen in my time covering Apple Watch deals. The Watch SE (2nd Gen) has been available during select sale periods for as low as $149 or $100 off. However, this $169 offer matches the savings price I saw offered during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale and Memorial Day weekend, and is the second-lowest price I’ve seen it discounted.
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