In a smartwatch market saturated with cutting-edge devices in 2025, ranging from the flashy Apple Watch Series 10 to the rugged Ultra model, and numerous feature-packed fitness wearables catering to every budget, one contender quietly continues to stand firm: the Apple Watch SE. Originally launched a few years ago, the SE raises a key question—does it still deserve your attention in 2025?
A Practical, No-Nonsense Experience
For users not chasing the latest bells and whistles—such as blood oxygen monitoring or the Series 10’s new stress-tracking chip—the Apple Watch SE delivers all the essentials and then some. Running the latest watchOS 11, it syncs seamlessly with the iPhone and offers smooth performance without any lag. Users can easily track workouts, monitor heart rate, receive notifications, and interact with Siri, all on a bright Retina display that remains visible even in direct sunlight.
The second-generation SE, still widely available in 2025, boasts the same chip as the Series 8, ensuring it remains far from obsolete. Unless you’re a biohacking enthusiast or require advanced health metrics, the SE’s capabilities are more than adequate for everyday use.
Design That Feels Premium Without the Premium Price
Apple’s approach with the SE has always been to provide a more affordable smartwatch without compromising on style or build quality. Even in 2025, the watch retains the classic Apple design—rounded edges, a haptic crown, and reliable water resistance—that doesn’t feel dated. While it lacks some high-end features such as the always-on display or the titanium casing of the Ultra model, it also costs upwards of ₹20,000 less—a tradeoff many users are happy to make.
Who Should Consider the SE in 2025?
The Apple Watch SE is not aiming to be the best smartwatch for everyone; rather, it’s designed to be the best for most people, including:
- First-time Apple Watch buyers seeking an accessible entry point.
- Students and Gen Z users who want an affordable yet stylish and functional wearable.
- Casual fitness enthusiasts needing reliable activity tracking without overkill.
- Parents purchasing smartwatches for their children, compatible with Apple’s Family Setup.
- iPhone users desiring a companion device without a full lifestyle upgrade.
Features You’ll Miss — But Might Not Need
The SE does omit some features found in newer models: no ECG, no blood oxygen sensor, no temperature monitoring, no always-on display, and no fast charging. However, many users rarely utilize these advanced sensors regularly. For those who need such details, the Series 10 is an obvious choice. For everyone else, the SE covers all core functionalities with aplomb.
Exceptional Value in 2025
With the GPS-only Apple Watch SE now priced under ₹30,000—and often available for around ₹26,000—it represents a compelling value proposition. When compared to the ₹50,000-plus price tags of the latest models, the SE delivers roughly 80% of the experience for nearly half the cost, making it a smart buy in a year when budget-conscious shopping is trending once again.
Conclusion
For those seeking a reliable, well-rounded smartwatch that blends functionality with subtlety, the Apple Watch SE remains a standout option in 2025. It may not be the flashiest or the newest device on the market, but its practical design, dependable performance, and accessible price make it a smartwatch that continues to make smart sense.
