Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Crash Detection, Heart Rate Monitor,… by Apple

After using a $30 knock-off for a few months, which looks like an Apple watch but lacks many features, I decided I needed a better fitness tracker.

I use an Android phone (long term plan is to switch to iPhone, but right now this is what I’m stuck with) and this is no good for setting up an Apple Watch, so I got a $100 refurbished iPhone that barely holds a charge but is good enough.

Once it was all set up, the watch works great and doesn’t really require a phone, but the phone does come in handy for doing setup stuff on a larger screen, and also for recording daily workouts in the Fitness app. When I come back from working out, the watch synchs up with the phone, and my sessions are accurately recorded, going back months. Convenient.

As for fitness, I use it for cardio (running, elliptical, swimming) and core/strengthening (weight lifting etc.). The watch is a competent tracker and is quite impressive in the lap pool; it not only can track your vital signs underwater but knows how many laps you have swum (you need to tell it the size of the lap pool in advance).

Some of the machines at my gym are set up to pair with an Apple Watch; just hold it near an NFC or similar spot on the machine, and the watch instantly knows what kind of machine it is (elliptical, bike, treadmill), knows when you start and stop, and transmits heart rate and estimated calories to the machine’s display.

About heart rate and calorie tracking: I also have a Polar heart rate tracker, the kind with a chest strap, which is supposed to be pretty accurate for estimating calorie usage, a metric that is important to me. The watch tracks pretty closely to the Polar, so I have quit using the Polar completely.

The display is normally off and the watch relies on gestures to see what time it is. A quick flip of the wrist usually turns it on, or else tap the screen. This is the one thing I don’t love; the more expensive Apple Watches have an always-on display which is obviously a little more convenient, but for this rock bottom price, I can live without it for a while.

The main issue for me is that the battery holds out for about one day (12-16 hours) and then must be put in its charging cradle. Luckily, it doesn’t take too long to charge; about 2 hours is sufficient. It would be nice, however, if it lasted a week or so, for example if you take it into the wilderness for a weekend hiking trip.

Speaking of charging, I would recommend buying a second charging cradle; they’re very cheap and then you can put one in your office, another one by the bed, etc. It’s handy to have one in your travel bag with your other charging paraphernalia, if you’re a frequent traveler.

Overall, I do not regret this purchase, and I use it every day. It’s superior to several other types of electronic trackers and watches I have owned – an Android watch, Fitbit, Chinese knockoffs… this watch stands alone in the quality of its sensors and smooth software.

After several weeks with the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), I’m genuinely impressed by its performance and value. The watch is fast and responsive, with a bright display that makes notifications and apps easily readable even outdoors. The heart rate monitor and crash detection are standout features for daily health and peace of mind. Fitness and sleep tracking are highly accurate, and syncing with my iPhone is seamless—no connection dropouts or lag.

Battery life is stronger than I expected, typically lasting well over a full day with moderate use. The included Blue Cloud Sport Loop is extremely comfortable and lightweight, great for extended wear. Setup was quick, and the watch’s interface is intuitive—perfect for new users and longtime Apple fans alike.

Compared to pricier Apple Watch models, the SE covers all the essential features without feeling limited. Notifications are timely, apps open quickly, and I appreciate the carbon-neutral build—great for eco-conscious buyers.

The build quality shows Apple’s reliability, and the Silver Aluminum Case looks modern and premium. Overall, the SE 2 is ideal for anyone after a well-rounded smartwatch without going overboard on price. Highly recommended for fitness, safety, and everyday connectivity!