If you’re looking for a polished Apple smartwatch experience without paying flagship prices, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) GPS, 40mm, Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band (S/M) is now just $169 at Walmart, down from $249, making it one of the best deals on a modern Apple Watch.
Pros
- Strong heart-rate tracking and crash detection features, accurate enough compared with more premium models
- Light, comfortable build with aluminum casing, swim-safe design, and water resistance to 50m
- Responsive S8-class processor for smooth navigation and app experience on par with the Watch Series
- Reliable fitness and sleep tracking; user tests find consistent step and heart rate accuracy (~99%), comparable to premium Apple models
- Apple ecosystem features: seamless notifications, Apple Pay, music, Siri, Family Setup support
Cons
- No blood oxygen sensor, ECG, skin temperature, or always-on display — missing Series 9 / 10 sensors
- Display brightness is modest (~293 nits vs. Series 10’s ~1000 nits), making visibility in bright sunlight limited
- Slower charging and battery life ranges from 12–18 hours, depending on usage, with GPS or workout tracking, it drops below top-tier models
- Fewer premium UI gestures and missing features like the double-tap gesture and offline Siri present in Series 10
Why This Deal Is Worth It
At $169, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation represents the most cost-effective entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem in 2025. It delivers nearly all core features—fitness tracking, crash detection, music control, Siri—without premium health sensors. Its smooth performance, accurate sensor tracking, and compact 40mm form factor make it an ideal choice for first-time buyers, teens, parents using Family Setup or anyone who wants a reliable, everyday Apple Watch without overspending.
Who Should Grab This
- Buyers looking for core Apple Watch features at the lowest possible price
- Parents purchasing for kids via Family Setup
- Fitness users who want accurate heart and sleep tracking without premium sensors
- Apple users who want a reliable companion device without the Series 10 price tag
Lab-Tested Performance That Backs It Up
- Step Tracking Accuracy: ~98.98%—surpassing many premium Apple models in real use
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours typical usage; drops to ~12.5 hours if GPS active or during workouts; full charge in ~2 hours
- Display Brightness: ~293 nits on average—readable indoors but underwhelming in bright sun
- Health Features: Includes crash detection, fall detection, accurate heart-rate tracking; lacks blood oxygen and ECG sensors found in higher-tier models
- User Reliability Reports: Reddit users note accurate fitness tracking, stable Siri responses, and usefulness for run tracking: “GPS, heart rate, and VO2 Max accuracy seem comparable to Garmin.
