The Apple Watch SE is still on sale after Cyber Monday — get it while it’s 24% off on Amazon

Updated Dec 3, 2024 7:32 am ET


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Smart watches have evolved from simple digital timepieces with the ability to receive a text message or two to powerful multifunctional marvels that can do everything from keeping track of your fitness to synching up with your virtual assistants. If you don’t know where to start with this technology or want a smart watch that performs key functions but isn’t loaded down with too many bells and whistles, Apple’s second-generation edition of its Apple Watch SE fits the bill.

Now, even though Amazon’s Cyber Monday sale has ended, you can still get this watch for over 20% off. Here’s our breakdown of what makes the Apple Watch SE tick, and why it’s a super value for the price.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen), $189 (24% off)

photo of the Apple Watch SE
Amazon

Smart watches are all about connectivity and useful apps, whether you’re doing a heavy workout or receiving calls, and the Apple Watch SE does all of the above in fine fashion. The built-in processor is 20% faster than the original SE, and powers a plethora of apps that help you keep tabs on your health and fitness, from fall detection to movement tracking to heart rate and sleep monitoring. An upgraded motion sensor, GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope accelerator gives you accurate metrics on every activity, whether you’re getting your steps for the day, engaging in a full-fledged workout, or just trying to figure out your location.

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Apple Watch SE provides strong connection with your phone or mobile device. When the watch is connected to your phone, it’s a snap to receive and read text messages as well as write them using dictation mode, and voice quality for calls is excellent. For the ultimate in connectivity, you can opt for a model with a cellular option which allows you to take and make calls from your watch (and even make international emergency calls) without needing a phone connection.

For many watch aficionados, looks are important, and the Apple Smart Watch SE doesn’t disappoint in this department. Available in case sizes of 40 or 44 millimeters, the watch is large enough for reading the screen without strain but small enough to look good on most people’s wrists. It comes in three aluminum case variants (silver, starlight and midnight) that are appealing to the eye, and you can choose from a wide range of customizable “faces” for your watch to suit your style, from traditional watch face designs to ultra-modern looks.

The watch’s OLED retina display has an illumination of 1000 nits for easy viewing in daylight or nighttime. Battery life has also been improved, with users noting that it can go more than a full day between charging. The watch also saves power by going “dark”; just flick your wrist or tap the screen to activate the display. And if you’re worried about durability, this watch has you covered; with a WR50 rating, it’s water-resistant at depths up to over 160 feet.

Put it all together and you get a durable, reliable smart watch that’s perfect for the whole family. With the Apple Watch SE available at a 24% discount, the time is right to get this watch if you’re looking to jump into smart watches or get a user-friendly watch for a family member. Taken as a whole with its convenient features, a smart-looking and durable design, and solid battery life at an excellent price, you can’t beat it!

Ho Lin

Ho Lin

Author

Ho Lin is a content writer at McClatchy. He has over two decades of experience in content strategy, creation, and development, ranging from subjects such as anime and manga to military benefits, job search advice and AI evaluation. Ho is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and holds a M.A. in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Ho also writes both fiction and non-fiction; his books include China Girl and Bond Movies: A Retrospective.

Kayleigh Drake

Kayleigh Drake

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Kayleigh Drake is a Commerce Content Editor at McClatchy. She’s based in Birmingham, Alabama, and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Kayleigh has written and edited content for numerous publications, with a particular focus on the food, kitchen, home and lifestyle verticals. When she’s not fulfilling her editorial duties, she loves record shopping, playing guitar, baking and buying entirely too many plants.