The Enduring Value of Apple's Budget Watch: A Developer's Perspective

In a tech landscape obsessed with the latest releases, Apple's 2023 Apple Watch SE 2 has defied expectations by remaining a compelling choice—especially now that it's available at steep discounts. As developers increasingly integrate wearables into health, productivity, and IoT applications, understanding accessible hardware like this becomes crucial. Currently priced as low as $170 (down from $249) at retailers like Amazon, the SE 2 offers up to $79 in savings, making it the cheapest new Apple Watch available.

Core Features That Still Shine

The SE 2 isn't just about affordability—it packs meaningful functionality. With 32GB of storage, an 18-hour battery life, and seamless integration into Apple's ecosystem, it handles core tasks efficiently. Developers will appreciate its support for workout tracking, sleep monitoring, and basic communication tools, all powered by watchOS. However, it lacks advanced health sensors like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, or temperature checks found in pricier Series 10/11 or Ultra models. As ZDNET's Kayla Solino notes:

"The SE has all the necessary features without the complicated bells and whistles I didn't want (or need). It's perfect for tracking workouts, answering texts, and staying connected—all with a crisp display and fast response rate."

SE 2 vs. SE 3: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Apple's recent SE 3 update brings minor enhancements but doesn't radically outpace its predecessor. The SE 3 starts at $249 with no significant discounts yet, while the SE 2's sub-$200 price point offers near-identical performance for everyday use. For developers prototyping apps or users prioritizing essentials, this gap makes the older model a smarter buy. Solino emphasizes this in her hands-on experience:

"After upgrading from a Series 3, I found the SE 2 delivers everything I need. The savings let me invest in multiple bands, customizing it for any scenario without sacrificing core utility."

Why This Matters for the Tech Community

Beyond personal use, the SE 2's longevity highlights key industry trends: older hardware can thrive when it balances cost, functionality, and ecosystem support. For developers, it represents a low-barrier device for testing or recommending to users hesitant about premium wearables. Its continued relevance also underscores Apple's strategy of maintaining value across generations—a lesson in sustainable tech consumption.

The Verdict on Value

While not the absolute lowest price seen historically (it hit $149 during Black Friday 2024), today's deals at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are solid for a device that remains widely capable. As wearables evolve, the SE 2 stands as a testament to thoughtful engineering that prioritizes user needs over superfluous innovation—making it a rare find in an era of constant upgrades.

Source: Based on original reporting by Kayla Solino for ZDNET.