Apple Watch SE: The Most Affordable Apple Watch in 2025
The Apple Watch SE is the most budget-friendly Apple Watch available, offering a cost-effective option with fewer and less advanced features compared to its pricier counterparts. In this article, we explore how the Apple Watch SE stacks up against other Apple smartwatches for UK users.
Apple’s Smartwatch Lineup
The Apple Watch SE is the most affordable model, but Apple offers a range of smartwatches to suit different needs. Here’s a quick overview:
- Apple Watch Series: The flagship series, with the Apple Watch Series 10 as the latest model, offers robust features, high performance, and top-tier specifications.
- Apple Watch SE: The budget option, featuring many Series capabilities but lacking some advanced functionalities and with slightly lower specs.
- Apple Watch Ultra 2: The premium model, designed for extreme conditions with superior features and specifications compared to the Series.
The Cheapest Apple Watch
The Apple Watch SE is designed as a budget-friendly choice, making it ideal for UK users with a limited budget. Despite its lower price, it retains core functionalities, though some are less advanced than those in the Series or Ultra models.
Explore our range of Apple Watch SE straps to personalise your device.
Why Is the Apple Watch SE Cheaper?
The Apple Watch SE offers a balanced mix of features at a lower price, with minimal compromises on performance or usability. Here’s why it’s more affordable:
- Health Features: Unlike the Series 10, the SE lacks advanced health tools like ECG measurements and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. For many users, this isn’t a dealbreaker.
- Processor: Equipped with the S8 chip, the SE is fast but not as powerful as the newer chips in premium models. It still handles most tasks efficiently.
- Display: The SE doesn’t feature an Always-On Retina display, so the screen turns off when not in use, saving battery but reducing convenience.
- Water Resistance: While water-resistant up to 50 meters, the SE may not match the deeper water resistance of premium models, limiting its use for deep diving.
- Materials: Made from standard aluminium, the SE lacks the stainless steel or titanium options of pricier models, which offer a more luxurious look and feel.
What Does the Apple Watch SE Offer?
Despite missing some premium features, the Apple Watch SE shares many capabilities with its higher-end counterparts:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Tracks heart rate throughout the day, alerting you to irregular readings, though it lacks ECG functionality.
- Apple Pay: Enables contactless payments, so you can shop without your iPhone.
- Activity Tracking: Monitors steps, calories burned, and workout minutes, encouraging activity with Apple’s signature activity rings.
- Sleep Tracking: Provides insights into sleep patterns to help improve your rest.
- Notifications: Displays iPhone notifications for messages, emails, and calls, with the ability to respond directly, matching the functionality of pricier models.

Why Choose the Apple Watch SE?
The Apple Watch SE is the go-to choice for UK users seeking affordability without sacrificing core functionality. Here’s why it stands out:
- Long-Term Support: Apple’s watchOS updates ensure the SE remains current with new features and security patches for years.
- Value for Money: Offers most essential features of pricier models at a significantly lower cost.
- Safety and Privacy: Apple prioritises user data security, keeping your health and personal information protected.
- Seamless Apple Integration: Pairs perfectly with your iPhone, enhancing usability for Apple ecosystem users.
Enhance your SE with our Apple Watch accessories.
Price Comparison: Apple Watch SE, Ultra 2, and Series 10
The Apple Watch SE is significantly cheaper than other models, offering substantial savings. Here’s how the prices compare:
Model | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
---|---|---|---|
Starting Price | £219 | £799 | £399 |
Choosing the Apple Watch SE saves you at least £180 compared to the Series 10 and £580 compared to the Ultra 2. The functional differences are minimal for most users, making the SE a cost-effective choice.
Starting at £219
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is the Apple Watch SE So Affordable?
The SE targets budget-conscious users with fewer advanced features (e.g., no ECG or SpO2) and standard materials, keeping costs low without compromising core performance.
What’s the Value of an Apple Watch?
An Apple Watch reduces reliance on your phone by displaying notifications and allowing quick responses. It also tracks health and fitness, enhancing your daily routine.
Is an Apple Watch Worth It?
Absolutely. The Apple Watch offers health and fitness tracking, seamless notifications, and a premium user experience, making it a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch SE is the most affordable Apple Watch, designed to deliver core features at a lower price. While it skips premium functions like ECG and SpO2, it maintains excellent performance and usability. For UK users seeking value without compromise, the SE is a top choice. Personalise yours with our Apple Watch SE straps or accessories, all with free UK delivery.
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