When I reviewed the original Apple Watch SE in 2020, I was certain it was the best option for most people.

In fact, my SE review was titled, “Just get the Apple Watch SE.” Back then, the always-on display was relatively new, the bigger screen with thinner bezels hadn’t arrived yet, and advanced features like EKG and blood oxygen monitoring weren’t need-to-haves for most people.

It’s more that the SE’s role in the Apple Watch lineup has changed. .

The original SE was the sensible midrange compromise: faster than the aged, entry-level Series 3 but a more affordable alternative than the then-flagship Series 6 watches.

There’s also a flashy new premium model in the $799 Apple Watch Ultra.

The excellent-but-not-particularly-exciting Series 8 has replaced the SE as the underappreciated middle child of the Apple Watch family.

Besides the always-on display, the only hardware it’s missing is advanced health sensors like the new temperature, EKG, and blood oxygen sensors. .

The new S8 chip makes it faster than older watches, but you probably won’t notice a big difference unless you’re coming from a Series 4 or earlier.

The only time I’d make an exception is if you find the original refurbished for $180 or less. .

To no one’s surprise, Apple said at its Far Out event that roughly 80 percent of first-time Apple Watch buyers opt for the SE. .

Advanced features like EKG and on-demand blood oxygen monitoring aren’t all that useful for folks with a clean bill of health.

(If you’re unsure whether Family Setup is worth it for you, read our review.) It’s the least expensive Watch to replace if necessary, and you won’t feel quite as bad if it doesn’t work out.

Plus, children are unlikely to need the advanced health sensors you’ll find in the flagship Series watches.

And while there’s limited evidence about the efficacy of Apple Watches in improving cardiac health, older people stand to benefit the most from flagship health and safety features.

(Though, reminder, no Apple Watch is capable of officially diagnosing a condition, nor is it a medical device.) ?

However, the bigger screen, more advanced heart health sensor, plus fall detection would’ve been worth the extra cost.

After a year of wearing the 41mm Series 7, followed by testing the 45mm Series 8 and the 49mm Ultra, switching back to the second-gen SE gave my eyes whiplash.

Giving up the AOD wasn’t so bad back when I went from testing the Series 5 to testing the original SE.

Say you have a Series 3, Series 4, or original SE, and you don’t give a singular crap about the EKG, blood oxygen, or temperature sensors.

You’re looking at the same screen size, and if you don’t value advanced health sensors but want faster performance, this could be a steal.

But I’d say you’re better served by a refurbished Series 7 or a new Series 8.

Sale holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day are excellent times to hunt for discounts on the Series 7. .

I got used to the SE’s smaller screen after a while, but I was happy to strap the Series 8 and Ultra back on my wrist for further testing.