I have a dilemma that I can’t decide on. A few days ago I purchased an Apple Watch Series 7 refurb from Walmart for $209 as an early black Friday deal. It arrived with a little bit of scratches/wear but overall not too bad. I like it so far; however, the battery capacity is 84%. So- with black Friday coming up in 2 days, I’m between either keeping it or buying a new SE 2 for the same price. I plan to use the watch for as long as I can time-wise before it dies on me so that’s what’s making me re-think getting a new SE 2 w/ a fresh battery.
That’s not a refurb. A refurb should at least come with a new battery. That and the scratches means you paid $209 for a used S7. That’s too much. I’d definitely return it. With the Black Friday sales coming up you can do much better. I would suggest, unless it’s out of your price range, looking for a new S7 (yes there are still a few around) or a new S8. The advantage over the SE2 is AOD (maybe you can live without), additional health sensors, and fast charging. On a watch you’ll be charging daily, fast charging is a blessing.
I have an S7, almost 2 years old (gps only). I lucked out with a very healthy battery. I can get a day and a half out of it, including sleep tracking. But I wake up to a charge of 35% or more, toss it on the puck, and by the time I shower and have some coffee for the day, have a 100% charge to repeat the process. If I oversleep, and forget to charge it, I can still squeak by until I get home and charge then.
The S8 has the same fast charging (and the S9). It’s worth it for that alone. So if you can find a 7 or 8 new that fits your budget, grab it. If no joy, then a new SE2 makes the most sense. It’s also an example with your “refurb” purchase why the only refurb with buying are those directly from Apple. They are more expensive, but are literally in like new condition, not scratched or blemished, have a fresh battery and an Apple 90 day warranty (you can get AppleCare to extend it to 2 years for a few dollars a month).
I appreciate the advice! I’m definitely going to return it after seeing the comment thread’s recommendations. Someone else mentioned the 8 was on sale at Target for $224. Sure enough it was, but out of stock. I’ll be watching it in case it goes on sale again and I’ll for sure buy that one.
Keep an eye out on Best Buy as well. If you have a Costco membership you can score good deals there as well. Amazon can have great prices that come and go. My only advice there is only get the sold by, shipped by Amazon. Not a third party seller. Folks have run into trouble that way, and Amazon itself is an authorized retailer.