With major upgrades and a lower price, the SE 3 closes the gap with the Series 11—making it a compelling choice for most users.
A Budget Watch That Doesn’t Feel Budget
The Apple Watch SE 3, priced at $249, may carry the “entry-level” label, but this year’s refresh delivers far more than expected—especially for first-time buyers or users upgrading from much older models.
- It now features Apple’s latest S10 chip, the same chip as the Series 11, meaning no compromise in performance.
- Apple has added an always-on display, a feature previously reserved for premium models.
- You also get fast charging, temperature sensing, and a much-improved durability rating.
This makes the SE 3 feel nearly indistinguishable from the Series 11 in everyday use for most people.
Major Improvements Over the SE 2
If you’re upgrading from the SE 2, the SE 3 brings noticeable enhancements:
- Chip upgrade: From S8 to S10—delivering smoother performance and better efficiency.
- Always-on display: View your watch face without lifting your wrist.
- Advanced sensors: Wrist-temperature tracking enables better sleep analysis and cycle tracking.
- Improved crack resistance and slightly better fast-charging performance.
These changes make the SE 3 feel more premium than its price suggests.
Shared Features with the Series 11
Surprisingly, the SE 3 shares a long list of key features with the more expensive Apple Watch Series 11:
- Same S10 chip for equal performance.
- Always-on Retina display, though not as bright.
- Fast charging, emergency SOS, fall/crash detection, and swim-proof water resistance.
- Sleep tracking, cycle tracking, and temperature sensors.
- Gesture controls like double tap and wrist flick.
- Heart rate alerts, cardio fitness notifications, and Find iPhone features.
All this narrows the functional gap more than ever before between standard and budget models.
Where the Series 11 Still Wins
That said, the $399 Series 11 does hold the edge in specific areas, which may matter for power users or those prioritizing health features:
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours (vs. 18 hours on SE 3).
- Display: 2000 nits brightness with wide-angle OLED, making it more readable in sunlight.
- Health sensors: Adds ECG, blood oxygen tracking, and hypertension notifications.
- Design: Available in larger, thinner sizes, titanium options, and more color variants.
- Precision finding for iPhones and IP6X dust resistance.
For athletes, users with chronic health concerns, or those wanting a more refined look, the Series 11 is the better fit.
Final Verdict: Is the SE 3 a Good Deal?
Yes—arguably Apple’s best smartwatch value to date.
If you don’t need ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, the Apple Watch SE 3 offers 90% of the experience at just over 60% of the price of the Series 11.
- It’s perfect for most users, including those focused on fitness, sleep tracking, or smart notifications.
- It’s also a great gift option for younger or older family members who don’t need pro-level health features.
