The Apple Watch SE 3 might seem like Apple’s budget-friendly option, but it delivers a surprisingly complete experience, and for many users, it’s more than enough. After a week of testing, I found myself surprisingly content, even after recently reviewing Apple’s higher-end watches – the rugged Ultra 3 and the more refined Series 11. The SE 3 proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a feature-rich smartwatch.
For those unfamiliar with the terminology, Apple launched three new watches this year: the Ultra 3 for serious athletes, the Series 11 as a flagship device, and the more affordable SE 3. Priced at $250, the SE 3 offers a compelling value proposition when you consider it shares the same processor as the Series 11 (which costs nearly twice as much) and the Ultra 3 (three times the price). It boasts key features like 5G connectivity, fast charging, and enhanced wellness capabilities including Sleep Score and Workout Buddy – making it a strong contender even among pricier models. While it lacks some advanced health metrics like ECG readings and hypertension alerts, most people won’t miss them in daily use.
Key Upgrades: Always-On Display and Powerful Processor
Two significant improvements set the SE 3 apart from previous generations and address common complaints.
Always-On Display
Previously, the lack of an always-on display was a notable drawback of the SE models, particularly for those frequently checking workout stats or glancing at the time. The SE 3 fixes this with a screen that fades to black only when you choose to disable the feature. This subtle but important change bridges the gap with more expensive Apple Watches.
Improved Performance with the S10 Chip
The always-on display wasn’t implemented in isolation; it necessitated a power and battery life boost. The SE 3 features Apple’s latest S10 chip, found in the Series 10, Ultra 3, and Series 11, ensuring a snappy and responsive experience. While it’s not designed for intensive tasks, I didn’t experience any lag when starting workouts, running multiple apps, or navigating the interface.
Battery Life Keeps Pace and Charging Gets a Boost
The new processor’s efficiency contributes to improved battery performance, making the always-on display feasible. Apple promises 18 hours of battery life – the same claim as the SE 2, which lacked the always-on feature. In real-world testing, I consistently achieved 20-25 hours, comfortably exceeding Apple’s claim. I noticed the SE 3’s battery life was only about 6 hours shorter than the Series 11, even with the always-on display enabled.
Another significant advancement is fast charging. Previously exclusive to premium models, the SE 3 now offers the same ultra-fast charging capabilities. A quick 15-minute charge provides enough power for an extra 8 hours of use, enough to cover a night of sleep tracking and a morning run. I achieved a 99% charge in just one hour, even though Apple estimates 75 minutes for a full charge.
Health and Fitness Features: Beyond the Basics
The SE 3 excels in the essential health and fitness tracking categories. Unless you participate in a highly specialized sport or are looking for extremely granular data, you’re likely to find it meets your needs. It is also water-resistant to 50 meters, suitable for swimming.
Workout Buddy and Enhanced Safety Features
The SE 3 benefits from Apple’s newest Workout Buddy feature, which provides real-time motivational feedback based on your data when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone. Crash and fall detection, as well as Emergency SOS, automatically call for help if needed. The addition of a temperature sensor enables more detailed Vitals reports, flagging potential health concerns and providing sleep apnea notifications. Sleep tracking also receives a significant update with the inclusion of a Sleep Score, graded on a scale of 1 to 100, providing insights into your rest quality.
Addressing the FOMO Factor: What’s Missing?
The SE 3 does omit a few advanced health features found on higher-end models, including blood oxygen tracking, the ECG app, and hypertension notifications. For most users, this isn’t a deal-breaker, especially if they don’t have a family history of related conditions. However, individuals at higher risk should consider the Series 11. My 77-year-old father discovered a heart condition through his Apple Watch, demonstrating the potential for these features to identify health issues early.
Design and Software Refinements
While the SE 3 retains a familiar design, it lacks the larger, brighter, edge-to-edge display of the Series 10. Additionally, the slightly smaller display can feel a bit cramped when reading notifications, particularly compared to the Ultra 3. Available in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) and two aluminum finishes (midnight and starlight), the SE 3 feels weightless on the wrist. It ships with WatchOS 26, which introduces a fresh “liquid glass” interface, a redesigned Workout app, and hands-free gesture controls, mirroring the functionality of premium models.
The Bottom Line
For most people, the Apple Watch SE 3 offers an exceptional balance of features, performance, and affordability. It’s the ideal entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem or a sensible upgrade from an older model, delivering a premium experience without the premium price tag.
