Apple Watch SE3 Unboxing, What's New and Should You Buy It?

The Apple Watch SE3 is a budget-friendly option with minor upgrades over the SE2 but lacks many advanced health features and display capabilities found in the Apple Watch Series 11.

• Apple Watch SE3 provides minor upgrades over SE2, including new health notifications and gestures, but shares core specifications.

• The SE3 lacks advanced health sensors and a brighter display compared to the Apple Watch Series 11.

• The SE3 is a good value for basic use or children, but the Series 11 is recommended for comprehensive features and superior performance.

The Apple Watch SE3, priced from $249, offers basic smartwatch functionality in 40mm and 44mm sizes, available in midnight and starlight. While it features an updated S10 system in package and new gestures, it maintains the same display size and battery life as previous SE models. For users seeking advanced health tracking and a superior display, the Apple Watch Series 11 is recommended despite its higher price point.

Apple Watch SE3 Overview

• 00:00:05 The Apple Watch SE3 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, starting at $249, with options for Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, and comes in midnight and starlight colors. It features an LTPO OLED display with up to 1000 nits brightness and the new S10 system in package, but it does not include the second-generation ultra wideband chip.

SE3 vs. SE1/SE2

• 00:02:47 Compared to the Apple Watch SE1 and SE2, the SE3 shares a very similar physical appearance and maintains the same 18-hour battery life, extendable to 32 hours in low power mode, with fast charging capabilities. Key upgrades in the SE3 over the SE2 include sleep apnea notifications, temperature sensing, 5G capability, four times more crack-resistant Ion-X glass, new flick and double-tap gestures, and on-device Siri with health data access.

SE3 vs. Series 11

• 00:04:52 The Apple Watch SE3 differs significantly from the Series 11; the SE3 has a nylon composite case, while the Series 11 is full metal with Sapphire. The Series 11 boasts a brighter display (2000 nits vs. 1000 nits) and a wide-angle OLED for better off-axis viewing. Critical sensor differences mean the SE3 lacks the electrical heart sensor for hypertension notifications, the ECG app, blood oxygen app, water temperature sensor, and depth gauge, all present in the Series 11. Additionally, the Series 11 includes a second-generation ultra-wideband chip and supports both Wi-Fi 4 and 5 GHz, unlike the SE3 which only has Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz).

Features and Limitations

• 00:06:15 The SE3 supports many of the same watch faces and basic functions as the Series 11, including heart rate monitoring and ambient noise tracking. However, its primary limitation is the absence of advanced health monitoring features found in higher-end models. The SE3 is best suited for basic tracking like steps and workouts due to these omissions.

Purchase Recommendation

• 00:07:02 Choosing an Apple Watch SE3 depends on individual needs and current device. It offers a modest upgrade from an Apple Watch Series 1-5 or SE1. However, the Series 11 is generally recommended over the SE3 due to its additional features, better display, more material options, and longer 24-hour battery life, especially when prices are close to $300. The SE3 is a great value option for children or those wanting a basic, budget-friendly smartwatch.