Apple Watch SE 3: Why You May Not Miss the Series 11 or Ultra 3 | All Things Mobile

The Apple Watch SE 3 offers exceptional value by delivering most key features, including the same processor and an always-on display, at nearly half the price of the Series 11, making it the best option for most users.

• Apple Watch SE 3 offers excellent value with the same processor and always-on display as higher-end models.

• Battery life exceeds Apple's claims, providing 22-25 hours, and charging is significantly faster.

• Includes essential health and fitness features, 5G connectivity, and watchOS 26 for most users' needs.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is a surprisingly strong contender in Apple's smartwatch lineup, outshining more expensive models like the Series 11 and Ultra 3 in terms of value. Despite its lower price point, it includes significant upgrades like an always-on display and the same S10 processor as the higher-end watches, making it a compelling choice for new users, children, or those upgrading from older models.

Value and Core Features

• 00:00:34 The Apple Watch SE 3 provides significant value by including the same S10 processor as the Series 11 and Ultra 3, largely eliminating 'fear of missing out' for users. Priced at $250, it is almost half the cost of the cheapest Series 11, offering a compelling balance of features and affordability for first-time buyers or those upgrading from older Series 4 or 5 models.

Display, Battery & Charging

• 00:01:06 A major upgrade to the SE 3 is the inclusion of an always-on display, powered by the S10 chip, which was previously a differentiator for higher-end models. Despite this new feature, Apple maintains its 18-hour battery life claim, with real-world testing showing the watch can actually last between 22 and 25 hours, even with sleep tracking and outdoor runs. Charging is also faster, reaching 99% in an hour and providing 8 hours of sleep tracking power in just 8 minutes.

Health & Fitness Capabilities

• 00:02:25 On the health front, the SE 3 introduces new tools like Sleep Score, sleep apnea notifications, and a temperature sensor for illness detection and retrospective ovulation tracking. While it lacks blood oxygen tracking, the ECG app, and new hypertension notifications found on the Series 11, its comprehensive fitness capabilities, including all workout types and the new 'Workout Buddy' feature (with an Apple Intelligence-powered phone), ensure it covers most users' needs.

Design and Connectivity

• 00:03:29 The SE 3 retains a familiar design, available in 40mm starlight aluminum and midnight, though its bezels are thicker and the screen is less scratch-resistant than the Series 11. It ships with watchOS 26, featuring a new 'liquid glass' UI with improved screen space utilization and gesture controls like pinch navigation and wrist flick to silence alarms. Crucially, the SE 3 now includes 5G connectivity, providing a more reliable and power-efficient connection, especially beneficial for users without an iPhone, such as children.