You might be missing some features.
The Apple Watch is often the first choice for iPhone owners because it pairs very well with the smartphone and the entire Apple ecosystem. The last of the more affordable SE range is the Apple Watch SE 3, launching in September 2025 alongside the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3.
You may be wondering if it’s worth upgrading to this model, which costs $150 less than the Series 11, or even upgrading to an older Apple Watch. There’s a reason the SE line, and more recently the SE 3, doesn’t cost as much as the others. It comes down to some design and material changes, some missing features, shorter battery life, and slower charging time. For some, the compromises are worth it for a more acceptable price. Others may not want to lose the upgrades. But what makes the Apple Watch SE 3 so cheap?
Apple Watch SE 3 has cosmetic differences
The Apple Watch SE 3 may look virtually identical to the Series 11, and it’s a huge upgrade over the Apple Watch SE 2, which launched three years prior. It adds features like an always-on display, 5G capability, and a more powerful chip. But comparing the Apple Watch SE 3 to the Series 11, there are some notable differences in terms of looks. The first is size. The Apple Watch Series 11 comes in 46mm and 42mm sizes, while the SE 3 comes in 44mm and 40mm. This may only be important for those who are particular about the look or fit and want something a little smaller.
More importantly, the Series 11 has a brighter display, which is a nice upgrade if you use it outdoors a lot, like during runs, walks, or commuting. It also has a more durable screen, which is helpful for everyone, but especially if you’re accident-prone or work with your hands. You want something that can withstand potential shocks or impacts to the screen without it cracking or scratching as easily. It’s worth noting that the SE 3 display is still quite durable and more resistant to cracking than previous generation SE models. The Series 11 also comes in a titanium finish option, while the Apple Watch SE 3 only comes with a recycled aluminum case.
Some feature downgrades
Operationally, the SE 3 doesn’t have ECG apps or blood oxygen apps for respiration and respiratory rate, so you can’t take those measurements. It captures heart rate, including resting, live and in zones during training. But if taking ECG measurements or checking your blood oxygen levels is important to you, this matters. There’s also no depth gauge or water temperature sensor, which swimmers should note. You don’t get precision search for iPhone, which those who often misplace their phones at home or in the office might miss. However, you can always just ping your phone from the watch to make it beep, one of the Apple Watch’s underrated features.
Perhaps one of the differences most likely to be a deal breaker is that the Apple Watch Series 11 offers longer battery life and charges faster. The Apple Watch in general already doesn’t have great battery life compared to other smartwatch brands. Each model except the Ultra series only lasts a day in real-world scenarios before needing to be recharged. With the SE 3 offering the same 18 hours of battery life as the original Apple Watch, compared to up to 24 hours with the Series 11 (the SE 3 can go up to 32 hours in low power mode compared to 38 hours with the Series 11), this will be a tough pill to swallow for some. This means the watch will likely need to be charged by the time you get home from work instead of lasting until you go to bed.
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 worth it?
Deciding whether the Apple Watch SE 3 is worth it really depends on which features you value most. The SE 3, and the SE line as a whole, are designed for those on a tight budget. The Apple Watch SE 3 is the most economical Apple Watch you can buy right now. It’s ideal for new Apple Watch users who are still deciding if it’s for them and want to get familiar with how it works. It is also ideal for students and seniors. This is the model to give to your teenager or your grandparent.
The good news is that the Apple Watch SE 3 still has the same usage and tracking features as other Apple Watch models, aside from a few noted exceptions. This includes features like advanced sleep tracking with sleep apnea notifications, wrist temperature detection, Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence, vital signs tracking, on-device Siri, one-handed gestures and much more. Plus, it will work with the latest watchOS 27. So beyond the few missing stats that won’t be tracked, you’ll get a very similar experience using it.
The $150 savings is worth it for someone testing the waters or a light user, like a teenager or elderly person. But if you’re a regular Apple Watch user, you’re better off finding a deal on an older standard series watch model, like the Series 9 or Series 10, or saving up for the Series 11. That way, you get all the features available to you, plus better battery life.
