The Apple Watch SE 3 hits the sweet spot with price and features. It ensures that the entry-level SE line remains appealing while bringing up the value in some of its upgrades that address some of the biggest complaints about the SE 2. For newcomers to Apple Watch, it’s the clear choice. If you already have an SE 2, then it boils down to a few very particular upgrades.
Price and value
Apple made sure to keep the SE 3 around the same launch price as the SE 2, which is no small feat in a market where would-be buyers are skittish about spending big. On the other hand, retailers often discount the SE 2 to well below the $200 mark, so it’s the very cheapest way into the Apple Watch ecosystem.
But if you’re planning to hold on to your watch for two to three years — roughly the innovation conference window of time alluded to by market researchers like IDC — then the SE 3’s additional breathing space in features and life span is probably the better value.
Design and display
The SE line retains the familiar 40mm and 44mm sizes with lightweight materials suitable for small wrists and all-day comfort. The key difference is visibility and convenience: the SE 3 introduces an Always-On OLED display, which means you can check the time, your activity rings, or a complication without having to lift your wrist. That’s the kind of quality-of-life enhancement that you notice every hour of the day.
Apple also claims the SE 3’s glass is more durable. For parents buying a watch through Family Setup, or just anyone who’s rough — and — tumble and bent on a warranty denial, that small — but — significant change reduces the odds of having to shell out for an expensive repair later.
Performance and battery
Underneath the hood, the SE 3 upgrades to the S10 chip Apple uses in the flagship line, offering faster app launches, enhanced animations and more responsive Siri interactions. In theory, that also means dictations and quick replies feel a bit faster, and workouts start with less of a wait time. The SE 2 S series juicy hasn’t deflated per se for day-to-day activities, but if you’re multitask-heavy or rely on voice commands, you’ll notice the difference.
Battery life remains rated to last a day of use, but the SE 3 features fast charging, which means you can juice up in a jiffy before a workout or a night of sleep tracking. Low Power Mode can extend the SE 3 to as many as 36 hours, a boon for travel and weekends off the charger. If you sleep with your watch on at night, this charging versatility alone might warrant the upgrade.
Health and safety features
Both the SE 2 and SE 3 include the basics: high/low/irregular heart rhythm notifications, fall detection, crash detection, Emergency SOS and reliable GPS fitness tracking. For plenty of people, that’s the heart of the Apple Watch experience — and it’s why the SE 2 still hits the spot.
The SE 3 does, however, include some sensors and software that matter to specific users.
Wrist temperature allows for more informative menstruation tracking and retrospective ovulation estimates, features women’s health experts have praised for aiding the ability to recognize cycle changes and issues. The watch also adds detection prompts for sleep apnea, surfacing signals that may indicate risk and promoting a conversation with a clinician. Wearable-generated screenings are not a diagnosis, but they can be a powerful nudge toward seeking care; campaign supporters point to research by institutions like Stanford Medicine that illustrates wearables can help to flag cardiopulmonary concerns earlier.
If you don’t dig into health metrics much beyond steps, workouts and heart rate, the SE 2 is still perfectly good. It’s about the battery life: With the SE 2, you can expect to have to charge only about every two days — if not a little longer. It’s about the extras: With the SE 2, just about everything about what you do on your wrist is a little less crisp and a little slower because of the less-powerful chip, which Apple calls the S5 — new apps and wiggling graphics can be a little laggy. Walkie-talkie and hand-washing reminders are a notable omission as well.
If you or a loved one could stand to gain from a more in-depth look at their sleep and cycles, the SE 3 is the right tool at the right price.
Everyday experience
In use, it all feels more “effortless” in the SE 3. Always-On means you can mid-meeting check the time without any extravagant wrist-raise. The S10 retains Siri on board for several requests, so starting timer, workouts or medications is quicker and more reliable when your phone isn’t near. And thanks to fast charging, it’s easier to keep the routine of wearing them during the day and tracking sleep at night.
Families can do the math. Coupled with Family Setup, the SE 3 is a stronger pick as a child’s first smartwatch, or even just a simple safety device for an older adult, given its durability and enhanced charging, while keeping costs far below Apple’s flagship models. Entrylevel products fuel volume growth, and that’s precisely Apple’s play here, analysts at Counterpoint Research point out.
Who should upgrade from SE 2?
Optional upgrades to consider: An Always-On display, faster Siri and app performance, enhanced cycle tracking based on wrist temperature, risk notification for sleep apnea and fast charging for sleep tracking. Those are tangible, everyday gains.
Skip the upgrade if you’re happy with notifications, fitness tracking, Apple Pay and basic safety tools — and if your SE 2’s battery still takes you through the day. If you don’t feel like you’re missing the new perks, you won’t feel like you’re missing them.
Bottom line
For first-time buyers, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the no-brainer recommendation: updated performance, Always-On ease and meaningful health additions with a price that’s new-buyer friendly. For SE 2 owners, it’s a moderate step up — absolutely worth it if you care about the new health metrics, faster charging and a screen that’s always visible to you when you glance at it, otherwise safe to skip until your next refresh cycle.
