The Apple Watch SE 3 is affordable, however it does not skimp out on what issues

Since its launch a couple of years in the past, the Apple Watch SE has been Apple’s almost-good-enough entry-level smartwatch aimed squarely on the common iPhone consumer. It encompasses a design much like the Sequence line, however bigger bezels and a smaller show, together with key well being options like a coronary heart price monitor, leading to a strong, all-around smartwatch package deal.

There’s all the time been one key shortcoming, although — it hasn’t featured an always-on display screen. At the least not till now.

When the Apple Watch Sequence 5 launched again in 2019, the addition of an always-on show was a real game-changer. In a short time, the Apple Watch went from a nice-to-have gadget, to at least one that I really missed once I wasn’t carrying it. Whether or not it is checking the time, the climate, or glancing at a notification, the truth that the display screen was always-on made the Sequence 5 extra dependable and, in flip, simpler to make use of (earlier Apple Watches’ raise-to-wake performance did not work reliably, regardless of Apple’s claims). Quick-forward to the Apple Watch Series 11 in 2025, and I can not keep in mind what it was like to make use of an Apple Watch with out an always-on show.

This has all the time been the Apple Watch SE’s key challenge. Lacking options like additional well being sensors and a barely sleeker design aren’t dealbreakers for most individuals, however the lack of an always-on display screen was a significant shortcoming. Fortunately, with the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple has lastly introduced its always-on display screen to the wearable, in flip, making it the final word $250 smartwatch.

4.5/5

Model

Apple

Materials

Aluminum

Dimension

44mm, 40mm

Sleep Monitoring

Sure

Execs & Cons

• At all times-on show
• Stable characteristic set for entry-level
• Nice worth

• Not as many well being options as Sequence 11
• Display screen has sizable bezels
• Thicker and heavier than Sequence 11

So what is the Apple Watch SE 3 really lacking now?

The Apple Watch Sequence 11 and Extremely 3 are designed for extra area of interest customers

First off, probably the most notable improve with the Apple Watch SE 3 is the brand new always-on show. This implies you’ll be able to see the time, problems, exercises, and no matter you’ve on the wearable’s watch face, all with out waking it up. This would possibly look like a minor characteristic addition, however belief me, it is a game-changer for shortly accessing info at a look. That mentioned, there is no all the time seen second hand, like with the Apple Watch Sequence 11 and Extremely 3 (nonetheless, it does seem whenever you faucet the display screen or raise your wrist). I just like the added aptitude the second hand offers the higher-end Apple Watch’s, however it’s removed from essential characteristic.

The Apple Watch SE 3’s display screen continues to be the identical dimension because the SE 2’s, although. This implies its bezels are a bit bulkier than the Sequence 11’s. Nonetheless, since I exploit darkish Watch Faces more often than not, I’ve discovered I do not discover a lot of a distinction between the SE 3’s and the Sequence 11’s show.

To drive this level house, here is an anecdote; sooner or later, I absentmindedly grabbed my Apple Watch SE 3 from my nightstand pondering it was the Sequence 11, and did not notice it was really the lower-end smartwatch for a number of hours — and even then, it wasn’t the show that gave it away. As a substitute, it was its dimension and weight, for the reason that Apple Watch SE 3 is a bit thicker and heavier than the Sequence 11.

It is value noting that the Apple Watch SE 3’s show is not as brilliant because the Sequence 11 (2,000 nits) or Extremely 3’s (3,000 nits) display screen, coming in at simply 1,000 nits. Whereas an apparent downgrade, I solely actually discovered the show troublesome to view underneath actually brilliant direct daylight.

There are different additions this yr, too, together with the double-tap and wrist-flick gestures that have been beforehand accessible solely on the Sequence and Extremely smartwatches. I discovered a technique to comfortably combine these gestures into my day-to-day life, however they are a welcome addition to the Apple Watch SE 3’s characteristic set.

Different additions embrace Sleep Apnea notifications, alongside the identical Sleep Monitoring options the SE 2 featured, and the power to test pores and skin temperature for cycle monitoring and ovulation estimates. Whereas the Apple Watch SE 3 is not as fitness-focused because the Sequence 11 or Extremely 3, these are strong new options that add additional worth to the Apple Watch SE 3.

On the {hardware} aspect, the Apple Watch SE 3 will get a bump as much as the S10 chip from the S8, alongside the W3 chip that was featured within the Apple Watch SE 2. This is identical processor featured within the Apple Watch Sequence 11 and Extremely 3, and it delivers simply as clean efficiency with Apple’s entry-level wearable. It is shocking the tech big did not use a lower-end chip within the Apple Watch SE 3, however I am glad it did not. The result’s an inexpensive smartwatch that feels far snappier than I anticipated.

Concerning storage, the Apple Watch SE 3 now gives 64GB of inner storage, up from the SE 2’s 32GB. Since I add numerous songs from Spotify for offline listening whereas working, I’ve discovered the storage improve helpful.

Apart from the always-on show, not a lot else is new this yr

Battery life does not handle to hit 24 hours, however it’s in all probability sufficient for most individuals

With the upgrades out of the best way, there’s lots that is nonetheless the identical this yr, together with the Apple Watch SE 3’s roughly day-long battery life. The smartwatch does not final fairly so long as the Apple Watch Sequence 11’s roughly 24 hours or the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s multi-day battery, however it manages to eke out a full day in my expertise. Since I’ve all the time plugged my Apple Watch in on the finish of the day, this is not a problem for me.

Nonetheless, in case you’re seeking to stretch the battery into the following morning or for a number of days, this is not the smartwatch for you. Lastly, like the remainder of the Apple Watch lineup, the mobile model of the Apple Watch SE 3 is 5G-capable. Just like the S10 chip, I am a bit stunned Apple introduced this characteristic to its entry-level watch, however it’s a welcome addition (although, since no wi-fi provider gives 5G smartwatch plans in Canada but, I wasn’t in a position to take a look at it). The Apple Watch SE 3 additionally does not characteristic satellite tv for pc connectivity just like the Apple Watch Sequence 11 and Apple Watch Extremely 3, although given that is the bottom smartwatch in Apple’s lineup, it is sensible that it does not.

Broadly although, the Apple Watch SE 3 is principally the Apple Watch SE 2, solely with an always-on show.

What Apple Watch is best for you?

That is the important thing query surrounding the Apple Watch SE 3

Whereas the Apple Watch Sequence 11 and Apple Watch Extremely 3 provide related characteristic units, and in flip, are aimed on the similar sort of consumer, the Apple Watch SE 3 is a really completely different smartwatch. Whether or not it is sensible for you, requires unpacking a couple of key questions. Would you like satellite tv for pc connectivity, an expansive show, and a number of other additional hours of battery life? Perhaps well being monitoring options like hypertension notifications, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring are essential to you.

Then the costlier $800 USD ($1,100 CAD) Apple Watch Extremely 3 and Apple Watch Sequence 11 $400 USD ($550 CAD) are extra your pace. Alternatively, in case you goal to make use of your Apple Watch as… effectively, a watch, have a little bit of an urge for food for well being monitoring options, and do not want each machine you personal to be top-of-the-line, then the $250 USD ($330 CAD) Apple Watch SE 3 is the proper smartwatch for you.

Model

Apple

Materials

Aluminum

Dimension

44mm, 40mm

Sleep Monitoring

Sure

Working System

watchOS 26

Battery

As much as 18 hours