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Apple Watch SE 2 vs Series 3 – Which Should You Buy?

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Apple Watch SE 2 & Series 3 have some important differences, both models are popular for their health tracking, smart features, and daily utility. The Apple Watch SE 2 is a newer and more capable smartwatch with added safety, fitness, and performance features. The Series 3 is more affordable and still provides core fitness tracking. Let’s explore their differences and similarities to find your perfect fit!

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Processor:

  • Apple Watch SE 2 features the S8 SiP dual-core processor that improves performance for smoother multitasking and faster app launches.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 dual-core processor, which is slower with modern apps.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Display:

  • Apple Watch SE 2 has a 1.7 inch Retina LTPO OLED display that shows more content with better edge-to-edge visibility.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 uses a 1.5 inch Retina OLED display.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Brightness:

  • Apple Watch SE 2 supports up to 1000 nits of brightness that improves visibility in direct sunlight.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 reaches up to 1000 nits.
Winner:

Tie

 

Operating System:

  • Apple Watch SE 2 supports watchOS 10 with full compatibility for the latest features and apps.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 supports up to watchOS 8 and no longer receives updates.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Cellular Connectivity:

  • The Apple Watch SE 2 supports GPS + Cellular to allow calls, messages, and data without an iPhone nearby.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 has LTE on select models but outdated in network support.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Connectivity:

  • Apple Watch SE 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-band WiFi to ensure faster, more stable wireless connections.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and single-band WiFi, which are less efficient.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Microphone:

  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) includes a built-in microphone that allows on-wrist calls, Siri voice input, and Noise app support.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 lacks a microphone for calls or voice features.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Internal Storage:

  • Apple Watch SE 2 has 32GB of storage that allows space for more music, photos, and apps.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 comes with 8GB of storage.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Battery Life:
  • The Apple Watch SE 2 offers 18-hour battery life that supports all-day use with advanced features enabled.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 comes with up to 16 hours of battery life.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Sleep Tracking:
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) includes sleep tracking that helps users understand sleep stages and routines.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 does not support sleep tracking natively on earlier watchOS versions.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Fall Detection:
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) includes fall detection that can automatically call emergency services if the user is unresponsive.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 does not support fall detection.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2

 

Fitness Features:
  • Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) supports heart rate zones, VO2 Max, and crash detection to help users monitor workout intensity and safety.
  • Apple Watch Series 3 includes standard fitness tracking like step count, calorie burn, and heart rate monitoring.
Winner:

Apple Watch SE 2
Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price
Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price

Specs at a Glance

Feature Apple Watch SE 2 Apple Watch Series 3
Case Size 44mm 42mm
Display Retina (LTPO OLED) Retina (OLED)
Processor S8 SiP dual-core S3 dual-core
Storage 32GB 8GB
RAM 1GB 768MB
Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours
Charging Speed Standard Standard
Microphone Yes No
Fall & Crash Detection Yes No
Compass Yes No
VO2 Max Yes Yes
Bluetooth 5.3 4.2
WiFi 2.4GHz/5GHz 2.4GHz

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you:

  • Want a much faster and smoother watch experience for apps and updates.
  • Need fall and crash detection for added safety.
  • Prefer modern styling with larger display and more screen space.
  • Use advanced fitness tracking with VO2 Max and heart rate zones.
  • Plan to leave your iPhone behind and use LTE for calls or music on the go.

Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price

Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 if you:

  • Are on a tight budget and want a basic smartwatch for steps and heart rate.
  • Prefer a smaller watch with fewer distractions.
  • Do not care about new sensors or advanced safety features.
  • Are upgrading from a non-smartwatch and want simple notifications.
  • Only plan to use your watch for casual timekeeping and activity tracking.

Check Apple Watch Series 3 Best Price

Winner by Category

Category Winner
Processor Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Display Size Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Resolution Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Brightness Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Internal Storage Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
WiFi Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Health & Fitness Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Microphone Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
LTE Connectivity Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
VO2 Max Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Durability Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
HRV Tracking Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Design Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

FAQ

Does the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) support the latest watchOS updates?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is compatible with the latest watchOS versions, including watchOS 10, and will continue to receive updates for several more years.

Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still supported by Apple?
No, the Apple Watch Series 3 no longer receives watchOS updates from Apple and is considered outdated for most modern apps and features.

Can both watches track heart rate?
Yes, both the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) and the Apple Watch Series 3 include optical heart rate sensors for continuous heart rate monitoring.

Does either model have an Always-On Display?
No, neither the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) nor the Apple Watch Series 3 features an Always-On Display.

Can I use Apple Pay with both models?
Yes, both models support Apple Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments directly from the watch.

Is sleep tracking available on both watches?
Sleep tracking is available on the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) using native features in watchOS 10. The Apple Watch Series 3 does not support native sleep tracking unless using third-party apps.

Do both watches support LTE connectivity?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS + Cellular] model supports LTE for calls and data without an iPhone. The Apple Watch Series 3 had a cellular variant, but many carriers no longer support it due to outdated network compatibility.

How much storage does each watch have?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) comes with 32GB of storage for apps, music, and data. The Apple Watch Series 3 includes only 8GB, which limits its usability with newer apps.

Are they both swimproof?
Yes, both watches are water resistant up to 50 meters and can be used for swimming and shallow water activities.

Which watch is better for long-term use?
The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is better for long-term use due to its newer processor, longer software support, more storage, and advanced safety and fitness features.

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