Apple Watch SE 3 vs Ultra 3 – Which Should You Buy?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 are two of Apple’s top smartwatches, but they serve different users. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is Apple’s most rugged, adventure-ready smartwatch designed with a larger display, longer battery life, and advanced health and outdoor tracking tools. Apple Watch SE 3 is lighter, more affordable with essential fitness and safety features. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.

Specs at a Glance

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Winner by Category

What They Have in Common

• Design: Both watches follow Apple’s signature rounded-edge rectangular design with curved corners and a digital crown. This provides a consistent visual identity across Apple’s wearable line and makes the interface familiar for returning users. The aluminum or titanium builds are crafted to feel premium yet durable for daily use.
• WatchOS 11: Each model runs Apple’s latest watchOS 11 software, ensuring users get the same interface, features, and app support. This means health metrics, smart widgets, and updated workout tracking behave nearly identically. Having the same OS ensures compatibility and long-term updates.
• Fitness and Activity Tracking: Both models feature Apple’s full Activity Rings system, tracking Move, Exercise, and Stand goals. They also monitor heart rate, calories, and distance, providing daily motivation and insights. The fitness algorithms are identical, ensuring reliable data consistency.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Both include advanced optical heart sensors that track heart rate during workouts and throughout the day. They alert users to unusually high or low heart rates, adding a layer of health awareness. This shared function is key for both casual exercisers and health-conscious users.
• Emergency SOS: Each watch can automatically contact emergency services and share your location if you need help. This gives wearers peace of mind in dangerous or unexpected situations. The system is fully integrated into the hardware and software on both models.
• Sleep Tracking: Both models support comprehensive sleep tracking, offering insights into sleep duration, consistency, and stages. The data syncs with the Health app for daily summaries. It helps users adjust habits for better rest and overall wellness.
• Water Resistance: Each watch is swim-proof and suitable for pool or ocean use. They withstand immersion up to 50 meters, letting users track swim workouts without worry. This makes them equally versatile for swimmers or those who wear them in all conditions.
• Always-On Altimeter: Both feature an always-on altimeter for real-time elevation tracking. This benefits hikers, runners, and cyclists by constantly updating elevation data. It enhances workout accuracy and helps in outdoor adventures.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both watches support the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards for reliable syncing with iPhones and accessories. This ensures smooth app updates, notifications, and music streaming. Connectivity consistency improves everyday convenience.
• Customizable Watch Faces: Both offer a wide range of customizable watch faces, including complications for weather, fitness, and calendar data. Users can match faces to style or functionality needs. It makes personalization central to the Apple Watch experience.
• Notifications and Calls: Each watch delivers calls, messages, and app notifications directly from the iPhone. Users can reply, dismiss, or answer right from their wrist. This real-time sync keeps both models equally effective as communication companions.
• GPS Tracking: Both watches include built-in GPS for accurate route and distance tracking without relying on an iPhone. This benefits runners, cyclists, and hikers alike.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Do both watches support watchOS updates for the same duration?
Yes, both models are expected to receive multiple years of updates under Apple’s support cycle. Since they share the same chipset family and software version, their update timelines will be closely aligned. This ensures access to future health, safety, and app features.

Are both watches compatible with all iPhone models?
They both require an iPhone Xs or later running iOS 18 or higher. Pairing and syncing are handled through the Watch app on the iPhone. Compatibility is broad enough for most current iPhone owners.

Can I use Apple Pay on both models?
Yes, both watches allow Apple Pay for secure, contactless payments. Users can add cards through the Wallet app and pay with a double-click of the side button. Transactions use device-specific encryption and never share card numbers.

Is there a difference in water resistance?
The Ultra 3 is rated for recreational diving up to 40 meters, while the SE 3 supports swimming up to 50 meters in pools or shallow water. Both are suitable for general water activities, but the Ultra 3 handles deeper and more rugged conditions. It’s built for professionals who need depth precision.

Do both watches support cellular connectivity?
Yes, both offer GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models. With cellular, users can make calls, stream music, and use apps independently of their iPhone. Service availability depends on carrier and region.

Are both models good for fitness tracking?
Absolutely, both deliver detailed workout and activity metrics. They monitor heart rate, steps, calories, and offer guided workouts through the Fitness+ platform. Ultra 3, however, includes additional sensors and endurance metrics for athletes.

Do both watches have fall and crash detection?
Yes, each includes these safety tools, using motion and sound sensors to detect incidents. They automatically connect to emergency services if the user is unresponsive. It’s a key part of Apple’s broader health and safety ecosystem.

Can both track sleep patterns accurately?
Yes, both use motion and heart rate data to estimate sleep stages and quality. The Health app compiles this information into easy-to-read summaries. Over time, users can track improvements or disruptions in their sleep habits.

Are straps interchangeable between the two models?
The Ultra 3 uses 49mm cases compatible with its own band category, while the SE 3 fits 40mm or 44mm bands. However, within their own sizes, band compatibility remains broad across generations. Apple offers multiple styles and materials for both.

Do both watches have an always-on display?
No, only the Ultra 3 includes an always-on Retina display. The SE 3’s display turns off when not in use to save battery. For users who prefer a glanceable screen, the Ultra 3 offers a premium advantage.

How long does the battery last on each watch?
The SE 3 lasts up to 18 hours on typical use, while the Ultra 3 extends up to 36 hours. Ultra 3 also supports a low-power mode that can stretch it further for trips or workouts. The difference mainly comes from its larger battery and efficiency tuning.

Do both watches have GPS accuracy improvements?
Yes, both use advanced GPS technology, though Ultra 3 adds dual-frequency for even greater precision. The SE 3 remains accurate for daily fitness and navigation. Ultra 3’s dual-band system is especially useful in urban or mountainous environments.

Is Siri available offline on both models?
Yes, with watchOS 11, Siri can process some commands directly on the device without an internet connection. This includes actions like starting workouts or setting timers. It enhances privacy and reduces reliance on cloud services.

Can both measure blood oxygen levels?
No, only the Ultra 3 includes a blood oxygen sensor. The SE 3 lacks this feature due to cost considerations. However, both still monitor heart rate and general wellness metrics effectively.

Are both watches durable for daily use?
Yes, both are built for everyday wear, featuring water and dust resistance. The Ultra 3’s titanium shell offers extra toughness for extreme environments. The SE 3 provides enough resilience for typical daily activities.

Can I use both watches with Apple Fitness+?
Yes, both fully support Apple Fitness+, syncing metrics during guided workouts. Heart rate and calorie data appear on screen in real-time. The experience is consistent across both devices.

Do both watches have built-in microphones and speakers?
Yes, both include microphones for calls, Siri, and voice notes, plus speakers for alerts and playback. Audio quality on Ultra 3 is slightly stronger due to its enhanced hardware. Both deliver clear sound for general communication.

Can both receive software updates at the same time?
Yes, Apple typically releases updates for all compatible watches simultaneously. This keeps user experiences uniform across models. Installation is handled via the Watch app on iPhone.

Do both support Family Setup for kids and seniors?
Yes, both are compatible with Family Setup, letting users manage non-iPhone wearers. It allows message monitoring, location tracking, and controlled app access. This feature works identically on both models.

Is there a difference in screen size and brightness?
Yes, Ultra 3 has a 49mm display that’s larger and brighter than SE 3’s 44mm maximum. It’s easier to read in direct sunlight or underwater. SE 3’s screen still provides excellent clarity for general use.

Can both watches track menstrual health?
Yes, both integrate with the Health app to monitor menstrual cycles and log symptoms. They provide insights and predictions based on patterns over time. This feature supports reproductive wellness and planning.

Do both offer customizable watch faces and complications?
Yes, users can choose from dozens of designs and adjust complications like weather, music, or heart rate. Customization helps users tailor information to their routines. Both offer this through the same watchOS interface.

Can I use both for navigation and maps?
Yes, both include built-in Maps and Compass apps for turn-by-turn navigation. Ultra 3 offers more detailed orientation with dual-frequency GPS. SE 3 still delivers accurate directions for everyday travel.

Are both eco-friendly or sustainable products?
Yes, Apple designs both models using recycled materials and low-carbon manufacturing processes. Packaging is plastic-free, and both are part of Apple’s carbon-neutral goals. It ensures the watches meet environmental standards without performance loss.

Do both support notifications from third-party apps?
Yes, both display notifications from compatible iPhone apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, or Slack. Users can respond directly from the watch using dictation or preset replies. This keeps connectivity smooth and consistent across models.