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Apple Watch SE 3 & Apple Watch Series 11 have some important differences. Apple Watch Series 11 is the newer, more advanced model with a wide-angle LTPO3 brighter display, wrist flick gesture support, 5G capability, and improved health sensors. Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s more affordable watch with focus on essential fitness and smartwatch functions. This comparison will help you quickly understand the differences and decide which model is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor:- Apple Watch Series 11 features the S10 dual-core chip with Neural Engine for smooth performance and efficient power management.
- Apple Watch SE 3 uses the S10 chip.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Display:- Apple Watch Series 11 features an Always-On LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display for better visibility and sharper details in all conditions.
- Apple Watch SE 3 comes with an Always-On LTPO OLED display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Display Resolution:- Apple Watch Series 11 includes a 416 x 496-pixel display on the 46mm size to show more content and sharper details.
- Apple Watch SE 3 comes with a 324 × 394-pixel display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Brightness:- Apple Watch Series 11 has up to 2000 nits brightness for improved readability under direct sunlight.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has up to 1000 nits brightness.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Fast Charging:- Apple Watch Series 11 supports fast-charge capable 0–80% in about 30 minutes and includes short-charge options that provide 8 hours of normal use from a 15-minute charge and 8 hours of sleep tracking from a 5-minute charge.
- Apple Watch SE 3 charges to 80% in about 45 minutes.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Low Power Mode:- Apple Watch Series 11 supports Low Power Mode that extends battery life to 38 hours for longer use between charges.
- Apple Watch SE 3 support up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Glass Durability:- Apple Watch Series 11 includes 2x more scratch-resistant Ion-X glass and sapphire crystal on titanium models for better screen protection.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has Ion-X glass with 4x more crack resistance.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Water & Depth Features:- Apple Watch Series 11 features a depth gauge and water temperature sensor for monitoring underwater activities up to 6 meters.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has no depth gauge or water temperature sensor.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Blood Oxygen App:- Apple Watch Series 11 includes a Blood Oxygen app to track SpO₂ levels for wellness monitoring.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has no Blood Oxygen app.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Dual-Band Wi-Fi:- Apple Watch Series 11 comes with Wi-Fi 4 dual-band support for stable 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections.
- Apple Watch Series 5 has Wi-Fi 4 with 2.4GHz only.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Hypertension Notifications:- Apple Watch Series 11 supports hypertension notifications to help users track potential blood pressure changes.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has no hypertension notifications.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Ultra Wideband Chip:- Apple Watch Series 11 features a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for precise location tracking and device connectivity.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has no Ultra Wideband chip.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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ECG App:- Apple Watch Series 11 supports ECG readings for detecting irregular heart rhythms.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has no ECG feature.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 11 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED, up to 2000 nits, 1 nit minimum brightness | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 1000 nits, 2 nits minimum brightness |
| Case Options | 46mm or 42mm, Aluminum and Titanium, Sapphire crystal back | 44mm or 40mm, Aluminum only, Nylon composite back |
| Processor | S10 dual-core chip with Neural Engine | S10 dual-core chip with Neural Engine |
| Sensors | Electrical heart sensor, Blood Oxygen, Temperature sensing, Depth gauge, Water temperature | Optical heart sensor, no Blood Oxygen, no Depth gauge |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 4 (2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, UWB chip, Precision Finding for iPhone | Wi-Fi 4 (2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, no UWB, Find iPhone only |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours, up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 18 hours, up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Charging | Fast charge to 80% in ~30 min | Fast charge to 80% in ~45 min |
| Durability | Water resistant 50m, Depth to 6m, IP6X dust resistant, tougher Ion-X glass | Water resistant 50m, no depth gauge, no dust rating |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if you:- Want the brightest and most advanced display.
- Need health features like ECG, Blood Oxygen, and hypertension alerts.
- Plan to swim, snorkel, or monitor water depth.
- Prefer faster charging and longer battery life.
- Value titanium case options and dust resistance.
Check Apple Watch 11 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you:- Want a lower price and just the core Apple Watch experience.
- Do not need ECG or Blood Oxygen tracking.
- Prefer a lighter, simpler design with aluminum only.
- Use your watch mainly for notifications, fitness tracking, and casual use.
- Want the most affordable way to get watchOS features like Apple Pay and Family Setup.
Check Apple Watch SE 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Display | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Brightness | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Glass Durability | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Case Material Options | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Depth Gauge & Water Temperature Sensor | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Blood Oxygen App | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| ECG App | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Hypertension Notifications | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Ultra Wideband Chip | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Precision Finding | Apple Watch Series 11 |
| Battery Life | Apple Watch Series 11 |
What They Have in Common
- Retina Display: Both the Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11 feature bright Retina displays that make text, notifications, and watch faces easy to read even in direct sunlight. This ensures a comfortable viewing experience during workouts or daily use.
- watchOS 11 Support: Each model runs the latest watchOS 11 software, giving users access to the newest features like updated Fitness app metrics, health tracking improvements, and enhanced customization options. This keeps both devices up to date and future-proof.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both watches include optical heart rate sensors that deliver real-time heart rate readings and alerts for unusually high or low rates. This is vital for health tracking and detecting potential issues early.
- Crash Detection: Each model supports Crash Detection, automatically alerting emergency services if a severe car crash is detected. This feature provides extra peace of mind for safety-conscious users.
- Emergency SOS: Both models allow users to quickly contact emergency services with a long press of the side button. This can be life-saving in urgent situations when calling for help is critical.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Apple Watch Series 11 have more health tracking features than the Apple Watch SE 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 11 includes ECG, Blood Oxygen, and hypertension notifications, while the SE 3 does not support these advanced health features.
Is there a big difference in display brightness between the two models?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 11 reaches up to 2000 nits brightness, which makes it easier to see outdoors compared to the SE 3 with 1000 nits.
Are both watches water resistant?
Yes, both are water resistant up to 50 meters, but the Series 11 also includes a depth gauge and water temperature sensor, which the SE 3 lacks.
Do both watches support Precision Finding for iPhone?
No, Precision Finding with on-screen directions is only supported on the Apple Watch Series 11 because it has the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.
How does battery life compare between the two watches?
The Apple Watch Series 11 lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode, while the SE 3 lasts up to 18 hours and 32 hours in Low Power Mode.
Do both models have fast charging?
Yes, both support fast charging, but the Series 11 charges to 80% in about 30 minutes, whereas the SE 3 takes around 45 minutes.
Is there a difference in case materials and finishes?
Yes, the Series 11 comes in aluminum or titanium with multiple finishes, while the SE 3 is available only in aluminum.
Are both watches dust resistant?
No, only the Apple Watch Series 11 has an IP6X dust resistance rating, making it more durable for dusty environments.
Do they use the same processor?
Yes, both have the S10 dual-core chip with Neural Engine, but the Series 11 has an extra Ultra Wideband chip for advanced features.
Which one is better for budget-conscious buyers?
The Apple Watch SE 3 is more affordable and provides core Apple Watch functions, making it a good choice if you do not need the advanced health and durability features of the Series 11.