Apple Watch SE 3 vs Series 10 – Which Should You Buy?

Specs at a Glance

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Winner by Category

What They Have in Common

• Design: Both the Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 10 follow Apple’s recognizable rounded rectangular design with curved corners and a digital crown. This consistent design ensures a familiar user experience for long-time users and maintains compatibility with the same range of watch bands. The aesthetic continuity reinforces Apple’s sleek, minimalist approach.
• WatchOS 11 Support: Both models run on watchOS 11, giving users access to the latest software features and security updates. This means that performance improvements, app compatibility, and new health metrics are available on both watches. It keeps them equally modern and relevant despite hardware differences.
• Display Type: Each uses a Retina OLED display that delivers bright, crisp visuals with vivid colors. This high-quality screen ensures that text, icons, and watch faces are easily readable in various lighting conditions. Both displays are also coated for fingerprint resistance and glare reduction.
• Water Resistance: Both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and daily exposure to moisture. Users can track swimming workouts, shower with the watch, and wear it in rain without concern. This level of resistance extends durability and encourages active use.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Both devices feature optical heart sensors capable of continuous heart rate monitoring. They can detect abnormal rhythms, high, or low heart rates and notify users accordingly. This promotes proactive heart health awareness.
• Fitness Tracking: Both include Apple’s comprehensive fitness tracking suite, such as steps, calories, distance, and workout detection. The shared Fitness app integration makes it easy to track activity goals and share progress across Apple devices. This creates a consistent fitness experience for all Apple Watch users.
• Sleep Tracking: Both models offer advanced sleep tracking features that monitor sleep stages, duration, and quality. Insights are available in the Health app to help users optimize rest and recovery. This consistent function reinforces Apple’s focus on holistic wellness.
• Emergency SOS: Each watch includes the Emergency SOS feature, allowing users to call for help quickly. This safety tool uses the watch’s connectivity and sensors to alert emergency services even without direct phone access in some models. It provides reassurance during outdoor or isolated activities.
• Fall Detection: Both models can detect if a user takes a hard fall and automatically notify emergency contacts. This feature uses motion sensors and algorithms to distinguish between normal movement and potentially dangerous falls. It’s particularly useful for older adults or those engaging in physical activities.
• Crash Detection: Both watches can sense severe car accidents using advanced sensors and machine learning. They can automatically contact emergency services and share the user’s location if needed. This shared function enhances user safety in critical situations.
• Compass and GPS: Each includes built-in GPS and a compass to support navigation and outdoor tracking. This enables accurate distance measurement and direction finding during workouts or hiking. It enhances independence during travel and fitness activities.
• App Ecosystem: Both support the same App Store for watchOS, allowing access to thousands of compatible apps. Whether for productivity, music, or health tracking, users can customize the experience equally on both models. This broad ecosystem ensures both remain highly functional.
• Apple Pay: Both models support Apple Pay, enabling secure, contactless payments directly from the wrist. Users can make purchases quickly without needing a phone or wallet. This feature is practical for commuting, workouts, and travel convenience.
• Family Setup: Both watches are compatible with Family Setup, letting parents or guardians manage watches for children or older relatives. This allows phone-free connectivity for non-iPhone users within the same family network. It adds versatility and expands Apple Watch use cases.
• Notifications and Calls: Both devices allow users to receive calls, texts, and app notifications directly on the watch. This enables quick responses and minimizes the need to check the phone frequently. It helps users stay connected efficiently while on the move.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Do both watches support the latest version of watchOS?
Yes, both models support watchOS 11, which provides consistent performance and features across Apple’s watch lineup. Updates are rolled out simultaneously, ensuring similar app compatibility and interface functionality.

Are both displays always-on?
No, only the Series 10 offers an Always-On Retina display, while the SE 3 requires wrist movement or a tap to wake. The difference affects convenience but not display quality, as both remain bright and clear.

Do they both track workouts automatically?
Yes, both watches automatically detect many common workouts such as walking, running, and cycling. They provide detailed stats, calorie counts, and summaries after completion. The data integrates into the Fitness app seamlessly.

Can both be used for swimming?
Yes, both are rated for 50-meter water resistance, making them suitable for pool and open-water swimming. They can log swim workouts accurately while maintaining sensor performance underwater.

Do they both measure heart rate continuously?
Yes, both feature continuous heart rate tracking, alerting users of unusual heart patterns. The data is viewable in the Health app for long-term monitoring and fitness analysis.

Do both watches include GPS?
Yes, GPS is built into both, allowing users to track routes and distances independently of the iPhone. It’s especially helpful for runners and outdoor enthusiasts who want accurate mapping.

Is Apple Pay available on both models?
Yes, both watches allow contactless payments using Apple Pay. Users can securely complete transactions in stores, transport systems, and online directly from their wrist.

Do both offer sleep tracking?
Yes, each watch provides sleep tracking with insights on stages and duration. The feature syncs automatically to the Health app, where users can review trends and make adjustments to sleep habits.

Can both make phone calls?
Yes, if paired with an iPhone or equipped with a cellular model, both can make and receive calls. Audio quality and microphone clarity are comparable in typical conditions.

Do both include Crash Detection?
Yes, Crash Detection is available in both models, leveraging advanced motion sensors to detect severe car accidents. It automatically contacts emergency services and sends your location when needed.

Can I use the same bands for both watches?
Yes, Apple maintained band compatibility between SE 3 and Series 10 sizes. This means users can interchange existing bands easily, adding customization and cost savings.

Do they both have the same charging method?
Yes, both use Apple’s magnetic fast-charging puck. Charging speed may vary slightly depending on the adapter, but the design and convenience are consistent.

Is there a temperature sensor in both models?
No, only the Series 10 includes a skin temperature sensor for cycle and wellness tracking. The SE 3 lacks this feature but still supports basic health metrics effectively.

Can both watches receive third-party apps?
Yes, both have access to the watchOS App Store, offering a wide range of fitness, productivity, and lifestyle apps. App performance is smooth across both models due to optimized watchOS design.

Are both compatible with iPhones only?
Yes, both require an iPhone for initial setup and most connectivity features. They work best within Apple’s ecosystem for seamless integration across devices.

Do both support Siri voice commands?
Yes, Siri is built into both models, allowing users to set reminders, start workouts, or control smart home devices hands-free. Voice processing is faster on Series 10 due to its newer chip.

Do both feature Emergency SOS and Fall Detection?
Yes, both include these vital safety tools that can automatically contact help if a fall or emergency occurs. These features are critical for users prioritizing personal safety.

Do both display notifications from iPhone apps?
Yes, they mirror notifications from the connected iPhone, including messages, calendar events, and app alerts. Users can customize which notifications appear on the watch.

Do both watches support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity?
Yes, both use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to sync data and connect with devices. These connections enable calls, music streaming, and app updates even when the phone isn’t nearby.

Do both offer customizable watch faces?
Yes, users can personalize watch faces on both models with various styles, colors, and complications. This flexibility enhances daily usability and self-expression.

Is battery life similar between them?
Yes, both offer around 18 hours of typical use per charge, depending on settings and activity. Power-saving modes can extend this duration for travel or long days.

Do both work with Apple Fitness+?
Yes, both are fully compatible with Apple Fitness+, enabling guided workouts, real-time metrics, and progress tracking. Integration with iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV enhances the overall experience.

Are both watches durable for active lifestyles?
Yes, each watch is built with durable materials, scratch-resistant glass, and secure bands. Their construction supports daily wear during sports, work, or leisure without compromising comfort.