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Apple Watch SE 3 & Apple Watch Series 9 have some important differences. Apple Watch Series 9 is Apple’s more advanced option with a brighter display, extra health sensors, and a faster chip. 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
Display:- Apple Watch Series 9 features an LTPO OLED Always-On Retina display with 2000 nits brightness for sharper visuals and better viewing angles.
- Apple Watch SE 3 uses an LTPO OLED Always-On Retina display with 1000 nits brightness.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Display Resolution:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes a 484 x 396 -pixel display on the 45mm size to show more content and sharper details.
- Apple Watch SE 3 comes with a 324 × 394-pixel display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Blood Oxygen App:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports a Blood Oxygen app to measure oxygen saturation levels during the day and night.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not support a Blood Oxygen app
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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ECG App:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports an ECG app to take single-lead electrocardiogram readings for heart rhythm monitoring.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not have ECG capability.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Low Power Mode:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports Low Power Mode that extends battery life to 36 hours for longer use between charges.
- Apple Watch SE 3 support up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Hypertension Notifications:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes hypertension notifications for identifying elevated blood pressure trends.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not include hypertension notifications.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Double Tap Gesture:- Apple Watch Series 9 supports double tap gesture for controlling key functions with one hand.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not support double tap gesture.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Precision Finding:- Apple Watch Series 9 includes Precision Finding for iPhone to locate devices with precise distance and direction.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not include Precision Finding.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Dust Resistance:- Apple Watch Series 9 has IP6X dust resistance for better durability in dusty environments.
- Apple Watch SE 3 lacks dust resistance.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 9 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|
| Case Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 40mm, 44mm |
| Case Material | Aluminum or Stainless Steel | Aluminum only |
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Chip | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor |
| Ultra Wideband | Second-generation UWB chip | Not available |
| Health Sensors | ECG app, Blood Oxygen app, temperature sensing, hypertension notifications | Standard heart rate sensor, no ECG or Blood Oxygen |
| Dust Resistance | IP6X dust resistant | Not certified |
| Battery Life | 18 hours, 36 hours in Low Power Mode | 18 hours, 32 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Special Gestures | Double Tap gesture, on-device Siri with health data access | Wrist flick gesture only |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you:- Want advanced health features like ECG, Blood Oxygen, and hypertension notifications.
- Prefer an Always-On display with higher brightness for better visibility.
- Need Precision Finding for iPhone and the latest UWB chip.
- Want the double tap gesture for quick, one-handed interactions.
- Value extra durability with dust resistance and premium stainless steel options.
Check Apple Watch 9 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you:- Want the core Apple Watch experience at a lower price.
- Do not need ECG, Blood Oxygen, or Always-On display.
- Prefer a simple design with lightweight aluminum case.
- Are buying for kids or first-time smartwatch users.
- Want crash detection, fall detection, and essential health tracking at the most affordable cost.
Check Apple Watch SE 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Display | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Brightness | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Always-On Display | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Ultra Wideband Chip | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Blood Oxygen App | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| ECG App | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Hypertension Notifications | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Dust Resistance | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Double Tap Gesture | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Precision Finding | Apple Watch Series 9 |
| Extended Low Power Mode | Apple Watch Series 9 |
What They Have in Common
- Retina Display: Both the Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 9 use a bright Retina display, making it easy to see information in direct sunlight and giving users a crisp, clear view of their notifications, fitness stats, and watch faces.
- Water Resistance: Both models are water resistant up to 50 meters, allowing users to track swims, shower with the watch on, and wear it worry-free during wet conditions.
- Fall Detection: Each watch features fall detection, which can automatically alert emergency contacts if a hard fall is detected and the wearer does not respond. This is an important safety feature for active users and seniors.
- Emergency SOS: Both watches support Emergency SOS, enabling users to quickly contact emergency services by holding the side button, which is crucial during urgent situations.
- Fitness Tracking: Both models track daily activity metrics such as steps, calories burned, and exercise minutes, helping users stay on top of their health and fitness goals.
- Sleep Tracking: Each watch includes built-in sleep tracking, allowing users to monitor their sleep patterns, duration, and trends for better nighttime habits.
- WatchOS Compatibility: Both support the latest watchOS software, giving users access to updated apps, features, and security improvements for a seamless experience.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 have more health features than the SE 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 includes additional health tools such as the ECG app, Blood Oxygen app, temperature sensing, and hypertension notifications, which are not present on the SE 3.
Is the display quality different between the two models?
Yes, the Series 9 features an Always-On Retina display with up to 2000 nits brightness, while the SE 3 has a standard Retina display with up to 1000 nits and no Always-On capability.
Do both watches use the same processor?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE 3 are powered by the S9 SiP, providing similar overall performance for apps and system functions.
Does the SE 3 support the new double tap gesture?
No, the double tap gesture is exclusive to the Series 9 and allows users to control key functions with a quick finger tap.
Do both watches have Ultra Wideband for Precision Finding?
No, only the Apple Watch Series 9 has the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that enables Precision Finding for locating an iPhone with exact direction and distance.
Is there a difference in durability between the two models?
Yes, the Series 9 is IP6X dust resistant and uses stronger front glass, making it more durable in dusty environments compared to the SE 3 which lacks dust certification.
Do both watches support crash detection and emergency SOS?
Yes, both the Series 9 and SE 3 support crash detection, fall detection, and emergency SOS for safety.
Is battery life the same on both models?
Both models last up to 18 hours in regular use, but the Series 9 can run up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode compared to 32 hours on the SE 3.
Are there differences in case finishes and colors?
Yes, the Series 9 is available in aluminum and stainless steel with multiple color options, while the SE 3 comes only in aluminum with a smaller range of colors.
Which watch is better for someone on a budget?
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the more affordable choice and is ideal for users who want the core Apple Watch experience without paying for advanced health sensors and Always-On display.