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Apple Watch SE 3 & Apple Watch SE 2 have some important differences. Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s newest budget-friendly smartwatch with a faster chip, more storage, and added health features like temperature sensing and sleep apnea notifications. Apple Watch SE 2 is the previous generation that keeps the same design and core fitness tracking at a lower price. 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 SE 3 features the S10 chip for faster performance and better power efficiency.
- Apple Watch SE 2 uses the older S8 chip.
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Neural Engine:- Apple Watch SE 3 includes a 4-core Neural Engine for quicker on-device processing of health and fitness data.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has no Neural Engine.
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Storage:- Apple Watch SE 3 comes with 64GB internal storage for installing more apps and storing more music and data.
- Apple Watch SE 2 comes with 32GB storage.
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Display:- Apple Watch SE 3 features an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display for checking time and data without raising the wrist.
- Apple Watch SE 2 features a standard Retina LTPO OLED display.
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Brightness:- Apple Watch SE 3 supports 2-nit minimum brightness for comfortable viewing in dark conditions.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has a fixed minimum brightness level.
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Temperature Sensors:- Apple Watch SE 3 includes wrist temperature sensors for tracking nightly temperature and ovulation estimates.
- Apple Watch SE 2 has no temperature sensors
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Sleep Tracking:- Apple Watch SE 3 features sleep tracking with sleep apnea notifications for more detailed health insights.
- Apple Watch SE 2 features basic sleep tracking.
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Cycle Tracking:- Apple Watch SE 3 supports cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates for more precise fertility data.
- Apple Watch SE 2 supports standard cycle tracking.
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Connectivity:- Apple Watch SE 3 supports 5G on cellular models for faster data when away from Wi-Fi.
- Apple Watch SE 2 supports LTE and UMTS.
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Charging:- Apple Watch SE 3 comes with fast charging for reaching 80% in about 45 minutes.
- Apple Watch SE 2 does not support fast charging.
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Durability:- Apple Watch SE 3 features 4x more crack-resistant Ion-X glass for improved durability.
- Apple Watch SE 2 features standard Ion-X glass.
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Siri:- Apple Watch SE 3 includes on-device Siri with health data access for quicker and more private responses.
- Apple Watch SE 2 uses cloud-based Siri.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch SE 2 |
|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 2-nit minimum brightness | Retina LTPO OLED |
| Processor | S10 chip | S8 chip |
| Neural Engine | 4-core | Not available |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Temperature Sensing | Yes (wrist temp, ovulation estimates) | Not available |
| Sleep Apnea Detection | Yes | Not available |
| Connectivity | 5G capable (Cellular) | LTE and UMTS only |
| Charging | Fast charging supported | Not available |
| Battery Life | Up to 18h, 32h Low Power Mode | Up to 18h |
| Durability | 4x crack-resistant glass | Standard Ion-X glass |
| Materials | 100% recycled cobalt battery, 40% recycled glass | Standard recycled aluminum |
| Siri | On-device Siri with health access | Siri (cloud-based) |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you:- Want the latest processor and future-proof performance.
- Need Always-On display and temperature sensing.
- Want advanced health tracking like sleep apnea detection.
- Value fast charging and extra storage for apps.
- Prefer 5G connectivity on cellular models.
Check Apple Watch SE 3 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you:- Want a more affordable Apple Watch option.
- Only need basic fitness and notification features.
- Don’t need temperature sensing or on-device Siri.
- Are okay with charging overnight without fast charge.
- Prefer saving money over having the newest hardware.
Check Apple Watch SE 2 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Processor | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Neural Engine | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Storage | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Display | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Brightness | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Temperature Sensors | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Sleep Tracking | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Cycle Tracking | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Siri | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Connectivity | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Charging | Apple Watch SE 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Retina Display: Both watches use LTPO OLED displays with 1000 nits peak brightness, offering vibrant colors and smooth animations.
- Case Sizes: Both are available in 44mm and 40mm aluminum cases, giving buyers two size options for comfort and style.
- Heart Health Features: Both support high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm alerts, and low cardio fitness notifications.
- Crash and Fall Detection: Each watch includes Fall Detection and Crash Detection for added safety.
- Water Resistance: Both are water-resistant up to 50 meters and suitable for swimming.
- GPS and Cellular Options: Both offer GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models for on-the-go connectivity.
- Battery Life: Both deliver up to 18 hours of battery life in standard use, supporting a full day on a single charge.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 faster than the SE 2?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE 3 uses the newer S10 chip which makes it faster and more efficient compared to the SE 2 with the S8 chip. This means smoother app performance and longer device support.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 have more storage?
Yes, the SE 3 comes with 64GB of storage, double the 32GB found in the SE 2. This allows you to store more music, apps, and watchOS updates without running out of space.
Can the Apple Watch SE 3 track temperature?
Yes, the SE 3 includes wrist temperature sensors for nightly tracking and retrospective ovulation estimates. The SE 2 does not have any temperature sensors.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 support Always-On Display?
Yes, the SE 3 has an Always-On Retina display so you can view the time and complications without lifting your wrist. The SE 2 display stays off until you raise it.
Is there a difference in battery life between SE 3 and SE 2?
Both watches last up to 18 hours in normal use, but the SE 3 supports Low Power Mode that extends battery life up to 32 hours which the SE 2 does not have.
Does the Apple Watch SE 3 charge faster than the SE 2?
Yes, the SE 3 supports fast charging which gets you to 80 percent in about 45 minutes. The SE 2 takes longer as it does not support fast charge.
Are there new health features on the SE 3?
Yes, the SE 3 includes sleep apnea notifications and temperature-based cycle tracking for more advanced health monitoring. The SE 2 has basic sleep tracking but lacks these new features.
Do both watches have the same design and sizes?
Yes, both watches come in 40mm and 44mm aluminum cases and look nearly identical. The main differences are internal upgrades on the SE 3.
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 more durable?
Yes, the SE 3 has 4x more crack-resistant Ion-X glass compared to previous generations. This makes it more resistant to everyday impacts.
Which watch is better for future updates?
The Apple Watch SE 3 is better suited for future watchOS updates thanks to its faster processor and larger storage. This will keep it supported and smooth for a longer time than the SE 2.