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Apple Watch SE 3 & Apple Watch SE have some important differences. Apple Watch SE 3 is the newer, more advanced option with a faster processor, better health tracking, and support for the latest Apple Watch features. Apple Watch SE remains the more affordable model, keeping the 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 SE 3 features the S10 dual-core chip for faster performance and better power efficiency.
- Apple Watch SE uses the S5 dual-core chip.
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Neural Engine:- Apple Watch SE 3 includes a 4-core Neural Engine for improved on-device intelligence and health calculations.
- Apple Watch SE has no Neural Engine.
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Storage:- Apple Watch SE 3 has 64GB of storage to store more apps, music, and data.
- Apple Watch SE has 32GB of storage.
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Display:- Apple Watch SE 3 features an Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display for viewing information without raising the wrist.
- Apple Watch SE comes with a Retina LTPO OLED display.
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Health Sensors:- Apple Watch SE 3 includes temperature sensing and a high-g accelerometer for Crash Detection and detailed health insights.
- Apple Watch SE features a heart rate sensor and a standard accelerometer.
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Vitals Tracking:- Apple Watch SE 3 features a Vitals app for heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration tracking.
- Apple Watch SE has no Vitals app
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Sleep Tracking:- Apple Watch SE 3 supports sleep apnea notifications and sleep score for better sleep quality tracking.
- Apple Watch SE comes with basic sleep tracking.
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Mindfulness:- Apple Watch SE 3 includes state-of-mind tracking in the Mindfulness app for mental wellness monitoring.
- Apple Watch SE does not support state-of-mind tracking.
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Connectivity:- Apple Watch SE 3 supports 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, and more navigation systems for better range and speed.
- Apple Watch SE has LTE, UMTS, and Bluetooth 5.0.
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Charging:- Apple Watch SE 3 comes with fast charging to reach 80% in about 45 minutes.
- Apple Watch SE does not support fast charging.
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Fitness Metrics:- Apple Watch SE 3 supports training load metrics for advanced workout analysis.
- Apple Watch SE comes with basic workout tracking.
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Battery:- Apple Watch SE 3 features Low Power Mode for up to 32 hours of extended use.
- Apple Watch SE has up to 18 hours of battery life.
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Gestures:- Apple Watch SE 3 has wrist flick and double tap gesture support for quick control.
- Apple Watch SE does not have gesture support.
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Siri:- Apple Watch SE 3 features on-device Siri with health data access for faster responses even offline.
- Apple Watch SE uses cloud-based Siri.
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch SE |
|---|
| Display | Always-On Retina, LTPO OLED, 1000 nits, 2-nit minimum brightness | Retina, LTPO OLED, 1000 nits |
| Processor | S10 dual-core chip | S5 dual-core chip |
| Neural Engine | 4-core Neural Engine | Not available |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Health Sensors | Second-gen optical heart sensor, temperature sensing, high-g accelerometer | Second-gen optical heart sensor |
| Sleep Tracking | Sleep tracking, sleep apnea notifications, sleep score | Basic sleep tracking |
| Vitals Tracking | Heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration | Not available |
| Gestures | Wrist flick, double tap gesture | Not available |
| Siri | On-device Siri with health data access | Siri (cloud-based) |
| Connectivity | 5G + LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 | LTE + UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Navigation | L1 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, offline maps | L1 GPS, GLONASS |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours, up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 18 hours |
| Charging | Fast charging (0–80% in 45 min, 15 min = 8 hours use) | No fast charging |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you:- Want the latest processor and better future-proofing.
- Need temperature sensing, sleep apnea alerts, and advanced vitals tracking.
- Prefer faster charging and longer Low Power Mode.
- Use gestures or on-device Siri for quick controls.
- Value offline maps and broader navigation support.
Check Apple Watch SE 3 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch SE if you:- Want a lower-priced entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem.
- Only need basic heart rate, workout tracking, and notifications.
- Do not mind slower performance and no fast charging.
- Prefer a simple watch without extra health features.
Check Apple Watch SE 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 |
| Health Sensors | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Sleep Tracking | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Vitals Tracking | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Mindfulness | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Fitness Metrics | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Gestures | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Siri | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Connectivity | Apple Watch SE 3 |
What They Have in Common
- Case Sizes: Both come in 40mm and 44mm aluminum cases, so you can pick the size that fits your wrist.
- Water Resistance: Both are water resistant up to 50m, making them safe for swimming and shower use.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both have a second-generation optical heart sensor for accurate heart rate tracking.
- Fall Detection: Both can detect hard falls and notify emergency services.
- GPS and Cellular: Both offer GPS tracking and optional cellular models.
- Apple Pay: Both support Apple Pay for contactless payments right from your wrist.
- Activity Rings: Both track Move, Exercise, and Stand rings to help close your daily goals.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Is Apple Watch SE 3 faster than Apple Watch SE?
Yes, Apple Watch SE 3 is faster because it has the newer S10 dual-core chip, which improves performance and efficiency compared to the older S5 chip in Apple Watch SE.
Does Apple Watch SE 3 have more storage?
Yes, Apple Watch SE 3 comes with 64GB of storage, while Apple Watch SE has 32GB, allowing SE 3 users to store more apps, music, and data.
Can Apple Watch SE 3 track temperature?
Yes, Apple Watch SE 3 includes temperature sensing for health insights and retrospective ovulation estimates, which are not available on Apple Watch SE.
Do both watches support Crash Detection?
No, only Apple Watch SE 3 has a high-g accelerometer that supports Crash Detection. Apple Watch SE only supports Fall Detection.
Is the display different between Apple Watch SE and SE 3?
Yes, Apple Watch SE 3 features an Always-On Retina display, while Apple Watch SE has a standard Retina display that requires wrist raise to view.
Do both watches support sleep tracking?
Yes, but Apple Watch SE 3 includes sleep score and sleep apnea notifications, giving more detailed sleep insights compared to the basic tracking on Apple Watch SE.
Does Apple Watch SE 3 have gesture controls?
Yes, Apple Watch SE 3 supports wrist flick and double tap gestures for quick control. Apple Watch SE does not support gesture controls.
Is there a difference in connectivity?
Yes, Apple Watch SE 3 supports 5G, faster Bluetooth 5.3, and more navigation systems including offline maps, while Apple Watch SE uses LTE, UMTS, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Which watch has better battery life?
Apple Watch SE 3 has better battery management with Low Power Mode giving up to 32 hours, while Apple Watch SE lasts up to 18 hours without extended mode.
Which model should budget-conscious buyers choose?
Apple Watch SE is the better choice for budget-conscious buyers since it is more affordable and still covers essential health and fitness tracking.