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Apple Watch SE 3 & Apple Watch Series 10 have some important differences. Apple Watch Series 10 is Apple’s newest flagship watch with advanced health sensors, higher display brightness, and premium material options. 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 10 features an LTPO3 wide-angle OLED Always-On Retina display for sharper visuals and better viewing angles.
- Apple Watch SE 3 uses an LTPO OLED Always-On Retina display.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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Display Resolution:- Apple Watch Series 10 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 10 |
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Brightness:- Apple Watch Series 10 has up to 2000 nits brightness for improved outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has up to 1000 nits brightness.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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Fast Charging:- The Apple Watch Series 10 supports fast charging to reach 80% in about 30 minutes for quicker turnaround.
- Apple Watch SE 3 charges to 80% in about 45 minutes.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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Low Power Mode:- Apple Watch Series 10 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 10 |
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Chipset:- Apple Watch Series 10 includes the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for precision iPhone location and better device connectivity.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not include the Ultra Wideband chip.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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Water & Depth Features:- Apple Watch Series 10 features a depth gauge and water temperature sensor for monitoring underwater activities up to 6 meters.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has no depth gauge and water temperature sensor.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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Electrical Heart Sensor:- Apple Watch Series 10 includes an electrical heart sensor for taking ECG readings and monitoring heart rhythm.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not have an electrical heart sensor.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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Blood Oxygen App:- Apple Watch Series 10 supports a Blood Oxygen app for measuring SpO₂ levels during day or night.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not support blood oxygen measurement.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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Dust Resistance:- Apple Watch Series 10 has IP6X dust resistance for protection against particles in challenging environments.
- Apple Watch SE 3 does not have a dust resistance rating.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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ECG App:- Apple Watch Series 10 supports ECG readings for detecting irregular heart rhythms.
- Apple Watch SE 3 has no ECG feature.
Winner: Apple Watch Series 10 |
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Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|
| Case Sizes | 46mm, 42mm | 44mm, 40mm |
| Case Materials | Aluminum, Titanium | Aluminum only |
| Display | Always-On Retina LTPO3 Wide-Angle OLED | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 1000 nits |
| Processor | S10 Chip | S10 Chip |
| Health Sensors | Electrical heart sensor, third-gen optical, Blood Oxygen app, temperature sensing, water temp sensor, depth gauge | Second-gen optical sensor only |
| Connectivity | Second-gen Ultra Wideband, LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 | LTE, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Durability | Water-resistant 50m, depth to 6m, IP6X dust-resistant, crack-resistant glass | Water-resistant 50m |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hrs (36 hrs Low Power Mode) | Up to 18 hrs (32 hrs Low Power Mode) |
| Charging | 0–80% in ~30 minutes | 0–80% in ~45 minutes |
Who Should Buy What?Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 if you:- Want the most advanced health tracking including ECG, Blood Oxygen, and temperature sensors.
- Need a brighter 2000-nit display for outdoor use.
- Prefer titanium case options and IP6X dust resistance.
- Value faster charging and longer low-power battery mode.
- Want Precision Finding for iPhone with the Ultra Wideband chip.
Check Apple Watch 10 Best Price Buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you:- Want an affordable Apple Watch that covers the basics.
- Do not need ECG, Blood Oxygen, or depth gauge features.
- Prefer a lightweight aluminum case and simpler design.
- Plan to use your watch for everyday fitness tracking without advanced metrics.
- Are upgrading from an older SE or Series 3 and want the newest budget model.
Check Apple Watch SE 3 Best Price |
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|
| Display | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Brightness | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Display Technology | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Chipset | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Electrical Heart Sensor | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Blood Oxygen App | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Water Temperature Sensor | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Depth Gauge | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Ultra Wideband Chip | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Case Materials | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Dust Resistance | Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Charging Speed | Apple Watch Series 10 |
What They Have in Common
- Retina Display: Both Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 10 feature a bright Retina display that delivers crisp text and vibrant colors, making it easy to read information even in bright sunlight.
- watchOS Compatibility: Each model runs on the latest watchOS software, giving users access to the newest features, apps, and security updates for a consistent Apple Watch experience.
- Fitness Tracking: Both watches include comprehensive fitness tracking such as heart rate monitoring, daily activity rings, and workout detection, helping users stay active and healthy.
- Emergency SOS: Each model supports Emergency SOS, allowing users to quickly contact emergency services directly from their wrist, which is crucial for personal safety.
- Water Resistance: Both are water resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming, showering, and general water exposure without worry.
- Fall Detection: Each watch features fall detection technology, automatically alerting emergency contacts if a hard fall is detected, offering peace of mind for wearers.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
Does the Apple Watch Series 10 have more health sensors than the SE 3?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 includes an electrical heart sensor, Blood Oxygen app, temperature sensing, and a water temperature sensor, while the SE 3 only has a second-generation optical heart sensor.
Is there a difference in display brightness between the two models?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 reaches up to 2000 nits for outdoor visibility, while the SE 3 has up to 1000 nits brightness.
Do both watches use the same processor?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE 3 use the S10 chip with a 64-bit dual-core processor for smooth performance.
Does the Apple Watch Series 10 support ECG readings?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 has an electrical heart sensor that lets you take ECG readings, while the SE 3 does not support ECG.
Can both watches be used for swimming?
Yes, both watches are water resistant to 50 meters, but the Series 10 also has a depth gauge and water temperature sensor for more detailed tracking during water activities.
Is there a difference in charging speed between the two?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 can charge to 80% in about 30 minutes, while the SE 3 takes around 45 minutes to reach the same level.
Do either of the watches include the new Ultra Wideband chip?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 includes the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding, but the SE 3 does not have this feature.
Are there more case material choices with the Series 10?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 10 comes in aluminum and titanium, while the SE 3 is available only in aluminum.
Do both models support Always-On display?
Yes, both the Apple Watch Series 10 and SE 3 have Always-On Retina displays, but the Series 10 uses LTPO3 wide-angle OLED technology for better viewing.