Apple Watch SE 3 vs Series 11 – Which Should You Buy?

Specs at a Glance

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Winner by Category

What They Have in Common

• Chip and Performance: Both Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 use Apple’s latest S-series dual-core chip, offering smooth performance and fast app launches. This ensures that both models run apps and features efficiently without lag. Users can enjoy the same level of responsiveness, making both watches equally capable for daily use.
• Operating System Compatibility: Each model supports the latest version of watchOS, giving users access to identical software updates and security patches. This shared platform means that both devices benefit from Apple’s ecosystem of apps and new features over time. The experience across both watches remains consistent, keeping them equally relevant for years.
• Display Quality: Both models use a Retina OLED display that offers high brightness and clarity under sunlight. This ensures that users can easily view notifications, workouts, and messages even outdoors. The shared screen technology makes both watches pleasant to use in various lighting conditions.
• Always-On Display: Both watches support the Always-On display mode, allowing users to see the time, notifications, or fitness metrics without raising their wrists. This feature enhances convenience during workouts or meetings. It also makes both watches feel more natural to use throughout the day.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Each model includes an advanced optical heart rate sensor for tracking resting and active heart rates. This shared capability helps users monitor cardiovascular health, manage stress, and optimize workouts. It’s one of the most essential health features Apple provides in both versions.
• Sleep Tracking: Both watches provide detailed sleep tracking, offering insights into sleep duration, stages, and quality. This helps users build healthier habits by identifying sleep patterns. Since both models use the same algorithms, their sleep-tracking performance is nearly identical.
• Water Resistance: Apple Watch Series 11 and SE 3 are both water resistant up to 50 meters. Users can wear them while swimming or showering without concern. This feature allows both watches to double as workout companions in or out of the pool.
• Workout and Fitness Tracking: Each model supports a wide range of workouts, from running and cycling to swimming and strength training. The shared GPS and motion sensors ensure accurate results and performance metrics. Both watches integrate seamlessly with Apple Fitness+, offering goal tracking and progress visualization.
• Apple Pay Support: Each model features NFC technology for secure contactless payments via Apple Pay. Users can make quick transactions directly from their wrist without pulling out a phone or wallet. This shared convenience makes both watches practical for daily errands.
• Siri Integration: Both watches feature on-device Siri, allowing users to perform quick actions, set reminders, or start workouts through voice commands. Siri processes many requests locally for faster response times. This shared intelligence makes hands-free control equally effective on either device.
• Family Setup and iCloud Sync: Both models support Family Setup, letting parents manage watches for children or older family members without needing separate iPhones. They also sync seamlessly with iCloud, ensuring data and settings remain consistent across Apple devices. This makes both models strong choices for connected families.
• Battery Performance: Both watches provide up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge under typical use. Fast charging allows them to reach significant levels in under an hour. This means users experience similar reliability for daily wear without needing frequent recharges.
• Build Quality and Materials: Both Series 11 and SE 3 use aluminum cases with durable Ion-X glass for protection. This combination provides resistance against scratches and minor impacts. The overall finish and feel of both models are high-quality, making them comfortable for long-term use.
• Notifications and Calls: Both models allow users to receive calls, texts, and app alerts directly on the wrist. Paired with an iPhone, notifications mirror instantly for convenience. This shared connectivity keeps users informed without needing to constantly reach for their phones.
• Music and Podcasts Storage: Each watch supports music and podcast downloads for offline listening. This makes workouts or commutes more enjoyable without carrying an iPhone. The identical storage capacity ensures both can handle playlists and apps equally well.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Do both watches have cellular versions?
Yes, both come in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models. The cellular version allows users to call, message, and stream without an iPhone nearby. It’s ideal for those who want independence during workouts or travel.

Is the display size the same on both watches?
Both offer two case sizes, giving users flexibility based on wrist size. The display area and brightness levels are nearly identical. The visual difference in daily use is minimal.

Can both models be used for swimming?
Yes, each watch is water resistant up to 50 meters. They can be worn during swimming, showers, and even shallow dives. Users should still avoid high-pressure water activities like jet-skiing.

Do both support ECG and Blood Oxygen apps?
Only the Series 11 includes ECG and Blood Oxygen sensors. The SE 3 focuses on core health features like heart rate and temperature tracking. Users who need medical-level readings should opt for the Series 11.

Do they both support Apple Pay?
Yes, both watches include NFC for Apple Pay transactions. Users can tap their watch to pay securely without needing their phone. This convenience works identically on both devices.

Can I use the same bands for both watches?
Yes, bands are interchangeable across case sizes that match. This means users upgrading or owning multiple watches can reuse their bands. It saves money and allows personal customization.

How long does the battery last on each model?
Both offer around 18 hours of battery life, varying with usage. Series 11 may last slightly longer under heavy use. Both support quick charging, reaching most of the charge in under an hour.

Are both compatible with iPhone models?
Yes, both require an iPhone running the latest iOS version. Once paired, they sync data, apps, and notifications seamlessly. The integration experience is identical between models.

Can both watches track sleep?
Yes, each watch tracks sleep duration, stages, and quality. The shared sleep-tracking algorithms deliver similar insights and accuracy. They also provide reminders to improve bedtime consistency.

Do both models include fall detection?
Yes, both feature fall detection with automatic emergency calling if needed. This is particularly useful for elderly users or anyone exercising alone. The sensitivity of this feature is consistent on both devices.

Can I listen to music without my iPhone nearby?
Yes, both watches allow downloading playlists and podcasts for offline playback. With Bluetooth headphones, you can enjoy music on the go. Storage and audio performance are virtually identical.

Are both suitable for kids and family setup?
Yes, both support Family Setup, letting parents manage a child’s watch from their own iPhone. It enables communication and location sharing without giving a child a phone. Both models work equally well for this purpose.

Do both support voice control via Siri?
Yes, Siri runs smoothly on both watches for commands, texts, and questions. On-device processing makes it faster and more private. There’s no noticeable performance gap in voice responsiveness.

Can both watches measure temperature changes?
Yes, both have skin temperature sensors that detect subtle variations during sleep. This helps users monitor wellness trends or menstrual cycles. The feature operates with the same precision across both models.

Are both suitable for outdoor workouts?
Yes, both use accurate GPS and compass sensors for distance, pace, and route tracking. They’re ideal for runners, hikers, and cyclists. Tracking reliability is comparable between the two models.

Can I use both for notifications and calls?
Yes, both mirror iPhone notifications and allow quick replies or calls. Cellular models let users call independently. The experience feels identical in terms of speed and clarity.

Do both watches support fitness goals and Activity Rings?
Yes, both feature Apple’s Activity Rings and awards system to motivate movement. Progress syncs to the Fitness app for trend analysis. It’s the same gamified system on both devices.

Are both durable enough for daily wear?
Yes, both use aluminum cases with Ion-X glass for durability. They resist scratches and small impacts well. Routine use rarely affects their appearance or performance.

Do they share the same storage capacity?
Yes, both provide 64GB of storage for apps, music, and podcasts. This allows users to install multiple apps and save offline media comfortably. Neither model compromises on storage size.