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

Specs at a Glance

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Winner by Category

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)

Do both models have the same display quality?
Yes, both feature a Retina LTPO OLED display with high brightness and sharp resolution. Colors remain vivid and text is clear in both sunlight and indoor lighting. There’s no noticeable difference in pixel density between them. The experience of using apps and viewing notifications feels nearly identical.

Are both watches waterproof?
Yes, both are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them ideal for swimming and showering. They can track pool workouts and withstand sweat and rain without damage. However, they’re not designed for high-velocity water or deep diving. Rinsing and drying after exposure is still recommended.

Do both support heart rate tracking?
Yes, each model includes an optical heart sensor that tracks your heart rate continuously throughout the day. It provides real-time readings during exercise and rest, with alerts for unusual patterns. Data is stored in the Health app for long-term tracking. This helps monitor cardiovascular health effectively.

Can both detect falls automatically?
Yes, both include fall detection technology that identifies sudden impacts and can call emergency services if needed. If you’re immobile after a detected fall, the watch will alert contacts and share your location. This feature has proven to be life-saving in real-world cases. It’s particularly beneficial for elderly or at-risk individuals.

Do both watches include Emergency SOS?
Yes, both offer the ability to make emergency calls and share your location instantly. You can trigger this by pressing and holding the side button. It functions globally in most regions with cellular or Wi-Fi connection. This provides peace of mind during travel or emergencies.

Do they support Apple Pay?
Yes, Apple Pay works seamlessly on both models for contactless purchases. Payments are authenticated securely through your watch’s passcode. It’s faster and safer than using a card or phone. The process is smooth whether at stores, transport terminals, or vending machines.

Can I use both without an iPhone?
Yes, both support Family Setup, allowing use without a personal iPhone. Parents can manage settings for children or older family members remotely. This includes messages, location tracking, and call permissions. It makes the device accessible to non-iPhone users within the Apple ecosystem.

Is the battery life the same on both?
Yes, both last about 18 hours per charge, enough for a full day of use. The SE 3 may have slightly improved efficiency due to its newer chip. Both recharge quickly with the included magnetic charger. Overnight charging easily supports daily use without downtime.

Do both support sleep tracking?
Yes, both track sleep patterns and duration using motion and heart rate sensors. The data syncs to the Health app for detailed nightly summaries. Users can view sleep stages, trends, and average rest times. The insight helps establish consistent, healthier sleep habits.

Can I listen to music on both?
Yes, both allow users to stream Apple Music or play downloaded playlists directly from the watch. Bluetooth headphones or AirPods can connect easily. You can control playback, adjust volume, or skip tracks during workouts. This adds independence from carrying your iPhone.

Do both models have GPS?
Yes, both feature built-in GPS for accurate outdoor workout tracking. You can record routes, distance, and speed without needing your phone nearby. The GPS data integrates with the Fitness app for performance analysis. This is essential for runners, cyclists, and hikers.

Can both run the same apps?
Yes, both are compatible with the latest WatchOS and support most available apps. Users can download fitness, weather, productivity, and entertainment apps from the App Store. Performance on SE 3 may be slightly faster due to its newer processor. Otherwise, app functionality remains consistent.

Do both offer cellular connectivity options?
Yes, both come in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular versions. The cellular model allows calls, messages, and streaming without an iPhone nearby. This is ideal for users who exercise or travel without carrying their phone. It provides independence while staying connected.

Can I change the bands on both models?
Yes, both watches use the same band connection system. Any Apple Watch band that fits one SE model will fit the other. This makes it easy to swap between sport, leather, or metal bands. Customizing the look takes just seconds and requires no tools.

Do both support Siri?
Yes, both feature built-in Siri voice control for quick commands. You can ask for weather updates, start workouts, or send messages hands-free. Siri is responsive and integrated deeply with Apple’s ecosystem. It simplifies daily interactions without using your phone.

Do both work with Apple Fitness+?
Yes, both support Apple Fitness+, allowing guided workouts with real-time metrics on screen. The watch tracks heart rate and calories while syncing with your iPhone or TV. This helps make home workouts interactive and data-driven. It’s perfect for users focused on structured fitness programs.

Do both watches have fall and crash detection?
Both include fall detection, but only the SE 3 adds crash detection using upgraded motion sensors. Crash detection can identify severe car accidents and contact emergency services automatically. It’s an extra safety layer not present on the 1st Gen SE. However, both are reliable for detecting personal falls.

Are the displays always-on?
No, neither SE model supports an always-on display feature. The screen remains off until you raise your wrist or tap it. This conserves battery while still being responsive. Users seeking always-on functionality might consider higher-end models like the Series 9.

Can both measure blood oxygen or ECG?
No, these features are reserved for Apple’s higher-end models such as Series 9 or Ultra. The SE models focus on core health metrics like heart rate and activity. Despite lacking advanced sensors, they provide excellent overall health monitoring. It’s a balanced choice for most users.

Can I make calls directly from both watches?
Yes, both support voice calls when paired with an iPhone or through the Cellular model. The built-in microphone and speaker provide clear call quality. Noise reduction ensures voices remain crisp even outdoors. It’s convenient for hands-free communication.

Do both have the same case sizes?
Yes, both come in 40mm and 44mm sizes to fit different wrist types. The case dimensions and band compatibility remain identical. This allows users to upgrade easily without buying new accessories. Comfort and wearability are consistent across both generations.

Do both feature the same sensors?
Both include an accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter, compass, and optical heart sensor. These sensors work together to measure fitness, location, and movement data accurately. The SE 3 enhances precision with improved processing but keeps the same sensor types. This ensures dependable tracking for all activities.

Will both continue to receive software updates?
Yes, both will support WatchOS updates for several years. The SE 3 may receive updates slightly longer due to its newer hardware. Apple typically provides long-term support for its devices. Users can expect new features and security patches for the foreseeable future.