In a mostly unremarkable update year for the flagship Apple Watches, the Apple Watch SE 3 stands out as the most improved since the last generation, and is the model to buy for most.
In 2025, users have a lot of choices when it comes to Apple Watch. There is the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Some of them — the Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Series 11 — come in multiple sizes. All of the Apple Watch models have at least two color options to choose from.
I set my year-old Apple Watch Series 10 aside to review the new SE 3. I wanted to see how it compares and whether its compromises are too significant.
Apple Watch SE 3
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Design
A lot has changed in the Apple Watch SE 3. As it should, it has not received an upgrade since 2022.
What hasn't changed, though, is the overall design. It still looks nearly identical to how it did before.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: The third-generation SE uses a familiar design
It's actually a bit more restrained as Apple cut one of the color options. The SE 3 only comes in Midnight and Starlight, axing the silver from the lineup.
The good news is that it is still available in 40 and 44mm sizes. Here, I'm reviewing the Midnight 40mm model.
The display itself is an LTPO OLED, measuring in at 324 by 394 pixels for the 40mm and 368 by 448 pixels for the 44mm. That's a fair bit smaller than the largest 46mm, 416 by 496 pixels display found on the Apple Watch Series 11.
The display still reaches up to 1000 nits of brightness, but now it can dim down to just 2 nits for comfortable nighttime use. It's also always on, so you can check the time without raising your wrist.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: One side has speaker grilles, the other has the Side Button and Digital Crown
These are two extremely useful changes for the watch. When trying to look at it in bed or in a movie theater, it's not nearly so bright.
Plus, I don't have to lift my wrist to check the time. I can glance at my wrist and see it, which helps me stay in the moment more.
That display is protected by new, stronger Ion-X glass. Apple says it is 4X as crack-resistant as before.
The back is a nylon composite with sapphire crystal in the center to cover the sensor. It retains the same second-generation optical heart rate sensor as the last model.
On the left side, you'll find the speaker grille with two elongated openings. This time, they double as speakers for media playback.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: You can adjust the speaker volume when listening to media
This is a godsend, letting me watch short videos of my kids without getting my phone. It can also play audio, which is handy when working outside.
I wouldn't characterize it as a loud or particularly high-fidelity speaker, but it's better than not having one at all.
On the right is the Side Button, used to open Control Center or Apple Pay. The Digital Crown handles scrolling, accessing the Smart Stack, and opening the app switcher.
Even though the hardware has not changed, there are new faces available with watchOS 26, such as Flow and Exactograph, and new bands to pair with it. I chose one of the new Nike bands.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: The new Volt Splash Nike Sport Loop
My Volt Splash-color Nike Sport Loop adds a great pop of color and is easy to adjust. There are a ton of other new ones, though, from Apple's Sport Loop to the Modern Buckle.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Health features
Health tracking is increasingly core to the Apple Watch experience. Apple has, year after year, introduced new features designed to aid users in leading healthier lives.
With the third generation of the Apple Watch SE, Apple has brought a few new metrics. This is on top of the old metrics, such as cycle tracking, sleep tracking, emergency SOS, crash detection, fall detection, high heart rate alerts, low heart rate alerts, and irregular heart rate alerts.
The new health features are Sleep Score — which also arrives on the previous Apple Watch SE, sleep apnea notifications, wrist temperature tracking, retrospective ovulation alerts, and Siri access.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: The rear, second-generation optical heart rate sensor
I think these are the core features that most would buy an Apple Watch. Including children and the elderly — two growing categories of Apple Watch users.
Both of my own grandparents have had potentially life-saving experiences with Apple Watch. Having seen these in my own immediate family, it further makes the case for using even the entry-level model of Apple Watch.
A couple of years ago, my grandfather fell, and his Apple Watch alerted him to ensure he was OK and sent an alert to his emergency contacts. Then, more recently, my grandmother was alerted to an irregular heart rate, which led to her hospitalization and treatment.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: The Apple Watch SE 3 is thicker than the Series 10 and Series 11
My grandmother still asks me every week or two which model her friends should buy. She swears it saved her life.
She insists everyone her age should own one. It's hard to disagree.
Some health features are missing, but they're a bit more tailored to their audience. For example, you lose water temperature tracking, ECG and hypertension alerts, and blood oxygen readings.
Hypertension monitoring likely requires the third-generation optical sensor, which this model lacks. If you want that feature, you'll need to buy one of the pricier models.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Internals
Inside the Apple Watch SE 3 is a refreshed set of internals. The update improves performance and ensures compatibility with upcoming features.
Apple has moved from the S8 SiP to the S10 SiP. This is essentially the same chip found in the Series 10, Series 11, and Ultra 3 models.
It's certainly more powerful, allowing for greater processing, enabling new health features, and more ways to interact with your watch, such as the gestures I'll get to soon.
It still lacks the U2 chip for precision finding, but you can still use the watch to find your iPhone. Based on experience, finding your iPhone or your keys with an attached AirTag is one of the most used features of any Apple Watch.
Apple also took the opportunity to upgrade the GPS with support for the BeiDou GPS network in China and, optionally, 5G. 5G support is available only on the cellular models for a modest charge.
Apple has been incredibly generous with chip support in Apple Watch for the last few years. It's hard to tell when the new S10 chipset will drop off the back of the support list, versus the S8, We'll see how that goes in a few years.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Battery life
Technically, Apple Watch SE 3 doesn't have any improvements to battery life. Apple still rates it at 18 hours of use, which is the same as the prior-gen model and the Apple Watch Series 10.
That is, on paper, the same battery life that launched with the original Apple Watch all those years ago. It will get you through the day, but not much more than that.
I've also been testing the new Apple Watch Series 11, which promises 24 hours of battery life. In use, there's very little difference.
You still have to charge once a day, every day.
Apple Watch Series 11
I had a bit more flexibility with the Series 11 battery life, but ultimately, they felt the same to me. I just topped it off when I could, usually at my desk during the day, freeing me up to use the watch for sleep tracking.
There was one upgrade to power, though. The new model has finally adopted fast charging.
When using a compatible fast charger, including the one in the box, you can get an 80% charge in 45 minutes. Again, not quite as good as the 0-80% in 30 minutes on the Apple Watch Series 11, but still faster than it was.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Gestures
I wanted to break out gestures into their own section as they're one of my favorite additions. I've had the luxury of using the original double-tap gesture with the Apple Watch Series 10 and then watchOS 26 brought a whole new feature — wrist flick.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: You can tap your fingers together twice to control your Apple Watch SE 3
These two gestures I use repeatedly throughout the day, and it's hard for me to ever go back. I'll admit that they may take a beat to get used to, but once you start using them, it's hard to stop.
Double tap will select the primary button on the screen. For example, when you get an iMessage notification, a double tap will allow you to respond.
It's incredibly seamless because you can use your voice to dictate your response, too. So you double tap, say what you want to say, and then double tap to send.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Double Tap can cycle through the Smart Stack and a flick will dismiss it
A double tap can also open the Smart Stack, another amazingly useful feature. I love Smart Stack, and instead of swiping up from the bottom, I can double tap to open up and cycle through the different cards.
Double tap is better when combined with the wrist flick. You can just flick your wrist away from you to dismiss anything on the display.
If you're in the Smart Stack, wrist flick to go back to your watch face. When you get a notification, you can just wrist flick to dismiss it.
Previously, dismissing a notification required swiping up with your other hand. The new gestures improve usability, and the S10 brings them to the Apple Watch SE 3.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: The one to get
This was a lot of words to culminate in a very simple recommendation. In 2025, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the one to get.
It's the most affordable and packs in a ton of useful features. Plus, with the S10, it's as powerful as the Apple Watch Ultra 3 that costs three times more.
There are only two reasons to consider the other version of the Apple Watch in 2025. You should choose a pricier model if you want the newer designs or the enhanced health features.
Apple Watch SE 3 review: While it's a bit boring, the Apple Watch SE 3 is probably the one to buy for most people
Barring that, the Apple Watch SE 3 has what you need. Speed, gestures, health features, and more that will appeal to all user groups.
That won't always be the case. Apple will likely keep a two year to three year upgrade cycle for the SE line, making it feel more dated if the core line gets a major 2026 update.
My struggle to recommend the Apple Watch SE 2 in early 2025 will likely repeat with the SE 3 in 2027. Time will tell if it proves worth it.
For now, the Apple Watch SE 3 is an easy buy for anyone with an older model or anyone entering the ecosystem. Its integrated health features also provide peace of mind
.Apple Watch SE 3 review: Pros
- Latest processor
- 5G connectivity option
- Fast charging support
- Display is now always-on and has lower dimming
- Gets sleep apnea, wrist temperature, and retrospective ovulation tracking
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Cons
- No innovation or design changes as the budget model
- Limited color choices
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Where to buy the Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch SE 3 can be ordered now at Amazon, with easy price comparison across models at your fingertips in our Apple Watch SE 3 Price Guide.
Retail prices start at $249, but Amazon is already discounting select styles by double digits. You can also grab incentives from wireless carrier providers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Today's top Apple Watch SE 3 deals
- Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm, GPS): $239.99 ($10 off at Amazon)
- Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm, GPS): $269.99 ($10 off at Amazon)
And don't forget to check out our Apple Watch deals roundup for the latest offers and seasonal sales across Apple's wearable line.
