Hands-On: Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 First Look
▼ Summary
– The Apple Watch SE 3 now includes an always-on display, faster charging, 5G cellular support, and up to 18 hours of battery life.
– The SE 3 feels surprisingly similar to the higher-end Series 11, differing mainly in profile and color options.
– The Series 11 features 5G, sleep score and high blood pressure notifications, up to 24 hours of battery life, and a thinner design.
– The Ultra 3 offers a larger screen with smaller bezels, satellite connectivity, up to 42 hours of battery life, and new health features.
– All three models include stronger Ion-X glass and 5G cellular capabilities, with design changes being subtle rather than major.
Getting hands-on with the latest Apple Watch lineup reveals a thoughtful evolution across all three models, with meaningful upgrades that enhance daily usability without reinventing the wheel. The Apple Watch SE 3 now brings premium features like an always-on display and faster charging to the entry-level segment, making it a compelling choice for those watching their budget.
Priced starting at $249, the SE 3 gains significant improvements over its predecessor. It now supports 5G cellular connectivity and charges twice as quickly, while battery life extends to a solid 18 hours. New health capabilities include sleep apnea detection, and for the first time, users can play music and podcasts directly from the speaker. The inclusion of more durable Ion-X glass and the always-on display brings it closer in feel to the higher-end models.
In person, the SE 3 is strikingly similar to the Series 11 at a glance. Apart from slightly more noticeable bezels and distinct color options, the overall build and finish give the impression of a far more expensive device. It’s impressive how much value Apple has packed into this model.
The Apple Watch Series 11 builds on its legacy with subtle refinements and meaningful new features. It also receives the 5G upgrade, along with sleep scoring and notifications for potential high blood pressure. Battery life now reaches up to 24 hours, and it benefits from the same stronger glass as the SE. While the design remains familiar, it now comes in larger 42mm and 46mm sizes and is touted as the thinnest Apple Watch yet.
Though the blood pressure monitoring wasn’t available for demo, we observed the new satellite SOS feature and sleep score interface. Both appear intuitive, though real-world performance will need further testing outside a crowded event space.
At the top of the range, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799 and introduces a larger display within the same rugged footprint, thanks to reduced bezels. It gains 5G and satellite connectivity, extends battery life to an impressive 42 hours, and incorporates the same health features as the Series 11, including sleep scoring and hypertension alerts. The stronger Ion-X glass adds to its durability.
Visually, the Ultra 3 doesn’t deviate dramatically from its predecessor, but the new mint-colored Ocean band and refreshed watch faces offer a fresh look. The slight increase in screen size is noticeable side by side but doesn’t overwhelm the familiar Ultra aesthetic.
Across the board, Apple has focused on refining rather than revolutionizing its wearable lineup. The updates are practical, health-focused, and aimed at improving the user experience. Whether these changes justify an upgrade will depend on individual needs, but each model offers clear steps forward.
For ongoing coverage and detailed impressions, stay tuned to our live blog.
(Source: The Verge)
