Apple Watch SE 3: The Best Smartwatch to Buy Right Now
▼ Summary
– The Apple Watch SE 3 is the author’s most exciting 2025 release, offering major unexpected upgrades compared to iterative updates in the Series 11 and Ultra 3.
– Key new features include the S10 chip, always-on display, fast charging, wrist-temperature sensor, 5G connectivity, and improved crack resistance.
– The SE 3 lacks only a few Series 11 features like EKG, blood oxygen sensing, hypertension notifications, thinner bezels, and slightly better battery/antenna performance.
– At $150 less than the Series 11, the SE 3 provides exceptional value with minimal functional sacrifice for most users.
– The author recommends the SE 3 as the best Apple Watch for most people, suggesting the 44mm model to address smaller screen size concerns.
Walking into Apple Park last week, I never expected the star of the show to be the Apple Watch SE 3, especially with the Series 11 and Ultra 3 also making their debut. Yet here we are in 2025, and it’s the entry-level model that’s generating the most buzz, and for good reason.
While the Series and Ultra lines received modest, predictable updates, the SE 3 arrived with a stunning array of upgrades that caught everyone off guard. It’s packed with features users have been asking for, making it one of the most compelling smartwatch releases in recent memory.
So what’s actually new? Plenty. The SE 3 now runs on the S10 chip, a significant leap from the S8, unlocking capabilities like double tap gestures, on-device Siri, and better call quality through voice isolation. Perhaps the most celebrated addition is the always-on display, something SE users have wanted for years. Fast charging is finally here too, though Apple still quotes an 18-hour battery life.
Health and wellness tracking gets a major boost with the inclusion of a wrist-temperature sensor, which supports retrospective ovulation estimates and richer sleep analysis. New health alerts for breathing disturbances and sleep apnea are included, alongside a Sleep Score feature. There’s also 5G cellular connectivity for faster data, support for offline audio playback, and a casing that’s four times more crack-resistant than its predecessor.
With so many features pulled from recent Series models, the gap between the SE 3 and the pricier Series 11 has narrowed dramatically. You still miss out on ECG, blood oxygen sensing, and hypertension notifications. The bezels are thicker, the screen is smaller, and there’s no on-screen keyboard. Cellular performance may also be slightly weaker due to different antenna design. Battery life, while decent, requires more attention than on the Series 11.
But for $150 less, those trade-offs are easy to justify for most people.
During testing, I often forgot I wasn’t wearing a premium model. The always-on display is a game-changer, no more awkward wrist flicks just to check the time. Gesture controls like double-tap make one-handed use effortless. I didn’t feel like I was downgrading.
Battery performance was reliable. A full day of use, including a workout and travel, left me with around 27% by bedtime. A quick 10-minute charge added enough juice to last through the night. It’s not a multi-day battery, but it’s more than enough for daily use.
The absence of ECG and blood oxygen monitoring might give some pause, but it’s worth noting that most U.S. Apple Watches haven’t offered blood oxygen readings for over a year due to regulatory issues. The SE 3 still provides irregular heart rhythm notifications, and now includes advanced sleep and cycle tracking. For many, high and low heart rate alerts are more practically useful than ECG readings.
Yes, the bezels are noticeable up close, especially on the 40mm model. But on the wrist, they fade into the background, especially with darker watch faces. If you’re concerned about screen size, opt for the 44mm version.
So who is this watch for? Pretty much everyone. The SE 3 delivers nearly all the experience of a Series watch at a much lower price. The differences are minimal for day-to-day use unless you specifically need clinical-grade heart metrics.
This aggressive upgrade to the SE line seems intentional, a move to reinvigorate Apple Watch sales after several sluggish quarters. And it’s likely to work. This watch offers incredible value, blurring the lines within Apple’s own lineup.
If you’re buying today, ask yourself: is a larger screen, slimmer bezel, ECG, and blood oxygen worth an extra $150? For most, the answer is no. Go with the SE 3, and put the savings toward something else.
Like all smart devices, using the Apple Watch SE 3 requires agreeing to various terms of service. You’ll need an iPhone, meaning you’ve already accepted Apple’s mobile agreements. Optional services like Apple Pay, Music, or Fitness+ come with their own policies. Enabling cellular means agreeing with your carrier. In total, there’s one mandatory agreement for the watch itself, plus any others tied to the services you choose.
(Source: The Verge)
