Apple Watch SE 3 Review: No Regrets, No FOMO

Finding a smartwatch that balances premium features with an accessible price point can feel like an impossible task, but the Apple Watch SE 3 manages to pull it off beautifully. After extensive testing, it’s clear this model delivers a flagship-level experience without the flagship cost, making it an outstanding choice for the majority of users.

As someone who constantly reviews new technology, I’m naturally prone to worrying about missing out on the latest advancements. When a product is labeled “affordable,” my first instinct is to assume it’s lacking. The SE 3, however, completely颠覆s that expectation. It proves that a lower price doesn’t have to mean sacrificing core functionality or quality, earning a strong recommendation even from a skeptic like me.

In Apple’s current lineup, which includes the rugged Ultra 3 and the refined Series 11, the SE 3 occupies a sweet spot. Priced at $250, it offers the same powerful S10 processor found in its more expensive siblings. This means you get identical speed and performance for almost half the cost of a Series 11. Key features like 5G connectivity on the cellular model, ultra-fast charging, and new wellness tools such as Sleep Score and Workout Buddy are all included. While it does omit some advanced health sensors, most people will find the core tracking capabilities more than sufficient for daily life.

This watch isn’t a universal solution, of course. If your needs include multi-day battery life, a larger, brighter screen, or specialized health metrics like an ECG, you might still look toward the pricier models. For everyone else, the SE 3 represents a remarkably well-rounded device that holds its own and arguably provides the best value in the entire Apple Watch family.

Two significant upgrades elevate the SE 3 to near-flagship status. The long-awaited addition of an always-on display is a game-changer. No longer do you need to perform an obvious wrist lift just to check the time or glance at a notification mid-workout. This single feature dramatically narrows the experiential gap with the higher-end watches.

This display improvement is powered by the new S10 chip, which also ensures buttery-smooth performance. Whether launching workouts, switching between apps, or navigating menus, the experience is completely lag-free. You’re getting the same processing muscle as the most expensive Apple Watches, just in a more affordable package.

Battery life is another area where the SE 3 impresses. Apple’s official claim is 18 hours, but in real-world use with the always-on display enabled, I consistently achieved between 20 and 25 hours on a single charge. This included sleep tracking, a daily run, and general use. The inclusion of ultra-fast charging is a massive quality-of-life upgrade. A mere 15 minutes on the charger provides enough power for a full eight hours of use, making it easy to top up quickly before bed or a workout.

For health and fitness, the SE 3 covers all the essentials and then some. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters for swimming and supports a vast library of workout types. The new Workout Buddy feature offers personalized, real-time audio coaching that feels surprisingly natural. It also includes critical safety features like crash and fall detection and Emergency SOS. A new temperature sensor enables more detailed health reports, including retrospective ovulation estimates and the ability to flag potential signs of illness. Sleep tracking has been enhanced with a Sleep Score that grades your rest and provides insights into its quality, alongside sleep apnea notifications.

The main compromises come in the realm of advanced health monitoring. The SE 3 does not include blood oxygen tracking, an electrocardiogram (ECG) app, or the new hypertension notifications. These require more sophisticated hardware found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3. For most users, this isn’t a critical loss. However, if you have specific health concerns or a family history of heart conditions, these features could be worth the extra investment in a higher-end model.

Visually, the SE 3 retains a familiar and comfortable design. It does not have the larger, edge-to-edge display of the Series 11, so the screen can feel slightly more compact, especially when reading longer notifications. The brightness is also a bit lower in direct sunlight. On the positive side, its lightweight aluminum build makes it exceptionally comfortable for all-day and all-night wear. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes with midnight (matte black) and starlight (a warm silver-gold) color options.

On the software front, the SE 3 runs the latest WatchOS 26 and suffers no compromises. It features the new “liquid glass” interface with smooth animations, a redesigned Workout app, and the convenient Notes app. Critically, it also supports the same intuitive double-pinch and wrist-flick gesture controls as the premium models, allowing for hands-free interaction.

For families, the cellular model’s new 5G connectivity makes the SE 3 a fantastic option for a child’s first connected device. It offers robust parental controls and provides a communication link without the need for a full smartphone, though using it in standalone cellular mode will reduce the total battery life.

Ultimately, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the model I would confidently suggest to most people. It delivers an exceptional blend of performance, features, and value. Whether you’re new to smartwatches or upgrading from an older model, it provides a premium Apple Watch experience that convincingly eliminates any feeling of missing out.

(Source: CNET)