How the New Apple Watch SE 3 Differs From Series 11
Yesterday, Apple finally unveiled the 2025 Apple Watch lineup at the Awe Dropping event. Along with the Apple Watch Series 11, which slightly improves on last year’s refreshed Series 10, we finally got our first look at the new Apple Watch SE. The Apple Watch SE 3 has been refreshed after three years, and it has a lot to show for it.
The key difference between the Series 11 and SE 3 is functionality and price. Traditionally, the SE has been inferior to the flagship model in many features. This year, they are as close as possible to this level, which means it will be more difficult to choose the right smartwatch.
The SE has high blood pressure notifications, improved battery life, and finally an always-on display. But overall, how does Apple’s budget $249 smartwatch stack up against the flagship $429 Series 11?
Screen and design
The flagship Apple Watch Series 11 features a larger and brighter display. It features a wide-angle LTPO3 OLED display that reaches 2,000 nits of brightness outdoors. Both Series 11 and SE 3 feature an Ion-X display that is twice as scratch-resistant as the Series 10 (four times more scratch-resistant than the previous SE 2). The SE 3 features an LPTO OLED display that reaches 1,000 nits of brightness outdoors. Also new to the Apple Watch SE is the Always-on Display, which is also featured on Series 11.
The Series 11 displays are also larger than the SE 3, with 44mm and 46mm models available. The SE 3 offers 40mm and 44mm options, which feature significantly wider bezels.
Apple updated the Apple Watch design with the Series 10, reducing the bezels and making the watch thinner (it, like the Series 11, is the thinnest Apple Watch in the lineup). The SE3 is larger than the Series 11 (10.7 mm thick versus 9.7 mm for the Series 11), but slightly lighter. The Series 11’s 46 mm case weighs 37.8 grams, while the SE 3 weighs 32.9 grams. That’s a small size, but it can be noticeable in everyday use.
Battery life
The Series 11 gets a significant boost in battery life for the first time since the Watch launched. Until now, Apple has supported 18 hours of battery life as standard. Now, the Series 11 increases that to 24 hours. The SE 3 still sticks with the same 18-hour battery life.
In Low Power Mode, the Series 11 is now said to last up to 38 hours, while the SE can last up to 32 hours. Apple has also increased its fast-charging capabilities. The Series 11 charges to 80% in about 30 minutes, up from 45 minutes for the SE 3. Additionally, both models can last up to 8 hours with just 15 minutes of fast charging.
If you don’t like to charge your Apple Watch often and value battery life above all else, the Series 11 is the right choice between the two models.
Health and medical features
The Series 11 features flagship-level sensors: an electrical heart rate sensor, a third-generation optical heart rate sensor, a water temperature sensor, and a depth gauge. The SE model lacks an electrical heart rate sensor, a depth gauge, and a water temperature sensor. However, both models can still measure temperature at the wrist, which provides more detailed information in the Vitals app.
The SE 3 also lacks the ECG and blood oxygen monitoring features found on the Series 11.
The Series 11 also introduces a brand-new blood pressure notification feature that uses data from the optical heart rate sensor to analyze how the user’s blood vessels respond to the heartbeat. The feature works in the background and analyzes 30 days of data. If it detects signs of chronically high blood pressure, the device notifies the user. It’s a passive tracking method that doesn’t require a cuff. The SE 3 doesn’t have this feature, although it’s being ported to the Series 9 and Series 10.
But both watches support a Sleep Score feature that will appear in the Sleep app. This feature analyzes metrics like how long you sleep, how long you spend in each phase, and how well you sleep to give you an overall score.
Performance
Both devices have quite a bit in common on the inside. Both are powered by the same 64-bit dual-core S10 processor that was introduced in last year’s Series 10. Both devices have the same W3 wireless chip, quad-core Neural Engine, and 64GB of storage. However, the Series 11 has an Ultra Wideband chip, which makes it easier to detect nearby iPhones.
In the Cellular models, both watches also support 5G connectivity, which allows for faster downloads and streaming, and ensures that your calls never drop, even if you’re in areas with spotty connections.
Both Series 11 and SE feature a built-in speaker, first introduced in Series 10, that lets you play podcasts and media without using headphones. Both models also support double-tap and wrist flick to control your Apple Watch without touching the screen.
Which Apple Watch is Right for You?
As I mentioned, the SE 3 packs a surprising amount into its $249 package. Both the SE 3 and Series 11 feature the same processor, which is very fast for a smartwatch, and an always-on display. They also have similar health sensors, a fitness tracker, 5G support, and a built-in speaker.
If you really want a modern design, a thin body, and a big, bright screen, the Series 11 is the right choice. If battery life is a priority for you, the Series 11 wins again, offering 24 hours of battery life. The same goes for the latest health features, like hypertension notifications. And if you’re willing to pay $399 for the smaller 42mm model or $429 for the larger 46mm model, you’ll get it.
But if you don’t care about those specs and you’re on a budget, the Apple Watch SE 3 at $249 for the 40mm model and $279 for the 44mm model is a no-brainer. You’ll still get a fast Apple Watch with all the features you need and an always-on display. It’s just a little dated in design and lacks some of the advanced health features.