Apple Watch SE vs SE 3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch SE 3 & Apple Watch SE share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch SE 3 rather than the Apple Watch SE.

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch SE 3?

  • The Apple Watch SE 3 features the S9 SiP processor for faster performance and improved efficiency during multitasking, while the Apple Watch SE 1st gen uses the older S5 SiP with slower overall responsiveness.
  • Apple Watch SE 3 comes with a brighter 1,000-nit Retina display for better outdoor visibility and clearer viewing in sunlight, whereas the Apple Watch SE 1st gen has a 600-nit display.
  • It includes on-device Siri for faster voice command execution without an internet connection, while the Apple Watch SE 1st gen relies on cloud-based Siri processing.
  • The Apple Watch SE 3 supports the U1 chip for Precision Finding and accurate device location tracking, while the Apple Watch SE 1st gen does not include any UWB chip.
  • Apple Watch SE 3 features Crash Detection to automatically alert emergency services after severe impacts, whereas the Apple Watch SE 1st gen lacks this safety function.
  • It uses Bluetooth 5.3 for more stable connections and improved power efficiency, while the Apple Watch SE 1st gen uses Bluetooth 5.0.
  • The Apple Watch SE 3 comes with 64GB internal storage for storing more apps, music, and workouts, compared to the Apple Watch SE 1st gen which includes only 32GB.
  • Apple Watch SE 3 supports dual-band Wi-Fi with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for faster connectivity, while the Apple Watch SE 1st gen connects only to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks.

Maybe the Apple Watch SE can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch SE 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureApple Watch SE 3Apple Watch SE
ChipsetS9 SiPS5 SiP
Neural Engine4-core Neural Engine2-core Neural Engine
Display Brightness1,000 nits600 nits
Storage64GB32GB
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0
Wi-FiDual-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz2.4GHz only
Siri ProcessingOn-device SiriCloud-based Siri
UWB ChipU1 chipNone
Crash DetectionSupportedNot supported
Find My PrecisionAvailableNot available
Heart Rate Sensor2nd-gen optical sensor1st-gen optical sensor
AltimeterAlways-on altimeterStandard altimeter
Case BackColor-matched nylon compositeBlack composite
Charging CableUSB-C magnetic fast cableUSB-A magnetic cable
Processor Speed2× fasterStandard speed
Power EfficiencyImproved efficiencyLower efficiency
Weight (40mm GPS)26.4g30.5g
On-Device DictationSupportedNot supported
Software SupportwatchOS 11–14watchOS 7–10
PriceCheck Apple SE 3 PriceCheck Apple SE Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Retina Display: Both Apple Watch SE models feature bright and crisp Retina displays that provide excellent visibility indoors and outdoors. This shared design ensures that text, notifications, and fitness data remain easy to read in various lighting conditions.
  • Display Size Options: Each model comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, giving users the flexibility to choose the fit and screen size that best suits their wrist and comfort preferences.
  • Always-On Retina Display: Both versions omit the always-on display, conserving battery life by keeping the screen off when not in use but instantly lighting up with wrist movement.
  • Water Resistance: Both are water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing safe use during swimming, showering, and exposure to rain without risk of damage.
  • GPS and GPS + Cellular Models: Each generation provides GPS-only and GPS + Cellular options, letting users choose between standalone connectivity and iPhone-dependent configurations.
  • Fall Detection: Both watches include fall detection that can detect hard falls and automatically contact emergency services if the user remains unresponsive.
  • Emergency SOS: Both models can trigger an emergency call with a long press of the side button, providing immediate assistance in critical situations.
  • Compass: Each watch features a built-in compass for accurate direction tracking, improving navigation for workouts and outdoor exploration.
  • Accelerometer: Both include advanced accelerometers to measure motion, detect activity intensity, and support features like fall detection and fitness tracking.
  • Gyroscope: Each device features a gyroscope for precise motion tracking, helping improve workout accuracy and gesture-based navigation.
  • Speaker and Microphone: Both watches come with built-in speakers and microphones that enable calls, voice commands, and Siri interactions directly from the wrist.
  • Optical Heart Rate Sensor: Both include an optical heart rate sensor that continuously monitors heart rate during exercise and daily wear.
  • Sleep Tracking: Both support sleep tracking through watchOS, allowing users to monitor sleep duration and quality for better health insights.
  • High and Low Heart Rate Notifications: Each watch can alert users to unusually high or low heart rates, helping identify potential heart-related issues early.
  • Irregular Rhythm Notification: Both models detect irregular heart rhythms that could indicate conditions like atrial fibrillation, aiding in early detection of health concerns.
  • Family Setup Support: Both are compatible with Apple’s Family Setup feature, enabling setup and management for family members without iPhones.
  • Apple Pay: Each watch supports Apple Pay, allowing secure and convenient contactless payments directly from the wrist.
  • Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback: Both models use Apple’s Digital Crown with haptic feedback for precise control, scrolling, and easy navigation through menus.
  • Retina LTPO OLED Display: Each features LTPO OLED technology that balances smooth performance with efficient power usage for better battery management.
  • Fitness and Activity Rings: Both models track movement, exercise, and standing goals using the signature Activity Rings, motivating users toward daily fitness targets.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch SE 3Apple Watch SE
Retina DisplayYesYes
Display Size Options40mm / 44mm40mm / 44mm
Always-On Retina DisplayNoNo
Water Resistance50 meters50 meters
GPS and GPS + Cellular ModelsYesYes
Fall DetectionYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
CompassYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
Speaker and MicrophoneYesYes
Optical Heart Rate SensorYesYes
Sleep TrackingYesYes
High and Low Heart Rate NotificationsYesYes
Irregular Rhythm NotificationYesYes
Family Setup SupportYesYes
Apple PayYesYes
Digital Crown with Haptic FeedbackYesYes
Retina LTPO OLED DisplayYesYes
Fitness and Activity RingsYesYes
Price Check Apple SE 3 Price
Check Apple SE Price

FAQ

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 have a new processor compared to the SE 1st gen?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE 3 uses Apple’s S9 SiP, which is significantly faster and more power-efficient than the S5 chip used in the first-generation SE. This results in smoother performance, quicker app launches, and better overall responsiveness.

Is there a difference in display brightness between the two models?
Yes, the SE 3 has a brighter 1,000-nit Retina display, while the SE 1st gen peaks at 600 nits. This makes the SE 3 easier to read outdoors in sunlight and improves clarity in bright environments.

Do both Apple Watch SE models have the same case sizes?
Yes, both come in 40mm and 44mm sizes. However, the SE 3 has a slightly lighter and more refined color-matched composite back, improving comfort and aesthetics.

Does the Apple Watch SE 3 support on-device Siri?
Yes, the SE 3 supports on-device Siri, allowing many commands to process directly on the watch without requiring an internet connection. The SE 1 relies entirely on cloud-based Siri.

Is crash detection available on both models?
No, only the Apple Watch SE 3 includes crash detection. It uses advanced sensors and algorithms to detect severe car accidents and automatically contact emergency services.

Do both models support Apple Pay?
Yes, both the SE 3 and SE 1st gen include Apple Pay for secure and convenient contactless payments directly from the wrist.

Can both watches track sleep and heart rate?
Yes, both models include sleep tracking and continuous heart rate monitoring using an optical heart rate sensor. The SE 3, however, uses a newer 2nd-generation sensor for slightly better accuracy.

Do both Apple Watch SE models support Family Setup?
Yes, both can be configured through Family Setup, allowing family members without iPhones—such as kids or seniors—to use the watch independently while being managed from another iPhone.

Is there any difference in wireless connectivity?
Yes, the SE 3 includes Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), while the SE 1 uses Bluetooth 5.0 and supports only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The SE 3 offers faster, more stable connections.

Do both watches have fall detection?
Yes, both support fall detection, but the SE 3 uses a more advanced accelerometer for improved accuracy and faster response in emergencies.

Do the Apple Watch SE 3 and SE 1st gen support watchOS updates?
Yes, both run watchOS, but the SE 3 will support newer versions for several more years thanks to its updated S9 chip, while the SE 1 is nearing the end of major software support.

Are the displays the same quality on both models?
Yes, both feature Retina LTPO OLED displays with excellent color and sharpness. However, the SE 3 is brighter and slightly more power-efficient.

Do both models include GPS and Cellular options?
Yes, both are available in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular variants, giving users the flexibility to choose based on connectivity needs and budget.

Are both Apple Watch SE models water-resistant?
Yes, both are rated for water resistance up to 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and shallow-water activities but not for scuba diving or high-velocity water sports.

Is there a difference in storage capacity?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE 3 includes 64GB of internal storage, double the SE 1st gen’s 32GB, allowing more room for music, apps, and offline media.