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
| Feature | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch SE |
| Chipset | S9 SiP | S5 SiP |
| Neural Engine | 4-core Neural Engine | 2-core Neural Engine |
| Display Brightness | 1,000 nits | 600 nits |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band 2.4GHz + 5GHz | 2.4GHz only |
| Siri Processing | On-device Siri | Cloud-based Siri |
| UWB Chip | U1 chip | None |
| Crash Detection | Supported | Not supported |
| Find My Precision | Available | Not available |
| Heart Rate Sensor | 2nd-gen optical sensor | 1st-gen optical sensor |
| Altimeter | Always-on altimeter | Standard altimeter |
| Case Back | Color-matched nylon composite | Black composite |
| Charging Cable | USB-C magnetic fast cable | USB-A magnetic cable |
| Processor Speed | 2× faster | Standard speed |
| Power Efficiency | Improved efficiency | Lower efficiency |
| Weight (40mm GPS) | 26.4g | 30.5g |
| On-Device Dictation | Supported | Not supported |
| Software Support | watchOS 11–14 | watchOS 7–10 |
| Price | Check Apple SE 3 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch SE |
| Retina Display | Yes | Yes |
| Display Size Options | 40mm / 44mm | 40mm / 44mm |
| Always-On Retina Display | No | No |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters | 50 meters |
| GPS and GPS + Cellular Models | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker and Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| High and Low Heart Rate Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Irregular Rhythm Notification | Yes | Yes |
| Family Setup Support | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Crown with Haptic Feedback | Yes | Yes |
| Retina LTPO OLED Display | Yes | Yes |
| Fitness and Activity Rings | Yes | Yes |
| 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? Is there a difference in display brightness between the two models? Do both Apple Watch SE models have the same case sizes? Does the Apple Watch SE 3 support on-device Siri? Is crash detection available on both models? Do both models support Apple Pay? Can both watches track sleep and heart rate? Do both Apple Watch SE models support Family Setup? Is there any difference in wireless connectivity? Do both watches have fall detection? Do the Apple Watch SE 3 and SE 1st gen support watchOS updates? Are the displays the same quality on both models? Do both models include GPS and Cellular options? Are both Apple Watch SE models water-resistant? Is there a difference in storage capacity? |