Apple Watch SE 3 vs SE 2: The Budget Apple Watch Just Got a Massive Upgrade

• Design & Build: Apple Watch SE 3 retains the same case sizes (40mm and 44mm) and aluminum build as the SE 2, but adds tougher Ion-X glass that Apple claims is 4× more crack‑resistant than before apple.com. It’s offered in two finishes (Midnight and Starlight), whereas the SE 2 came in three (Midnight, Starlight, and Silver) theverge.com. Both are water resistant to 50m for swimming.
• Display: The SE 3 finally brings an Always-On Retina display to Apple’s affordable watch line theverge.com. Screen size, resolution, and 1000‑nit brightness remain the same as the SE 2 werindia.com werindia.com – meaning no larger screen or extra brightness – but now you can see the time and complications at a glance without raising your wrist.
• Performance: The new S10 chip in SE 3 (the same processor used in 2025’s flagship Series 11) delivers significantly faster performance and on-device intelligence than the SE 2’s older S8 chip techcrunch.com. This enables features the SE 2 lacks – like on-device Siri processing, the new double-tap gesture, and voice isolation on calls apple.com apple.com. Despite the added capabilities, battery life remains an “all-day” 18 hours on both models apple.com, but SE 3 supports fast charging (about 2× faster) so you can top up 80% in ~45 minutes apple.com.
• Health & Sensors: Apple Watch SE 3 packs more health tech, adding wrist temperature sensors (for cycle tracking and ovulation estimates) which the SE 2 lacked theverge.com. Both models have core fitness and heart-rate sensors, but neither has the ECG or blood-oxygen sensor found in pricier Apple Watches theverge.com. New health features like Sleep Score and sleep apnea alerts debut on SE 3 (and via software update on SE 2), though advanced features like the Series 11’s blood-pressure monitoring remain exclusive to higher-end models werindia.com techcrunch.com.
• Software & Features: Both run the latest watchOS (Apple Watch SE 3 ships with watchOS 26). The SE 3’s S10 chip enables double-tap and wrist-flick gestures for one-handed use, which SE 2 does not support apple.com. SE 3 also handles on-device Siri requests (e.g. starting a workout or logging health data) for quicker, more private responses apple.com – a benefit of the new chip. Other new watchOS 26 features like the redesigned widgets (“Liquid Glass” UI) and Workout Buddy coaching are available on both SE 3 and SE 2 (with update), but some may work faster or more fully on the newer hardware theverge.com werindia.com.
• Connectivity: The SE 3 is Apple’s first SE model with 5G cellular capability (on the cellular models), upgrading from the SE 2’s 4G LTE. This means faster data for music streaming and downloads, and improved efficiency for battery life on cellular apple.com. Both offer GPS-only or GPS+Cellular configurations and feature Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for connectivity (note: no Apple Watch supports Android phones; an iPhone is required for setup). The SE 3 requires an iPhone 11 or later on iOS 26 for pairing, while the SE 2 (with older watchOS) could pair with slightly older iPhones apple.com.
• Price & Availability: Price hasn’t changed – Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249 (USD) for 40mm GPS and $279 for 44mm (add ~$50 for cellular) theverge.com engadget.com, exactly what the SE 2 launched at in 2022. Apple opened pre-orders on Sept 9, 2025, with SE 3 hitting stores on Sept 19 apple.com apple.com. The SE 3 completely replaces the SE 2 in Apple’s lineup, though SE 2 may be found at third-party retailers at clearance prices.

Design and Build Quality

Visually, the Apple Watch SE 3 looks almost identical to its predecessor. It uses the same squarish Retina OLED display and case design introduced with the original SE (which itself was based on the Series 4/5 design). The SE 3 comes in the familiar 40mm and 44mm case sizes – so existing bands from the SE 2 will fit just fine. Apple did not increase the screen size or shrink the bezels this generation, a point noted by reviewers. “Down to the pixel, the size on the SE 3 is the exact same as on the Apple Watch SE Gen 2”, one Engadget journalist observed, lamenting that the display still feels small compared to the newer Series models with larger screens werindia.com. In other words, if you were hoping for the roomier 41/45mm displays of recent flagship Apple Watches, the SE 3 doesn’t go that far – it sticks with the tried-and-true 40/44mm panels.

The casing material remains aluminum (100% recycled aluminum, according to Apple) with a matte finish, which keeps the watch lightweight and affordable. Despite some pre-event rumors, Apple did not introduce a plastic or composite case option for the SE 3 werindia.com. Build quality should therefore be comparable to the SE 2’s: sturdy and lightweight, though lacking the premium feel (and weight) of the stainless steel or titanium found in higher-end Apple Watches. Both SE generations have a polymer composite back (matching the case color) instead of the more expensive ceramic back on flagships – a cost-saving measure that nonetheless had made the SE 2 slightly lighter than the original SE 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com. The SE 3 likely continues with that lighter back design, so weight difference between SE 3 and SE 2 is negligible.

Where Apple did improve durability is the front glass. The Apple Watch SE 3 uses Ion-X strengthened glass like the SE 2, but now it’s a tougher custom formulation. Apple says the SE 3’s cover glass is four times more resistant to cracks than the SE 2’s glass apple.com. In practice, that means the watch should be less prone to shattering if dropped or whacked against something. Reviewers also note it’s more scratch-resistant – The Verge reports Apple’s Ion-X glass on SE 3 is “twice as scratch-resistant” as the SE 2’s was theverge.com. (Ion-X is used on Apple’s sport watches specifically for its shatter resistance; the flip side is it can scratch more easily than the sapphire crystal on steel models, so any boost in scratch toughness is welcome theverge.com.) Overall, SE 3 should handle daily bumps and scrapes better than SE 2, making it even more suitable for kids or use during workouts.

In terms of style, the SE 3 offers fewer color options. It comes in just Midnight (black) or Starlight (champagne gold/silver) aluminum finishes theverge.com. The SE 2 was offered in Midnight, Starlight, and Silver, but Apple appears to have dropped the plain Silver option this round. Both generations have the same standard watch case styling – a square display with rounded corners and curved aluminum sides, a digital crown and side button on the right, and interchangeable bands. If you place them side by side, you’d be hard-pressed to tell an SE 3 apart from an SE 2 (aside from perhaps the color, if you had a Silver SE 2). As one outlet quipped, “The Apple Watch SE 3 looks familiar” – it doesn’t bring a design overhaul, but it “has some notable features the SE line never had before.” theverge.com

Both SE 2 and SE 3 are rated 50 meters water resistant (suitable for swimming and shallow snorkeling) apple.com. Neither has an official dustproof rating (the flagship Series 7 and up are IP6X dust-resistant – that hasn’t trickled down to the SE). Still, the sealed design should handle typical wear in dusty environments; just avoid exposing it to fine dust or sand long-term. In summary, the SE 3’s design and build quality stay true to the SE formula: lightweight, sporty, and durable for everyday use – now a bit more durable thanks to the upgraded glass. It’s an iterative refinement rather than a radical redesign, prioritizing function and value over form changes.

Display: Always-On and Other Changes

The most noticeable upgrade in the Apple Watch SE 3 is the display’s new Always-On capability. This is a first for the SE lineup – previously, only the pricier Series 5 and later had always-on displays. With the SE 3, the watch face stays dimly illuminated at all times to show the time and info like your rings or complications, even when your wrist is down. By contrast, the SE 2 (2022) and original SE (2020) would blank the screen completely when inactive, requiring a wrist raise or tap to wake it. The Always-On display is a major convenience boost: you can subtly glance at the watch for the time or notifications without the exaggerated wrist flip apple.com apple.com. It makes the Apple Watch feel more like a traditional watch that’s always displaying something. Apple accomplished this by using an LTPO OLED panel and the efficient S10 chip to refresh the screen at a very low rate when idle, minimizing battery impact apple.com apple.com.

Aside from the always-on functionality, the display hardware is similar between SE 3 and SE 2. Both use bright Retina OLED panels with up to 1000 nits peak brightness, which is plenty readable outdoors in sunlight werindia.com. Apple did not boost the brightness on SE 3 (the flagship Series 11, by comparison, hits 2000 nits, but budget models stick to 1000 nits – and as one reviewer noted, 1000 nits is already “plenty” for visibility in bright sun werindia.com). The resolution and pixel density are unchanged because the screen sizes and shapes are the same as before. For the 40mm version, the display area is around 759 sq mm; for the 44mm, about 977 sq mm – identical to SE 2’s specs werindia.com. In terms of user experience, that means text and icons will appear the same size and sharpness on both generations. The SE 3 didn’t get the larger, edge-to-edge display that Apple’s Series 7/8/9 watches have, so it still has a bit of a border around the screen. However, it’s worth remembering the SE design (borrowed from Series 4/5) was already a big jump over the even smaller screens on the old Series 3 – so for first-time buyers, it’s still a modern-looking display.

One small benefit of the SE 3’s always-on panel is that it can make the watch feel more responsive – no lag in showing the time since it’s always visible. Apple also likely calibrated the SE 3’s display to intelligently dim or update infrequently in ambient mode to save power. If you prefer, you can disable the Always-On mode for even longer battery life, but most users will enjoy having it enabled now that it’s available. The SE 2, of course, has no such option – its screen will time out completely to black after a few seconds of inactivity.

The touch input and sapphire-coated ceramic back (for sensor readings) remain the same generation to generation. There is no difference in Force Touch (which Apple removed via software in watchOS long ago) or haptic feedback on the crown – those remain standard. One thing to highlight: the Ion-X glass strength on SE 3’s display cover. As mentioned, Apple improved its formulation to resist cracks much better apple.com. So while both SE 2 and SE 3 screens are equally bright and large, the SE 3’s screen should survive accidental knocks or drops more reliably without cracking. That’s a nice durability upgrade for the display, even if the viewing experience (resolution/size) didn’t change.

In summary, Always-On display is the headline change – it “finally” brings the SE 3 up to par with a feature users have been asking for in Apple’s budget watch theverge.com. Otherwise, expect the same quality Retina display from SE 2: vivid colors, high brightness, and now protected by a tougher glass. Just don’t expect a visibly larger or more vibrant screen than the SE 2; Apple saved those enhancements for its flagship models.

Performance, Chipset, and Battery Life

Under the hood, Apple Watch SE 3 gets a major silicon upgrade with the new S10 system-in-package, compared to the S8 chip in the SE 2. This leap in processor generations brings a noticeable boost in speed, efficiency, and feature capability. Apple hasn’t published raw benchmarks, but by all accounts the S10 is significantly faster. TechCrunch calls it “a newer display and a faster chip” with “a huge improvement over the S8 chip used in the Apple Watch SE 2.” techcrunch.com Likewise, Cult of Mac noted the S10 is “faster and more future-proof than the S8 chip, likely offering longer support.” cultofmac.com In day-to-day use, the SE 2 was already fairly snappy (its S8 was on par with the Series 8’s performance in 2022), but the S10 on SE 3 should make interactions even smoother and more responsive, especially with the heavier demands of watchOS 26’s new animations and features.

The S10 chip not only improves speed but also enables new functionality that the S8 in SE 2 could not handle. A prime example is on-device Siri processing. With S10, the SE 3 can process certain Siri requests locally (like setting timers, starting workouts, or dictating messages) without relying on an internet connection, leading to faster responses apple.com. The older S8-based SE 2 always had to send Siri queries to the cloud, which is slower and requires connectivity. The S10 also packs a more advanced Neural Engine, allowing the SE 3 to support Apple’s new “double tap” gesture, where you tap your index finger and thumb together twice to trigger the primary button in an app or answer calls, etc. apple.com. Apple introduced double-tap as a marquee feature in 2023’s Series 9; it relies on analyzing subtle motion and blood flow data in real time, which the S8 chip in SE 2 isn’t equipped to do. So SE 3 owners get this cool one-handed gesture control, while SE 2 owners do not. Similarly, the SE 3 supports the new wrist-flick gesture (quickly turning your wrist in and back to dismiss a notification) apple.com – again, something Apple only enabled on the latest hardware.

Memory and storage haven’t been highlighted as changed, and likely remain 32GB of storage and 1GB RAM (unconfirmed) on both, which is sufficient for apps and music downloads on the watch. The wireless chipset in S10 also brings Bluetooth 5.3 (versus possibly Bluetooth 5.0 in the older model), meaning more reliable connections and lower power consumption for accessories, though Apple didn’t call this out explicitly.

Despite the big jump in processing power, battery life on the SE 3 remains the same rated 18 hours as the SE 2 apple.com. Apple defines 18 hours as “all-day” use (from morning to night with typical usage patterns). The important thing is that even with the Always-On display and more powerful chip, the SE 3 still manages a full day on a charge – a testament to the S10’s efficiency. In fact, Apple specifically notes that the SE 3 achieves 18-hour endurance even with the screen always on apple.com. This suggests the S10 and LTPO display are tuned well to prevent battery drain. The SE 2, not having an always-on screen, could also last about 18 hours in normal use. In practice, both watches can stretch beyond 18 hours with lighter use or go shorter if you do things like GPS workouts or phone calls. But neither is a multi-day device – you’ll be charging every day or every other day regardless.

Where the SE 3 vastly improves the battery experience is in charging speed. Apple Watch SE 3 supports fast charging for the first time on an SE. It can charge from 0 to ~80% in about 45 minutes, and Apple says a quick 15-minute charge yields around 8 hours of wear (enough for a full night’s sleep tracking) apple.com. This is roughly twice as fast as the SE 2 could charge apple.com. The SE 2 did not have fast charge capability and would take around 2.5 hours to go 0–100%. Many SE 2 users found that inconvenient, especially if trying to charge in the morning after wearing it overnight. “The SE Gen 2 charged… so… slowly… It took over two hours to juice up,” one reviewer complained, noting it was “completely unusable as a sleep tracker” because you couldn’t top it up quickly after waking werindia.com. The SE 3 eliminates that pain point – a brief charge while you shower or get ready is now enough to keep it going. “The SE 3 can go for 8 hours after just 15 minutes on the charger. Hallelujah,” that same reviewer cheerfully wrote werindia.com. This faster charging is a game-changer for those who want to wear the watch 24/7 (for fitness and sleep) because it minimizes downtime on the charger.

It’s worth noting that the battery capacity in milliamp-hours hasn’t been stated, but any increase is likely marginal if at all. The efficiency gains of the S10 and watchOS optimizations are doing the work to maintain battery life despite new features. Also, while 18 hours is the official spec, real-world usage can vary. If you disable Always-On on SE 3, you might squeeze out a bit more life than an SE 2 (since the chip is more efficient). Conversely, doing a cellular phone call or lengthy workout will drain both watches quickly (they might last around 5–6 hours of continuous GPS workout). Apple did introduce a Low Power Mode in recent watchOS versions that can extend either watch well past 18 hours by disabling things like always-on and heart rate background measurements, which is handy in a pinch or travel.

In short, performance is a big win for SE 3. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and you get new capabilities (on-device Siri, gestures) that make the watch more convenient apple.com apple.com. The SE 2 was no slouch for basic tasks, but over time the S8 chip (which was essentially on par with Apple’s 2020 S6) will age. The S10 sets the SE 3 up to be relevant and supported for years. With watchOS updates, the SE 3 should stay current longer than SE 2 will; in fact, watchOS 26 is dropping support for the original SE (S5 chip) this year, so by analogy the SE 2 (S8) might only get a couple more years of updates, whereas SE 3 could get several. As one publication succinctly put it, the S10 is “more future-proof” – great news for longevity cultofmac.com. And despite all the upgrades, battery life hasn’t suffered. You’re still getting a full day of use, now with the ability to quickly recharge. The SE 3 essentially closes the performance gap with Apple’s flagship watches – it has the same chip as the Series 11 – making it a little powerhouse in the budget category.

Health and Fitness Features

One of the selling points of Apple Watch SE 3 is that it brings more advanced health features into the entry-level model’s reach – though it still doesn’t have everything the pricier watches do. Let’s break down what’s new, what’s the same, and what’s still missing in SE 3 compared to SE 2.

New Health Sensors: The biggest new sensor in SE 3 is the inclusion of wrist temperature sensing. Apple added a pair of temperature sensors to the watch’s underside and integrated them with its cycle tracking features apple.com apple.com. This is the same hardware the Series 8 and 9 introduced – it tracks your nighttime skin temperature and can detect slight variations. Why does that matter? For one, it enables retrospective ovulation estimates for menstrual cycle tracking apple.com. In plain terms, the watch can use the temperature data to estimate when ovulation likely occurred in your cycle (after the fact), which is useful for those tracking fertility or trying to plan pregnancy. The SE 2 did not have these temperature sensors, so it couldn’t offer that feature. Additionally, the temperature readings feed into Apple’s new Vitals app data to give insight into overall wellness and deviations from your baseline. It can even alert to possible fever or illness if your overnight temperature deviates significantly (though Apple doesn’t market it as a thermometer per se). As The Verge noted, the SE 2 had omitted advanced sensors like temperature, ECG, and blood oxygen – “of those last three, the SE 3 now at least gets the temperature sensor.” theverge.com This is a notable step up in health tracking capability for the SE line.

New Health Software Features: Apple Watch SE 3 launches alongside watchOS 26, which brings a couple of new health-related features that SE 2 didn’t have at its debut. One is the Sleep Score feature – basically, a single metric summarizing your sleep quality each night, taking into account factors like duration, consistency, time in each sleep stage, and interruptions macrumors.com macrumors.com. After wearing the watch to bed, you’ll get a score and a classification (e.g. “Average” or “Excellent”) along with breakdowns of what affected your sleep. Apple derived this from large studies and guidance from sleep experts apple.com apple.com. Importantly, Sleep Score is actually a watchOS 26 feature available to SE 2 as well, as long as you update it (Apple confirmed it’s supported on Apple Watch Series 6 or later and SE 2 or later) apple.com. So both SE 3 and SE 2 (if running the latest OS) can give you a sleep score. However, SE 3 makes a better sleep tracker in practice, for two reasons: it charges faster (so you can juice it up quickly before night) and it can track temperature changes overnight. Those wrist temperature trends can be correlated with sleep and even flag possible signs of conditions like sleep apnea. In fact, watchOS 26 introduces sleep apnea notifications that use the accelerometer to detect breathing pattern interruptions during sleep apple.com. Apple says if you wear the SE 3 (or any watch with watchOS 26 and the right sensors) to bed, it can notify you if it sees consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea over a 30-day period apple.com. This too appears to be software-based (using motion data), so it might also work on the SE 2 after update – Apple’s press release implies Series 6 and later can do it apple.com. But it’s a new capability being highlighted with SE 3’s launch.

Core Health Metrics: The SE 3 includes all the core health features the SE 2 had. That means continuous heart rate monitoring with high/low heart rate alerts, irregular rhythm notifications (to potentially detect AFib) via the optical heart sensor, cardio fitness (VO₂ max) estimates, tracking of calories, steps, distance, etc. It supports Cycle Tracking (menstrual cycle logging) and now enhances it with the temperature-based ovulation estimates as discussed apple.com. Both SE 2 and SE 3 also have the same second-generation optical heart rate sensor. For daily fitness, both cover the basics: they ring-fence your activity into the Move/Exercise/Stand rings and support numerous workout types with metrics like heart rate and pace. Neither SE 2 nor SE 3 has the newer Series’ advanced metrics like blood oxygen saturation or electrocardiogram (ECG). These remain absent on the SE line to keep costs down. If ECG (which checks for atrial fibrillation via an electrical sensor on the Digital Crown) or SpO₂ blood oxygen monitoring are important to you, you’d still need a Series 6 or later or an Apple Watch Ultra – the SE 3 does not include the hardware for those theverge.com werindia.com. Engadget’s review made this trade-off clear, noting the SE 3 “doesn’t have the sensors for the ECG app… As I said in my letter, it’s OK if my watch isn’t a doctor’s office. The SE 3 can track your heart rate…and Apple added temperature sensors… That’s more than enough health data gathering for a budget smartwatch.” werindia.com. In other words, the consensus is that SE 3 hits a sweet spot by adding temperature and keeping the essentials, without venturing into every medical-grade sensor out there.

New Safety Features: On the safety front, both SE 2 and SE 3 are well-equipped. The SE 2 already introduced Crash Detection in 2022 (thanks to an upgraded accelerometer and gyroscope that can detect G-forces of a car crash) and it continued to support Fall Detection (which calls emergency services if you take a hard fall and don’t move) apple.com. The SE 3 of course has these as well. Apple also mentions a new Check-In feature in watchOS (which allows users to have their watch automatically notify a friend if they haven’t made it to a certain location by a certain time – a safety tool); SE 3 supports that just as SE 2 would with the software update apple.com. Both models have Emergency SOS, which can call 911 and send your location if you hold the side button, and international emergency calling on cellular versions.

One new health capability Apple touted for the Series 11 was a hypertension notification – essentially using long-term heart rate trend data to warn if you might have high blood pressure techcrunch.com. However, that feature is not available on the SE 3 (Apple said it will be supported on Series 9, 10, and 11 – notably omitting SE). It likely relies on more advanced algorithms and perhaps the enhanced optical sensor in the Series models. So, the SE 3 can’t check your blood pressure, but neither could SE 2; this is just an area where the gap between SE and flagship remains.

Fitness and Training: For fitness enthusiasts, both SE 2 and SE 3 run the same Workout app and support features like customized workouts, heart rate zones, GPS route tracking, etc. With watchOS 26, Apple introduced Workout Buddy, an AI-powered coaching feature that gives you real-time spoken motivation and tips during workouts apple.com. The SE 3 supports Workout Buddy (paired with an iPhone nearby), and in fact Apple highlighted it on the SE 3’s launch apple.com. The SE 2, if updated to watchOS 26, should also get Workout Buddy since Apple made it available on Series 6 and later (which includes SE 2) apple.com. However, because Workout Buddy’s advanced analysis is an Apple Intelligence (AI/ML) feature requiring a recent iPhone, the experience would be similar on both – the watch hardware matters less here than having an iPhone 12/13/14 or newer to do the heavy processing. The SE 3’s S10 chip likely ensures it can handle any on-watch aspects of this feature without hiccups.

One neat addition: the SE 3’s new chip allows it to play music or podcasts through its built-in speaker apple.com. Believe it or not, previous Apple Watches (including SE 2) did not let you play audio out loud for music – you had to use Bluetooth headphones. You could hear Siri or phone call speakerphone on the watch, but not media playback. Now, Apple has enabled direct media playback on the watch speaker for SE 3. This could be handy for quick listens or for kids who might not have AirPods. It’s a small feature, but another example of trickle-down functionality from the flagship to the SE.

In summary, Apple Watch SE 3 significantly closes the gap in health features. You get temperature-based insights and cycle tracking that the SE 2 lacks theverge.com, and the latest health algorithms like sleep apnea detection and sleep score apple.com macrumors.com. Crucially, common health and safety tools (heart rate, fall/crash detection, emergency SOS) are on both models, so SE 2 owners weren’t deprived of the basics. SE 3 just builds on that with more “preventative” health monitoring (temperature trends, advanced cycle and sleep analytics). What’s still missing on SE 3 are the clinically oriented sensors: no ECG, no blood oxygen, no new blood-pressure alerts – those remain upsell features for Apple’s higher-end watches theverge.com. But for the target audience (general users and families), the SE 3 now offers 90% of the health and fitness functionality of the expensive models, which is impressive at this price. As Apple’s Stan Ng (VP of Apple Watch marketing) put it, “SE offers a great way for users to start their Apple Watch journey… With even more health features, an Always-On display, and fast charging, we’re excited to see the ways Apple Watch SE 3 supports more people… to live a healthier and more active life.” apple.com The SE 2 was already a solid health companion, but the SE 3 ups the ante by adding some of the most requested extras.

Software, WatchOS Support, and User Experience

Both the Apple Watch SE 2 and SE 3 run watchOS, and as of this launch the latest version is watchOS 26. The SE 3 comes with watchOS 26 out of the box, whereas SE 2 initially shipped with watchOS 9 (in 2022) but is upgradeable to watchOS 26 as well (Apple has made watchOS 26 available for Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen) apple.com apple.com. This means in terms of general user interface and app capabilities, an updated SE 2 can do nearly everything an SE 3 can. You’ll see the same redesigned widgets interface (the “Liquid Glass” translucent UI elements Apple introduced in watchOS 26) theverge.com, new watch faces, and improved apps on both. However, there are a few software features limited by hardware where the SE 3 has an edge:

• On-Device Siri: As mentioned, only SE 3’s S10 chip supports on-device processing for Siri requests apple.com. On an SE 2, using Siri to log a health stat or start a workout will require an internet connection and a bit more time, since the older watch has to reach Apple’s servers. SE 3 will handle many of these requests internally, resulting in faster responses and the ability to use Siri offline for certain tasks (like timers or opening apps). Also new in watchOS 26, Siri can now directly access health data (e.g., “What’s my heart rate?” or “How did I sleep last night?”) apple.com, and doing that securely on-device is a plus for privacy and speed – something only the newer chip enables.
• Gesture Controls: The double-tap gesture is a prime example of a cool software feature that’s exclusive to SE 3 (and Series 9/10/11) due to the Neural Engine requirements apple.com. If you try double-tapping your fingers on an SE 2, nothing will happen; on SE 3 it will register as a primary action (answer the call, play/pause music, etc.). Likewise, the wrist flick to dismiss notifications is implemented thanks to the S10’s sensor processing apple.com – that’s not offered on SE 2. These make the SE 3 more convenient to operate one-handed, especially if the other hand is occupied (think cooking, carrying groceries, etc.). They’re small UX enhancements, but they add to the polish of the new model.
• Live Activities / Smart Stack: Both watches with watchOS 26 get the new Smart Stack widgets and live activities. Performance might be smoother on SE 3 when flipping through widgets or updating live data, given the stronger chip, but functionally SE 2 can do it too.
• App compatibility: At this time, virtually all watchOS apps that run on one will run on the other. That said, as years go on, the S8 chip in SE 2 may eventually struggle with future app updates or new features. For example, if a future watchOS 27 or 28 introduces something like advanced AI coaching or more complex watch faces, the SE 3 is more likely to get it (and handle it) than the SE 2. Already, we see that certain future-proof features (like the Live Translation feature Apple touted, presumably translating speech on the fly) are mentioned for S10 devices werindia.com. Engadget noted that with the Series 11’s S10 chip in SE 3, the budget watch “will be able to handle watchOS 26 features like Workout Buddy and Live Translation, just like its pricier siblings” werindia.com. That implies SE 2 might not support something like on-the-fly translation if Apple limits it to the newest chip.
• Family Setup and Kids mode: Both SE 2 and SE 3 fully support Apple’s Family Setup, where you can pair an Apple Watch to a parent’s iPhone for use by a child or older family member without their own iPhone. Apple even markets SE 3 as ideal for kids, highlighting that it has all the connectivity, fitness, and safety features needed while being more durable and affordable apple.com apple.com. In practice, Family Setup experience is the same on both; the only difference is SE 3’s faster charging makes it easier to keep it on a kid’s wrist more and on the charger less. Both models in cellular configuration can serve as a standalone phone/locator for a family member when set up that way.
• watchOS support lifespan: Apple typically supports each Apple Watch for many years, but the cutoff is creeping up. Notably, watchOS 26 dropped support for Apple Watch Series 5 and the original SE (both use the S5 chip). The SE 2 uses an S8 chip (equivalent to Series 8’s internals), which is still supported in watchOS 26 and likely will be for a couple more major releases. The SE 3’s S10 is brand new and will be in current devices for at least a year or two; you can safely expect the SE 3 to get several additional watchOS updates beyond whatever the SE 2 gets. In essence, the SE 3 extends your runway – it will receive the latest watch faces, features, and security updates longer into the future, whereas SE 2 will reach end-of-support sooner. This is another aspect of being “future-proof” with the S10 cultofmac.com.

It’s also worth mentioning software extras like Apple’s Fitness+ service and Apple Pay. Both SE 2 and SE 3 can unlock your Mac, authenticate Apple Pay purchases, and show your Apple Wallet passes, etc. There’s no difference there. If you use Fitness+ (Apple’s workout video service), both watches integrate to show your real-time metrics on screen. Newer versions of watchOS have features like Precision Finding for iPhone (using UWB), but the SE 3 does not have the new U2 ultra-wideband chip that the iPhone 15/16 and possibly Series 11 have – Apple didn’t mention UWB for SE 3, and previous SE models lacked the U1 chip that came in some Series watches. So finding a misplaced iPhone via UWB is likely not supported on either SE 2 or SE 3; they can still ping an iPhone the old-fashioned way over Bluetooth.

In use, the general experience of watchOS – replying to texts, tracking workouts, using apps like Calendar or Music, etc. – will feel very similar across SE 2 and SE 3, especially since the interface and screen are the same. But the SE 3 will feel more polished and responsive, thanks to the faster chip and the convenience of the always-on screen and new gestures. Early impressions underscore that Apple has given the SE 3 a lot of the “quality-of-life” improvements that were missing. For example, one reviewer who had a wish list for the SE line said: “I asked for a faster processor and faster charging… and on-board Siri. The Apple Watch SE 3 has some of what I asked for… at the same $250, this is looking like a pretty tempting budget smartwatch.” werindia.com Many of those improvements are a combination of hardware and software working together.

The bottom line on software: Both watches can run the latest OS and apps, but the SE 3 unlocks the full feature set of watchOS 26 (and beyond) that the SE 2 can’t always fully utilize. The SE 2, while still supported today, is a generation behind in Silicon and will miss out on certain new capabilities like double tap or on-device Siri. If you just need the basic smartwatch functions, SE 2 still holds up, but SE 3 makes using those functions smoother and adds some nifty new interactions that elevate the user experience to match Apple’s flagships.

Connectivity and Compatibility

When it comes to staying connected, the Apple Watch SE 3 brings a noteworthy upgrade: 5G cellular support. This is the first time Apple has put 5G in an SE model (or any Watch, for that matter – the Series 11 and Ultra 3 also moved to 5G in 2025). The SE 2 and all prior Apple Watches with cellular were limited to 4G LTE. So what does 5G on a watch mean? Primarily, faster data transfer and greater network efficiency. Apple says the new 5G modem in SE 3 provides “better performance with greater throughput”, so things like music streaming, podcast downloads, app updates, and map data can pull down faster on the watch apple.com. It can also improve voice call quality if the network supports high-definition voice, and in theory reduce latency for Siri requests. Moreover, Apple notes the 5G modem is more power efficient, using less battery for the same cellular tasks than the LTE modem did apple.com. That’s important because cellular can be a big battery drain on Apple Watches; a more efficient modem helps mitigate that.

It’s worth tempering expectations: the Apple Watch’s 5G is likely limited to sub-6GHz bands (no mmWave), and carriers often don’t push huge speeds to wearable plans. But if you’re in a good coverage area, your SE 3 should have no trouble maintaining a strong connection and doing things untethered from your phone a bit snappier than the SE 2 could. The SE 2 on LTE is hardly slow for things like iMessage or calls, but you might notice SE 3 loading a podcast episode or sending a photo over cellular a bit faster. For emergency use, either watch can call 911 just fine, 5G or 4G. The key point is that if you opt for a Cellular model, the SE 3 is more future-proof in network tech as carriers evolve their infrastructure.

Both SE 2 and SE 3 come in GPS-only or GPS + Cellular configurations. The GPS-only versions rely on your iPhone’s connection for calls/texts/data, or on Wi-Fi networks that the watch can join. The Cellular versions have an eSIM that you can add to your mobile plan (usually around $10/month extra) to let the watch work independently. With Family Setup (for a kid), you’d need the cellular model since the watch won’t have its own iPhone nearby. It’s worth noting Apple’s pricing strategy here: the SE line has a modest upcharge for cellular. For SE 3 it’s +$50 over the base price engadget.com, same as it was for SE 2 (which made cellular much more attainable than on flagship models that charge $100 premium for cellular). So, if you want that untethered capability, SE 3 gives you more bang (5G) for a relatively low buck increase.

In terms of other wireless connectivity: Both watches have Bluetooth (SE 3 likely updated to Bluetooth 5.3 vs SE 2’s 5.0, although Apple doesn’t explicitly list it in marketing) and Wi-Fi. They connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks (and likely 5GHz as well, since Apple Watch Series 6 and above support 5GHz Wi-Fi – it’s probable the SE 2 with S8 had that too). That means when your phone is out of range, if there’s a known Wi-Fi network (like your home or office), the watch can still get online for iMessage, Siri, etc., even on a GPS-only model. No changes there between SE 2 and SE 3.

GPS/GNSS: For location tracking during runs or using maps, both SE 2 and SE 3 have built-in GPS (and GLONASS, etc.). Neither has the dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS that the Apple Watch Ultra introduced, but for city navigation and tracking workouts, their GPS is accurate enough. No differences have been noted; if anything the SE 3’s S10 might process GPS data slightly more efficiently, but end result (route maps, distance accuracy) should be similar between the two.

Ultra Wideband: This is one area of connectivity that appears absent on the SE line. Apple did not mention any UWB chip in the SE 3, whereas the new Series 11 includes the second-gen UWB chip (U2). The previous SE 2 didn’t have the first-gen U1 chip either (only the Series 6/7/8 did). So, things like Precision Finding to pinpoint your iPhone’s location using UWB, or the new integration with HomePod (hand off music by proximity), likely aren’t supported on SE 2 or SE 3. They’ll still do basic pinging of devices via Bluetooth. For most users, this isn’t a big loss, but it’s one connectivity perk that remains exclusive to higher models.

Compatibility (iPhone requirements): One important note: Apple’s ecosystem means an Apple Watch needs an iPhone to set up and operate (unless using Family Setup for a child). The SE 3 requires an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26 as per Apple’s specs apple.com. That’s because watchOS 26 has upped the baseline – it drops support for older iPhones. By contrast, the SE 2 when it launched could pair with iPhone 8 or later (on iOS 16 at that time). Practically, by 2025, many people have an iPhone 11 or newer, but if you are clinging to an iPhone X or 8 and wanted an SE 3, you’d be out of luck. The SE 2 on watchOS 9/10 can still work with some older iPhones (iPhone 6s/7/8 with iOS updates), so it had a slightly broader compatibility at the time. But going forward, Apple has aligned Watch requirements with fairly recent iPhones. So, consider that if gifting an SE 3 – the companion iPhone needs to be relatively modern.

Device Pairing and Ecosystem: Both SE models integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem – unlock Mac, use as camera shutter for iPhone, Apple Pay, GymKit with fitness machines, etc. There’s no difference here. Neither watch works with Android phones at all; Apple Watch remains iPhone-only, no change in that policy. If you’re in a mixed-device household, that’s a limitation of both.

Audio and Calls: Both SE 2 and SE 3 have a built-in microphone and speaker for phone calls, Siri, and Walkie-Talkie. The SE 3’s S10 chip enables a new Voice Isolation feature for calls, which filters out background noise so your voice comes through clearer on the other end apple.com. This feature was also introduced on Series 9 and later, and is now on SE 3. The SE 2 doesn’t have that, so call quality might not be as crisp in noisy environments. The SE 3 also, as mentioned, lets you play music/podcasts out loud on the speaker now apple.com, whereas the SE 2 would force you to use headphones for media. These are minor quality-of-life connectivity differences that favor SE 3.

In summary, connectivity got a boost on SE 3 especially if you opt for the cellular model. 5G means it’s more future-ready and efficient on networks apple.com. Otherwise, both watches offer the same wireless features in daily use – they pair with your iPhone over Bluetooth, hop on Wi-Fi, and can be equipped with a cellular plan for independence. Just remember, SE 3 needs a newer iPhone for setup (iPhone 11 or later) apple.com. If you have that, both SE 2 and SE 3 will integrate smoothly with your digital life, but the SE 3 will do so with slightly faster data and a few extra tricks (like voice isolation and direct music playback). For most users, the experience of notifications, calls, and apps will be very similar – the SE 3 just ensures it’s using the latest and fastest methods available for a watch to stay connected.

Pricing, Configurations, and Availability

One of the best parts about the Apple Watch SE 3 is that Apple kept the price the same as the previous model, despite all the added features. The SE 3 starts at $249 USD for the 40mm GPS (non-cellular) model apple.com. The larger 44mm size costs a bit more at $279 for GPS-only. If you want the ability to use it without your iPhone nearby, the GPS + Cellular versions cost an additional $50 in the SE lineup engadget.com. That puts the 40mm cellular SE 3 at about $299, and the 44mm cellular at $329. These were exactly the SE 2’s launch prices in 2022 (in fact, Apple slightly dropped the price when moving from original SE to SE 2, going from $279 down to $249 base, and they’ve held it there for SE 3) apple.com.

For comparison, Apple’s flagship Series watches now start around $399 (and the Ultra models around $799+). So the SE 3 continues to be Apple’s value play – it’s roughly $150 less than the cheapest new Series 11, making it very attractive for budget-conscious buyers or as a first Apple Watch. Apple themselves emphasized the “incredible value” aspect during the announcement apple.com.

In terms of configurations: As mentioned, there are two sizes (40mm, 44mm) and each is available in GPS-only or GPS+Cellular. The casing is aluminum by default – there are no steel or titanium options for the SE (those materials are reserved for higher-end models). Also, there are no different edition variants (like Nike or Hermes) for SE; however, the SE 3 does support all the Nike watch faces now that Apple made those available to everyone, and you can buy Nike-branded sport bands separately if desired. Essentially, your choices when buying an SE 3 are just size, color, and cellular or not. The color choices for SE 3 are Midnight or Starlight. Midnight is a nearly-black dark blue hue, and Starlight is a light champagne with a mix of silver and gold tone. The SE 2 previously also had a Silver aluminum option (a classic neutral silver), but Apple dropped that for SE 3 – possibly to streamline production or because Starlight is very close in appearance to silver with a hint of warmth. If you had your heart set on a pure silver or a Product Red, you won’t find those in the SE 3 lineup (Series watches sometimes offer more colors, but SE sticks to basics).

Both SE generations come with a standard Sport Band (or Sport Loop) in the box. When ordering, Apple usually lets you choose the band style and size. That doesn’t affect the price except if you select certain premium band options which might cost more. But typically, $249 gets you the watch and a basic band.

Now, availability: Apple announced the Watch SE 3 on September 9, 2025 (alongside the iPhone 17 lineup and other watches) and made it available for pre-order immediately in many countries apple.com apple.com. It’s launching in over 50 countries and regions in the first wave, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, major EU markets, India, Japan, and more apple.com. The first units hit customers’ wrists on Friday, September 19, 2025 apple.com. If you’re reading this not long after launch, it should be readily available online and in Apple Stores/authorized retailers. There were no reports of constrained supply for SE 3 (often the base models have plenty of stock since they’re not as hyped as the new iPhones).

In terms of continued sales of SE 2: Apple’s pattern is to discontinue the previous SE when a new one comes out. Indeed, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) is no longer listed on Apple’s website as of the SE 3 announcement – it’s been fully replaced at that $249 slot. You might still find the SE 2 on sale from third-party sellers or leftover inventory, possibly at a discount. Since the SE 3 brings so many upgrades for the same price, retailers might mark down the SE 2 to clear stock. For example, you might see an SE 2 for $199 or $219 on clearance. That could be a bargain for someone who doesn’t care about the always-on display or temperature sensor, but going forward, most will gravitate to the new model given the value proposition.

Apple also often runs promotions like a few months free of Apple Fitness+ or Apple Music with a new Watch purchase. In 2025, Apple is indeed offering 3 months free of Fitness+ and Apple Music to new subscribers who buy an SE 3 (same as with Series 11 or Ultra 3) apple.com apple.com. This isn’t a huge monetary value, but it’s a nice add-on if you’re interested in those services.

It’s also worth noting that while the US pricing is $249, prices vary globally due to taxes and currency. In Europe it might be around €299, in the UK around £259, etc. But it’s positioned as the entry-level model in all regions.

One more configuration note: all Apple Watch SE 3 models have 32GB of internal storage (for music, podcasts, apps) and come only with GPS + GLONASS (no L5 GPS, as mentioned). And unlike the flagship watches, the SE 3 does not have an option with a sapphire crystal or higher-end case. However, functionally, a $249 SE 3 does almost everything a $799 Apple Watch Ultra 3 can, which is rather remarkable.

Trade-in and upgrades: If you own an SE 2, Apple’s trade-in value might be modest (~$70–$100 range, depending on condition), but it can take a bite out of the upgrade cost. If you have the original SE (2020), upgrading to SE 3 will be a big leap in features (you’d gain always-on, much faster chip, newer sensors, etc., at likely a similar price you paid originally).

In summary, the pricing strategy of SE 3 is aggressive. Apple kept it affordable at $249 apple.com, making it accessible to a wide audience – from kids/teens (with parents likely buying), to older adults who want a simple smartwatch, to anyone on a budget. And you’re getting a lot more for that money this generation. Initial reviews point out that Apple “mostly” delivered on the wishlist for the same price werindia.com, which makes the SE 3 arguably an even better deal than the SE 2 was. Availability is broad and immediate, so there’s no extended wait; it’s part of Apple’s Fall 2025 lineup and available alongside the new iPhones.

Early Reviews and Expert Impressions

The Apple Watch SE 3 has made a strong first impression among tech experts, many of whom note that Apple has meaningfully improved the SE without raising the price. The consensus is that the SE 3 finally adds some long-requested features, making an already good-value smartwatch even more compelling.

Reviewers often describe the SE 3 as benefitting from “trickle-down features” of Apple’s higher-end watches theverge.com. The Verge’s headline highlighted that the SE 3 is Apple’s new entry-level $249 watch “with always-on display” and noted it “gets a lot of new trickle-down features from pricier Apple Watches.” theverge.com. Those trickle-down features – like the always-on screen, faster chip, new gestures, and temperature sensing – have been very well received. It gives the sense that Apple is no longer holding back all the good stuff for the $400+ models; the SE 3 is catching up in capability.

In a hands-on summary, The Verge pointed out that the SE 3 “looks familiar” externally but “has some notable features the SE line never had before”, referring to additions like the always-on display theverge.com. They also called out that the SE 2 (2022) left out things like the always-on display and advanced sensors, and “of those… the SE 3 now at least gets the temperature sensor.” theverge.com In other words, Apple addressed some of the key omissions that set the SE apart from the flagship models. The Verge also cited the tougher Ion-X glass and faster charging as making the SE 3 “not bad for an SE” theverge.com – a tongue-in-cheek way of saying this budget model is surprisingly well-equipped.

Engadget’s team had previously praised the SE 2 as “the best smartwatch $250 can buy” in 2022, and their early take is that SE 3 raises that bar even higher werindia.com. In an open letter follow-up, Engadget’s Amy Skorheim wrote, “With all the improvements Apple has added, that praise may now be an understatement.” werindia.com She noted that Apple “acquiesced” to many of her demands for the SE, like a faster processor and faster charging, while even throwing in the bonus of an always-on display (which she admitted wasn’t critical to her, but nice to have) werindia.com. One of her standout comments was that at the same $250 price, the SE 3 “is looking like a pretty tempting budget smartwatch.” werindia.com. Engadget’s piece applauded the inclusion of on-device Siri and the new gestures – features that improve day-to-day usability – and practically rejoiced at the fast charge fix (no more waiting over 2 hours for a full charge) werindia.com. They also agreed that not every high-end sensor was necessary in a budget watch, concluding that the SE 3 gathers “more than enough health data” for its role werindia.com.

TechCrunch, in coverage of Apple’s event, emphasized the functional gains: the SE 3’s S10 chip enabling always-on display and gestures, the addition of temperature sensing for richer health insights, and the continuation of the $249 starting price techcrunch.com techcrunch.com. Their tone suggests that SE 3 was a logical and welcome update to keep the budget watch attractive alongside the Series 11 and Ultra 3.

MacRumors and 9to5Mac both provided spec-by-spec breakdowns without heavy editorializing. MacRumors listed the new features in SE 3 (always-on, Sleep Score, double tap, temperature, 5G, etc.) and clearly noted it’s the first new SE in three years macrumors.com macrumors.com. 9to5Mac’s author Ben Lovejoy pointed out that the SE was “long due an update” and that SE 3 finally brings the always-on display “to the budget model for the first time” along with the S10 chip and fast charging 9to5mac.com. They highlighted Apple’s quotes about the health features and battery in their article, essentially reinforcing that SE 3 is a solid evolution 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com.

From an Apple perspective, the company is positioning SE 3 as the ideal starter Apple Watch. Stan Ng (Apple’s VP of Watch product marketing) said “Apple Watch SE offers a great way for users to start their Apple Watch journey… at an incredible value”, and he specifically touted that SE 3 has “even more health features, an Always-On display, and fast charging” to help more people live healthier lives apple.com. That pretty much sums up Apple’s intent: pack in flagship capabilities over time without moving the price, thereby reaching a broader audience (including kids, who might not need an ECG on their watch, but whose parents will appreciate the tougher glass and emergency features).

Initial hands-on impressions (from those who attended Apple’s launch event) indicate that visually the SE 3 is nearly indistinguishable from the SE 2, but once they used it, the new features stood out. The always-on display was a welcome addition – something that makes the watch face feel more “alive” and useful at all times. Testers tried the double tap gesture and found it worked as advertised on the SE 3, making one-handed use simpler (this is something that will only get more useful as people build muscle memory for it). The faster charging wasn’t something they could demo on-site, but media universally flagged that as a crucial improvement for real-world use.

One expert summed up the SE 3’s appeal by saying Apple “mostly nailed it” – the SE 3 delivers what most people felt was missing in the SE 2 werindia.com. The only lingering wish might have been a bigger screen or maybe an additional color option, but those are minor quibbles in light of how much functionality SE 3 now offers at the same price point. There’s also acknowledgement that SE 3 still isn’t meant to satisfy those who want every medical sensor – but that’s by design. For $249, it covers the vast majority of use cases. As The Verge pointed out, it’s a “parts-bin remix” of current and previous flagship features theverge.com, and this time around Apple tossed in some of the really good parts.

For consumers reading these reviews, the message is that the Apple Watch SE 3 is an extremely strong contender for best value smartwatch. It was true for SE 2, and even more so now. Unless you specifically need ECG or an always-on altimeter or the absolute largest, edge-to-edge display, the SE 3 gives you almost everything the $399 Apple Watch offers – and even a couple of things the last-gen flagships didn’t (like that new S10 chip). Early reviewers seem genuinely impressed that Apple didn’t cut any new corners; they actually added important features while holding price.

In conclusion, the SE 3 vs SE 2 comparison heavily favors the new model. Apple Watch SE 3 brings meaningful upgrades in display, performance, health tracking, and charging speed, with no real downsides or price hikes. The design and core experience remain familiar, which is fine given how well-liked the SE 2 was. If you already have an SE 2, you might not need to rush to upgrade unless those specific new features speak to you (always-on and temperature tracking are the big ones). But anyone choosing between the two, or buying their first Apple Watch, will find the SE 3 a no-brainer choice for 2025 and beyond. It cements the SE line as the best value in the Apple Watch family, a sentiment echoed by experts who note that Apple has “delivered outstanding health, fitness, safety, and connectivity features at an incredible value” with this third-gen model apple.com.

Sources:

• Apple Newsroom – “Apple introduces Apple Watch SE 3”, Sept 9, 2025 apple.com apple.com apple.com apple.com
• The Verge – “Apple announces new entry-level $249 Apple Watch SE 3 with always-on display”, Sept 9, 2025 theverge.com theverge.com theverge.com
• Engadget – “Apple acquiesced to my Apple Watch SE 3 demands (mostly)”, Sept 10, 2025 werindia.com werindia.com werindia.com
• 9to5Mac – “Apple Watch SE 3 announced, with S10 chip and always-on display”, Sept 9, 2025 9to5mac.com 9to5mac.com
• TechCrunch – “Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, and Watch SE 3”, Sept 9, 2025 techcrunch.com techcrunch.com
• MacRumors – “Apple Watch SE 3 Announced With Always-On Display, Fast Charging, and More”, Sept 9, 2025 macrumors.com macrumors.com
• Cult of Mac – “Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch SE (comparison)”, 2024 cultofmac.com (on S10 vs S8 chip future-proofing)
• Apple Product Page – Apple Watch SE 3 Tech Specs (Apple.com) apple.com apple.com