Apple has refreshed its entry-level smartwatch with the new Apple Watch SE 3, offering nearly all the features of the mid-range Series 11 at a much lower price. Starting at £219 (€269 / $249 / A$399), the SE 3 is now the most affordable full-featured smartwatch for iPhone users.
Familiar Design, Major Upgrade
The biggest upgrade in the Watch SE 3 is the always-on display, a feature previously reserved for premium models. It allows users to view the time and notifications without raising their wrist. The watch retains the classic Apple Watch design from the Series 6 (2020), available in 40mm and 44mm sizes with slightly thicker bezels and smaller screens. While the display is a bit dimmer than that of the Series 11, it remains crisp and vibrant in most conditions.
Fast Performance and New Gestures
Powered by the S10 chip — the same processor found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3 — the SE 3 delivers equally smooth performance. It supports touch-free gestures like double tap and wrist flick to dismiss alerts or control timers without touching the screen.
Features and Battery Life
Running watchOS 26, the SE 3 supports Apple Pay, rich notifications, music control, offline Apple Maps, and third-party apps.
Battery life averages 1.5 days, or about 7 hours of GPS workout tracking, with a full charge taking roughly one hour (70% in 30 minutes).
Health and Fitness Tracking
While the SE 3 skips advanced sensors like ECG, blood oxygen, and hypertension monitoring, it still includes:
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Skin temperature sensor for sleep and cycle tracking
- GPS, altimeter, and compass for outdoor activities
It tracks popular workouts such as running, cycling, and walking with solid accuracy.
Eco-Friendly and Repairable
Apple says the SE 3 contains over 40% recycled materials, including aluminium, copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements. The battery is rated for 1,000 full cycles and can be replaced for £95, while general repairs cost between £195 and £229.
Pricing Comparison
| Model | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE 3 | £219 / €269 / $249 | Always-on display, S10 chip |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | £369 | Brighter screen, ECG sensor |
| Apple Watch Ultra 3 | £749 | Titanium build, longest battery life |
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE 3 offers the best value in Apple’s lineup this year. With its always-on display, S10 chip, and modern software, it delivers nearly everything the Series 11 does — for about 40% less. The missing ECG and slightly shorter battery life are minor trade-offs for the price.
