Series 3 vs SE Which Apple Watch should you buy?.
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For the first time, Apple has a new mid-range Apple Watch consideration for potential buyers. The Apple Watch SE sits between the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 6 in Apple’s lineup, and provides an interesting hybrid of features. This is how the differences between the Apple Watch Series 3 vs Apple Watch SE compare.
Comparison of design and screen. 3 Series vs. SE
One of the most striking differences between the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Apple Watch SE is the design. Apple Watch Series 3 features a boxier design with a smaller screen and larger bezels. It’s the same design used by the first Apple Watch model and is available in 38mm and 42mm sizes.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch SE features the same physical design as the Series 4, Series 5, and Series 6. This means you get slimmer bezels with rounded screen corners. In practice, this difference causes the viewing area of the Apple Watch SE to be significantly increased compared to the last-generation design of the Apple Watch Series 3:
Apple Watch Series 3 38mm viewing area is 563 square mm and Apple Watch SE 40mm is 759 square mm.
Apple Watch Series 3 42mm viewing area is 740 square mm and Apple Watch SE 44mm is 977 square mm.
If you’re looking for the always-on display, you’re out of luck with the Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch SE; instead, this feature is only available on Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 6.
Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch SE feature Retina OLED displays with a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, though Apple Watch SE also includes energy-conserving LTPO display technology that could help with battery life.
Performance and battery life
Another big difference between the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Apple Watch SE is performance. Apple Watch Series 3 is powered by Apple’s dual-core S3 processor, while Apple Watch SE is powered by Apple’s S5 processor. In terms of real-world performance, Apple says the Apple Watch SE is up to twice as fast as the Series 3.
This means you can expect app performance, Siri, Maps, and other features to run noticeably faster with Apple Watch SE than with Apple Watch Series 3. Apple Watch SE is also more likely to receive additional software features. in the future. while the 3 Series could be excluded due to performance issues.
As for battery life, Apple says that the Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch SE can run for up to 18 hours on a single charge. Actual battery life will always vary, but this 18-hour benchmark is a good way to shape your expectations.
health functions
Both Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch SE miss out on Apple’s newest health features. Including support for electrocardiograms and blood oxygen level detection. If you’re looking for the best Apple Watch in terms of general health features, the Apple Watch Series 6 is your best bet.
But having said that, Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch SE support high and low heart rate notifications, as well as irregular heart rate notifications. Both models also feature Apple’s Emergency SOS feature. But only Apple Watch SE has support for international emergency calls, noise monitoring and fall detection.
Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 3 have support for Apple’s Fitness app and the upcoming Fitness+ service. This ensures that you’ll be able to track your fitness progress, compete with friends, and more.
Cellular vs. GPS
One of the key differences between the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Apple Watch SE is the connectivity options available. Apple Watch SE is available in two configurations: GPS and GPS + Cellular. The latest setting allows your Apple Watch to connect to cellular networks and work independently of your iPhone.
This also has implications for the new Family Settings feature in watchOS 7. This setting allows you to set up an Apple Watch for a family member without an iPhone, like a child or an elderly relative. However, because the Apple Watch works completely on its own in this arrangement, a cellular connection is required. Apple Watch Series 3 is not available with cellular connectivity and therefore does not support Family Setup.
Apple Watch Series 3 vs. Apple Watch SE: Pricing
The Apple Watch Series 3 is available across the Apple lineup in 38mm and 42mm sizes. The former will cost you €219, while the latter will cost you €249. These are the only two configuration options available, aside from your choice of silver or space gray casing.
The Apple Watch SE is available in 40mm and 44mm configurations, with the former costing €299 and the latter costing €329. If you opt for an Apple Watch with cellular, the price goes up to €349 for the 40mm size and €379 for the 44mm size.
Something to consider here is that if you plan to pick up the 42mm Apple Watch Series 3 for $249, you might want to consider the 40mm Apple Watch SE. There’s a $50 price difference, but the 40mm Apple Watch SE actually gives you more viewing area (759mm sq) than the 42mm Apple Watch Series 3 (740mm sq).
Apple Watch Series 3 vs. Apple Watch SE: The Verdict
For someone looking to get into the Apple Watch ecosystem at the most affordable price possible, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a great option. Although it is several years old, it is one of the best smartwatches on the market and one of the best fitness trackers on the market.
However, if you can justify the extra price jump to the Apple Watch SE, that’s the best option for most people. You’ll get significantly better performance, a more modern design, 4x the internal storage, Family Setup integration and much more.
