Apple Watch SE 3: The Most Compelling Smartwatch of the Year
The $249 Apple Watch SE 3 has surprisingly stolen the spotlight, proving to be the most exciting release in Apple's smartwatch collection this year. Despite the presence of the Series 11 and Ultra 3, the SE 3 delivers a substantial upgrade package that directly addresses long-standing user desires. This model features an always-on display, enhanced processing power from the S10 chip, and numerous health monitoring improvements, making it a compelling option. Its robust set of features at a lower price point offers exceptional value, drawing in new users and satisfying current ones without the need for the pricier, more iterative updates seen in its premium counterparts. This review will delve into the specific enhancements that make the SE 3 a leading choice for consumers.
Entering Apple Park, the expectation was not for the affordable Apple Watch SE 3 to outshine its more premium siblings, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. Yet, it did precisely that, offering a refresh that truly delivers what users have been asking for. This third-generation SE model boasts a comprehensive overhaul, marking a significant leap forward compared to the incremental updates seen in the higher-end models. The surprise element of its extensive new features, particularly without prior leaks, highlights Apple's responsiveness to consumer feedback.
Key advancements in the SE 3 include a jump from the S8 to the S10 chip, which provides faster processing and unlocks features previously exclusive to the Series and Ultra lines. These new capabilities encompass the intuitive double-tap and wrist-flick gestures, on-device Siri for enhanced convenience, and improved voice isolation for clearer calls. A long-awaited feature, the always-on display, has finally arrived, significantly improving the user experience by making information instantly accessible. Furthermore, while maintaining an 18-hour battery life estimate, the SE 3 now supports fast charging, with the ability to reach 80 percent charge in just 45 minutes.
In terms of health tracking, the SE 3 is equipped with a wrist-temperature sensor, enabling retrospective ovulation tracking and providing more comprehensive sleep data within the Vitals app. Additional health features include notifications for breathing disturbances and sleep apnea, alongside a new Sleep Score. Connectivity also sees an upgrade with 5G support, promising faster downloads and better cellular coverage. The device is also more durable, offering four times greater crack resistance than its predecessor, the SE 2. The inclusion of audio playback further enhances its utility, allowing users to listen to music or podcasts directly from their wrist.
Comparing the SE 3 to the Series 11 reveals a shrinking gap in functionality. While the Series 11 retains exclusive features like EKG capabilities, blood oxygen measurement, and hypertension notifications, the SE 3 offers many core functionalities at a significantly lower price. For the average user, the absence of these specialized health metrics might not be a deal-breaker, especially given the $150 price difference. The SE 3 still provides essential heart rate alerts and improved period and sleep tracking, which are often more relevant for daily use. The smaller 40mm and 44mm sizes of the SE 3, coupled with thicker bezels, are minor trade-offs for its overall value, particularly as the always-on display mitigates some visual drawbacks.
Battery management with the SE 3 requires a bit more attention compared to the Series 11. For instance, a typical day involving activity tracking and a cross-country flight left the reviewer with 27 percent battery after 13 hours. A quick 10-minute charge was sufficient to last through the night. While this might seem like frequent charging to users accustomed to other brands like Garmin or Fitbit, it's generally in line with expectations for an Apple Watch. The main takeaway is that for those heavily using features, battery monitoring is necessary, though the fast-charging capability helps alleviate this.
The screen size and bezel thickness on the 40mm SE 3 were initially noticeable, especially for someone accustomed to larger, more premium Apple Watch models. However, this concern diminished with prolonged use, particularly when utilizing watch faces with dark backgrounds. While larger displays offer easier interaction and readability for notifications, the smaller screen size may not be a significant issue for individuals with good eyesight. The availability of a 44mm option can also help mitigate screen concerns for some users.
The comprehensive enhancements to the $250 Apple Watch SE 3 have indeed disrupted the existing product hierarchy within Apple's smartwatch ecosystem. Previously, the distinction between the high-end Ultra and the Series models was clear due to features like advanced GPS, rugged design, extra buttons, and satellite connectivity. Now, the line separating the SE 3 from the Series 11 has become considerably blurred for many consumers, making the more affordable option a formidable contender. The SE 3's robust feature set offers exceptional value, making it the preferred choice for a broad audience and marking it as the most compelling Apple Watch available today.