The Apple Watch SE 3, launched in September 2025, represents the most significant generational leap in Apple’s budget-friendly smartwatch line. It successfully balances affordability with advanced, performance-driving features, making it a highly attractive option for both first-time buyers and those looking for essential Apple Watch functionality without the flagship price tag.
Design and Display: Closing the Gap
Visually, the SE 3 retains the classic, rounded square case design of its predecessor, available in the standard 40mm and 44mm aluminum sizes. While the overall aesthetics remain familiar—lacking the thinner display bezels of the concurrent Series 11—Apple has introduced a critical upgrade: the Always-On Retina display.
This is the first time this feature has been available on the SE series, fundamentally changing the device’s utility by allowing users to glance at the time, complications, and workout metrics without needing to actively raise their wrist or tap the screen. The display boasts up to 1,000 nits of brightness, ensuring excellent readability in various conditions. Furthermore, the durability has been markedly improved, with the Ion-X front glass reported to be four times more resistant to cracks than the SE 2, providing greater peace of mind during active use.
Performance and Seamless Interaction
Powering the SE 3 is the S10 System in Package (SiP). Crucially, this is the same high-performance processor found in the top-tier Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3. This inclusion is the single biggest performance differentiator, replacing the older S8 chip and delivering lightning-fast app launches, fluid navigation, and highly responsive interactions.
The S10 chip also enables key software-driven features:
Double Tap and Wrist Flick Gestures: These intuitive, one-handed controls allow users to perform primary actions (like answering a call or snoozing an alarm) by simply tapping the index finger and thumb together, or dismissing a notification with a quick flick of the wrist.
On-Device Siri: Thanks to the S10’s powerful Neural Engine, Siri processing is faster and can handle basic health queries and commands directly on the watch, requiring less reliance on a nearby iPhone. The cellular model also gains 5G connectivity for speedier communication away from a phone.
Advanced Health Monitoring Features
The SE 3 significantly expands its health capabilities, positioning it as a far more capable wellness device than previous generations. While it purposefully omits the medical-grade ECG app and Blood Oxygen monitoring—which remain exclusive to the flagship line—it integrates several valuable sensors and software features:
Wrist Temperature Sensing: This sensor works overnight to provide baseline temperature data, feeding critical information into the Vitals app and enabling retrospective ovulation estimates within Cycle Tracking, a key tool for family planning and improved period predictions.
Sleep Score and Vitals: The addition of a comprehensive Sleep Score helps users better analyze the quality and duration of their sleep. The dedicated Vitals app consolidates key overnight metrics, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and wrist temperature.
Sleep Apnea Notifications: This important safety feature analyzes respiratory and movement patterns while sleeping, alerting users to consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Core safety features like Crash Detection, Fall Detection, International Emergency Calling, and Emergency SOS are all present and enhanced with the S10’s improved sensor processing.
Battery and Charging
The standard battery life remains locked at the all-day 18-hour rating, though the S10’s efficiency helps ensure consistent performance, extending up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode.
However, the SE 3 finally adopts Fast Charging, a vital quality-of-life improvement. The watch can recharge to 80% in approximately 45 minutes, making it significantly easier to charge up quickly before a workout or for overnight sleep tracking.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch SE 3 delivers an exceptional mix of power, features, and value. The combination of the flagship S10 chip, the long-awaited Always-On display, and advanced health tracking like temperature sensing and sleep apnea notifications transforms the SE from a mere starter watch into a genuinely compelling, full-featured smartwatch.
For the majority of users who want essential connectivity, superior fitness tracking, and a seamless Apple ecosystem experience without paying for the medical-grade sensors (ECG/Blood Oxygen), the SE 3 is unequivocally the best value proposition Apple offers.
