The Apple Watch SE has always been the champion of value, offering core Apple Watch features at a fraction of the cost. However, it always required a major sacrifice: no Always-On display.
The new Apple Watch SE (3rd Generation) changes everything. By incorporating the Always-On Retina display and packing in the powerful S10 chip, the SE 3 has closed the gap between the budget model and the flagship models more than ever before. Is this the definitive mainstream smartwatch for most people? I’ve analyzed the new features and where it stands in the current lineup.
What’s New: The Key Upgrades
The SE 3 brings the most significant generational jump to the budget line since its inception.
- Always-On Retina Display: This is the headline feature. Unlike the previous SE models, the screen no longer goes black when your wrist is down. You can glance at the time, complications, and notifications instantly, making it feel just as premium as the higher-end Series models.
- S10 Chip Performance: The SE 3 is equipped with the new S10 SiP (System in Package). This offers fast, smooth performance and future-proofs the watch for upcoming watchOS updates and apps.
- Essential Safety & Health: It retains critical safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection. It also includes the high/low heart rate notifications and irregular rhythm monitoring, essential for daily health tracking.
- Fast Charging: The battery system has been updated with new fast-charging capabilities, meaning you can get up to 80% charge in about 45 minutes, a huge convenience for sleep tracking.
- Temperature Sensing: The watch includes wrist temperature sensing, providing richer insights into women’s health and overall wellness through the Vitals app.
How It Performs: The Real-World Test
The inclusion of the Always-On Display transforms the SE 3 from a gadget into a true timepiece. It feels dramatically better to use. The S10 chip ensures snappy navigation, making apps load quickly and syncing seamlessly with the latest iPhones.
The durability has also been boosted, with the display glass now 4x more resistant to cracks—a necessary upgrade for an everyday watch. While the 18-hour battery life is standard for Apple, the new fast charging minimizes downtime.
The key difference between the SE 3 and the flagship Series models is now primarily centered on advanced health diagnostics: the SE 3 still does not include the ECG app for electrocardiograms or the Blood Oxygen app. For most users, however, the safety features and core health tracking are more than sufficient.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the best smartwatch for the vast majority of consumers.
For the first time, you don't have to sacrifice the key quality-of-life feature (Always-On Display) just to save money. The SE 3 is perfect for first-time buyers, existing SE owners looking for a meaningful upgrade, or anyone who doesn't need the advanced medical-grade sensors of the flagship models.
It provides incredible performance, essential safety, and now, the display elegance that was previously reserved for its more expensive siblings.
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