Apple had a ton of new products in 2025, from the razor-thin iPhone 17 Air to the all-terrain Apple Watch Ultra 3. But after the dust settled (and the reviews came in), I’m more convinced than ever that the Apple Watch SE 3 is the true headliner.
I used to gloss over the Apple SE models because they historically lacked many of the powerhouse features of the flagship Series and Ultra models, like the always-on display or temperature tracking. But this year, the underdog Apple Watch SE 3 is closing the gap, and at $249 for the base model, it is the best value of the bunch. For the first time, I’m considering recommending it as the watch for most people, at least on paper.
The second-generation SE had not been refreshed since 2022, so this update was long overdue, and Apple is not gatekeeping this year. The SE 3 now has many of those features once reserved for the more expensive Series and Ultra models, like the powerful S10 chip (the same one found on the Series 11 and Ultra 3), new 5G connectivity and an always-on display. It is also adding temperature tracking, sleep apnea alerts, sleep score, one-handed gesture control and fast charging. You can also play music on the speaker just like on the higher-end watches. The addition of an always-on display feels like a turning point. To me, that was always the biggest drawback of the SE model. Not only is it helpful for workouts, but you can also disable it to extend battery life when necessary.
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There are some drawbacks to picking the more affordable SE 3, but not as many. The SE 3 is missing some of the advanced health features that rely on upgraded sensors like the new hypertension notifications and ECG. The battery life has not changed. Apple still claims 18 hours for the SE 3. Compare that with the Series 11 and Ultra 3, which Apple says will get 24 and 42 hours, respectively. But charging time has made a giant leap forward from the previous model. The SE 3 also now supports the ultra-fast charging that debuted on the Series 10, so you can top it up quickly and get up to 8 hours of juice in just 15 minutes on the charger.
The Apple Watch SE 3 (right) with the Apple Watch Series 11 (middle) and Apple Watch Ultra 3 (left).
The biggest aesthetic difference is size. The SE 3 comes in 40mm and 44mm options compared with the 42mm and 44mm options for the Series 11 and the 49mm for the Ultra 3. The SE has slightly wider bezels that make the actual screen look smaller. The SE 3 also is missing some niche features like the depth gauge and water temperature sensor. It is worth noting the SE 3 did not get that extra layer of protection that the Series 11 did with a cover glass that is two times more glass resistant than predecessors.
I’m always one to root for the underdog, and this year feels like the SE’s turn to shine. Whether you are a first-time Apple Watch owner, buying one for a child or family member, or upgrading your Apple Watch from a Series 5 or older, the SE 3 offers standout value. It is available online and in stores now. The 40mm Wi-Fi model costs $249, while the cellular model costs $299.
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