When we think about the Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch 3, we already know it can be a tough comparison. With the entire new launch of the Apple Watch SE in 2020, users found themselves wondering what features they can and can’t live without.
That’s why we are taking the new model of the Apple Watch SE and comparing it to the Apple Watch 3. At the end of the day, the winner may just be a personal preference.
Table of Contents
Price
Most blogs will tell you all about what one can do versus another, leaving the prices to the very end. Let’s get the price difference straight out of the way to know what we are working with. After all, we may not want to go above a certain range.
Apple Watch SE
- Stay connected to family and friends with calls, texts, and email, even when you don’t have your...
- Stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks on the go, and leave your phone at home
- Set up and manage Apple Watch for each family member, right from your iPhone, with Family Setup
The new Apple Watch SE does not take on the same high pricing structures of new releases. In fact, it offers a more competitive price at $279. When we compare that to new models, it seems like a good deal. However, it is still more expensive compared to the Apple Watch Series 3.
Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 has been kept around since it was first introduced in 2017. Why? Because it allows Apple to offer a lower-cost option that many still love. This watch starts at a selling price of $199, making it the best price when it comes to buying a new Apple Watch, even if it’s an older model.
Design
Design is where we may start to see some small differences. Or we may not see them, but there are, in fact, some essential separations between the two that should be noted.
Let’s break down each one.
Apple Watch SE
In terms of size alone, we can start by noting the Apple Watch SE offers 2mm bigger sizing options. You can work with the 44 mm, or the 40mm sizes instead of the 42mm and 38mm with the Series 3.
The Apple Watch SE also has an AMOLED display that is 30 percent larger, along with a 50 percent louder speaker. These are two design and function aspects that can make or break a person’s decision.
Apple Watch Series 3
We noted already that the Series 3 is a tiny bit smaller in terms of the Apple Watch SE, but some other differences in terms of design include:
- Digital crown without heptic feedback.
- A second generation retina OLED display.
- Thick boarders making the actual display smaller.
- Slight more edge to the actual edges.
Similarities?
There are not a whole lot of similarities when it comes to design, and if there were to be a winner, we must say the SE looks pretty good by now. However, it is always important to note important similarities like the display brightness being the same at 1000 NITS.
They also both feature an 18-hour battery life which makes the decision slightly harder. This is usually a major advantage of one series over another. They are also waterproof to the same degree marking no clear winner for those who prefer to leave the watch on while showering or swimming.
Features
When it comes to the actual features of the watch, this is where we can make most of our decisions.
What you will see in this section is that most of the features become convenient preferences rather than must-haves or can’t live without features.
Apple Watch SE
While both watches have a dual processor, the SE can produce up to two times faster than the Apple Watch Series 3. This makes loading apps a lot quicker and reduces any lag time.
While health monitoring is serious business these days, neither watch does better than the other considering it’s run on the same software.
However, the SE does have access to international emergency calls whereas the Apple Watch 3 does not. International travelers may take note of this one.
Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 can handle storage of 8 GB which is ultimately four times less than the Apple Watch SE that holds 32 GB. And while both watches can use the altimeter to track workouts that involve elevation and climbing stairs, the SE retains the “always-on” feature.
This means that the screen will dim but never shut off, which some users find annoying with the Apple Watch Series 3 as they need to reopen the device.
A Clear Winner
When going through the article, it may seem like the Apple Watch SE vs Apple Watch 3 is a no-brainer. The SE always seems to have a leg up on the Series 3. However, it’s important to notice what some of these differences mean. Some will chalk up the bigger display to convenience, while the actual sizing may really matter.
Some frills like international emergency calls and the “always-on” feature may be less critical to others. Since they both run on the same software, all the apps and important things will remain very similar or the same.
In the end, the decision will come down to convenience factors and little things that make the watch a little better, a little faster, and a little more expensive. If finances are not a concern, then the SE wins.
While you’re here, why not take a look at how Apple compares to Fitbit or other Apple alternatives?
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Last Updated on November 16, 2021
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