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Apple had a lot of new products in 2025, from the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air to the all-terrain one Apple Watch Ultra 3. But now that the dust has settled (and the reviews have come in), I’m more convinced than ever that this is it Apple Watch C3 It is the real address.
I used to overlook Apple’s SE models because they historically lacked many of the powerful features of the main series and Ultra models, like an always-on display or temperature tracking. But this year, the underdog Apple Watch SE 3 fills the gap, and at $249 for the base model, it’s the best value of the bunch. For the first time, I’m thinking of recommending it as a He watches For most people, at least on paper.
The second-gen SE hasn’t been updated since 2022, so this update is long overdue, and Apple hasn’t been responsible for gatekeeping this year. The SE 3 now has many of these features that were previously reserved for the more expensive Series and Ultra models, like the powerful S10 chip (the same chip found in Series 11 and Ultra 3), new 5G connectivity and an always-on display. It also adds 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 high-end watches. Adding an always-on display seems like a turning point. For me, this has always been the SE model’s biggest flaw. Not only is it useful for workouts, but you can also disable it to extend battery life when necessary.
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There are some drawbacks to choosing the more affordable SE 3, but not much. The SE 3 is missing some advanced health features that rely on upgraded sensors like new High blood pressure Notifications and ECG. Battery life has not changed. Apple is still claiming 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 taken a huge leap forward compared to the previous model. The SE 3 now also supports ultra-fast charging which appeared first on Series 10so you can fill it up quickly and get up to 8 hours of juice in just 15 minutes on the charger.
Apple Watch SE 3 (right) with Apple Watch Series 11 (center) and Apple Watch Ultra 3 (left).
The biggest aesthetic difference is the size. The SE 3 comes in 40mm and 44mm options compared to the 42mm and 44mm options for the 11 Series and 49mm for the Ultra 3. The SE has slightly wider bezels that make the actual screen appear smaller. The SE 3 is also missing some specialty features like a depth gauge and water temperature sensor. It is worth noting that the SE 3 did not get the additional layer of protection that the Series 11 got with a glass cover that is twice as resistant to glass as its predecessors.
I’m always one for the underdog, and this year feels like SE’s turn to shine. Whether you are a first-time Apple Watch owner, you can buy one For a child or a family member, or an Apple Watch upgrade from Series 5 or older, the SE 3 offers outstanding value. It is available connected And in stores now. The 40mm Wi-Fi model costs $249, while the cellular model costs $299.