Apple Watch SE 3 vs. SE 2: A Worthy Upgrade?
Toggle Dark Mode
If you are still rocking the Apple Watch SE 2, you might be wondering if the new SE 3 comes with enough new features to justify an upgrade. After three years, there have been some major improvements, but they may still not be enough for most SE fans.
On paper, the Apple Watch SE 3 appears similar to its predecessor, and the price remains in the sweet spot that made the SE line a compelling purchase. The big question is whether the changes are real upgrades you’ll feel in your everyday life or just nice-to-have extras you can skip, at least for now.
Apple Watch SE 3 vs. SE 2: Design
The new Apple Watch SE model still follows the same rounded shape that Apple has used for years, which was to be expected. After all, if there is going to be a change in design, it will likely be on the main Apple Watch series.
The Apple Watch SE 3 retains the same 40 mm and 44 mm sizes, and the case material is still aluminum. The Apple Watch SE 3 comes in two colors: midnight and starlight, which look as good as ever. The Apple Watch SE 2 also comes in those two colors, but also adds silver, so the color choice is slightly “worse” on the new model.
If you liked and are okay with the older look, then you won’t have any issues with the Apple Watch SE 3. On the other hand, if you were hoping for a fresh design, this isn’t the time to upgrade.
On the other hand, if you love listening to music or podcasts, you may want to consider the Apple Watch SE 3. The reason is that this new Apple Watch now lets you play songs or podcasts from the speaker, which is perfect for when you forget your AirPods.
It’s worth mentioning that the new Apple Watch SE 3 is overall slightly tougher. Apple claims that the new Ion-X glass at the front of the SE 3 is four times more crack-resistant than the glass used on the SE 2. If you’ve worn any watch before, you know how easy it is to bump your wrist against any surface. This new, more durable display might make the upgrade worthwhile.
Apple Watch SE 3 vs. SE 2: Display
The difference between the two devices becomes more noticeable in the display technology. For starters, the Apple Watch SE 3 finally adds an always-on display. That means time and complications stay visible at a glance, even when your wrist is down.
If you own an Apple Watch SE 2, you already know you have to lift your wrist or tap the screen to wake it to check the time. It might not sound like a big deal until you try it in a meeting, at the movies, or even while holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a bag in the other.
Besides this change, both screens are basically the same. You’ll get the same LTPO OLED display and up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, even when you’re outside. Definitely not something worth writing home about, but it’ll do if you aren’t an outdoors person.
Apple Watch SE 3 vs. SE 2: Performance
Performance matters even on the smallest devices, and the Apple Watch SE 3 runs the S10 system-in-package (SiP), which also powers both the Apple Watch Series and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 Series models.
This means that apps will launch faster, swipes feel smoother, and Siri can process more requests on the Apple Watch without relying on your paired phone.
By comparison, the Apple Watch SE 2 utilizes the older S8 chip, which features a smaller Neural Engine and less capable performance. If your SE 2 has felt sluggish on newer watchOS versions, the S10 chip should make the whole experience feel way better.
With a new chip, new features also come along. In this case, gesture controls are finally available. The Apple Watch SE 3 supports the useful double-tap and wrist-flick gestures that let you answer a call, snooze an alarm, and control other aspects of your Apple Watch with just one hand.
These controls first appeared on higher-end models and are now available in the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE. Sure, they sound gimmicky, but they can be genuinely useful, especially in situations when you can’t use both hands. If that happens to you a lot, upgrading might be the best choice.
Apple Watch SE 3 vs. SE 2: Health and Safety Features
As with the Apple Watch SE 2, Apple hasn’t added every new health feature and sensor to the SE3, but for the price, that’s more than fine. This means that you still won’t get the ECG app or the blood oxygen sensor. With that said, the SE 3 still picks up a couple new health features.
Most significantly, temperature sensing is now available on the SE 3. Apple uses two tiny sensors and algorithms to track wrist temperature trends while you sleep. That data is stored in Cycle Tracking and the Vitals app, which provides a broader view of your health over time.
Sleep apnea notifications are also now available. The Apple Watch SE 3 looks for consistent signs that may indicate moderate to severe sleep apnea over a thirty-day period. While it’s not a professional diagnosis, it can help you identify a condition you may not have even known you had.
People who snore, or sometimes have trouble breathing at night, will need this feature, which is something the Apple Watch SE 2 can’t provide. You do get sleep tracking, but it’s far from the same.
The good news is that, when it comes to safety features, everything is still the same. You get Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS on both devices, which means you’ll be safe in case something bad were to happen — knock on wood.
Apple Watch SE 3 vs. SE 2: Battery Life and Fast Charging
Apple still says that both the Apple Watch SE 2 and SE 3 will get up to 18 hours of battery life with a single charge.
However, the third-generation Apple Watch SE features fast charging, which can charge to around 80 percent in approximately 45 minutes. That will probably take you around 1.5 hours on the SE 2.
Additionally, a fifteen-minute charge can provide the Apple Watch SE 3 with up to eight hours of use, which is ideal when you don’t have enough power but still want to use your Apple Watch while you sleep.
Additionally, if you want more power from your Apple Watch SE 3, Apple claims that Low Power Mode can provide up to 32 hours of battery life with a single charge.
Apple Watch SE 3 vs. SE 2: Connectivity
The cellular model of the Apple Watch SE 3 now supports 5G. This will give a better connection to the new model without compromising on the battery department.
This makes a difference if you leave your phone behind on runs, or you want to give this Apple Watch to your kid but don’t want to give them an iPhone just yet.
Unfortunately, that’s as far as the new connectivity changes go. Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 4 remain unchanged from the SE 2, as expected.
Apple Watch SE 3 vs. SE 2: Price
Apple kept the entry price at $249 for the GPS model. The GPS plus Cellular option starts at $299, which is still fairly affordable, especially when compared to the high-end Apple Watch models.
Apple no longer lists the Apple Watch SE 2 in its store, but it can still be found at third-party shops at lower prices, often for under $200 for the GPS model. Not only that, but with the holidays just around the corner, you’ll surely find it at a much better deal later on.
With that said, since you’re getting a bunch of new cool features, including a new Always-On display, the extra dollars might be worth it this time around.
Who Should Upgrade From the Apple Watch SE 2?
If your Apple Watch SE 2 still feels quick and your charging routine is working, you can keep your current Apple Watch and still get most of the benefits of watchOS 26 and future updates.
If you’re someone who wears your Apple Watch at night or spends a lot of time in meetings or talking to others, you will likely appreciate the fast charging and the always-on display the most.
The same applies to any parent who wants to get an Apple Watch for their child. Faster charging and 5G make using the Apple Watch way easier, and the tougher glass is perfect for those kids who still don’t know the value of the things you get them.
If you’re more worried about your health, or you just want more from sleep tracking, the new health features on the Apple Watch SE 3 will be more than enough reason to make an upgrade.
Who can Skip the Apple Watch SE 3?
If you need the ECG app or require the new Hypertension notifications, the Apple Watch SE line may not be the best option. You’re better off taking the plunge and opting for the more expensive Apple Watch Series 10 or Series 11. We probably won’t see a fourth-generation Apple Watch SE for a couple more years, and there’s no guarantee that model will gain any new health sensors. After all, ECG was added to the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018, and it still hasn’t come to the Apple Watch SE.
Likewise, if you want the look and feel of a new Apple Watch, the design of the Apple Watch SE 3 won’t help you there, especially if you have the SE 2.
More importantly, if you’re someone who only uses an Apple Watch for notifications and to track your workouts, then you probably don’t need to upgrade to the SE 3. It won’t provide any extra value in those areas, and you’ll also save some money.
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 for You?
At first glance, the Apple Watch SE 3 isn’t new by any means. The changes it comes with are only internal, and while they’re useful, they might not be enough to justify an upgrade if you already have the SE 2.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a screen that stays on all the time, or need those faster charging times and new health features, you’ll surely love the SE 3. All of those features, plus the new and more powerful processor, will make this Apple Watch work flawlessly for years to come.
If you’re a first-time buyer looking for an affordable Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the ideal model to consider. There’s no reason to go for the older version, as it lacks some important features.
Overall, whichever option you choose, you’ll surely get the perfect Apple Watch to keep track of your workouts and notifications without using your iPhone at all.
