Apple Watch SE 3 In-Depth Review: $250 Smartwatch Value

Apple Watch SE 3: Price and Options

• 💰 The Apple Watch SE 3 is positioned as a budget-friendly option, priced between $250 and $280.
• ⌚ It comes in two sizes: 40mm and 44mm, with the 44mm model shown on an 185mm wrist.
• 🎨 Available colors are Midnight and Starlight, both featuring an aluminum case with IonX front glass.
• 📶 Two versions are offered: Wi-Fi only and cellular with 5G capabilities, with cellular models costing $50 more and requiring an optional cell plan.
• 🔗 The SE 3 is compatible with all Apple Watch bands, including the larger Ultra bands for the 44mm size.

Display and Performance Upgrades

• ✨ A significant upgrade is the always-on display, allowing time and watch faces to be viewed at a glance, even during activities.
• 🛡️ The display is protected by IonX glass, claimed to be four times more scratch-resistant than the previous SE2.
• 🚀 Powered by the latest S10 chipset, enabling new features like one-handed gestures.
• 👆 Double tap gesture allows quick access to widgets and camera control with one hand.
• 🎛️ Wrist flick gesture can be used to dismiss incoming calls or notifications.
• 🗣️ On-device Siri functionality is now available, not requiring a connected phone for commands.
• 📍 Lacks the precision finding feature for iPhones found on the Series 11, but still offers a tone to locate the phone.

Battery Life and Charging

• 🔋 Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life for all-day use, though real-world usage often extends to 20-24 hours.
• 🏃 For outdoor activities, the SE 3 claims up to 7 hours of battery life, with testing showing longer durations even with the always-on display.
• ⚡ The SE 3 features twice as fast charging compared to the previous generation, coming with a fast charging cable.
• 🔌 A 15-minute charge can provide an additional 8 hours of battery life.

Health and Sleep Tracking

• ❤️ The SE 3 tracks heart rate, including high/low alerts and irregular rhythm notifications.
• 🌡️ New features include wrist temperature tracking during sleep and sleep apnea tracking to detect breathing disturbances.
• ⚠️ It's important to note that these health features are for sign-of-detection only and do not provide medical diagnoses.
• 🚫 Lacks advanced health features like blood oxygen saturation tracking, ECG capabilities, and hypertension alerts found on the Series 11.
• 📊 The sleep score feature analyzes sleep duration, bedtime consistency, and interruptions, but does not factor in health metrics like resting heart rate.
• 🩺 The Vitals app tracks sleep duration, resting heart rate, respiratory rate, and wrist temperature, alerting users if metrics are out of range.

Fitness and Sports Features

• 🏃 The SE 3 offers numerous sport profiles, including running, cycling, weight training, HIIT, yoga, swimming (pool and open water).
• 📈 It includes training features like effort rating and training load tracking to manage workout intensity and volume.
• 🚴 For running, it tracks speed, pace, distance, cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and running power.
• 🗺️ GPS tracking for outdoor workouts is accurate and comparable to the Series 11, even without a phone.
• 📊 Elevation gain tracking is also accurate, lining up well with other devices.
• 📍 While GPS tracks may smooth out curves compared to dual-band chipsets on more expensive watches, total distance accuracy remains high.
• ❤️ Heart rate accuracy is generally good across various activities, including cycling and running, with minor deviations in high-intensity or weight training.
• 🎧 External heart rate monitors (chest straps, arm straps) and even AirPods Pro 3 can be paired for enhanced accuracy.
• 🚲 The watch can also pair with cycling power meters and smart bike trainers.

Safety Features

• 🚨 Includes fall detection, which can initiate an emergency call if a fall is detected.
• 🚗 Features car crash detection and Emergency SOS for immediate assistance.
• 🌍 International emergency calling is available on cellular models in over 120 regions.

Comparison to Series 11

• 🌟 The SE 3 offers significant value, sharing many software features with higher-end models.
• ⬆️ Key hardware differences include a slightly larger display, thinner case, and longer battery life on the Series 11.
• 🩺 The most distinct differences lie in health features: the Series 11 includes ECG, blood oxygen, and hypertension alerts.
• 💰 The SE 3 is a compelling choice for those seeking essential Apple Watch functionality at a more accessible price point.