Is Apple Watch SE Better Than Series 3? | Clear Tech Verdict

Understanding the Core Differences Between Apple Watch SE and Series 3

Apple’s smartwatch lineup has evolved rapidly over the years. The Series 3, introduced in 2017, was a breakthrough at the time, delivering fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and smartphone integration at a competitive price. Fast forward a few years, and the Apple Watch SE entered the scene as a more affordable alternative to the flagship models while packing newer technology.

The question “Is Apple Watch SE Better Than Series 3?” isn’t just about specs; it’s about real-world usability, speed, design improvements, and feature enhancements that impact everyday life.

At first glance, both watches look similar with rectangular touchscreen displays and customizable bands. However, under the hood and in user experience, they differ substantially.

Performance: Powering Through Tasks Smoothly

The Apple Watch SE is powered by the S5 System in Package (SiP), which is essentially a dual-core processor running at 2x the speed of the S3 chip found in Series 3. This jump means apps open faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness feels more fluid.

The Series 3’s aging chip can sometimes lag or struggle with newer watchOS updates. This affects app loading times and can cause sluggishness in daily use. In contrast, the SE handles multitasking with ease and supports more recent software features that require better hardware.

This performance difference alone makes a compelling case for those who want longevity from their smartwatch investment.

Display Quality: Bigger and Brighter Makes a Difference

One of the most noticeable upgrades is in display technology. The Series 3 sports a smaller screen at 38mm or 42mm with lower resolution and brightness levels. The Apple Watch SE offers larger displays—40mm or 44mm—with Retina LTPO OLED screens that are noticeably brighter (up to 1000 nits).

This means better visibility outdoors under sunlight and crisper graphics overall. The edge-to-edge display on the SE also provides a more immersive experience when interacting with notifications or apps.

For users who rely heavily on glanceable information or use their watch for workouts outdoors, this upgrade is significant.

Health and Fitness Features: More Than Just Steps

While both watches track activity metrics like steps, calories burned, and heart rate monitoring, there are key differences:

• Apple Watch SE: Supports fall detection, noise monitoring, emergency SOS calls (with cellular models), international emergency calling, and irregular heart rhythm notifications.
• Series 3: Offers basic heart rate monitoring but lacks fall detection or noise alerts.

Although neither model includes ECG or blood oxygen sensors (reserved for higher-end models), the SE’s additional safety features provide peace of mind for active users or those concerned about emergencies.

Battery Life and Charging: Holding Up Through Your Day

Both watches advertise up to 18 hours of battery life under typical usage scenarios. In practical terms:

• The Apple Watch SE tends to maintain this claim better due to its efficient chip design.
• The Series 3 may drain faster when running newer watchOS versions or using GPS frequently.

Charging speeds are similar; neither supports fast charging found in newer models. Still, you’ll find yourself less anxious about battery life with the SE during long days out.

Design & Build: Comfort Meets Durability

Both watches share an aluminum case option but differ slightly in weight and thickness:

• The Apple Watch SE is marginally thinner despite its larger screen size.
• The Series 3 feels chunkier because of older design constraints.

Their water resistance ratings are identical—up to 50 meters—making both suitable for swimming workouts.

Band compatibility remains consistent across models; you can swap bands easily between them without hassle.

Connectivity Options: LTE vs Wi-Fi Models

Both models offer GPS-only versions as well as cellular-enabled options supporting LTE connectivity for phone-free use.

However:

• The Apple Watch SE has improved LTE modem technology providing faster data speeds and more reliable connections.
• The Series 3’s cellular model may experience slower connections due to older hardware.

If untethered communication matters—making calls or streaming music without your iPhone nearby—the SE provides a smoother experience.

Price Comparison: Value Versus Cost

At launch—and still today—the price gap between these two models reflects their technological differences:

Model	Starting Price (USD)	Main Advantage
Apple Watch Series 3	$199 (GPS only)	Lower entry price; basic smartwatch functions
Apple Watch SE	$279 (GPS only)	Better performance; enhanced features; future-proofing
Apple Watch SE (Cellular)	$329+	LTE connectivity; advanced safety features

While $80-$130 more expensive upfront might seem steep for some budgets, consider how much longer you’ll likely keep an SE before upgrading again compared to a Series 3.

User Experience: Real-World Impact of Upgrades

Owning either device boils down to daily interactions:

• The Apple Watch SE’s faster processor means less waiting around when launching apps or switching between screens.
• Larger brighter displays make reading texts or checking workout stats easier without squinting.
• Additions like fall detection could be lifesaving during accidents—something absent from Series 3.
• Smoother software updates ensure you won’t feel left behind as new watchOS versions roll out.
• The cellular option on SE enables freedom from your phone during activities like runs or errands.

In contrast, while Series 3 covers basics well enough for casual users who want simple fitness tracking plus notifications on their wrist without spending much money—it can feel outdated quickly.

Absolutely yes. The Apple Watch SE outshines the Series 3 across nearly every meaningful category—from processing power and display quality to health features and software longevity. It offers a superior user experience built on modern hardware designed to last longer through evolving software demands.

For those prioritizing cost above all else who only need basic smartwatch functions without bells and whistles—the Series 3 remains an option but one that will age faster technologically.

If you want a device that stays relevant longer while delivering richer functionality right now—the Apple Watch SE is clearly better value despite its higher price tag.

Choosing between these two boils down to balancing budget constraints against future-proofing your wearable tech investment—and by most measures—the Apple Watch SE wins hands down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple Watch SE better than Series 3 in performance?

Yes, the Apple Watch SE features the S5 dual-core processor, which is twice as fast as the Series 3’s S3 chip. This results in quicker app launches, smoother animations, and better multitasking capabilities, making the SE more responsive for everyday use.

Does the Apple Watch SE have a better display than Series 3?

The Apple Watch SE offers a larger and brighter Retina LTPO OLED display compared to the smaller, less bright screen on the Series 3. This upgrade improves visibility outdoors and enhances the overall user experience with sharper graphics.

Are health and fitness features improved on Apple Watch SE compared to Series 3?

While both models track basic activity metrics like steps and calories, the Apple Watch SE supports newer health features and more advanced sensors. This makes it a better choice for users seeking enhanced fitness tracking and health monitoring options.

Is the design of Apple Watch SE better than Series 3?

The Apple Watch SE has a more modern design with thinner bezels and larger screen sizes (40mm or 44mm) compared to the Series 3’s 38mm or 42mm options. This results in a more immersive display and updated look overall.

Should I upgrade from Apple Watch Series 3 to SE?

If you want improved speed, a brighter display, and access to newer features, upgrading to the Apple Watch SE is worthwhile. It offers better performance longevity and usability that can enhance your daily smartwatch experience.