At Apple’s September event, the brand new iPhone 17 fashions and AirPods Pro 3 took a lot of the eye, plus the super-thin iPhone Air and up to date Apple Watch Ultra 3. However on this frugal woman’s e-book, the true headliner was the one which snuck in as the true underdog of Apple’s whole fall lineup: the Apple Watch SE 3.
I often overlook Apple’s SE mannequin as a result of it lacks most of the powerhouse options of the flagship and Extremely editions, like an always-on show or temperature monitoring. However this 12 months, the underdog Apple Watch SE 3 is closing the hole, and at $249 for the bottom mannequin, it could be the most effective worth of the bunch. For the primary time, I am contemplating recommending it because the watch for most individuals (at the very least on paper).
The second-generation SE hadn’t been refreshed since 2022, so this replace was lengthy overdue, and it did not disappoint. Apple’s not gatekeeping this 12 months, as a result of the SE 3 now has most of the options that had been as soon as reserved for the costlier Sequence and Extremely fashions, like a robust S10 chip (the identical one discovered on the Series 11 and Ultra 3), new 5G connectivity and an always-on show. It is also including temperature monitoring, sleep apnea alerts, sleep rating, one-handed gesture management and quick charging. You may even be capable of play music by way of the speaker now, identical to on the higher-end watches.
The addition of an always-on show looks like a turning level. To me, that was at all times the largest downside of the SE. Not solely is it useful for exercises, however it’s also possible to disable it to increase battery life when essential.
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There are nonetheless some drawbacks to selecting the extra reasonably priced SE 3, however not as many. It is lacking a few of the superior well being options that depend on upgraded sensors, like the brand new hypertension notifications and ECG.
Battery life hasn’t modified both; Apple nonetheless claims 18 hours for the SE 3. Evaluate that with the Sequence 11 and Extremely 3, which Apple says will get 24 and 42 hours, respectively. However charging time has made an enormous leap ahead from the earlier mannequin. The SE 3 now helps the ultra-fast charging that debuted on the Series 10, so you may high it up shortly and rise up to eight hours of juice in simply quarter-hour on the charger.
The Apple Watch SE 3 (proper) with the Apple Watch Sequence 11 (center) and Apple Watch Extremely 3 (left).
The most important aesthetic distinction is measurement: the SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm choices in comparison with the 42mm and 44mm choices for the Sequence 11 and the 49mm for the Extremely 3. The SE has barely wider bezels, which makes the precise display screen look smaller. It is also lacking some area of interest options just like the depth gauge and water temperature sensor.
I am one to root for the underdog, and this 12 months feels just like the SE’s flip to shine. Whether or not you are a first-time Apple Watch proprietor, buying it for a child or member of the family or upgrading from a Series 5 or older, the SE 3 presents standout worth.
It is obtainable for preorder now and shall be stocked in shops on Sept. 19. The 40mm Wi-Fi mannequin prices $249, whereas the mobile mannequin prices $299.
