Apple Watch 3 Vs SE 2022: Which Is The Best Choice?

There are many benefits to owning an Apple Watch, but the newest models, Apple Watch 3 vs SE, have even more. The Watch 3 has GPS and cellular capabilities, meaning you can stay connected even when you don’t have your phone. It also has a bigger screen and longer battery life than the SE.

However, the SE is a more affordable option and still has appealing features, such as the ability to track your fitness and activity levels.

Comparing the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 3

Displays

There is a 1,000 nit Retina display on both the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 3. However, the Apple Watch SE display is 30% bigger than the Series 3 model.

Displays with thin borders and rounded edges have this effect. Watch face complexities may be more accurate and informative since the bigger display allows for larger and easier to see app icons and text sizes. The bigger display also allows for a wider selection of watch faces.

An LTPO display, or “low-temperature polycrystalline oxide,” is used in the Apple Watch SE’s display. The device’s screen refresh rate may be dynamically adjusted using this technology, resulting in longer battery life.

The Apple Watch SE’s display is one of the most compelling reasons to shell out for the more costly model. With a bigger display and curved edges, the Apple Watch SE follows Apple’s current design language and seems more contemporary than the Series 3 model.

The display on the Apple Watch Series 3 is functional, albeit not as eye-catching as the SE’s, and should be sufficient for individuals who are new to the Apple Watch. The display of the Apple Watch SE should be preferred wherever feasible by prospective buyers.

Health and wellbeing features

The health monitoring and general wellbeing functions of the Apple Watch are a major selling point. Both versions are quite handy, although the newer Apple Watch SE is more competent than, the older Series 3. This is not a surprise.

To begin, below are the features offered by both models:

You monitor the heart rate, including alerts for low/high rates and irregular beats. It helps you realize that you may need to see a physician. Series 3 utilizes a first-generation optical heart rate monitor, whereas the SE uses a second-generation version.

On the Series 3 and SE, you’ll also discover Emergency SOS features, making it simple to call for help if you fall into trouble.

S5 vs. S3 Processor

The S5 CPU in the Apple Watch SE is up to two times quicker than the S3 chip in the Apple Watch Series 3, which has a dual-core processor. In other words, launching applications on the Apple Watch SE takes half as long as it does on the Apple Watch Series 3.

When it comes to the Apple Watch Series 3, it is powered by the S3 processor. Siri can communicate over the built-in speaker and quickly launch thanks to this. The S5 is a 64-bit CPU, two generations ahead of the S3 in speed and power consumption.

Aside from Apple Watch functions that don’t need a lot of computing power, the S5 is a superior processor to S3.

The S3 is still fully adequate in day-to-day chores, but the S5 is expected to be maintained for much longer and handle upgrades to watchOS with more skill.

If you’re worried about how the CPU will handle future upgrades, you should only select the Apple Watch SE for optimal performance. Otherwise, the new Apple Watch Series 3 is more than enough.

Safety and Emergency

Many safety and emergency features are available on Apple Watches. Calling for assistance and alerting your emergency contacts is possible with both devices. Emergency SOS allows users to quickly and conveniently summon aid and notify the emergency services by pressing the side button.

In addition to this, the SE model of the Apple Watch has significantly improved security and emergency response capabilities. In addition to international emergency dialing, fall detection, and noise monitoring.

Whether the device was bought or activated by a cellular plan, Apple Watch SE cell versions can make international emergency calls.

It uses an algorithm with the Apple Watch SE’s accelerometer and gyroscope to identify when a user falls. After a heavy fall, the Apple Watch SE generates a warning that may be ignored or utilized to notify emergency services based on wrist trajectory and impact acceleration.

It will phone emergency services and play an audio message that identifies the user’s position as latitude and longitude coordinates. It will also send a message to the user’s emergency contacts if the watch detects immobility for around 60 seconds following the fall.

The Noise app will alert you when the decibel level reaches a dangerous level. Apple Watch SE’s latest-generation microphone assesses ambient sound levels in a user’s surroundings to improve hearing health insights.

Users may monitor the noise levels using the Noise app or the Noise watch face complication, and the device will issue an alert if the ambient sound level rises to a dangerous level.

Despite the basic Emergency SOS function on the Apple Watch Series 3, it’s evident that the Apple Watch SE has the edge for safety and emergency capabilities. It would help if you chose the Apple Watch SE when it comes to features like international emergency calling, fall detection, and noise monitoring.

In this case, the Series 3 Apple Watch would suffice if you’re only using it as a fitness tracker and for receiving alerts.

Storage

The Apple Watch SE has four times the storage capacity of the Apple Watch Series 3, with 32GB instead of 8GB. If you intend to download any music, podcasts, or images on your Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE is better. Storage on the Apple Watch isn’t a big deal, so 8GB should be plenty for most people.

Other Technology

The new altimeter on the Apple Watch SE uses a new, more power-efficient barometric altimeter with GPS and Wi-Fi networks to give real-time elevation information. Using this technology, you can quantify elevation changes as minor as one foot above ground level and display them as a new watch face complication or exercise metric.

However, the barometric altimeter in the Apple Watch Series 3 lacks “always-on” capabilities and is less accurate. Despite the lack of an altimeter, the Series 3 may still be used to keep track of activities, including flights climbed, outdoor exercises, and elevation gains.

In addition to inclination, latitude, and longitude, the compass on the Apple Watch SE provides users with superior directions and compass headings. There are many more features on the Apple Watch SE for activities like hiking and climbing.

To improve sound quality for phone conversations and Siri, Apple Watch SE has new second-generation speakers and microphones and Bluetooth 5.0. The Apple Watch Series 3 has a first-generation speaker and microphone and Bluetooth 4.2, compared to the Series 2’s Bluetooth 3.0.

The Apple Watch SE includes an integrated Digital Crown with haptic feedback, which provides a distinct mechanical sensation when the wearer rotates the crown incrementally. The Digital Crown provides no haptic sensation on the Series 3 Apple Watch.

Design

Despite their apparent resemblance, the two Apple Watch models vary significantly in appearance. With an integrated side button and an entirely redesigned arrangement for microphones and speakers, the Apple Watch SE’s exterior is more polished than the Apple Watch Series 3.

The Apple Watch SE is 0.7mm slimmer than the Apple Watch Series 3 in the most noticeable way. Despite the seemingly little change, the Apple Watch SE’s new case and softer curves make it seem slimmer than the Series 3. However, the weight of the Apple Watch Series 3 has dropped by up to five grams.

The Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 3 both accept the same band sizes, despite having differing case sizes of 44mm or 40mm and 42mm or 38mm.

Unlike the Apple Watch Series 3, the Apple Watch SE comes in various colors, including silver, space gray, and gold.

I recommend the Apple Watch SE for those who desire a slimmer design or want the gold color choice. Apple Watch Series 3 may be more suited if the thickness isn’t necessary for you, and it will still function with bands for future versions.

Cellular

The cellular connection is only available with the Apple Watch SE. For the Apple Watch SE to function with your iPhone’s cellular plan, you must purchase the cellular-enabled version of the Apple Watch SE.

As of this writing, Apple is no longer selling cellular-enabled models of the Apple Watch Series 3. Since cellular connectivity, Apple has only released the Apple Watch SE at a lower price point. However, a third-party reseller may offer a cellular Apple Watch Series 3 for sale.

Family Setup

The new “Family Setup” function in watchOS 7 is compatible with the Apple Watch SE. An Apple Watch may be used by family members who don’t have a smartphone that can be linked to the gadget. The “Schooltime” function helps youngsters remain focused in class, while the “Simplified Setup” feature streamlines senior users’ Apple Watch setting procedure.

This feature is not accessible with Apple Watch Series 3, so you’ll need to get an iPhone SE if you want it.

Which Apple Watch Should You Choose?

Which Apple Watch Should You Choose

Is there anything, in particular, you’d want to know about the Watch SE and the Series 3 based on their specs sheets?

Choose the Apple Watch SE if…

There are a few key health functions that the Watch SE doesn’t have, but it does have most of the other features that the Series 7 and Series 6 have, including sports tracking and fundamental smartwatch functionality.

You get a much better experience with the redesigned design and larger screen than the Series 3, becoming more old and boxy. As far as we’re concerned, you won’t regret spending an additional $79 on this product.

Choose the Series 3 if…

For iPhone users considering Amazfit, Huawei, or other low-cost smartwatches but unable or unable to spend more, the Series 3 is still an excellent wristwatch that provides you access to the best of what Apple does.

Despite its modest price tag, it’s a great wristwatch for athletes and fitness buffs alike.

Although the SE costs $79 more, we think the slower processing, less storage, and sluggish hardware make the extra money worth it and that it will survive longer on your wrist.

Regardless of how you slice it, the Series 3 is still a heavyweight in its price range.

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FAQ

Is the Apple Watch series SE worth it in 2020?

For individuals who don’t need the ECG and blood oxygen monitoring functions, the Apple Watch SE is an excellent buy by reviewers. People in good health and are not at risk for problems like atrial fibrillation, such as having a heart issue, may not need the more sophisticated health surveillance.

Can you text on Apple Watch SE?

It is possible to write and send messages that include not just text but also photographs, emoji, Memoji stickers, and audio files in the Messages app on your Apple Watch.

Can you FaceTime on Apple Watch?

If you have an Apple Watch, you can use Siri to make a FaceTime call. Press and hold the Digital Crown, lift your wrist to your lips, and speak “FaceTime [contact’s name].”

Is there a keyboard on Apple Watch SE?

You can’t use your Apple Watch as a system keyboard right now. Use Scribble and Dictation, one of these programs, or none of the above! You may utilize the Shift Keyboard to type messages, which is a complete keyboard you wear around your wrist.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between the Apple Watch 3 and the SE, it depends on what you value most in a smartwatch. If you prioritize features and functionality, the Watch 3 is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the SE is a great option. Here’s a closer look at the key differences between these popular Apple Watch models.