Why the Apple Watch SE 3 Matters in 2025
The Apple Watch SE 3 continues Apple’s mission to offer a feature-packed smartwatch at a lower cost than the premium Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.
But is it worth buying in 2025? And how does it compare to the SE 2, Fitbit Charge 6, or Galaxy Watch 7?
This review covers:
- Design & display
- Features & performance
- Fitness & health tracking
- Battery life & charging
- Comparisons (SE 2 & Series 10)
- US pricing & availability
- Pros & cons
- Final verdict
Design & Display
- Sizes: 40mm and 44mm (same as SE 2)
- Build: Lightweight aluminum case
- Colors: Starlight, Midnight, Silver
- Display: Retina OLED (bright and sharp)
Features & Performance
- Chipset: S9 SiP (same as Series 10, faster than SE 2)
- Software: Runs watchOS 11 with Smart Stack widgets, enhanced fitness tools, improved Siri integration
- Safety features: Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS
- Connectivity: GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models available
👉 Key benefit: The S9 chip makes SE 3 smoother, faster, and more future-proof.
Fitness & Health Tracking
What you get ✅
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
- Activity rings (Move, Exercise, Stand)
- Sleep tracking (basic but useful)
- Dozens of workout modes (running, cycling, yoga, swimming, HIIT, etc.)
- Apple Fitness+ integration
What you don’t get ❌
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Temperature sensing
Battery Life & Charging
- Battery life: ~18 hours (full day use)
- Low Power Mode: Up to 36 hours
- Charging: Fast charging supported (not as fast as Ultra 3)
Apple Watch SE 3 vs SE 2 vs Series 10
| Feature | SE 3 (2025) | SE 2 (2022) | Series 10 (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | S9 SiP | S8 SiP | S9 SiP |
| Display | Retina OLED | Retina OLED | Always-On OLED |
| Sizes | 40 / 44 mm | 40 / 44 mm | 41 / 45 mm |
| Health Sensors | Heart rate | Heart rate | ECG, SpO2, Temp |
| Safety Features | Crash + Fall | Crash + Fall | Crash + Fall |
| Battery Life | ~18 hrs | ~18 hrs | ~18 hrs |
| Price (US) | From $249 | From $249 | From $399+ |
Pros & Cons
Pros ✅
- Affordable entry into Apple Watch ecosystem
- Smooth S9 performance
- Excellent safety features
- Lightweight, comfortable
- Wide app ecosystem via watchOS 11
Cons ❌
- No always-on display
- Missing advanced health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temp)
- One-day battery life
- Limited case & color options
Who Should Buy the Apple Watch SE 3?
Best for:
- First-time smartwatch buyers
- Fitness users who don’t need advanced health data
- Students & younger users on a budget
- Parents (via Family Setup) for kids’ safety + connectivity
Not ideal for:
- Serious health trackers → Consider Series 10 or Ultra 3.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch SE 3 (2025) strikes the perfect balance between affordability, performance, and Apple’s ecosystem.
👉 If you want the best-value Apple Watch in 2025, the SE 3 is the one to buy.
FAQs About Apple Watch SE 3 (2025)
1. Does it have an always-on display?
No — only Series 10 and Ultra 3 do.
2. Can it track blood oxygen?
No — SE 3 only supports heart rate tracking.
3. Is it waterproof?
Yes — water resistant up to 50m (safe for swimming).
4. How much does it cost in the US?
From $249 (GPS), $299 (GPS + Cellular).
5. Should I upgrade from SE 2?
Yes, if you want faster performance and longer software support