Apple Watch SE 3 Review Roundup: The 'Best Smartwatch Value' With Premium Features

Following its debut at Apple's 'Awe dropping' event, first reviews for the new Apple Watch SE 3 are out, and the consensus is that the entry-level model might just be the star of this year's lineup. Many are pointing to a number of features previously reserved for Apple's more expensive smartwatches, blurring the line between its budget and flagship tiers.

The big takeaway from early hands-on coverage is that the new SE is an incredible value. The Verge says the SE 3 got a "massive, wide-ranging glow-up" that was a "total surprise," with Tom's Guide adding that it "feels less like a compromise than ever." T3 suggests the SE 3 "has transformed from a budget-friendly compromise into a full-featured smartwatch at a price that feels almost too good to be true."




Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE 3 with several key upgrades. For the first time, the SE line gets an Always-On display, a feature reviewers highlighted as a major improvement. The watch is powered by the new S10 chip—the same processor found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3—which enables on-device Siri and gesture controls like Double Tap and the new wrist flick. It also adds 5G cellular support and fast charging, which PCMag notes can provide eight hours of battery life in just 15 minutes.

On the health front, the SE 3 gains a wrist temperature sensor, which enables retrospective ovulation estimates and contributes to the Vitals app. It also supports new watchOS 26 features like sleep apnea notifications and a new Sleep Score. According to PCMag, the SE 3 offers "similar exercise and sleep metrics as the $399 Series 11."

Still, there are trade-offs. Both Tom's Guide and PCMag point out the "outdated design," which features thicker display bezels compared to the Series 11. The most significant omissions are the more advanced health sensors. The SE 3 lacks an ECG sensor for detecting signs of atrial fibrillation, a blood oxygen sensor, and the new hypertension notifications found on the Series 11 and Ultra 3.

In battery tests, PCMag found the SE 3 lasted an impressive 46 hours, even outperforming the 43-hour result of the Series 11. The site suggests the smaller screen and fewer sensors likely contributed to its longer runtime.


The Apple Watch SE 3 is available to pre-order now from Amazon starting at $249, alongside the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.