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It has been three years since Apple last updated its “SE” line of watches, with the previous model being the Apple Watch SE 2022.
While year after year, the innovations brought to the high-end “Series” and “Ultra” models of the Apple Watch do not reveal significant advancements, this long wait logically holds some pleasant surprises for fans of Apple’s more accessible watches. Here is the complete review of the Apple Watch SE 3.
Apple Watch SE 3Technical Specifications
| Model | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 40 mm x 34 mm x 10.7 mm |
| Screen Resolution | 324 x 394 pixels, 368 x 448 pixels |
| Panel | OLED |
| Internal Memory | 64 GB |
| Weight | 26.3 g |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Unknown |
| Sleep Analysis | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Ambient Light Sensor | Yes |
| Product Sheet |
The watch used for this review was provided by the manufacturer.
Apple Watch SE 3Unchanged Design at First Glance
Although the Apple Watch SE 3 offers some nice new features for display and health data compared to the previous Apple Watch SE 2022, the watch still retains the same look as the previous model.
Specifically, this is a connected watch available in two sizes, to satisfy fans of larger watches as well as more discreet models:
- Apple Watch SE 3 40 mm: 40 x 34 x 10.7 mm, 26 g
- Apple Watch SE 3 44 mm: 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm, 33 g
These are the same dimensions as on the Apple Watch SE 2022. Moreover, while some rumors suggested the arrival of a plastic case, more resistant especially for use by children, this is not the case. The Apple Watch SE 3 thus retains an aluminum case with two shades offered: black (midnight) or silver (starlight). In my case, I had the opportunity to test the black model in 44 mm version with GPS connectivity — more on that later.
If recent generations of Apple watches have gradually seen a reduction in the bezels around the screen, for an increasingly large display-to-body ratio, this is not the case for the Apple Watch SE 3. Once again, the apparent design remains strictly identical to the previous generation and the panel still occupies only 55.8% of the watch on the 40 mm model and 58.4% on the 44 mm version. By comparison, the new Apple Watch Series 11 offers a display ratio of 68% for the large format and 65% on the small model. Thus, there is a concrete concession for this year’s entry-level model, with a narrower screen on the body and more visible bezels around the panel.
Otherwise, we find the classic layout of Apple’s connected watches, with a rotating crown positioned to the right alongside a side button. Between the two, a hole houses the microphone. On the left, the American brand has positioned two slots that act as a speaker.
Regarding durability, Apple claims to have improved its formula compared to the Watch SE 2022. The new Apple Watch SE 3 indeed benefits from Ion-X glass, where the previous model was satisfied with regular glass. This is supposed to quadruple scratch resistance, without however reaching the even increased resistance of the new Apple Watch Series 11. For waterproofing, the watch can be used under water at shallow depths and will therefore be suitable for swimming, for example.
Finally, regarding the straps, we find the classic sliding system of the Apple Watch, with wide compatibility for the Apple Watch SE 3, since it is the same format as on the previous version.
Apple Watch SE 3An Apple Watch SE with Always-On Display
For the screen of the Apple Watch SE 3, we find diagonals of screen and a definition similar to those of the Apple Watch SE 2022. Logically, the characteristics will vary depending on the size of the watch:
- Apple Watch SE 3 40 mm: 324 x 394 pixels, 759 mm², 1.2 inches
- Apple Watch SE 3 44 mm: 368 x 448 pixels, 977 mm², 1.36 inches
Moreover, we find a classic OLED panel at Apple, as well as LTPO display technology allowing to lower the refresh rate to 1 Hz. We will see later, but this feature is particularly useful for the always-on display.
Regarding the brightness of the screen, Apple again offers a peak brightness that can reach 1000 cd/m². By comparison, the Apple Watch Series 11 reaches 2000 cd/m² and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 goes up to 3000 cd/m². Nevertheless, in most cases, this peak of 1000 cd/m² will be sufficient to consult the data of the watch without being hindered by the reflections of the sky, even when running outdoors on a beautiful sunny afternoon.
Let us also note that the Apple Watch SE 3 is equipped with a particularly responsive brightness sensor and that its screen can go down to a brightness of 2 cd/m² so as not to dazzle you in the middle of the night.
As we have seen, the main novelty of the Apple Watch SE 3 regarding the screen lies in the new always-on display mode. As is now the case on classic models since the Apple Watch Series 5, the Watch SE 3 therefore allows certain information to be displayed permanently on the screen, even when you are not looking at it. A good point to quickly check the time without having to ostentatiously raise your wrist or to avoid having a simple black square on your wrist. Moreover, the 1 Hz display mode will allow the scrolling of the seconds, on compatible dials, even with the screen always activated.
Let us also note that the always-on mode can be automatically disabled when the watch goes into sleep mode — programmable at certain times. The same goes for the function that turns on the screen by raising the wrist, so as to preserve your eyes during the night.
Finally, regarding the dials, the Apple Watch SE 3 is compatible with all the models designed by Apple. Let us recall however that it is not possible to download dials designed by third-party developers from the App Store, unlike what is done on Wear OS watches.
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Apple Watch SE 3Gestural Controls on an Affordable Apple Watch
Like all recent Apple Watches, the new Apple Watch SE 3 is now equipped with the latest system from Apple, watchOS 26. On the hardware side, the watch makes a leap forward compared to the Apple Watch SE 2022 by moving from the Apple S8 chip to the Apple S10, introduced last year with the Apple Watch Series 10. For storage, we have here 64 GB of internal memory.
It is this new chip that will allow the Apple Watch SE 3 to benefit from new features previously reserved for the brand’s more recent and higher-end models. Indeed, thanks to the “Neural Engine” AI processor, the Apple Watch SE 3 will allow the use of Apple’s gestures introduced with the Apple Watch Series 9: the double pinch to activate an option (or use Smart Scrolling) and wrist rotation (to reject a call). Quite practical functions on a daily basis, especially when your opposite hand is busy. In the same way, the new Apple S10 processor will allow you to enjoy a more responsive Siri and capable of consulting health data stored on the watch.
Like all Apple Watches, the Watch SE 3 is only compatible with iPhones. So do not expect to use it connected to an Android smartphone. It’s logical, but it’s always worth mentioning. Moreover, Apple continues to multiply the necessary applications to consult the data of the watch from its iPhone:
- Watch: to configure smart scrolling, dials, display or applications;
- Shape: to find sports training, activity rings or training load;
- Health: for the sleep score, heart rate, respiratory disturbances or the number of steps.
Other new features of the Apple Watch SE 3: multimedia management. Now equipped with a microphone and speaker, the watch will allow you to listen to music or podcasts directly from your wrist, even if you don’t have connected headphones or a headset.
For navigation on the watch itself, we find the same gestures and controls as on all Apple Watches:
- swipe down: notifications
- swipe up: smart scrolling
- simple press on the crown: list of applications / return to the dial
- double press on the crown: multitasking
- long press on the crown: Siri
- simple press on the side button: quick settings
- double press on the side button: Apple Wallet
- long press on the side button: power off menu
In short, users accustomed to Apple watches will not be lost and those who are not used to it will easily find their habits given the intuitiveness of the controls.
It should also be noted that the Apple Watch SE 3 can also be configured for a person without an iPhone, especially for teenagers, by going through Apple’s “family setup”. A good way to stay in touch with parents, especially thanks to the 4G connection offered on some models, while avoiding social networks. Nevertheless, even in this case, an iPhone must be present in the household, usually that of one of the parents, to configure the watch.
Apple Watch SE 3More Advanced Features for Sport and Health Tracking
The Apple Watch SE 3 is equipped with the same sensors as the previous version. We will therefore find an optical heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a compass, an altimeter, an accelerometer, a GPS chip and a gyroscope.
However, unlike more recent Apple Watches, the watch does not have an electrocardiogram or a blood oxygen measurement.
The GPS Accuracy of the Apple Watch SE 3
Regarding GPS, the Apple Watch SE 3 does not benefit from dual-frequency technology, reserved at Apple for Ultra models, but is satisfied with the L1 GPS frequency band. Nevertheless, even without this multiband technology, Apple watches are renowned for the reliability of their GPS tracking.
To assess the GPS accuracy of the Apple Watch SE 3, I wore it several times during running sessions, in varied environments: park, athletics track and urban environment. I then compared the distances and routes to those of a high-end sports watch, the Garmin Forerunner 970.
| Runs | Reference | Apple Watch SE 3 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run 1 (city) | 12.021 km | 11.950 km | -0.59% |
| Run 2 (park) | 13.114 km | 13.250 km | +1.04% |
| Run 3 (track) | 14.100 km | 13.730 km | -2.62% |
| Total | 39.235 km | 38.930 km | -0.78% |
On the distance difference, we see that the two watches arrive at rather close measurements. The distance measured on the track is logically longer on the Garmin model, since the watch was worn on my right wrist, on the outside of the lane.
Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.