Apple Watch SE 3 Review (2025): 6 Reasons to Buy and 2 Reasons to Skip

If you’re looking for the best budget Apple Watch in 2025, the newly launched Apple Watch SE 3 is probably at the top of your list. It’s the most affordable smartwatch Apple sells in the US, yet it comes with meaningful upgrades like an always-on display and the same powerful chip used in the flagship models.

That said, it’s not perfect—a couple of drawbacks may push some buyers toward the Series 11 or even the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons.

6 Reasons to Buy the Apple Watch SE 3

1. Competitive Price Point

The Apple Watch SE 3 price in the USA starts at $249 for the 40 mm GPS model and $279 for the 44 mm. If you want the cellular version with 5G support, it costs a little more but gives you freedom from your iPhone.

2. Same Powerful Chip as Flagship Models

Apple equipped the SE 3 with the S10 chip, the same processor powering the Series 11 and Ultra 3. That means smooth performance, faster app loading, on-device Siri, and support for the new gesture controls.

3. Always-On Retina Display

The lack of an always-on screen was a big limitation of previous SE models. With the SE 3, you finally get a display that’s always visible, making it easier to check the time and notifications at a glance.

4. Slim and Lightweight Design

At 40mm and 44mm sizes, the SE 3 is comfortable for small wrists and those who don’t want a bulky watch. It’s slightly thicker than the Series 11 but still one of the most lightweight Apple Watches you can buy.

5. Health and Fitness Upgrades

The SE 3 brings strong health and fitness features, including:

• Workout detection and customizable workout modes

• Sleep tracking with a new sleep score

• Temperature sensor for insights like cycle tracking

• Sleep apnea detection (a standout feature for this price range)

6. Faster, Smarter Connectivity with 5G

For those who choose the cellular version, the SE 3 supports 5G, making it more future-proof and offering quicker, more efficient connections compared to older LTE-only models.

2 Reasons You Might Skip the Apple Watch SE 3

1. Same Old Battery Life

Apple still rates the SE 3 battery life at around 18 hours—basically a full day. Low Power Mode can push it to about 32 hours, but it disables several features. If multi-day battery life is a priority, you may want to consider other smartwatches or even the Apple Watch Ultra.

2. Missing Advanced Health Sensors

To keep the price low, the SE 3 leaves out some premium features like

• ECG app (electrocardiogram)

• Blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring

• Ultra-bright display for better outdoor visibility

If these features matter to you, the Apple Watch Series 11 vs. SE 3 comparison will clearly lean in favor of the Series 11.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Apple Watch SE 3?

The Apple Watch SE 3 (2025) is the best choice if you want an affordable Apple Watch with modern features like an always-on display, 5G connectivity, and reliable health tracking. At just $249, it’s the perfect entry-level smartwatch in Apple’s ecosystem.

But if you want multi-day battery life, an ECG, or more advanced health tools, upgrading to the Series 11 or Apple Watch Ultra 3 might be worth the extra money.