Buy the Apple Watch SE 3

What’s missing from the Apple Watch SE 3?

Four things, and it’s worth knowing them before you order: the ECG app and the electrical heart sensor, blood oxygen monitoring, high blood pressure alerts, and roughly half the screen’s peak brightness. On top of that, the battery lasts 18 hours instead of 24, and you can choose from two aluminium colours instead of four colours plus titanium. Everything you use on a daily basis is still included, though. To find out how the SE 3 fits into the rest of the range, check out our page on Apple smartwatches.

What’s the same as on the more expensive models

The biggest misconception about the SE 3 is that it’s supposed to be slower. That’s not true: it uses the same S10 chip as the Apple Watch Series 11, so apps open just as quickly and watchOS feels identical. It also features the always-on display, fast charging (80 per cent in under an hour, according to Apple) and the optional 5G version. Notifications, heart rate monitoring, activity rings, sleep tracking, fall detection and Apple Pay all work exactly as they do on the more expensive models.

The four features that are really missing

For most people, this is an acceptable compromise. For those with a family history of heart disease or who want to monitor their blood pressure, it’s a reason to keep saving up.

• ECG app and electrical heart sensor: the SE 3 cannot take an ECG and therefore cannot provide any indications of atrial fibrillation.
• Blood oxygen monitoring: completely absent; the Series 11 does have this feature.
• High blood pressure alerts: the SE 3 does not detect patterns indicative of high blood pressure.
• Screen brightness: the SE 3 remains at around half the 2000 nits of the Series 11. It is harder to read in bright sunlight.

40mm or 44mm: choose based on wrist circumference

The SE 3 comes in 40mm and 44mm. The smaller case is less noticeable under a sleeve and is more comfortable to wear at night, which matters if you sleep with the watch on for sleep tracking. The 44mm model displays more text per screen, which is handy if you often read messages or want to check your heart rate whilst exercising. Measure your wrist and compare it to the watch you’re currently wearing; that works better than relying on photos.

Looking for a gift for a child? Check out the Cellular model

Using Family Setup, a child can use their own Apple Watch without needing their own iPhone: a parent manages the watch from theirs. The catch: this only works with a Cellular model (with 5G), plus a separate contract with your mobile provider. So you’ll need to factor in the extra cost of the watch as well as monthly charges. If you want to compare cheaper alternatives side by side, take a look at smartwatches for children.

What to expect

The 18-hour battery life is the weakest point: that’s exactly one day, so charging it daily isn’t a choice but a habit you’ll need to get into. If you wear the watch at night as well, plan to charge it whilst having a shower or during dinner. If you’re looking for a watch that can go for days or even weeks on a single charge, you’ll be better off with Garmin. And just like any Apple Watch, the SE 3 only works with an iPhone; if you’re on Android, you’re better off looking at the Samsung Galaxy watches.