Apple Watch SE 3 vs Series 11: Which One Should You Buy For most people, the real choice in the new Apple Watch lineup is between the affordable Apple Watch SE 3 and the premium Apple Watch Series 11. With the SE 3 starting at $249 and the Series 11 at $399, the gap between them is smaller than ever. The latest SE model has closed the feature gap significantly, making the decision more about your specific needs and budget than ever before. What They Have in Common These two smartwatches share a surprising number of key features. Both run on the new S10 chip, ensuring smooth and fast performance. A major upgrade for the SE line is the new Always-On Retina display, meaning you no longer have to tap or raise your wrist to see the time. For health and safety, both models include core features like high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm alerts, sleep tracking with sleep apnea detection, and temperature sensing. They also both offer crucial safety tools like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS. For connectivity, a cellular option is available on both, allowing for calls and texts without your iPhone nearby. Both are water resistant up to 50 meters and support the new double tap and wrist flick gestures for one-handed control. Where the Series 11 Pulls Ahead Despite the similarities, the more expensive Series 11 offers several advantages. The most significant difference is in advanced health tracking. The Series 11 includes an ECG app, blood oxygen monitoring, and the new FDA-cleared hypertension notifications, which can detect signs of high blood pressure. The SE 3 does not have these features. The Series 11 also boasts a brighter and larger display, a thinner case design, and notably longer battery life. It offers up to 24 hours of use compared to the SE 3’s 18 hours. For those who value materials, the Series 11 is available in a lightweight and durable titanium case with a sapphire crystal display, and it comes in many more color options than the SE 3’s two choices. Which One Is Right For You? Your choice ultimately comes down to your priorities. If you want the most advanced health insights available, including hypertension monitoring and ECG, and you value a brighter screen, longer battery, and premium materials, the Series 11 is worth the extra investment. It starts at $399. However, the Apple Watch SE 3 is an incredibly capable smartwatch for $249. It retains almost all the essential safety and health features that make an Apple Watch valuable. If you don’t need the deepest health metrics and are okay with a shorter battery life, the SE 3 delivers tremendous value. Its cellular model is also a more affordable option at $299, making it an excellent choice for family members where connectivity and safety are the main concerns.
