While Apple's premium Watch Series 11 and rugged Ultra 3 dominated headlines at the September 2025 event, the quietly released Apple Watch SE 3 ($250) is emerging as the dark horse contender in this year's wearable lineup. ZDNET's hands-on testing reveals a device that strategically pares back flashy premium features while delivering the essential Apple Watch experience at a significantly lower price point – $150 less than the Series 11 and a staggering $550 below the Ultra 3.

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The Apple Watch SE 3 (right) offers a near-identical aesthetic to the premium Series 11 (left) at a fraction of the cost. (Image: ZDNET)

The SE 3's hardware centers on the same S10 system-in-package (SiP) used across Apple's 2025 watches. This integration brings critical upgrades previously absent from the SE line:

  • Always-On Display (AOD): Eliminating a major critique of the SE 2, the S10 enables constant glanceability.
  • Fast Charging: 15 minutes delivers 8 hours of use; 45 minutes achieves 80% charge.
  • 5G Connectivity: Future-proofs the device for standalone cellular use.
  • Temperature Sensing: Enables menstrual cycle tracking.

Software enhancements leverage the S10's processing power:

- **Sleep Scores:** New algorithm rates sleep based on duration, consistency, and interruptions.
- **Sleep Apnea Detection:** Flags potential breathing irregularities during sleep.

Despite its value proposition, compromises exist. The 1.78-inch display (smallest in the lineup) peaks at 1,000 nits brightness, noticeably dimmer than the Series 11 (2,000 nits) and Ultra 3 (3,000 nits). Text input defaults to Scribble or voice dictation instead of a keyboard. Battery life remains at 18 hours, falling short of the Series 11's 24 hours, though fast charging mitigates this for overnight sleep tracking.

Crucially, the SE 3 omits advanced health sensors:

"ECG, Blood Oxygen monitoring, Hypertension Detection, and Emergency SOS via satellite... are not available on the watch. These higher-end features are useful for people digging into the weeds of their health... But for the younger smartwatch user looking to track workouts, sleep, their menstrual cycle, and respond to the odd text... these high-end features are passable for the great value SE 3 offers." - Nina Raemont, ZDNET

Developer & Industry Implications:

The SE 3 represents Apple's aggressive push into the mid-tier wearables market, significantly undercutting competitors like Samsung while maintaining core functionality. Its adoption of the S10 SiP across all 2025 models simplifies development – health and fitness apps leveraging Sleep Scores or basic cycle tracking will reach the widest possible Apple Watch audience. However, developers targeting advanced health monitoring (ECG, SpO2, hypertension) must still focus on the Series 11 and Ultra 3.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Consider the SE 3:

  • Ideal For: First-time smartwatch buyers, budget-conscious consumers, users prioritizing core activity/sleep tracking over medical-grade sensors, developers needing a cost-effective test device for mainstream watchOS features.
  • Not Ideal For: Users requiring advanced health metrics (ECG, SpO2), those frequently in bright outdoor environments demanding maximum screen brightness, individuals needing multi-day battery life or satellite SOS, users who find smaller displays challenging for interaction.

The Apple Watch SE 3 isn't about chasing specs; it's a calculated exercise in accessibility. By bringing flagship silicon and essential smartwatch experiences to a $250 price point, Apple demonstrates that compelling wearables needn't break the bank, reshaping expectations for value in the broader smartwatch ecosystem.

Source: ZDNET - I tried every Apple Watch model in 2025