At Apple’s September occasion, the brand new iPhone 17 fashions and AirPods Professional 3 took a lot of the eye, plus the super-thin iPhone Air and up to date Apple Watch Extremely 3. However on this frugal woman’s e-book, the actual headliner was the one which snuck in as the actual underdog of Apple’s complete fall lineup: the Apple Watch SE 3.
I normally overlook Apple’s SE mannequin as a result of it lacks most of the powerhouse options of the flagship and Extremely editions, like an always-on show or temperature monitoring. However this yr, the underdog Apple Watch SE 3 is closing the hole, and at $249 for the bottom mannequin, it could be the very best worth of the bunch. For the primary time, I am contemplating recommending it because the watch for most individuals (not less than on paper).
The second-generation SE hadn’t been refreshed since 2022, so this replace was lengthy overdue, and it did not disappoint. Apple’s not gatekeeping this yr, as a result of the SE 3 now has most of the options that had been as soon as reserved for the dearer Collection and Extremely fashions, like a strong S10 chip (the identical one discovered on the Collection 11 and Extremely 3), new 5G connectivity and an always-on show. It is also including temperature monitoring, sleep apnea alerts, sleep rating, one-handed gesture management and quick charging. You may even be capable to play music via the speaker now, identical to on the higher-end watches.
The addition of an always-on show appears like a turning level. To me, that was at all times the most important disadvantage of the SE. Not solely is it useful for exercises, however you may as well disable it to increase battery life when essential.
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There are nonetheless some drawbacks to choosing the extra inexpensive SE 3, however not as many. It is lacking among the superior well being options that depend on upgraded sensors, like the brand new hypertension notifications and ECG.
Battery life hasn’t modified both; Apple nonetheless claims 18 hours for the SE 3. Evaluate that with the Collection 11 and Extremely 3, which Apple says will get 24 and 42 hours, respectively. However charging time has made an enormous leap ahead from the earlier mannequin. The SE 3 now helps the ultra-fast charging that debuted on the Collection 10, so you may high it up rapidly and stand up to eight hours of juice in simply quarter-hour on the charger.
The Apple Watch SE 3 (proper) with the Apple Watch Collection 11 (center) and Apple Watch Extremely 3 (left).
The most important aesthetic distinction is measurement: the SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm choices in comparison with the 42mm and 44mm choices for the Collection 11 and the 49mm for the Extremely 3. The SE has barely wider bezels, which makes the precise display screen look smaller. It is also lacking some area of interest options just like the depth gauge and water temperature sensor.
I am one to root for the underdog, and this yr feels just like the SE’s flip to shine. Whether or not you are a first-time Apple Watch proprietor, shopping for it for a kid or member of the family or upgrading from a Collection 5 or older, the SE 3 provides standout worth.
It is obtainable for preorder now and shall be available in shops on Sept. 19. The 40mm Wi-Fi mannequin prices $249, whereas the mobile mannequin prices $299.