Apple debuted a new lineup of iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods Pros and even a brand new thinner-than-ever iPhone Air.
But the real headliner (at least in this frugal girl’s book), was the one I least expected: the Apple Watch SE 3.
I usually overlook Apple’s SE model because it lacks many of the powerhouse features of the flagship and Ultra editions, like an always-on display or temperature tracking.
But this year, the underdog Apple Watch SE 3 is closing the gap, and at $249 for the base model, it may be the best value of the bunch.
Whether you’re a first-time Apple Watch owner, buying it for a child or family member or upgrading from a Series 5 or older, the SE 3 offers standout value.
AirPods Pros, Apple Watches, iPhones, and even a brand-new, thinner-than-ever iPhone Air were all unveiled by Apple. However, in my opinion, the Apple Watch SE 3 was the true star—at least in the eyes of this frugal girl.
Because it lacks many of the flagship and Ultra editions’ powerful features, like temperature tracking and an always-on display, I tend to ignore Apple’s SE model. However, the underdog Apple Watch SE 3 is catching up this year, and at $249 for the base model, it might be the most affordable option. For the first time (at least on paper), I’m thinking of suggesting it as the watch for the majority of people.
This update, which was long overdue because the second-generation SE hadn’t been updated since 2022, didn’t let anyone down. Since the SE 3 now has many of the features that were previously only available on the more costly Series and Ultra models—such as a potent S10 chip (the same one found on the Series 11 and Ultra 3), new 5G connectivity, and an always-on display—Apple is not playing gatekeeping this year. Moreover, one-handed gesture control, sleep score, temperature monitoring, sleep apnea alerts, and quick charging are being added. These days, you can even play music through the speaker, just like on more expensive watches.
Adding an always-on display seems like a game-changer. That has always been the SE’s biggest flaw in my opinion. In addition to being useful for working out, you can turn it off when needed to prolong battery life.
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FOMO period.
Choosing the less expensive SE 3 still has some disadvantages, but not many. Some of the more sophisticated health features, such as the ECG and new hypertension alerts, that depend on improved sensors are absent.
Additionally, Apple’s battery life claims for the SE 3 remain unchanged at 18 hours. Contrast that with the Ultra 3 and Series 11, which Apple claims will receive 42 and 24 hours, respectively. But when compared to the previous model, charging time has advanced significantly. Up to 8 hours of juice can be obtained in just 15 minutes on the charger thanks to the SE 3’s support for ultra-fast charging, which was first introduced on the Series 10.
The largest visual difference is size: the SE 3 has 40mm and 44mm options, while the Series 11 and Ultra 3 have 42mm and 44mm options and 49mm, respectively. Because the SE’s bezels are a little wider, the screen appears smaller. Additionally, it lacks a few specialized features like the water temperature sensor and depth gauge.
It seems like the SE’s time to shine this year, and I tend to support the underdog. The SE 3 offers exceptional value whether you’re upgrading from a Series 5 or older Apple Watch, purchasing it for a child or family member, or owning your first Apple Watch.
You can preorder it now, and it will be in stores in September. 19. It costs $249 for the 40mm Wi-Fi model and $299 for the cellular model.
