Apple’s newest budget model, Apple Watch SE 3, launched in September 2025 alongside the Series 11 and Ultra 3. It costs $150 less than the flagship Series 11, a price drop that comes from lighter materials and trimmed features. The SE 3 shares a similar look but is available in 44 mm and 40 mm sizes, while the Series 11 offers 46 mm and 42 mm options and a brighter, more durable titanium‑finish display.\n\nKey feature gaps include the absence of ECG, blood‑oxygen monitoring, a depth gauge, and water‑temperature sensor—features that swimmers and health‑focused users might miss.

Battery life also falls short: the SE 3 delivers Nude 18‑hour runtime (up to 32 hours in low‑power mode) versus the Series 11’s 24‑hour battery (up to 38 hours low‑power). Fast charging is similarly slower on the SE 3.\n\nDespite these trade‑offs, the SE 3 still powers core Apple Watch capabilities—advanced sleep tracking, wrist‑temperature sensing, Workout Buddy, on‑device Siri, and watchOS 27 slow support. For teens, seniors, or first‑time buyers on a tight budget, the $150 savings can outweigh the missing stats.

Regular users may prefer a discounted older Series model or the full Series 11 for richer features and longer battery life.