Apple updated its entire lineup of Apple Watch models last year, introducing the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Ultra 3. Here’s what you need to know about Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch Series 11.
Both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 are available at big discounts for Prime Day this week, too.
Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s most affordable Apple Watch model. It received a big update this year with features including an Always-On display, sleep apnea notifications, temperature sensing, new interactive wrist flick and double tap gestures, and more. It even features the same S10 chip as the Apple Watch Series 11.
The overall design of the Apple Watch SE 3 is the same as before. It’s available in 40mm and 44m sizes with an aluminum casing.
Battery life is the same at up to 18 hours, but it can now last up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode. Unlike its predecessor, the Apple Watch SE 3 also supports fast charging, going from 0-80% in about 45 minutes.
Best of all, Apple added these features while keeping the Apple Watch SE 3’s starting price the same.
With the addition of the Always-On Display, the Apple Watch SE 3 is an incredibly compelling option. This is especially the case for people new to the Apple Watch ecosystem. You can now get an Apple Watch model with the most important display features and health-monitoring capabilities for under $200.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best Apple Watch for most people this year.
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| Spec | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch Series 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 40mm and 44mm options | 42mm and 46mm options |
| Display size | 40mm: 1.57-inch display 44mm: 1.78-inch display | 42mm: 1.79-inch display 46mm: 1.99-inch display |
| Chip | S10 chip. | S10 chip (flagship model) |
| Always-On Display | Yes. | Yes. |
| Display brightness | Up to 1000 nits | Up to 2000 nits |
| Hypertension notifications | No. | Yes. |
| ECG app | No. | Yes. |
| Blood oxygen app | No. | Yes |
| Water temperature sensor | No. | Yes. |
| Depth gauge | No. | Yes. |
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 24 hours. |
| Colors | Starlight and midnight | Aluminum: Space gray, rose gold, polished Jet Black, silver Titanium: Gold, natural, slate |
| Current price | $199 | $279 |
Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Series 11, however, offers several key upgrades over the Apple Watch SE 3. It has a brighter and larger display in 42mm and 46mm case sizes. It also offers up to 24 hours of battery life and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode.
In terms of health features, the Apple Watch Series 11 includes support for hypertension notifications as well as the ECG and Blood Oxygen apps.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is for people who want the best Apple Watch experience without jumping all the way to the big and rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3. It’s a great option for people already in the Apple Watch ecosystem but who haven’t upgraded for several years. It can monitor countless aspects of your health while offering a sleek edge-to-edge display, thinner form factor, and all-day battery life for under $400.
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What’s coming with watchOS 27?
Apple announced watchOS 27 at WWDC this month, bringing a handful of new features to the Apple Watch. Among the changes are Siri AI support with a dedicated app, a new dynamic app grid, improvements to Workout Buddy, and more.
Additionally, watchOS 27 drops support for five Apple Watch models: Apple Watch Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8, Apple Watch SE 2, and the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra. If you use one of those older Apple Watch models, now might be a good time to update.
For a full rundown on what’s new in watchOS 27 for Apple Watch, check out our full guide here
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