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The Apple watch SE 3 is rumoured to make an appearance alongside the iPhone 16 this September. There’s been a lot of information leaked about the model, and with the release supposedly around the corner, you may be wondering if it’s worth the wait.
In this buying guide, we’ll delve into the key differences, upgrades, and considerations surrounding the Apple Watch SE 2020, the Apple Watch SE 2 2022, and the Apple Watch SE 3 (2024?).
Before we begin
Before we start, it’s important to note that the SE Series 1 has been discontinued, and the SE 2 is known as the Apple Watch SE on the Apple website. However the first-generation smartwatch is available on Amazon here for £174.37 and here for $244.69, and other sites.
Now, without further ado…
Design and Display:
Let’s start by examining the visual appeal and physical attributes of the Apple Watch SE lineup.
The original Apple Watch SE (1st gen) sported a familiar aluminum case, available in a range of classic finishes like Space Gray, Gold, and Silver.
Its Retina LTPO OLED display offered a crisp and vibrant viewing experience, with resolutions of 368 x 448 pixels for the 44mm model and 324 x 394 pixels for the 40mm variant.
The Apple Watch SE 2, introduced in 2022, has a subtle yet noteworthy design change. While the aluminium case remained, the new SE model featured a colour-matched nylon composite back casing, replacing the previous ceramic option. This shift resulted in a slightly lighter overall weight, which some users may find more comfortable to wear.
The display for the second-generation Apple Watch SE also received a minor resolution upgrade, now boasting 396 x 484 pixels for the 45mm model and 352 x 430 pixels for the 41mm version.
One of the most significant enhancements in the SE 2 Apple Watch was the inclusion of an Always-On Retina display. This feature allows you to glance at the time and other important information without having to raise your wrist, a convenience that was absent in the original SE model.
As for the anticipated Apple Watch SE 3 design, rumours suggest that it may adopt a design language similar to the flagship Apple Watch Series 10, with the potential for slightly larger display sizes of 41mm and 45mm.
This would align the SE 3 more closely with the design aesthetic of its higher-end counterparts, providing users with a more expansive viewing area.
Performance and Connectivity:
The Apple Watch SE lineup has seen steady improvements in processing power and connectivity.
Performance
The first-generation Apple Watch SE was equipped with the S5 chip, which offered a solid foundation for the overall user experience.
However, the Apple Watch SE Series 2 saw a notable upgrade, with the inclusion of the more powerful S8 chip.
Apple claimed that this new processor delivered a 20% performance boost over the previous S5, resulting in smoother and more responsive interactions.
Looking ahead to the rumoured Apple Watch SE 3, industry analysts speculate that it may feature the latest S10 chip, which is expected to bring even greater advancements in speed and efficiency.
This upgraded processing power could unlock new possibilities, such as enhanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, potentially paving the way for innovative software features.
Connectivity
On the connectivity front, the Apple Watch SE 2 introduced support for the Bluetooth 5.3 standard, offering improved range, speed, and energy efficiency compared to the Bluetooth 5.0 found in the original SE model.
This upgrade could unlock new features and functionalities in the future, further enhancing the overall user experience.
While cellular connectivity has been an option across the Apple Watch SE lineup, the SE 3 smartwatch is expected to potentially introduce support for 5G networks.
This would provide users with faster data speeds and improved reliability when away from their iPhone, particularly beneficial for tasks like voice calls, music streaming, and accessing internet-based services.
Health and Fitness Tracking
As a fitness-focused smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE series places a strong emphasis on health and wellness features.
Both the original and the new SE models come equipped with a suite of sensors and apps to help you monitor your overall well-being.
The Apple Watch SE 1st generation featured a second-generation optical heart rate sensor, capable of tracking your heart rate and detecting irregular rhythms.
The second Apple Watch SE built upon this foundation, introducing a third-generation optical heart rate sensor and the ability to measure your body temperature. This temperature sensing feature can provide valuable insights into your overall health, particularly when used in conjunction with the Cycle Tracking app for menstrual cycle monitoring.
Both SE models offer high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, and the ability to track your sleep stages. However, the newer SE 2 features the addition of low cardio fitness notifications, which can help you stay motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
As for the anticipated Apple Watch SE 3, rumours suggest that it may incorporate even more advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities. One highly anticipated feature is the potential integration of blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, a functionality that has been present in the flagship Apple Watch Series models but has yet to make its way to the more affordable SE lineup.
Additionally, there are whispers of advancements in the watch’s heart rate sensor, potentially enabling more comprehensive heart health monitoring and detection of irregularities.
Safety and Emergency Features
Both the original and second-generation Apple Watch SE models have quality safety and emergency capabilities.
The Apple Watch SE 1 and SE 2 share a common set of safety features, including Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection. These functions can automatically call for help or alert your emergency contacts in the event of a fall or a severe car accident, providing an invaluable layer of security.
The second-generation Apple Watch SE, however, introduces an additional safety-focused feature – the Siren. This built-in siren can emit a loud, attention-grabbing sound, which can be particularly useful in emergency situations when you need to attract the attention of nearby individuals.
Another noteworthy difference is the availability of international emergency calling. While both SE models support this feature, the newer SE 2 expands the list of supported countries and regions, making it a more globally accessible option.
Looking ahead to the Apple Watch SE 3, it’s reasonable to expect that it will continue to build upon the robust safety and emergency capabilities of its predecessors. Potential enhancements could include further improvements to the existing features, as well as the introduction of new functionalities tailored to the evolving needs of users.
Durability and Water Resistance
When it comes to durability and water resistance, the Apple Watch SE lineup has consistently delivered impressive performance.
Both the original and second-generation models boast a water resistance rating of 50 meters under the ISO 22810:2010 standard, meaning they can withstand shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean.
However, the 2nd Apple Watch SE takes things a step further by introducing a new nylon composite back casing, which replaces the previous ceramic option. This change not only contributes to the overall weight reduction but also promises improved durability and scratch resistance.
Additionally, the newer SE 2 has been certified as IP6X dust resistant, providing enhanced protection against the ingress of fine particulate matter. This added layer of protection can be particularly beneficial for those who frequently use their watch in rugged or outdoor environments.
As for the anticipated Apple Watch SE 3, improvements could include even more robust casing materials, enhanced water-sealing techniques, and potentially higher water resistance ratings.
Battery Life and Charging
The Apple Watch SE first-generation is rated for up to 18 hours of battery life, which should be sufficient for most daily use cases. The second-generation SE, on the other hand, maintains the same 18-hour battery life claim, with the added benefit of a Low Power Mode that can extend the runtime to up to 36 hours.
When it comes to charging, both SE models utilize Apple’s proprietary magnetic charging cable. However, the newer SE 2 introduces a notable upgrade – fast charging. The second-generation Apple Watch SE can now be charged from 0 to 80% in just about 45 minutes, a significant improvement over the previous model’s charging speeds.
As for the Apple Watch SE 3, there are whispers of potential enhancements in the battery life department. One strategy Apple may employ is the integration of more energy-efficient display technology, such as low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED panels. These displays have the potential to offer improved power efficiency, potentially extending the SE 3’s battery life without sacrificing the overall user experience (supposedly!).
Additionally, the inclusion of the new S10 chip could bring advancements in power management, allowing the SE 3 to better optimize its energy consumption and squeeze out a few extra hours of usage between charges.
The introduction of a low-power mode, similar to the one found in the Apple Watch Series 9, could also be a valuable feature for users who prioritize extended battery life over certain functionality.
Pricing and Positioning
The pricing structure for the Apple Watch SE lineup has seen some changes with the introduction of the second-generation model.
The original Apple Watch SE was initially priced at $279 for the GPS variant and $329 for the cellular-enabled version. As mentioned above, it is discontinued on the Apple website, but can be bought here for £174.37 and here for $244.69.
With the launch of the SE 2, Apple has reduced the starting price to $249/ £219 for the GPS model and $299/ £289 for the GPS + Cellular configuration.
Or you can buy the original SE Apple Watch here at Amazon for £167.84 for the GPS and here for the GPS + Cellular model starting at £204.96.
You can also get the GPS SE model at BestBuy for $199 or the GPS Cellular for $249 here.
This price drop makes the second-generation Apple Watch SE an even more compelling option for those seeking a more affordable entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem.
As for the anticipated Apple Watch SE 3, industry analysts suggest that Apple may explore ways to keep the starting price below the $249 mark (through a plastic body supposedly), potentially even dipping into the $199 range if the rumoured plastic casing materializes.
This strategic positioning would allow the SE 3 to maintain its reputation as a budget-friendly option within the Apple Watch lineup, catering to a wider audience of consumers.
It’s important to note that while the Apple Watch SE series is designed to be a more affordable alternative, there may be certain trade-offs and limitations compared to the flagship Apple Watch Series models or the high-end Apple Watch Ultra.
Features like an always-on display, the latest health sensors, and cutting-edge processing power may be reserved for the higher-end offerings, so users should carefully consider their priorities and needs when making a purchasing decision.
Upgrading from the Original Apple Watch SE
For existing Apple Watch SE owners, the decision to upgrade to the second-generation model may not be as straightforward.
While the newer SE 2 does offer some notable improvements, the question of whether it’s worth the investment largely depends on your specific needs and usage patterns.
If you’re particularly interested in the Always-On display, improved performance, or the added temperature sensing capabilities, the upgrade to the Apple Watch SE 2 may be worthwhile. The faster charging times and the introduction of the Siren feature could also be compelling reasons to consider the newer model.
However, if your primary focus is on the core Apple Watch experience and you’re not heavily reliant on the latest and greatest features, the original Apple Watch SE may still be a perfectly suitable option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
When it comes to waiting for the Apple Watch SE 3, the decision to upgrade from the SE 2 will likely depend on the specific enhancements and features that Apple introduces. If the SE 3 offers a significant leap in performance, health tracking, or connectivity, it may be worth considering the upgrade.
However, if the changes are more incremental, the SE 2 may continue to serve as a capable and cost-effective option.
In my opinion, based on past Apple upgrades, the SE 2 to the SE 3 probably won’t be a huge leap. But if you have a first-generation SE Apple Watch, or none at all, the SE 3 is worth the wait.
Buying Guide: Comparing the Apple Watch SE Models
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications for the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch SE 2, and the expected Apple Watch SE 3:
| Feature | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch SE 2 | Apple Watch SE 3 (Rumoured) |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED, up to 1000 nits | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 1000 nits | Rumoured to feature 41mm and 45mm display sizes, aligned with Apple Watch Series 10 |
| Case Size | 40mm, 44mm | 41mm, 45mm | Expected to match Apple Watch Series 10, potentially 41mm and 45mm |
| Case Material | Aluminum | Aluminum with color-matched nylon composite back | Rumoured to potentially feature a more cost-effective plastic casing |
| Processor | S5 chip | S8 chip (20% faster than S5) | Expected to feature the latest S10 chip for improved performance |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Rumoured to potentially include support for 5G networks |
| Sensors | Second-gen optical heart rate sensor, ECG app | Third-gen optical heart rate sensor, temperature sensor | Rumoured to potentially include blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring and enhanced heart rate tracking |
| Health Features | ECG app, high/low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications | ECG app, high/low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, low cardio fitness notifications, temperature | Potential for expanded health and fitness tracking capabilities |
| Safety Features | Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Crash Detection | Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, Crash Detection, Siren | Potential for further enhancements to safety and emergency features |
| Water Resistance | 50m | 50m, IP6X dust resistance | Expected to maintain or potentially improve water and dust resistance |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours (up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode) | Rumoured to potentially include more energy-efficient display technology and improved power management |
| Charging | USB-C magnetic charging cable | USB-C magnetic fast charging cable (0-80% in 45 minutes) | Potential for further improvements to charging speeds |
| Price (GPS) | $249 | $249 | Rumoured to potentially start below $249 |
| Price (GPS + Cellular) | $299 | $299 | Rumoured to potentially start below $299 |
Some images courtesy of Apple.
