Apple Watch SE 3 vs SE 2: Breaking Down the Upgrade Dilemma

After a 3-year hiatus, Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch SE 3 at the “Awe Dropping” event, which marks the biggest leap for the SE lineup so far. Apple has always positioned the SE lineup as the wallet-friendly option, delivering the core Apple Watch experience, and this year, it has made it even harder to ignore. But if you already own the Apple Watch SE 2, should you upgrade

This post breaks down the key differences between the two affordable options and helps you decide if upgrading makes sense.

Apple Watch SE 3 vs SE 2: Quick Specs Comparison

What’s New in the Apple Watch SE 3?

Apple has kept the basic design of the Apple Watch SE 3 similar to the previous SE 2 model, but added several subtle improvements, making it the most powerful SE ever.

Always-on Display

The SE 3 finally brings the Always-On display to Apple’s budget-friendly watch. This means you can glance at the time, workout metrics, or notifications without raising your wrist. The display is paired with the tougher Ion-X glass, making the cover glass on the SE 3 four times more scratch-resistant than any previous model.

Advanced Health Insights

Except for the hypertension notification, the Apple Watch SE 3 gains all the health features of the Apple Watch Series 11. This includes Sleep Score, Sleep Apnea notifications, Wrist temperature tracking, and retrospective ovulation estimates. These insights were previously reserved for premier Apple Watches.

Faster Performance

The Apple Watch SE 3 features Apple’s top-of-the-line S10 chip. This addition makes the SE 3 feel snappier and enables on-device Siri, along with new gesture controls such as double-tap and wrist-flick.

5G and Media Playback

Apple has also extended the 5G cellular support introduced with the Apple Watch Series 11 to the Apple Watch SE 3. The 5G cellular capabilities provide faster, more reliable performance, so music, podcasts, and apps download faster. Most importantly, Apple has designed the new 5G modem to be more power efficient, extending the battery life.

Fast Charging

With Apple Watch SE 3, you don’t need to wait around for it to get sufficient charge. A 15-minute charge gives you up to 8 hours of use, making it perfect for overnight wear and quick top-ups.

Why You Might Stick With the SE 2

If we set aside the latest feature additions, the Apple Watch SE 2 remains a capable smartwatch. It runs watchOS 26, just like the SE 3, so you’ll still get new features like the Liquid Glass design, Smart Stack hints, and updated watch faces. If you don’t care for an always-on screen, are content with your battery habits, and aren’t interested in advanced sleep tracking or temperature tracking, the SE 2 still does the job well, and that too at a discounted price now.

Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the biggest leap in Apple’s affordable watch lineup ever. You get an Always-On display, advanced health tracking, fast charging, and 5G cellular. Together, these make the Apple Watch SE 3 a compelling upgrade, especially since Apple kept the same $249 starting price.

But if you’re satisfied with your current Apple Watch SE 2, you can skip the upgrade if it’s not urgent, since it still supports the latest watchOS 26.

Overall, the Apple Watch SE 3 is a great buy and is a perfect entry point for first-time Apple Watch buyers.

Would you upgrade to the Apple Watch SE 3 or stick with the SE 2? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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