Is the Apple Watch SE 3 worth it? Here's how it compares to the 2022 Watch SE 2

Rene Ramos/ZDNET/Apple

Apple recently unveiled the new iPhone 17 lineup at its annual September hardware event, and its core smartwatch finally got a much-needed facelift. That's right, the Apple Watch SE 2 is officially retired, as the Watch SE 3 takes its place with fresh upgrades. 

The Watch SE 3 joins two other new wearables from Apple -- the Watch Series 11 and the more advanced Watch Ultra 3. While both of the latter watches saw some sizzling upgrades, the Watch SE 3 got some long-awaited refreshes that make it an enticing buy for first-time watch users, children, elderly individuals, and more. 

Also: Every iPhone 17 model compared: Should you buy the base model, Air, Pro, or Max?

Whether you're considering switching from your Watch SE 2 to a brand new Watch SE 3 (that you can preorder today) or deliberating between the two options, we've weighed the pros and cons of each watch to help you make the best decision.

Specifications 

You should buy the Apple Watch SE 3 if you...

1. Want the best affordable Apple Watch 

Bottom line: if you want the cheapest yet most up-to-date base Apple Watch to last a few years, buying the Watch SE 3 makes sense. At $250, the Watch SE 3 is just as affordable as the Watch SE 2 was upon its launch in 2022, keeping the core wearable under $300 and more accessible to a wider range of users. 

A refreshed set of features, including wrist temperature, more insightful menstrual cycle tracking, sleep apnea detection, and more, upgrade the model to remain competitive with similar-priced wearables from Apple's rivals. There's also Apple Watch fast charging for the first time in the SE, as well as a 36-hour battery life upon activation in Low Power Mode and a new S10 chip (the same chip as in the new Watch Series 11). Apple has evened out the playing field among its own watch lineup, edging the SE and the Series 11 closer in function -- but not in price. 

2. You're coming from a Watch SE, but don't want to level up

There's no reason to upgrade to a Watch Series 10, Series 11, or Ultra model if you are comfortable rocking Apple's base model wearable and love the set of no-fuss features that help you integrate your watch into your routine without hassle. And if you're the proud owner of an Apple Watch SE (2020), it's probably time for an upgrade. In this case, the new Watch SE 3 is a glorious revamp I'm sure you'll appreciate, and it's worth your money. 

Also: Here's why the AirPods Pro 3 might make me ditch my Apple Watch for good

The truth is, it's normal to feel like you need to "elevate" your tech purchase to the sleekest and most top-of-the-line models, because Apple sure makes it easy to feel that way. But if you've been happy with the core set of hardware and feature offerings from the SE models, there's no reason to buy a more expensive model for a handful of fancier features you probably won't even use. Just upgrade your watch, don't jump up to another model without a justification beyond "it's cool."

3. You want premium features without the price

Apple did a great job resurfacing the SE model, and after three years since the last SE release, that move was expected. The Watch SE 3 has a batch of new features that can't be ignored, including the S10 chip, fast charging, a more durable display, an Always-On OLED screen, and more advanced health metrics, such as sleep apnea detection and better cycle tracking. 

Of course, the device still has all the essential features, including SOS, fall and crash detection, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. However, for the first time in several years, the SE feels robust and ready to compete -- both on the broader market and against other Apple Watch models. And despite all these elevated upgrades (and highly sensitive economic times), the Watch SE remains at $250. 

You should buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you...

Kayla Solino/ZDNET

1. You want the cheapest Apple Watch possible 

If your goal is to join the Apple wearable club at the lowest possible price point, the outgoing Watch SE 2 is likely the cheapest model watch you can find in new condition. Swiping up refurbished models is also an option, but if you're searching for a new in-box Apple wearable at a low price, this is the one for you. 

Also: This Apple Watch is my favorite and I use it daily 

Right now, several retailers are selling the Watch SE 2 for $189, or $60 off. As ZDNET's shopping editor, I've seen this model as low as $149 during last year's holiday season, so the watch may sell for below $189 over the next few weeks. The caveat, though, is that the stock is dwindling. If you're truly eyeing this 2022 core model, I wouldn't wait too much longer to make a decision -- once it's gone in NIB condition, it's gone. 

2. You want to "try" before you commit 

If you've never owned a smartwatch or an Apple Watch before, the Watch SE 2 is a great way to learn how to use it and integrate a watch into your lifestyle. Think of it as a starter home or a first cellphone that only calls and texts. 

Since you can grab a Watch SE 2 for under $200, it's the cheapest way to get the core Apple Watch experience without spending lots of cash. If the device isn't for you, you can pass it on to a younger child or resell it, and you won't lose too much cash. If you do end up liking the watch experience, you'll be able to get an idea of which model you may want to purchase next -- either the Series 11, Ultra 3, or another watch model (perhaps from the past or even the future). 

There's no reason to spend $250 or $399 on a new watch model only to find out you really don't like the experience that much, and after a few months of testing, these new watch models won't be worth their full sticker price anymore anyway. 

3. You don't want upgraded features like wrist temperature, media playback, sleep apnea detection, or gestures 

As an owner of an Apple Watch SE 2, I'll keep this clear: the upgrades are warmly received for the base model. The upgraded S10 chip, more durable and Always-On OLED display, fast charging, and added health features are nice -- and fully make sense for Apple as the brand delivers a much-needed upgrade to its base model wearable after three years. After all, it is a highly competitive smartwatch market. But at the crux of this is need. 

If you're like me, and I was primarily interested in an Apple Watch to ease my way into the brand's smart watch ecosystem, track workouts, stay connected, and benefit from safety features like SOS, crash and fall detection, and heart rate monitoring, then buying the new Watch SE 3 doesn't make a ton of sense. Wrist temperature, sleep apnea detection, and gestures like wrist flick and double tap are a plus, but certainly not essential in the grand scheme of what most want from a core model smartwatch. Other features, such as a longer-lasting battery with Low Power Mode and fast charging, are, once again, just nice touches. The SE 2 still has a great 18-hour battery life on its own. 

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So, if you're interested in benefitting from a more robust wearable that can provide a wider range of features and ultimately a fuller scale of health, you're better off considering a watch like the Series 11 for about $150 more. I personally won't be upgrading to the SE 3, because my SE 2 does everything I need (and want it to) at the moment. Instead, I'll look toward upgrading to a midrange model in the future as I become more skilled in incorporating my Apple Watch into my lifestyle. 

Alternatives to consider 

Open to other budget smartwatch prospects? Consider these devices: