Apple updated its entire lineup of Apple Watch models this 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.
Plus, you can currently save $100 on the Apple Watch Series 11.
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 Appel 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 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 to go 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 feature and health monitoring capabilities for under $250.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best Apple Watch for most people this year.
Amazon:
- 40mm Apple Watch SE 3: from $219 (Reg. $249)
- 44mm Apple Watch SE 3: from $229 (Reg. $279)
| 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 |
| Normal price | From $249 | From $399 |
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 while not jumping all the way to 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.
Amazon:
- Aluminum 42mm Apple Watch Series 11: from $299 (Reg. $399)
- Titanium 42mm Apple Watch Series 11: from $649 (Reg. $749)
- Aluminum 46mm Apple Watch Series 11: from $329 (Reg. $429)
- Titanium 46mm Apple Watch Series 11: from $699 (Reg. $799)
Apple Watch New Year’s Challenge
Apple is running an Apple Watch Activity Challenge to encourage Apple Watch users to begin 2026 on the right foot.
Apple says: “Start the year strong and stay active! Earn this award by closing all three Activity rings for seven days in a row in January.” The challenge will run from January 7 through January 31.
More about about to use Apple Watch fitness features:
- iOS 26’s Fitness app has three upgrades ready for new year’s goals
- Close your rings…but in watchOS 11, it’s okay if you don’t
- Apple Watch just gained a helpful new feature for inspiring you to stay active
- watchOS 26 is now available, here’s what’s new for Apple Watch
- Subscribe to Apple Fitness+
Wrap up
Are you buying an Apple Watch to help you hit your New Year’s resolutions? Let us know down in the comments.
My favorite Apple Watch links:
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Twelve South Butterfly 2-in-1
- Anker 3-in-1 Charging Station for iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch
- Nomad Titanium Apple Watch Band
- Apple Watch Ocean Band
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