Now that you can get your hands on the new Apple Watches that were revealed earlier this month, you're likely comparing the differences between all models to see which is worth your hard-earned cash. A more affordable option is the Apple Watch SE 3, which still starts at $249, the same price as the last version released three years ago. However, the third generation now has the S10 chip and WatchOS 26, giving it even more features that make it comparable to the other new watches.
If the Apple Watch's health features are a big draw for you, then you'll be happy to know that the SE 3 has many of the same wellness capabilities as the Series 11. There are only three differences, but those can save you at least $150. Let's discuss that and the other features that might make the SE 3 your top Apple Watch pick.
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The Apple Watch SE 3 health features
In addition to core features like heart rate notifications, fall detection, cycle tracking and crash detection, the SE 3 now includes sleep apnea notifications, sleep score and wrist temperature sensing, which allows for ovulation estimates and more detailed insights in the Vitals app.
Sleep score helps you better understand your sleep quality and how to improve it. In the SE 3's Sleep app, you can find an overall score after each night of sleep, which provides additional insight into sleep duration and stages. The scoring approach was created with current guidance published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, National Sleep Foundation and World Sleep Society, while the scoring algorithm was tested with over 5 million nights of sleep data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study.
Thanks to the SE 3's faster charging, it's even more efficient to wear the watch overnight to track your sleep.
The SE 3's updates allow for more information in the Vitals app. Apple/Screenshot by CNET
With watchOS 26, the Apple Watch SE 3 now features Workout Buddy. Powered by Apple Intelligence, this feature uses workout data to provide personalized, spoken motivation for certain workouts. The Workout app's new layout further enhances the SE 3's fitness experience.
The Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Series 11 health features
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