The Apple Watch SE 3 Might Be the Greatest Underdog of Apple’s Complete Fall Lineup

Apple debuted a brand new lineup of iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods Pros and even a model new thinner-than-ever iPhone Air. But the actual headliner (not less than on this frugal woman’s e book), was the one I least anticipated: the Apple Watch SE 3.

I normally overlook Apple’s SE mannequin as a result of it lacks lots of the powerhouse options of the flagship and Ultra editions, like an always-on show or temperature monitoring. But this 12 months, the underdog Apple Watch SE 3 is closing the hole, and at $249 for the bottom mannequin, it could be the perfect worth of the bunch. For the primary time, I’m contemplating recommending it because the look ahead to most individuals (not less than on paper).

The second-generation SE hadn’t been refreshed since 2022, so this replace was lengthy overdue, and it did not disappoint. Apple’s not gatekeeping this 12 months, as a result of the SE 3 now has lots of the options that had been as soon as reserved for the costlier Series and Ultra fashions, like a strong S10 chip (the identical one discovered on the Series 11 and Ultra 3), new 5G connectivity, and an always-on show. It’s additionally including temperature monitoring, sleep apnea alerts, sleep rating, one-handed gesture management, and quick charging. You’ll even be capable of play music via the speaker now, identical to on the higher-end watches.

The addition of an always-on show looks like a turning level. To me, that was all the time the largest downside of the SE. Not solely is it useful for exercises, however you can too disable it to increase battery life when needed.

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FOMO time

There are nonetheless some drawbacks to choosing the extra reasonably priced SE 3, however not as many. It’s lacking among the superior well being options that depend on upgraded sensors, like the brand new hypertension notifications and ECG.

Battery life hasn’t modified both; Apple nonetheless claims 18 hours for the SE 3. Compare that with the Series 11 and Ultra 3, which Apple says will get 24 and 42 hours, respectively. But charging time has made an enormous leap ahead from the earlier mannequin. The SE 3 now helps the ultra-fast charging that debuted on the Series 10, so you may high it up rapidly and rise up to eight hours of juice in simply quarter-hour on the charger.

The largest aesthetic distinction is measurement: the SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm choices in comparison with the 42mm and 44mm choices for the Series 11 and the 49mm for the Ultra 3. The SE has barely wider bezels, which makes the precise display screen look smaller. It’s additionally lacking some area of interest options just like the depth gauge and water temperature sensor.

I’m one to root for the underdog, and this 12 months feels just like the SE’s flip to shine. Whether you are a first-time Apple Watch proprietor, shopping for it for a kid or member of the family or upgrading from a Series 5 or older, the SE 3 gives standout worth.

It’s obtainable for preorder now and will probably be stocked in shops on Sept. 19. The 40mm Wi-Fi mannequin prices $249, whereas the mobile mannequin prices $299.