Apple Watch Series 3 Edition vs. Apple Watch SE (2022): A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is the clear winner. While the Series 3 Edition offers wireless charging, the SE's significantly faster S8 chip, improved display, and longer software support make it a far more compelling and future-proof choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Edition Series 3 | Apple Watch SE (2022) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia (A1891) | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia (A1891) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China (A1892) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, September. Released 2017, September | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic back, ceramic frame | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 42.6 x 36.5 x 11.4 mm (1.68 x 1.44 x 0.45 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 46.4 g (1.62 oz) | 33 g (1.16 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | 50m water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.65 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| 3D Touch display | - | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S3 | Apple S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 16GB 768MB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | White, Gray | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | A1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892 | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 1450 EUR | € 289.00 |
| SAR | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.18 W/kg (body) | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Edition Series 3
- Affordable entry point
- Wireless charging
- Classic Apple Watch design
- Outdated processor
- Smaller, less vibrant display
- Limited future software updates
- Shorter battery life compared to SE
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Faster S8 chip
- Brighter, larger display
- Longer software support
- Improved battery life
- More modern design
- Higher price than Series 3 Edition
- Lacks some premium features of higher-end Apple Watches
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch SE (2022) boasts a brighter and more modern display than the Series 3 Edition. While both are Retina displays, the SE's screen is larger and offers improved visibility, especially in direct sunlight. The Series 3's display is noticeably less vibrant and smaller.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across most Apple Watch models.
Performance
Performance is where the SE (2022) truly shines. The S8 chip is significantly faster than the S3, resulting in smoother navigation, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience. The Series 3 can feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life under typical usage, the SE (2022) generally provides slightly better battery performance, potentially lasting a bit longer between charges. The Series 3's battery degrades more noticeably over time.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 3 Edition? Primarily those seeking a very affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem and are comfortable with an older device and limited future updates. Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? Most users! It provides a great balance of features, performance, and price, making it an excellent all-around smartwatch.