Apple Watch SE (2022) vs. Apple Watch Series 3: A Detailed Comparison
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is the clear winner. While the Series 3 remains a budget option, the SE offers significantly improved performance, a brighter display, advanced health features, and longer software support. It's a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch SE (2022) | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia (A1891) |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia (A1891) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | 1, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China (A1892) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2017, September. Released 2017, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm (1.67 x 1.43 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 33 g (1.16 oz) | 52.8 g (1.87 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | 50m water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.65 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| - | 3D Touch display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S3 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 | watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 768MB RAM |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Space Black, Silver |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | A1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 700 EUR |
| SAR | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Faster Performance (S8 Chip)
- Brighter Display
- Advanced Health Features (Fall Detection, Crash Detection)
- Longer Software Support
- Improved Battery Life
- More Expensive than Series 3
- No Always-On Display (base models)
Apple Watch Series 3
- Lower Price Point
- Still Functional for Basic Tasks
- Outdated Processor
- Dim Display
- Limited Health Features
- Shorter Software Support
- Noticeable Battery Degradation
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch SE (2022) boasts a significantly brighter and more vibrant display than the Series 3. The SE's Retina display offers better readability in sunlight and a more enjoyable overall viewing experience. The Series 3's display, while functional, appears dated in comparison.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a camera. This is a consistent feature across Apple Watch models.
Performance
The S8 chip in the SE (2022) provides a noticeable performance boost over the S3. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and the overall user experience feels more responsive. The Series 3 can feel sluggish at times, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life, the SE (2022) generally provides slightly better longevity, especially with moderate usage. The Series 3's battery degrades more noticeably over time.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? Users seeking a modern smartwatch with good performance, health tracking, and future software updates. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 3? Budget-conscious users who primarily need basic timekeeping and notifications, and are comfortable with limited functionality and eventual obsolescence.