Apple Watch Series 3 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 remains functional, the SE offers a significantly faster processor, improved features like fall detection, and a longer software support lifespan, making it a much better investment for the future.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum | 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, ceramic back, aluminum frame | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm (1.67 x 1.43 x 0.45 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 34.9 g (1.23 oz) | 33 g (1.16 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | 50m water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened 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 | 8GB 768MB RAM, 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 | Silver, Gold, Space Gray | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | A1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892, A1858, A1859 | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 480 EUR | € 289.00 |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.34 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 Series 3 Aluminum
- Very affordable
- Wireless charging
- Still functional for basic tasks
- Outdated processor
- Dim display
- Limited software support
- Battery degradation common
- No fall detection
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Faster processor (S8)
- Brighter display
- Fall detection
- Longer software support
- More modern design
- Family Setup compatible
- More expensive than Series 3
- Lacks ECG and blood oxygen sensors found in higher-end models
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch SE (2022) boasts a brighter and more vibrant display than the Series 3. While both use Retina displays, the SE's screen is noticeably sharper and easier to read in direct sunlight. The Series 3's display, while still functional, appears dated in comparison.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Apple Watch Series 3 nor the Apple Watch SE (2022) have a built-in camera. This is a consistent feature across most Apple Watch models.
Performance
The S8 chip in the Apple Watch SE (2022) provides a substantial performance boost over the S3 in the Series 3. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is significantly improved. The Series 3 can feel sluggish at times, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life, the Apple Watch SE (2022) generally provides slightly better battery performance, especially with heavy usage. The Series 3's battery life has degraded for many users over time due to its age.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum? Primarily those on a very tight budget who need basic smartwatch functionality. Who should buy the Apple Watch SE (2022)? Most users! It provides a great balance of features, performance, and affordability, making it ideal for fitness tracking, notifications, and everyday use.