The smartwatch market is booming, offering a plethora of options for fitness tracking, notifications, and more. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the budget-friendly Realme Watch 3 and the feature-rich Apple Watch SE (2022). Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one deserves a spot on your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE (2022) clearly takes the lead thanks to its superior performance, robust ecosystem integration, and advanced features. While the Realme Watch 3 offers a more affordable entry point, the SE's overall polish and functionality make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 26 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 02 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 37 x 11.5 mm (1.77 x 1.46 x 0.45 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 40 g (1.41 oz) | 33 g (1.16 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m)
Not swim/shower proof
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | 50m water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 286 pixels (~207 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S8 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 340 mAh | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Models | - | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 |
| Price | About 40 EUR | € 289.00 |
| SAR | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) |
Realme Watch 3
- Affordable price
- Longer battery life (potentially)
- Basic fitness tracking
- Limited features
- Less powerful performance
- Lower display quality
- Less polished software
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Powerful performance (Apple S8)
- Seamless iOS integration
- Bright and vibrant display
- Wireless charging
- Advanced health features (ECG, Fall Detection)
- Higher price
- Shorter battery life compared to Realme Watch 3
- Limited Android compatibility
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch SE (2022) boasts a brighter and more vibrant display with better resolution, offering a superior viewing experience. The Realme Watch 3 likely has a smaller, less detailed screen, typical of its price point. Expect sharper text and more detailed graphics on the Apple Watch.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, particularly in more affordable models.
Performance
The Apple Watch SE (2022), powered by the Apple S8 chip, delivers significantly faster and smoother performance compared to the Realme Watch 3. App loading times are quicker, and overall responsiveness is noticeably better. The Realme Watch 3's performance will likely be adequate for basic functions but may struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch SE (2022) typically offers around 18 hours of battery life, while the Realme Watch 3 may provide slightly longer battery life (potentially 2-3 days) due to its less power-intensive features and display. However, the Apple Watch's fast wireless charging is a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
The Realme Watch 3 is ideal for budget-conscious users primarily interested in basic fitness tracking and notifications. The Apple Watch SE (2022) is perfect for iPhone users seeking a comprehensive smartwatch experience with advanced health features, seamless integration, and a premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme Watch 3 compatible with iPhones?
While it may offer limited Bluetooth connectivity, the Realme Watch 3 is primarily designed for Android devices. The Apple Watch SE (2022) is exclusively compatible with iPhones.
❓ Which smartwatch is better for fitness tracking?
The Apple Watch SE (2022) offers more comprehensive fitness tracking features, including advanced metrics and integration with Apple Fitness+. The Realme Watch 3 provides basic tracking but lacks the depth of the Apple Watch.
