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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- After three years, Apple just upgraded the base model Watch SE.
- Despite competitive improvements, the SE remains a core wearable.
- If you’re coming from an older model SE and want more, you may skip the SE 3 for a Series 10 or 11.
Apple launches new iPhones yearly, but doesn’t do the same with its watches. The base model Apple Watch SE, in fact, had not been refreshed since the release of the SE 2 in 2022. This year, Apple launched an elevated but affordable option to compete with the lower end of the smartwatch market. The Watch SE 3 is a glorious update.
Also: Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Watch SE 2: I compared the two models, and there’s a clear winner
It’s still the smallest display, the weakest in brightness, and the cheapest model overall, at $250. But Apple came to win with the upgrades. The Watch SE 3 has 18-hour battery life and an S10 chip (the same as in the more expensive Watch Series 10, 11, and Ultra 3 models).
This advanced chip brings an always-on display, fast-charging, and 5G for the first time. New to the SE watch is sleep apnea detection and sleep scores, a significant update from the basic sleep data provided by the SE 2.
The SE 3 even adds temperature sensing for users to track their menstrual cycle. Of course, it still keeps users looped into the Apple ecosystem, receiving texts, emails, and more. It’s a beautifully executed refresh that was much needed, and no surprise that wearables editor Nina Raemont recommends the model the most.
But I won’t be upgrading. Here’s why.
The Watch SE 2 still meets my needs
The Apple Watch SE 2 with the Nomad Sport Band in limited edition Glow.
Kayla Solino/ZDNET
I dove into this earlier this month with the release of the Watch SE 3. It’s stunning, and admittedly a good buy — for a specific user. Raemont noted in her review that the Apple Watch SE 3 is the smartwatch for first-time buyers and budget shoppers.
I’m totally with her on that. I initially bought my Watch SE 2 in as an introduction to Apple’s features, and it’s been an excellent investment for me, especially since I bought it on sale for $179. It’s served every purpose I wanted, and it still does.
Although the many upgraded features in the Watch SE 3 are very nice (and equally tempting), my needs are at the root of my evaluation process. I bought a Watch SE 2 to ease myself into smart wearable territory, generate a lifestyle shift, and become comfortable with core features without spending too much money. Almost two years later, I still get that from my Watch SE 2.
Also: Should you upgrade to Apple Watch Series 11? Here’s how it compares to older models
If anything, I’ve had time to understand what other features I may want in a future smart wearable, and I recognize that I’d like a bit more than what Apple’s core lineup is offering — even in the SE 3.
So yes — temperature sensing, sleep scores, and an always-on display are nicer than I have now. But I am still getting what I need from my Watch SE 2 while deciding on my next best wearable. I’ve been pondering smart rings, like the Oura or Ultrahuman rings, and have even considered upgrading to a Series 10 or Series 11. But at the moment, I’ll be sticking with my SE 2. At its core, it still does everything I want my smartwatch to do.
I want more features
The Apple Watch Series 11.
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
As mentioned above, I am looking for more features in my next wearable, and if I’m going to upgrade, I want to make sure it has everything I want. My SE 2 was purchased with the intent to dabble — a trial run on if a smartwatch could fit into my lifestyle. Nearly two years later, I am entering the next phase in my journey.
The Watch Series 11 looks like a promising upgrade for me. It’s a bit bigger, but still offers slightly elevated features over the SE 3, like longer battery life, blood oxygen tracking, hypertension notifications, and the ECG app. I think the Ultra 3 would be too advanced for my needs, but I wouldn’t rule it out. I’m also a big fan of the sleek, jewelry-like design of smart rings, which offer many of the same health and fitness features as the Apple Watch (sans the text syncing), but without the extra bulk.
Also: The best smart rings of 2025
Ultimately, I haven’t decided what my next smart wearable will be yet, but I’d like to upgrade in features from what I have in the SE 2. That said, if you’re a first-time wearable user looking to purchase for a child, teen, or elderly individual, I can’t recommend the SE 3 (or even the SE 2) enough. It’s a great core smartwatch, and Apple has future-proofed the SE 3 for the coming years.
What I’ll miss out on by not upgrading
Renee Ramos/Apple/ZDNET
Yes, I am going to miss out on some features by not upgrading to the Watch SE 3. I won’t get sleep apnea detection, sleep score, temperature sensing, the always-on display, or fast charging. And I’m certainly not getting any of the more advanced Apple Watch features packed into the Series 11 or Watch Ultra 3, like ECG updates, blood oxygen monitoring, hypertension detection, and emergency SOS via satellite.
Also: I compared every Apple Watch in 2025 – here’s why I recommend this model the most
I do, however, save myself $250 at the moment and keep getting to enjoy the core features in my Watch SE 2. I also gain more time to research the best smart wearable upgrade for my lifestyle (maybe it’s a ring… maybe not), and I may save myself some cash in the process.
Plus, by choosing to wait — even if by only six months or so — it’s likely I’ll be able to snag a newer Apple watch model for $50-70 less, based on my historical knowledge as ZDNET’s shopping editor.
