The launch of the Apple Watch SE 2020 and having kept the Series 3 in the catalog at a lower price has made many wonder which one is better to buy. The price difference between them is not really high and a priori they seem like two very similar devices because they do not have sensors such as the ECG or functions such as Always On Display. But are they really that alike? Which one is worth more? We analyze it.
Technical specifications of each
It is true that experience is a degree and being able to tell how each of these watches behaves is key and we will do so in the following sections. However, we believe it is relevant to know in advance what specifications these two devices have.
| features | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Series 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Size | -40 mm -44 mm |
-38 mm -42 mm |
| Colors | -Silver -Space gray -Gold |
-Silver -Space gray |
| materials | Aluminum with Ion-X glass screen | Aluminum with Ion-X glass screen |
| Chip | Apple S5 SiP 2-core | Apple S3 SiP Dual Core |
| Always On Display option | Not | Not |
| Heart rate sensor | Yes | Yes |
| ECG sensor | Not | Not |
| Blood oxygen level sensor | Not | Not |
| Fall detector | Yes | Not |
| Other sensors and features | -Altimeter always active -Microphone -Speaker -GPS -Compass -Noise control -Emergency calls -International emergency calls -Compatible with Family Configuration in GPS + Cellular models |
-Altimeter -Emergency calls -Microphone -Speaker -GPS |
| Digital crown with haptic feedback | Yes | Not |
| Waterproof | 50 meters deep | 50 meters deep |
| Do you have an LTE version? | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi connections | 802.11b / g / n at 2.4 GHz | 802.11b / g / n at 2.4 GHz |
| Bluetooth connection | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Base prices at Apple | From 299 euros | From 219 euros |
Similar, but not identical designs
Apple has maintained a very continuous aesthetic in its watches since the launch of the original Apple Watch. However it has made some notable changes when it comes to screen dimensions . From Series 4 onwards, including the SE, you can enjoy a larger screen in more compact sizes. For this, the edges of the screen were reduced and this is something that is very noticeable.
Apple Watch SE
Does this mean that Series 3 is worse in this section? Absolutely. The screen of this watch looks really good and has the same technology as the SE, only in this case it looks smaller and gives the feeling that a lot of the front is missing to be used. The latter is especially noticeable if we put one next to the other.
Substantial difference in performance
Going from an S3 chip in the Series 3’s to an S5 in the SE is a notable change. It is not that the difference is very beast, but in the day to day it is very noticeable. Actions such as opening applications or scrolling through the system are the most common thing to do with the clock and while it is true that the Series 3 works very well, the times in the SE have accelerated considerably. It is not a drama, we insist, but something to keep in mind if you want to have great fluency.
Sensors on Apple Watch SE and Series 3
First of all, it must be said that some very outstanding functions such as electrocardiograms or blood oxygen saturation are not available in any of these devices. If you think you need them, the Series 6 will be your watch. However, already counting on what this Series 3 and SE have we see that there are small but notable differences.
The fall detector is possibly the most prominent if the device is used for sports or if it is focused on an elderly person. This will help that contact with emergency services can be immediate and it has been seen in these years that it has been essential in many cases to save a person’s life.
Other functions such as the compass or the improved altimeter are also interesting. Although if we stick to health aspects again, we must bear in mind that with the Apple Watch SE it is possible to have noise control , so that you can also take care of your ears avoiding noisy areas or too high music volumes.
More watchOS updates on the SE
Precisely the processor that mounts the Apple Watch Series 3 could end up being its main ballast to update to more recent versions of watchOS, the operating system of these watches. With the current watchOS 7, certain lags and even sporadic failures are already noticed in some devices, so one can hardly imagine updating to the eighth version and, if it does, the experience will continue to be negative.
In the case of the Apple Watch SE, we find a good performance in its latest versions and, except for surprise, it will be a longer-lived Watch as far as software is concerned. Although keeping the accounts in this case is somewhat difficult, we can observe the trend set by Apple and guarantee at least 3 or 4 more years of updates. Unless they want to leave it out before due to the lack of sensors.
Important differences also in autonomy
Already the change of processor from Series 3 to SE is an advantage regarding resource optimization, but the 2020 model also includes a larger battery. This ultimately results in a better autonomy of the watch. Although exact figures cannot be given as this is a factor that depends a lot on use, the truth is that the difference with the 3 today is considerable. As a general rule, the Series 3 can last a day, while the SE will allow you to even have it on at night and still have some battery in the morning. Therefore in this field the Apple Watch SE also takes the point over the Series 3.
The difference in prices tilts the balance
These Apple Watch, like the others, can be configured by size, colors, straps, special versions and more. This causes the price to vary, but all things being equal and starting from the base price at Apple they have a difference of only 80 euros . Obviously that of “only” is relative for each person, but as we make an outlay for a device we believe that perhaps it is worth paying a little more and getting an Apple Watch SE. And yes, as you have probably already guessed after reading previous sections, this is undoubtedly the winner of this comparison.
While it is true that in advance it was known better for its benefits, the truth is that this does not have to be final to give a winner. In fact, in this medium we make comparisons of other products and sometimes the one that a priori is inferior compensates more. In this case, we believe that the differences in all fields between the watches are more than defining to say that the model launched in 2020 can be considered a much better purchase than the other.
And if you already have a Series 3, is it worth the jump?
Based on all the above we could say that yes, it will be worth buying the SE because you will find differences in screen, performance and new functionalities. However, you should then also value the purchase of other models such as the Series 6, which are already more expensive but incorporate other novelties that may be of interest to you. If you know them and think that they are not worth it, you will notice a quality jump when buying an Apple Watch SE.