Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: sorry SE 2, SE 3 wins this round

What's new in the Apple Watch SE 3? 

✨For a long time, Apple's budget smartwatch line has been a nearly-there option. This year, the SE 3 flips the script, and the SE 2 can't compete. The Apple Watch SE 3 now features an Always-On display and is powered by the latest S10 chip — the same one driving the Series 11 and Ultra 3. A chip upgrade means wrist flick controls, gesture controls, and on-device Siri. Fast charging is now a reality on Apple's budget line, with a promise of all-day battery life with up to 18 hours of normal use. And the upgrades go beyond performance, with the SE 3 boasting a build that’s four times tougher than that of the SE 2, and Apple has added more sensors, including one for wrist temperature. Cellular models will now support 5G connectivity for better coverage and faster downloads.  

Why you can trust this Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Apple Watch SE 2 comparison

For over a decade now, Back Market has been restoring tech to premium condition. As a leader in the refurbished electronics marketplace, we work closely with industry professionals to ensure every device meets quality standards. Our team is constantly researching the latest gadgets, tracking updates, and keeping up with the latest trends to provide accurate and unbiased insights. Whether it's Apple Watches, iPhones, or MacBooks, we combine our industry knowledge with real-world experience to help you make informed decisions.  

Upgrades bring the SE 3 closer to Apple's flagships 

Compared to its predecessor (the Apple Watch SE 2), the SE 3 features significant upgrades that bring it closer to Apple's flagship line. Most notable is the Always-On display. The SE 3 is the first SE watch to include this, letting you view the time without having to lift your wrist. It also gains a built-in speaker for media playback and a host of health features, including temperature sensing, sleep apnea detection, and retrospective ovulation estimates.  

Like the Series 11 and Ultra 3, the SE 3 is powered by the S10 chip, which introduces gesture controls, fast charging, and on-device Siri processing. A 15-minute charge promises eight hours of battery life for normal use, while 5G support on cellular models ensures quicker and more seamless connectivity.  

The other major upgrade is the tougher Ion-X glass, which Apple claims provides quadruple the crack resistance of the glass used on the SE 2. The Apple Watch SE 3 will ship with watchOS 26, which features a Liquid Glass makeover and offers text translations and an AI-powered personalized Workout Buddy.  

Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Apple Watch SE 2: Specifications 

Design and display: A tougher build for the SE 3

"…it finally gets an always-on display, which means you see a constant watch face rather than a black and blank screen on your arm." - Express 

The Apple Watch SE 3 will be available in the 40mm and 44mm sizes, the same as the SE 2. It retains the lightweight aluminum build with the same water resistance, maxing out at 50 meters (swim-proof). However, the SE 3's display has been improved, with Apple introducing an Always-On display — the first ever in the SE line. The OLED panel will remain visible at all times, and you won't need to flick your wrist to view your information. The brightness could be better, however, with both models having a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits.  

The SE 3 will be tougher than the SE 2, with Apple introducing tougher Ion-X glass on the SE 3. Apple claims that it offers quadruple the crack resistance of the SE 2. Bands and chargers remain compatible, but the SE 3 will offer fewer color options than the Apple Watch SE 2. 

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3 

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 is the first budget Apple Watch to feature an Always-On display with a tougher Ion-X glass, offering better durability than the SE 2.  

Performance and battery life: Flagship performance 

"The Apple Watch SE 3 performs in line with the Series 11 and Ultra 3." – TechRadar

One of the most significant upgrades in the Apple Watch SE 3 occurs under the hood. The SE 3 will be powered by the S10 chip, a 64-bit dual-core processor with a quad-core Neural Engine, paired with 64GB of storage. This is the same setup offered on the more expensive Series 11. The SE 2, on the other hand, is powered by the S8 chip (paired with 32GB of storage). The S8 is a solid chip, but it can't keep up with the S10's muscle. In everyday use, the difference is clear, with apps launching faster, dictations being more accurate, and animations being more fluid on the SE 3. 

On paper, Apple promises all-day battery life with up to 18 hours of normal use on the SE 3, with this figure stretching to 32 hours when in Low Power Mode. The Apple Watch SE 2 also promises an 18-hour battery life. Fast charging has been introduced on the SE 3, with Apple claiming a quick 15-minute charge will provide up to eight hours of battery life. Eight minutes of charging should provide enough time for eight hours of sleep tracking, with the watch capable of going from 0% to 80% in just 45 minutes. Fast charging is not offered on the Apple Watch SE 2.  

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3 

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 is a performance beast, boasting the latest S10 chip with 64GB of storage (double the SE 2), fast charging capabilities, and all-day battery life that could last up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode.  

Health and safety features: The SE 3 takes things a step further 

"…the SE 3 has transformed from a budget-friendly compromise into a full-featured smartwatch at a price that feels almost too good to be true." – T3 

Health and fitness tracking have always been at the heart of the Apple Watch. Both the Apple Watch SE 2 and SE 3 offer the essentials: automatic workout detection, crash detection, fall detection, heart rate alerts, step counting, and GPS workout tracking. However, the SE 3 takes things a step further, introducing wrist temperature sensing, FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, and improved Cycle Tracking.  

A new Sleep Score metric and an AI-powered Workout Buddy will also be available with the watchOS 26 update, but these will also be featured on the SE 2 with the software update. It's worth noting that both models still lack ECG and blood oxygen sensors, with these features reserved for the top-tier models in Apple’s lineup. However, for everyday health, fitness, and safety, both models excel, though the SE 3 is more capable than the SE 2. In fact, it only slightly trails the premium lineup.  

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3 

✨Both budget Apple Watches offer core health and safety features, but the Apple Watch SE 3 takes things a step further, including sleep apnea detection, improved Cycle Tracking, and wrist temperature sensing.  

Connectivity: 5G is now a reality 

"…thanks to 5G, you can download apps and music without your phone nearby, and it feels just as snappy as doing so on your phone." – PC Mag 

Both the Apple Watch SE 3 and SE 2 are available in GPS-only and GPS + Cellular versions. Among the SE 3's biggest surprises is the arrival of 5G connectivity. We didn't expect Apple to include this feature on the entry-level model, but the SE 3 will now benefit from faster, more reliable connections directly from your wrist. The new 5G antenna supports more bands and can sense and improve your signal if you're in an area with weaker coverage. And the best part? It does this without extra strain on your watch's battery. The SE 2 only offers LTE support, so the SE 3 is the clear winner here.  

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3 

✨The Apple Watch SE 3 will now offer 5G support on the cellular models, providing faster and more seamless connections without draining your smartwatch's battery.  

How to buy a budget Apple Watch 

For most shoppers, the goal is to get a quality device at an affordable price. There are a couple ways to buy an affordable smartwatch. The first is bundle discounts. Some retailers will offer you a discount when you pair your Apple Watch purchase with another Apple product, like AirPods or an iPhone. It's a great way to save money, but why buy tech you don't need?  

The other option is to take advantage of sales events, and there are three major events that are quickly approaching: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season. During these times, most retailers will offer discounts on many Apple products, including the Apple Watch. However, it's worth noting that many retailers often hike prices just before sales events, so the discounts appear bigger than they actually are during the event.  

The best way to buy a budget Apple Watch, though, is by shopping on Back Market. At Back Market, we don't play any games or make you purchase tech you don't need. Our devices are available at 20% to 50% off compared to the price of new, year-round. We sell Verified Refurbished Apple Watches that offer premium quality, and for your peace of mind, you get a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return period. If you're shopping for an affordable Apple Watch, Back Market is the place to be. But don't take it from us, let this satisfied customer who gave us a 5/5 rating guide you: 

"looooove! I upgraded to the Apple Watch Ultra, and my partner got my SE - no new electronics in this household!! Only second-hand. The price was fantastic, and it was delivered 5 days sooner than expected! 10s across the board!" - Vitaly U. Purchased on May 21, 2025 

✨ Back Market is the best place to shop for a budget Apple Watch, with daily discounted prices on  Verified Refurbished devices with a 1-year warranty backing.  

Why buy refurbished  

At Back Market, we sell Verified Refurbished electronics. These are devices that have been professionally restored to premium condition by industry experts and sold at a fraction of the original price. Before we list any device on our pages, it undergoes a thorough refurbishment process. This includes an up to 100-point quality inspection for defects, repair or replacement of defective parts, and rigorous testing, cleaning, and cosmetic enhancements to ensure top-notch quality. All our devices are sold with a minimum of 80% battery health and are paired with a 1-year warranty, so you can shop with confidence.  

Yes, the quality is great, and the price is excellent too, with these devices available at 20% to 50% off the price of new.  

And have we mentioned that refurbished devices are great for the planet? When you opt for refurbished tech, you help combat climate change. Refurbished tech cuts down on the need for new manufacturing, which in turn reduces the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. There's also a growing concern regarding e-waste, but with refurbished tech extending the life cycle of devices, you play a vital role in slowing this issue. When you choose Back Market, you choose quality, affordability, and a sustainability. Take it from this Reddit user: 

"I have had a great experience. MacBook Pro arrived in flawless condition. I would have thought it was brand new from the Apple store. Bought the extended warranty. Have had zero issues. I would absolutely consider purchasing from them again in the future." – Reddit Comment 

Trade in your old tech for cash 

Did you know that old tech is still valuable? Thanks to Back Market's Trade-in program, you can get cash or credit towards your next purchase when you trade in your old device. The process is fast, hassle-free, and involves only three steps. Start by completing an online assessment about your device's condition to get an instant quote. Ship the device to us for free, and once everything is verified, you'll receive payment. Don't let that old iPhone or MacBook gather dust; trade it in for an upgrade or some extra cash.  

Price and availability  

The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249.00 for the 40mm and $279.00 for the 44mm GPS-only models. To stay connected with or without your phone nearby, you'll have to cough up $299.00 for the 40mm or $329.00 for the 44mm GPS and 5G models. However, with the latest Apple Watches out, older models are available at reduced prices. You can get a Verified Refurbished Apple Watch SE 2 on Back Market at an all-time low price. Models from the flagship Series line and the rugged Ultra are also available at competitive prices. Here are some of our best picks.  

Why getting the Apple Watch SE 3 is a good idea

There is no debate. After three long years, the Apple Watch SE 3 is here, and the SE 2 can't compete. The SE 3 offers significant improvements over its predecessor without jacking up the price. Still, the SE 3 might not appeal to everyone, so buy the Apple Watch SE 3 only if: 

1. You want the best and most affordable Apple Watch. The Apple Watch SE 3 is the most affordable and up-to-date Apple wearable. It features a new chip and a tougher build, and it includes a fresh set of features, including a wrist temperature sensor, sleep apnea detection, and Sleep Score, among others. The SE 3 offers fast charging, with battery life lasting up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode. It's also the first budget Apple Watch to feature an Always-On display and 5G connectivity.  

2. You're coming from an older Apple Watch model. The Apple Watch SE 3 debuted alongside the Series 11 and Ultra 3. However, if you're comfortable rocking Apple's latest budget wearable, which offers specs close to the flagship, the SE 3 is your answer. There's no need to buy a more expensive model for a set of fancy features you probably won't use.   

3. You want top-of-the-line features without the hefty price tag. Apple did a great job with the SE 3. The new features are hard to ignore, especially the S10 chip, an Always-On display, fast charging, tougher Ion-X glass, and improved health features. Of course, the essentials are still intact, but for the first time since the SE line debuted, a budget Apple Watch feels robust and ready to compete.  

Final thoughts: You should buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if you… 

Don't write off the Apple Watch SE 2 just yet. The SE 2 has been a faithful servant to many for the past three years and promises to continue delivering reliable performance for several more. It also helps that it's now available at an all-time low price with the launch of the SE 3, so buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if: 

1. You want the cheapest Apple Watch possible. If you're shopping for your first Apple Watch, the SE 2 is a great place to start. It's an entry-level model, offering the most affordable way to experience the core Apple Watch features without overspending. With the SE 2, you get a great set of features, including an OLED panel, a fast S8 chip, safety features, 32GB of storage, solid health and fitness tracking features, watchOS 26 updates, and a lightweight and comfortable watch.  

2. You don't need the upgraded features of the SE 3. Yes, the upgrades on the SE 3 are significant, even exciting. They are warmly received, but ultimately, it all comes down to need. If you want an Apple Watch for its safety features, health and fitness tools, and cellular connectivity, you don't need the SE 3, as the SE 2 can do all this and more. The new features of the SE 3 are a plus, but they’re far from essential when it comes to what most people expect from a standard smartwatch. Fast charging and a longer-lasting battery with Low Power Mode? Nope! The SE 2 already delivers a solid 18-hour battery life.