Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022 — Is the new model worth the upgrade?

Is the new Apple Watch SE 3 a worthy upgrade to the Apple Watch SE 2022 (2nd generation)? I think so.

With three years separating the release of these two entry-level models, Apple had plenty of time to improve the SE 3 through and through. And the Cupertino giant largely did just that. Under the hood, upgrades are numerous. That said, the SE 3 looks identical to the SE 2022, but don't let that dissuade you from springing for the newer model.

Below, I've put together an Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Apple Watch SE 2022comparison across seven categories, including price, design, durability, screen, health and fitness features, AI features and gesture controls, and battery life. Short on time? Jump to the SE 3 vs SE 2022 conclusion for the TLDR.

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Specs compared

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Price

Like the Apple Watch SE 2022, the new model starts at $249 for the 40mm option with GPS only or $300 for 5G (note: the SE 2022 cellular models are LTE, not 5G). The 44mm model also costs the same as before, with a starting price of $279 or $329 for cellular.

Presently, the Apple Watch SE 3 is selling for $50 off ahead of the holidays. The SE 2022, meanwhile, is on sale for $120 off. Ultimately, once the SE 3 returns to its non-discounted price, I fully expect the SE (2022) to remain available for around $100 off, or a starting price of $150. As a result, the older model wins this category.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 2022

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Design

The Apple Watch SE 3 looks identical to the Apple Watch SE 2022. The 40mm SE 3 is the same weight and dimensions as the 40mm SE 2022, and the same goes for the 44mm model.

The screen dimensions and brightness are also identical (more on that below), and both also sport a single button and digital crown on the side of the aluminum case. Finally, for folks with slender wrists, the 40mm SE 3 and SE 2022 represent Apple's most petite and easy-wearing Apple Watch models.

Winner: Draw

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Durability

Despite identical designs, the SE 3 has one durability advantage over its predecessor: higher-quality glass protecting the screen. Apple says that the upgraded glass is 4x more resilient to cracks than the glass on the SE 2022.

That aside, both models boast aluminum cases and 50 meters of water resistance, which is enough for short surface-level swims but not diving or high-impact water sports. For that, you'll want to look to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Display

Screen dimensions are a match between the current SE generation and the previous. Additionally, both devices max out brightness at 1,000 nits. This is reasonably bright, but in very bright daylight, it can be somewhat challenging to read the screen.

Similarities aside, I much prefer the screen on the SE 3. Why? It's Apple's first entry-level smartwatch to feature an always-on display. With the feature enabled, the screen displays a dimmed version of the time and date (though you can customize this with additional info). As soon as you lift your wrist (or interact with the watch), the screen automatically returns to full brightness.

It's the kind of feature that once experienced, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Health and fitness

When it comes to fitness tracking and workout training tools, the Apple Watch SE 2022 and Apple Watch SE 3 are fairly evenly matched. Assuming you have one of the latest AI-powered iPhones, like the iPhone 17, either device will play nicely with Apple's new personalized AI fitness coach, Workout Buddy.

Both SE models track a wide range of workout types if you're running the latest watchOS 26 software. The newer model, however, is better able to automatically track workouts you do frequently without user input.

All of Apple's latest models feature the same set of motivational tools, which challenge you to close your three 'rings' on a daily basis, including a ring for walking, standing, and exercising. Users can customize the goals for each ring, and/or pause their rings whenever needed.

When it comes to health monitoring tools, the newer model features updated tech not offered on the SE 2022, namely, the inclusion of a body temperature sensor. Apple says that this should help improve health tracking accuracy in the Vitals app. The temperature sensor also unlocks women's health tracking tools, including ovulation predictions.

Both models track your sleep, with insights into sleep cycles and a daily numeric sleep score out of 100, but only the SE 3 offers sleep apnea detection.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Gesture controls and AI

Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Apple Watch SE 3 is that Cupertino gave it the same high-power S10 processor found in the Series 11 and Ultra 3 models. This processor is what makes features like the always-on display possible.

It also powers the SE 3's new gesture controls, including double-tap, where you press your index finger and thumb together on your watch-worn hand to execute a custom action. The S10 chip also adds support for Apple's new wrist-flick gesture, which lets you quickly and easily dismiss notifications and incoming calls with a simple flick of the wrist.

Additionally, the SE 3 offers some nifty AI functionality that you won't find on the SE 2022, including live message translations. Finally, the new model lets you use Siri without an internet connection or a paired phone. It's also faster in its reply times.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Battery and charging

Both the Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch SE 2022 have the same battery life rating: 18 hours. However, when considering the fact that the newer model achieves that rating with an always-on display versus not, it's pretty darn impressive.

The SE 3 also charges up faster than the SE 2022. While the second-generation SE takes about 2.5 hours for a full recharge, the SE 3 can go from 0% battery to 100% battery in about an hour.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch SE 2022: Should you upgrade?

Though the Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch SE 2022 look identical, the newer model is worth the upgrade thanks to its non-aesthetic upgrades. These include a tougher glass screen, a faster processor, an onboard body temp sensor, support for an always-on display, sleep apnea detection, support for all of Apple's best gesture controls, faster charging, and more.

With roughly $100 separating the cost of the Apple Watch SE 3 from the discounted Apple Watch SE 2022, I think the extra cost is completely justified, even if the SE 2022 remains a solid wallet-friendly option.

What are your thoughts on the Apple Watch SE 3 versus the Apple Watch 2022? If you have the older model, do you plan to upgrade? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments below.

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