Apple is setting the record straight. Three years after the previous generation, the Cupertino company is finally dusting off its most affordable smartwatch. The Apple Watch SE 3 arrives with a breath of fresh air: an Always-On display, a new, faster S10 chip, fast charging, 5G compatibility, and even a temperature sensor. These are all assets that blur the line between the brand's "affordable" models and premium offerings. Starting at €269 , this Apple Watch SE 3 has everything you'd expect from an Apple Watch that doesn't have much of an "SE" feel to it anymore. It remains to be seen whether it can truly embody the best technology-to-price ratio in the range .
We've worn it, tested it, and sometimes forgotten about it because it blends so seamlessly into everyday life. Here's what we think.
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Design and finishes: elegance without fuss
The moment you open the box always feels special with Apple. This small, precise, and subdued ritual already sets the tone: the Apple Watch SE 3 isn't trying to impress, but to assert itself with quiet confidence. From the very first moment, the watch exudes seriousness and sobriety. Only two shades, Starlight and Midnight, but each has that deep, almost velvety finish that Apple masters better than anyone. The Midnight , in particular, catches the light in a stunning way, oscillating between midnight blue and graphite black depending on the angle.
In hand, the aluminum case feels familiar. It's easy to recognize the lines of previous generations: the slightly rounded edges, the seamless continuity between the screen and the case, that sense of understated solidity. It might seem like a simple design redesign, but it's a conscious choice: the Apple Watch SE 3 relies on the reliability of a proven formula , and on absolute compatibility with the entire galaxy of Apple straps.
Once on the wrist, the magic happens. Lightweight, almost imperceptible, the Apple Watch SE 3 disappears after a few hours. You wear it during the day, you sleep with it at night, without ever feeling any discomfort. The 40 mm format adapts naturally to thin wrists, while the 44 mm offers a more assertive presence and a slightly more immersive screen. Sure, the borders remain visible, reminding you that we're not on a Series 10 or Ultra, but in practice, this detail quickly fades, replaced by the fluidity of the experience.
The sports band snaps into place with that unmistakable, almost satisfying click. A simple press, and the mechanism slides in without resistance. This universal system, which has become an Apple signature, opens up endless possibilities: changing your style becomes a breeze, and you can switch from a sports band to a leather or braided model depending on your mood.
On the right side, the digital crown and side button fall naturally under the finger. The gesture quickly becomes reflexive, almost organic. The click is clear, the rotation fluid. On the left, the speaker completes the ensemble, discreet but powerful when needed. Everything is in its place, thought out, adjusted. Nothing sticks out.
And perhaps that's the real charm of this Apple Watch SE 3: it doesn't try to do too much, but everything it does, it does well.
A screen that's finally always on
It's the kind of detail that makes a huge difference in everyday life. From the very first moment, you barely notice it, and then you wonder how you ever managed without it: the Apple Watch SE 3's screen finally stays on all the time . No more flicking your wrist to check the time or a notification. Now, a quick glance is all it takes. It's not just a convenience: it's a transformative experience.
Apple hasn't adopted the Series 11's ultra-smooth LTPO3 technology, the one that displays the seconds continuously, but it doesn't matter. The essentials are there, and the difference with the SE 2 is felt at every moment. You look up, and the time is already there, clear, legible, and stable. In meetings, in the car, or during a workout, this little luxury quickly becomes a given .
Under the panel, we find a first-generation LTPO OLED , capable of reaching 1000 nits of maximum brightness. Yes, the Series 11 climbs to 2000 nits, but in the field, the difference is far from obvious. Even in full October sunlight, on the edge of a terrace or during an outdoor run, readability remains exemplary . The colors pop without being garish, the text remains sharp, and the contrasts are of a depth that reminds us why Apple remains a reference in screen mastery.
Another less visible, but equally crucial, development: the glass's strength . Apple promises four times the protection of the SE 2 , matching that of the Series 11. This is a welcome improvement, as scratches were one of the weak points of the previous models. Of course, it's still a long way from the near-indestructible sapphire of the Ultra versions, but for a watch at this price, the compromise seems perfectly calibrated. And for the most careful, a thin screen protector will be enough to guarantee years of peace of mind.
This new screen doesn't revolutionize the formula, it perfects . More practical, more readable, more durable: the Apple Watch SE 3 finally becomes the watch that you no longer need to wake up.
The power of a Series 11, at the price of an SE
It's arguably the biggest surprise of this generation: the Apple Watch SE 3 features the same S10 chip as the Series 11 and Ultra 3. Not a truncated version, not a hidden compromise, but the same. A bold move by Apple, which pushes the entry-level watch into a whole new category. In use, this power is immediately felt: everything is faster, smoother, more natural.
From the very first moment, the watch reacts instantly. Apps open without lag, transitions flow with almost hypnotic fluidity, and even the most demanding tasks— live GPS navigation, Apple Music streaming, and multisport tracking— run without the slightest slowdown. This exemplary stability gives the feeling of having a high-end watch on your wrist, simply sold at a low price.
But this new chip doesn't just boost responsiveness: it also unlocks new interactions . Apple has integrated the famous control gestures , directly inspired by the premium models. A double tap of the thumb and index finger allows you to validate an action, while a slight movement of the wrist is used to navigate through menus or go back. In everyday life, these gestures quickly become reflexes; pausing your music, hanging up a call or starting a timer , even with wet hands, becomes almost magical. It's the kind of typically Apple detail: invisible at first, essential later.
And then there's the storage : it doubles, going from 32 to 64 GB . A welcome development that opens the door to more freedom: you can finally take your playlists, offline GPS maps , or even a few photos without having to juggle with free space.
Finally, the cellular of the Apple Watch SE 3 takes a leap forward with the arrival of 5G . Faster, more stable, but above all more energy efficient, a point often underestimated. In our tests, the difference was clearly felt: less heat, less consumption, and faster synchronizations, even away from the phone.
In short, the SE 3 takes the DNA of the more expensive models , while maintaining the accessible positioning that made it successful. An entry-level watch, yes, but boosted like a champion.
Health and sleep: the SE 3 keeps an eye on your daily life
Wearing the Apple Watch SE 3 is like having a caring little doctor with you everywhere. The new temperature sensor immediately catches your eye. It doesn't deliver the exact temperature, but it detects fluctuations, and that's enough to spot the first signs of a cold or impending fatigue. In our tests, the watch reported an increase two days before the first symptoms appeared, a subtle but surprisingly accurate warning. For female users, this sensor becomes a menstrual cycle ally, capable of providing detailed tracking and even retroactive ovulation estimation.
Sleep is also becoming more readable. Each morning, a score out of a hundred summarizes the quality of the night, taking into account bedtime, duration, and interruptions. The approach is simple, almost intuitive, and unlike the highly complex systems of some specialized watches, it offers immediately understandable and actionable information. After several nights, the score matched our feelings surprisingly well, even if stress or diet still escape the watch's monitoring.
Sleep apnea detection is a real surprise. The watch monitors your breathing throughout the night and can alert you of repeated pauses, a potentially crucial signal for millions of people unaware they suffer from this disorder. Heart monitoring remains exemplary, with arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation detection—unobtrusive but life-saving notifications.
It's worth noting, however, that some features remain missing. ECG, blood oxygenation measurement, and hypertension monitoring are not available. For the majority of users, these limitations don't affect the experience. The ECG is mostly used out of curiosity, and home oximetry is no substitute for a medical device, but for everyday use, the SE 3 already offers a very comprehensive overview of your health.
Ultimately, this watch becomes a truly discreet companion. It observes, alerts, accompanies, and reassures, without ever being intrusive. We quickly become accustomed to its constant presence, as if it were part of us, watching over our rhythm of life, our nights, and our hearts.
Sport and GPS: the SE 3 amazed us
From the very first steps, the Apple Watch SE 3 surprises. The numbers speak for themselves: compared to a Polar H10 heart rate monitor, the gold standard for ECG accuracy, the watch displays a correlation coefficient of 0.988 and an R² of 0.976. These results place it not only on par with, but sometimes above, much more expensive models like the Garmin Venue 4 or the Whoop MG.
During our interval running sessions, the most demanding test for a smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE 3 tracked every variation in pace with near-instant responsiveness. Where some watches noticeably lag when changing intensity, the Apple Watch reacts instantly. Interval running becomes a real pleasure, and we find ourselves changing our pace just to test its responsiveness.
The single-band GPS performs impressively in open spaces. On open trails, the track follows our routes perfectly, without the jumps or wandering that we sometimes see on more affordable models. However, as expected, dense urban areas or steep terrain pose some challenges. In the city center, the watch sometimes placed us on the other side of the street, or even inside a building. Nothing dramatic, but it's a reminder that dual-frequency GPS , reserved for the Ultra, remains a luxury. For the majority of runners and cyclists who roam parks and suburbs, the accuracy is more than sufficient.
The Exercise app is very comprehensive. It offers around thirty different activities: running, cycling, swimming, but also yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and strength training. During exercise, the metrics are clear, customizable, and, above all, easy to interpret. Synchronization with the iPhone's Health app works smoothly and immediately, transforming each outing into precise and motivating tracking.
Ultimately, the Apple Watch SE 3 isn't just an entry-level watch: it proves to be a reliable sports partner, capable of holding its own against much more expensive models, while remaining comfortable to wear and use. We leave running sessions with a smile, convinced that it hasn't let us down once.
Battery life and fast charging: the Apple compromise
Battery life has always been the Apple Watch's Achilles heel, and the Apple Watch SE 3 is no exception. Apple advertises 18 hours, and in reality, with Always On Display disabled and moderate usage, we often end the day with 20 to 30% battery. As soon as the screen stays on or we start a GPS-enabled workout, the watch demands its daily recharge without compromise.
Luckily, fast charging comes to the rescue . Placed on the new magnetic charger, the Apple Watch SE 3 recovers 80% of its battery in just 45 minutes, and 15 minutes is enough to get eight hours of battery life. In practice, a few minutes of charging while showering or having breakfast is enough to get through the day without worry. This ritual quickly becomes second nature: the watch stays on the wrist during activities, then rests on the charger at night or for a few moments in the morning.
For those who want to track their sleep, organization is key. Take advantage of moments of inactivity to put the watch back on the charger, whether in the shower, in front of a movie, or when you wake up with a cup of coffee. With a little foresight, continuous 24-hour tracking becomes perfectly viable, even if we can't help but dream of the 42 hours of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 or the ten days offered by some Garmin watches. Despite this compromise, the SE 3 manages to remain reliable, always ready to accompany every moment of the day.
WatchOS 26: The ecosystem makes all the difference
Beyond the hardware, what really transforms the Apple Watch SE 3 is watchOS 26. Apple's operating system remains unparalleled: fluid, consistent, and above all, with a wealth of applications that few other platforms can match. As soon as you dive into the App Store, you realize that developers still favor Apple. Spotify, Strava, MyFitnessPal, Carrot Weather, AutoSleep… all these apps are optimized for the watch, and the experience remains flawless. You instantly feel part of an ecosystem designed to be coherent and complete.
Customizable watch faces offer an infinite playground. You can go from sleek minimalism to faces overloaded with information, from playful designs to clocks reminiscent of traditional watchmaking. The Smart Stack , accessible by swiping from the bottom of the screen, quickly becomes a reflex: when you wake up, your sleep score appears, before you leave, the weather, during the day, your activity, and in the evening, a reminder to meditate. Everything is designed to adapt to the context and our needs, almost as if the watch guessed what would be useful to us at each moment.
Integration with the iPhone remains unparalleled. Notifications arrive instantly, and the watch naturally distinguishes between those that require a haptic alert and those that can be ignored. Replying to messages becomes a breeze, whether by voice, emoji, or via predefined messages. Apple Pay works seamlessly for contactless payments, the Find My feature instantly locates a misplaced iPhone, and for Mac users, the watch unlocks the computer as soon as you approach.
Siri, while still imperfect, is improving year over year. Local processing speeds up responses, and the ability to raise your wrist to speak—without saying "Hey Siri"—works surprisingly well. In our tests, it correctly answered weather questions, played music, and created reminders and timers without difficulty. The microphone accurately picks up voices, even in noisy environments, making interactions feel natural and nearly invisible in the flow of the day.
In practice, watchOS 26 transforms the Apple Watch SE 3 into a seamless and intelligent extension of the iPhone , capable of integrating into every aspect of daily life, from health tracking to productivity, entertainment, and payments. It's this consistency between hardware and software that makes all the difference.
The best Apple Watch for nine out of ten people
With the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple has achieved a masterstroke. By integrating the S10 chip, Always On Display, fast charging, and a temperature sensor, the brand has eliminated most of the differences with its premium models. For €269, you get a watch that offers about 90% of what the €449 Series 11 offers and nearly 85% of the features of the €899 Ultra 3. The compromises, such as slightly thicker bezels, a less bright screen, and the absence of certain advanced health sensors, seem largely acceptable compared to the nearly €200 savings.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is aimed at anyone new to the Apple Watch universe who wants to test the ecosystem without breaking the bank. It will appeal to athletes, from casual exercisers to regular runners, thanks to its accurate and reliable tracking, and to parents looking to equip a child or teenager. Seniors will find it an ally for health and fall detection, while those who regularly change their watch or own an older Apple Watch, Series 4, 5 or 6 , will find it an affordable and relevant upgrade.
On the other hand, extreme athletes and adventurers in hostile environments will find the Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the features and durability to meet their needs. Those who require an ECG, accurate oximetry, or an ultra-thin, modern design will want to consider the Series 11. Similarly, users who want more than a day and a half of battery life should consider the Ultra 3.
For everyone else, and that's the majority of users, the Apple Watch SE 3 is simply the best smartwatch of 2025 in this price range . Apple has managed to create a product that doesn't feel like a compromise, but a complete, fluid and modern watch, capable of keeping up with the pace of everyday life, all at a remarkably attractive price. Wearing the Apple Watch SE 3 on your wrist gives the feeling of a finished product, designed to please everyone, without sacrificing the essentials.
✔ The best value in the Apple Watch range, hands down.
✔ The S10 chip identical to the premium models for guaranteed longevity.
✔ Always On Display finally present on an SE.
✔ heart rate and GPS accuracy for the price.
✔ The watchOS ecosystem and its thousands of applications.
✔ Highly efficient fast charging
✔ 50m waterproof for swimming.
✔ Temperature sensor and sleep apnea detection.
✔ Compatibility with all Apple Watch bands.
✔ Practical everyday control gestures
✔ 5G option on cellular model.
✖ An autonomy which remains limited to 18 hours.
✖ Thick screen bezels compared to recent series.
✖ Lack of ECG, oximeter and hypertension detection.
✖ No dual frequency GPS for harsh environments.
✖ Only two colors available , both sober.
✖ No premium materials (titanium, steel).
✖ The screen is less bright than the 11 series (but sufficient).
✖ The somewhat simplistic sleep score.
✖ The always-on screen that doesn't show the seconds.
Conclusion: The Apple Watch SE 3, the best compromise for 2025
Apple Watch SE 3 smartwatch , Apple is hitting hard and showing that the entry-level can now compete with the premium . Three years after the previous version, the brand has managed to create a watch that surprises with its fluidity , its power and the richness of its features. The integration of the S10 chip , the Always On Display , the expanded health monitoring and the fast charge puts this SE 3 very close to the high-end models, while remaining accessible at €269 . We are no longer talking about an “entry-level” watch but a complete , designed to accompany the daily life of the majority of users without major compromise.
Throughout our tests, it proved to be responsive and accurate , whether for sports tracking, GPS, sleep or health. The screen remains readable and pleasant, the watch is light on the wrist and its battery life, while not equal to that of the Ultra models, remains sufficient thanks to fast charging and intelligent energy management. The watchOS 26 gives the Apple Watch SE 3 a decisive advantage: the richness of the ecosystem , the fluidity of interactions and the quality of the applications make this watch almost a natural extension of the iPhone .
For casual or regular users , athletes, parents looking to equip their children, and even those who want to replace an old Apple Watch without breaking the bank, the SE 3 is an obvious choice . The rare users who need ECG, oximetry, extended battery life or an ultra-thin design will turn to the Series 11 or Ultra 3, but for everyone else, this watch is a complete, reliable and pleasant companion for everyday use .
At €269, Apple offers an experience that combines performance, design, features, and software integration, for a product that should remain relevant and up-to-date for at least four to five years. The Apple Watch SE 3 isn't just a watch; it's proof that you can have a premium experience without paying the full price . That's why we give it a final score of 9 out of 10: a flawless performance that confirms that Apple still knows how to surprise and seduce even in its "accessible" range.
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