Navigation & maps: David pushes Goliath
You want to find your way without smartphone ? — Beep 6 : free downloadable maps from the Zepp app, readable display, turn-by-turn guidance. Unthinkable at <€100 two years ago. And yet. — SE 3 : offline maps also, integrated into the Apple ecosystem (and iPhone sync is incredibly easy). But autonomy remains the limit if you go all day.
Telephony, payments, apps: Apple rolls out the red carpet
The version Cellular of the SE 3 can call, stream, download apps (depending on network). You pay on the wrist (Apple Pay), you dictate to Siri locally. It’s comfortable, addictive, almost invisible — that was the goal.
Bip 6? Bluetooth calls when the phone is there, notifications, simple commands. It does the essentials without pushing you to do everything from the watch. And honestly, many don’t need more.
Compatibility & locking: detail that changes everything
Apple Watch = iOS only. Officially modern iPhone required. If you’re on Android: curtain. Non-negotiable point.
Beep 6 = iOS + Android. Free Zepp app (data, updates, map import). No paywall for the most part. Suddenly, zero knots in the brain.
Prices, promotions, field reality
Beep 6 :~€79.90 public price. Yes, less than €80 and you have AMOLED screen + GNSS + maps + SpO2. It seems unreal, but it’s there.
SE 3 : from approximately €269 in France at Apple (often less on sale). We are talking about a x3/x4 versus Bip 6, depending on the period. The question is not “expensive or cheap” — it’s “how much does the ecosystem bring you in on a daily basis”.
Need a dedicated opinion from Apple? See my clear buying guide on the Apple Watch SE 3.
Typical profiles: who should take what (no fuss)
1) iPhone lover, connected life, zero friction
You use Apple Pay, Messages, Maps, Music, Health, Reminders… all the time. You want Always-Ongesture, Siri local, security (falls/accidents). And you accept it daily load (you put the watch down during the evening shower; that’s enough). Take the Apple Watch SE 3. You’re really going to exploit it. Your productivity increases, your micro-gestures become more fluid. There, yes, the extra cost is worth it.
2) Android user, tight budget, reasonable sport
You want one best cheap connected watch 2025 without burdening you. You favor autonomy And readability (big screen, big numbers), a Reliable GPSfrom the navigation simple. Take the Amazfit Bip 6. Indecent effect/€ ratio. You wear it, you forget it, you recharge every 7–14 days. And you have the cards. At this price, it’s almost insolent.
3) Regular runner but not obsessed with metrics
You want one Correct GPS and one FC clean, without paying for pro features. You don’t need an ECG or advanced structured training. Beep 6 is enough. If you move on to serious plans, you will move up the ladder later, no stress.
4) Parent, security, connected family
You want alerts incident, SOS, child tracking (Apple Watch for your children on cell phone), and peace of mind. SE 3 wins, security is too well integrated to ignore it.
Sensor precision: honest comparison
Cardio : SE 3 above in sustained running (smoother curve, fewer stalls after warming up). The Bip 6 remains very suitable for regular outings.
GNSS : SE 3 in L1 “sufficient” + Plans integration; 6 multi-constellation beep and turn-by-turn navigation. No dual-frequency of high-end sports watches, but the trace remains clean in town and on cycle paths.
Health : SE 3 adds temperature + sleep apnea, but no ECG/SpO2; Beep 6 adds SpO2 (without medical promise). We compare approaches more than files.
True/False that hangs around (and confuses you)
“The SE 3 does not have Always-On.” Fake : she has it. And that’s key.
“The Bip 6 has no cards.” Fake : offline maps free + guidance. Yes, on a watch costing ~€80.
“The Apple Watch works with Android.” Fake. iPhone required.
“SE 3 does the ECG and SpO2.” Fake on SE 3. Sensors reserved for other ranges.
Verdict decided
Not a single winner.
Value for Money Champion: Amazfit Bip 6. Incredible autonomy, free cards, Bluetooth calling, SpO2, ZeppOS simple — and multi-platform. For ~€80, it’s indecent. You want one cheap connected watch in 2025? It’s her.
iPhone default choice: Apple Watch SE 3. watchOS + App Store, Always-Ongestures, security (falls/accidents), payments on the wrist, cards integrated. You pay 3–4x more, yes — but you get it backApple experience. And that’s worth gold if you use it every day.
In short: iPhone ? SE 3 without hesitation. Android Or budget tight ? Beep 6 and you save your money for shoes. That’s a real choice.
To go quickly: if you want to dig deeper into the SE 3, read this clear buying guide on the Apple Watch SE 3. And for the Amazfit, start with this complete field test of the Amazfit Bip 6, detailed. Finally, if you are hesitant about the entire Apple range, here is the complete comparison to choose the best Apple Watch.
