Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Apple Watch SE 3: Comparison and Rankings

Choose quickly (without making a mistake)

Sport + advanced health → Series 11. First purchase/teenager/budget → SE 3. Music/notifications away from iPhone regularly? Take Cellular; otherwise, stay in GPS, you will gain in simplicity.

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Need a wider panorama (you are hesitant with other brands, normal)? Take a look at our selection of reliable iPhone watches to put the integration effort into context.

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What is really changing in 2025

Series 11: better day + night endurance, brighter screen, more resistant front glass on aluminum, complete health sensors, hypertension notifications. SE 3: Always-On, fast charging, clearer sleep tracking, temperature sensor — and a price that remains reasonable.

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Want to dig into the pure new features of Series 11 (without varnish)? Browse our detailed Series 11 focus to see what matters, on the wrist, not in the plug.

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Purchasing experience (field)

Size : wrist < 16.5 cm → 40/42 mm; beyond → 44/46 mm for readability. Bracelet : fitted, not tight (ECG hates flutter). Charge : adopt the “sprint” after the shower. Cellular : eSIM test 1 month; if you rarely stream on the move, GPS will suffice. That's a bad idea to pay for nothing.

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Summary

  • Budget/essentials : SE 3 (Always-On, 6 p.m., temperature, apnea, no ECG/SpO₂).
  • Advanced health + readability : Series 11 (ECG, SpO₂, hypertension, 24 h, 2,000 nits).
  • France Price : €269 (SE 3) vs €449 (Series 11). Deviation justified by the sensors.
  • Cellular : 5G option on both, depending on operator/local network.
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FAQs

Does SE 3 have ECG?

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No. The ECG and oximeter are reserved for Series 11 (and Ultra).

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What size should I choose for my wrist?

Below ~16.5 cm: 40/42 mm. Above: 44/46 mm. The objective: readable without visual excess.

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Should you take the Cellular version?

Useful if you often leave the iPhone at home (running, swimming, short trips). Otherwise, GPS is more than sufficient.

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Real 24-hour battery life with sleep tracking?

Series 11: full day + night if you do a charging “sprint” (~15 min). SE 3: favor sprinting at the end of the day, you can last through the night.

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Is the SE 3 suitable for triathlon?

For leisure yes (reliable GPS, swimming OK). For structured training + advanced sensors, the Series 11 is more suitable.

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