Apple Watch SE 3 is right now – but I’m not upgrading for 2 big reasons

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Key takeaways of zdnet

• Three years later, Apple only upgraded the base model Watch SE.
• Despite competitive reforms, the SE is a core wearable.
• If you are coming from an old model SE and want more, you can leave SE3 for a series 10 or 11.

Apple launched new iPhones annually, but does not do so with his watches. The base model Apple Watch SE, in fact, was not refreshed since the release of SE2 in 2022. This year, Apple launched an elevated but inexpensive option to compete with the lower end of the smartwatch market. Look se 3 There is a great update.

Too: Apple Watch SE 3 vs Watch SE 2: I compared two models, and a clear winner

It is still the smallest performance, the weakest in glitter, and the cheapest model in total, $ 250. But Apple came to win with upgradation. The Watch SE3 has an 18-hour battery life and a S10 chip (more expensive watch series 10, 11, and the ultra 3 models).

This advanced chip first for the first time brings one always-on display, fast-charging and 5G. The new sleep for SE Watch is an important update from the basic sleep data provided by SE2, the sleeping score.

The SE3 even adds temperature sensation to users to track their menstrual cycle. Of course, it still loops users in Apple ecosystem, receiving lessons, emails, and more. It is a beautifully executed refresh that was very much needed, and no surprise that the editor of Wearables Nina Rayamont advises the most advice to the model.

But I will not upgrade. here’s why.

Watch SE2 still fulfills my needs

I work with the release of this month earlier this month Look se 3This is stunning, and a good purchase for a specific user – a good purchase. Rayamont mentioned in his review that Apple Watch SE 3 is the first time a smartwatch for buyers and budget shopkeepers.

I am completely with him on him. I initially bought my watch SE 2 as an introduction to Apple’s characteristics, and it has been an excellent investment for me, especially since I bought it on sale in $ 179. It fulfills every purpose I wanted, and it still does.

Although many advanced features in Watch SE3 are very good (and equally breathtaking), my requirements are at the root of my evaluation process. I bought a watch S2 to reduce myself in the smart wearable field, generated a lifestyle innings, and became comfortable with core features without spending too much money. After about two years, I still get my Watch from SE2.

Too: Should you upgrade Apple Watch Series 11? Here’s how it compares old models

If anything, I have time to understand what I want other features in future smart wearer, and I recognize that I will prefer a little more than Apple’s core lineup – even in SE 3.

So yes-I have good sensing, sleep score, and one forever display. But I am still getting what I need from my Watch SE2, deciding on my next best wearer. I am pointing to smart rings, such as OURA or Ultrahuman Rings, and even upgraded to a series 10 or series 11. But at this time, I will stick to my se 2. At its core, it still does everything I want to do my smartwatch.

I need more features

As mentioned above, I am looking for more features in my next wearer, and if I am going to upgrade, I want to make sure that it has everything I want. My SE2 was purchased with the intention of dubbing – a trial run if a smartwatch could fit my lifestyle. Nearly two years later, I am entering the next stage in my journey.

The Watch Series 11 looks like a promising upgradation for me. It is slightly larger, but still provides slight height characteristics on SE3, such as long battery life, blood oxygen tracking, high blood pressure notifications and ECG apps. I think Ultra 3 will be very advanced for my needs, but I will not exclude it. I am a big fan of designs like smooth, jewelry of smart rings, which provides many of the same health and fitness features as Apple Watch (Without Lesson syncing), but without extra bulk.

Too: Best Smart Rings of 2025

Ultimately, I have not decided what my next smart wearing will be yet, but I want to upgrade facilities with what I have in SE2. If you are the first wearable user who is looking to buy for a child, juvenile, or elderly person, then I cannot recommend SE3 (or even SE2). It is a great core smartwatch, and Apple has proofed SE 3 in future for the coming years.

What will i miss by not upgrading

Yes, I’m going to remember some features by not upgrading Look se 3I will not get sleep apnea detection, sleep score, temperature sensing, allways-on display, or fast charging. And I am definitely not doing any of the more advanced apple watch facilities packed in Series 11 or Ultra 3, such as ECG updates, blood oxygen monitoring, high blood pressure detection and emergency SOS via satellite.

Too: I compared every Apple Watch in 2025 – here why I advise this model the most

However, I currently save myself $ 250 and live to enjoy the main features in my Watch SE2. I get more time to do research on the best smart wearable upgrade for my lifestyle (perhaps it’s a ring … maybe not), and I can save myself some cash in this process.

Also, by choosing to wait, it is only six months or more-it is likely that I will be able to model a new Apple watch model for $ 50-70 less, based on my historical knowledge as Shopping Editor of ZDNET.