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Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch Series 11

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple Watch Series 11 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Users wanting reliable connectivity and battery life — read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Watch SE 3
Ranked #6 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3
6 sources2 derived$219as of Aug 22

The Apple Watch SE 3 represents the most improved iteration since the last generation, offering a compelling balance of affordability and functionality. It features an Always-On Retina display, S10 chip, and enhanced speaker capabilities while maintaining the older design aesthetic. While it lacks some advanced health metrics found in higher-tier models, it provides solid performance and is recommended as the go-to option for most users seeking an Apple Watch.

Strengths
  • — Features Always-On Retina display with 1000 nits brightness and 2 nits dimming capability
  • — Powered by S10 chip matching Apple Watch Series 11 for performance and features like on-device Siri
  • — Includes media playback speakers with adjustable volume for on-wrist audio
Watch-outs
  • — Design retains 2018 facelift with thicker bezels and outdated body profile
  • — Limited color options with only Midnight and Starlight available
$219 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Apple Watch Series 11
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch Series 11
7 sources1 derived$359.97as of Aug 22

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers subtle but meaningful upgrades over its predecessor, including a notable battery life improvement, 5G support, and the addition of FDA-cleared hypertension alerts. While it maintains the familiar design and retains the same S10 chip, it introduces more reliable connectivity and enhanced durability features. The watch remains a well-rounded option, though its advantages are increasingly shared with competitors and older models.

Strengths
  • — FDA-cleared hypertension notification feature
  • — 24+ hour battery life with fast charging
  • — 5G and more reliable cellular connectivity
Watch-outs
  • — Same S10 chip as previous model
  • — No dual-band GPS support
$359.97 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Apple Watch SE 3

The Apple Watch SE 3 offers an updated design and Always-On Retina display, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't match, but it lacks the advanced health features of the Garmin Venu 4 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. While it provides better value than the Apple Watch Series 11, it doesn't offer the same level of smart features as the OnePlus Watch 3 or Xiaomi Watch 5. The Google Pixel Watch 4 offers more battery life but lacks the ecosystem integration that the SE 3 provides.

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 improves battery life and adds 5G connectivity, but it's held back by the unchanged S10 chip, unlike the OnePlus Watch 3 which uses a dual-chipset system for optimized power consumption. Compared to the Garmin Venu 4, it lacks advanced recovery metrics like Body Battery, and while it offers better software updates than the Apple Watch SE 3, it doesn't match the SE 3's affordability. The Pixel Watch 4 also offers more battery life but without the ecosystem integration that the Series 11 provides.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple Watch SE 3Apple Watch Series 11
Display TypeLTPO OLEDwide-angle OLED LTPO technology
Connectivity5G5G, cellular
OSwatchOS 26watchOS 26
CompatibilityiPhoneiOS
Material100% recycled aluminumSteel or titanium
Water Resistance50m (swimproof)50m
BatteryBuilt-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteryBuilt-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Dimensions9.4 x 3 x 1.2 inches46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm
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