Apple Watch SE 3 vs Ultra 3 – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your lifestyle, fitness goals, and budget. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is designed for adventurers and athletes who need advanced health tracking, rugged durability, and long battery life. The Apple Watch SE 3 focuses on delivering essential smartwatch features at a more accessible price. Each watch targets a different type of user, making the choice an important one. This article will explore their differences in detail to help you select the model that fits your needs.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Ultra 3 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 49mm Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, up to 3000 nits brightness | 40mm or 44mm Retina LTPO OLED, up to 1000 nits brightness |
| Battery Life | Up to 36 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode) | Up to 18 hours (36 hours in Low Power Mode) |
| Processor | S10 SiP with Neural Engine | S10 SiP |
| Case Material | Titanium case with sapphire crystal front | Aluminum case with Ion-X glass |
| Water Resistance | WR100, EN13319 certified for diving, 40m recreational dives | WR50, suitable for shallow-water swimming |
| GPS and Sensors | Precision dual-frequency GPS, depth gauge, temperature sensor, blood oxygen, ECG | Standard GPS, heart rate sensor, no blood oxygen or ECG |
| Connectivity | LTE + Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.3 | LTE (optional) + Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.3 |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Build Quality: The Ultra 3 has a rugged titanium case, raised edges to protect the flat sapphire display, and an action button for quick controls. The SE 3 uses a lighter aluminum case with curved glass, offering a sleeker look but less protection for extreme conditions.
Display Quality: The Ultra 3 features a 49mm always-on Retina LTPO OLED display that peaks at 3000 nits, perfect for bright outdoor adventures. The SE 3 display is smaller and limited to 1000 nits, which is fine for indoor and casual use but less visible in harsh sunlight.
Battery Life: The Ultra 3 lasts up to 36 hours in normal use and 72 hours in Low Power Mode, which is ideal for multi-day trips. The SE 3 lasts about 18 hours, making it a daily charger for most users.
Performance: Both models run on the S10 SiP, ensuring smooth navigation and fast app loading. However, the Ultra 3 may feel slightly more responsive when handling sensor-heavy workouts thanks to its optimized thermal design.
Health and Fitness Tracking: The Ultra 3 includes advanced health features like ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and skin temperature sensing. The SE 3 focuses on core health features such as heart rate monitoring and fall detection but skips advanced sensors.
GPS and Navigation: Ultra 3 offers precision dual-frequency GPS for accurate tracking in challenging terrains, ideal for hikers or runners in dense cities. The SE 3 has a reliable GPS but can drift slightly in tough environments.
Durability and Water Resistance: The Ultra 3 is rated WR100 and EN13319 certified for diving, capable of surviving depths up to 40 meters. The SE 3 is WR50, fine for swimming but not for deep-water activities.
Software and Features: Both run watchOS 11, supporting widgets, sleep tracking, and fitness rings. The Ultra 3 benefits from extra exclusive features like Wayfinder face, Backtrack, and depth app for divers.
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 worth the price for casual users?
The Ultra 3 may be overkill for casual users since many of its premium features like advanced GPS and dive certification are not used daily. The SE 3 is better suited for most people who want core smartwatch features at a lower price.
Can the Apple Watch SE 3 track blood oxygen levels?
No, the SE 3 does not include a blood oxygen sensor. You would need the Ultra 3 or Series 10/9 for that feature.
How big is the Ultra 3 compared to the SE 3?
The Ultra 3 is 49mm and noticeably larger on the wrist, while the SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes for a lighter, slimmer fit.
Does the Ultra 3 work with Android phones?
No, like all Apple Watches, the Ultra 3 requires an iPhone for setup and full functionality.
Can both watches be used for sleep tracking?
Yes, both the Ultra 3 and SE 3 support sleep tracking through watchOS 11 and provide basic sleep stage analysis.
Which is better for swimming?
Both watches support swimming, but the Ultra 3 is better for serious swimmers and divers because of its WR100 rating and depth gauge.
Do both watches support Family Setup?
Yes, both can be used with Family Setup to manage watches for children or older family members without an iPhone.
Are the bands interchangeable between Ultra 3 and SE 3?
Yes, most bands are interchangeable, though some Ultra-specific bands are designed for rugged use and may not fit perfectly on smaller SE cases.
Can I make calls without my phone on both models?
Yes, if you choose the cellular model for the SE 3 or use the Ultra 3, you can make calls and send messages without your iPhone nearby.
Which watch lasts longer on a single charge?
The Ultra 3 has almost double the battery life compared to the SE 3, making it better for users who travel or prefer fewer charging sessions.