Is the new Apple Watch SE 3 a worthy upgrade to the Apple Watch SE 2022 (2nd generation)? I think so.

With three years separating the release of these two entry-level models, Apple had plenty of time to improve the SE 3 through and through. And the Cupertino giant largely did just that. Under the hood, upgrades are numerous. That said, the SE 3 looks identical to the SE 2022, but don’t let that dissuade you from springing for the newer model.

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starts at $249 for the 40mm option with GPS only or $300 for 5G (note: the SE 2022 cellular models are LTE, not 5G). The 44mm model also costs the same as before, with a starting price of $279 or $329 for cellular.

Presently, the Apple Watch SE 3 is selling for $50 off ahead of the holidays. The SE 2022, meanwhile, is on sale for $120 off. Ultimately, once the SE 3 returns to its non-discounted price, I fully expect the SE (2022) to remain available for around $100 off, or a starting price of $150. As a result, the older model wins this category.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 2022

Apple Watch SE 3 looks identical to the Apple Watch SE 2022. The 40mm SE 3 is the same weight and dimensions as the 40mm SE 2022, and the same goes for the 44mm model.

The screen dimensions and brightness are also identical (more on that below), and both also sport a single button and digital crown on the side of the aluminum case. Finally, for folks with slender wrists, the 40mm SE 3 and SE 2022 represent Apple’s most petite and easy-wearing Apple Watch models.

Winner: Draw

50 meters of water resistance, which is enough for short surface-level swims but not diving or high-impact water sports. For that, you’ll want to look to the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3

iPhone 17, either device will play nicely with Apple’s new personalized AI fitness coach, Workout Buddy.

Both SE models track a wide range of workout types if you’re running the latest watchOS 26 software. The newer model, however, is better able to automatically track workouts you do frequently without user input.

All of Apple’s latest models feature the same set of motivational tools, which challenge you to close your three ‘rings’ on a daily basis, including a ring for walking, standing, and exercising. Users can customize the goals for each ring, and/or pause their rings whenever needed.

Apple Watch SE sitting on a red table with the owner's Activity Rings shown nearly closed

(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide)

When it comes to health monitoring tools, the newer model features updated tech not offered on the SE 2022, namely, the inclusion of a body temperature sensor. Apple says that this should help improve health tracking accuracy in the Vitals app. The temperature sensor also unlocks women’s health tracking tools, including ovulation predictions.

Both models track your sleep, with insights into sleep cycles and a daily numeric sleep score out of 100, but only the SE 3 offers sleep apnea detection.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3

double-tap, where you press your index finger and thumb together on your watch-worn hand to execute a custom action. The S10 chip also adds support for Apple’s new wrist-flick gesture, which lets you quickly and easily dismiss notifications and incoming calls with a simple flick of the wrist.

Additionally, the SE 3 offers some nifty AI functionality that you won’t find on the SE 2022, including live message translations. Finally, the new model lets you use Siri without an internet connection or a paired phone. It’s also faster in its reply times.

Winner: Apple Watch SE 3

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