The Budget King: Apple Watch SE 3 Series 11 Comparison

Is the 'budget' Apple Watch finally good enough to beat the flagship? If you've got an Apple gift card burning a hole in your pocket this holiday season, the choice between the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch SE 3 is tougher than ever. While the Series 11 starts at $399, the SE 3 offers many of the same core features for just $249.

Apple Watch SE 3 Series 11 Features: Closing the Gap

The most significant update is inside: both watches now run on the same S10 chip. This means the performance gap has practically vanished for daily tasks. The SE 3 also finally gains an Always-On Retina display and a wrist-temperature sensor, features previously reserved for the more expensive models. It's a massive leap from the SE 2, making it an outstanding value for first-time buyers.

Is the Premium Worth It?

Despite the SE 3's gains, the Series 11 remains the choice for health enthusiasts. It includes hypertension notifications, an ECG app, and a Blood Oxygen app. Design-wise, it's 10% thinner and offers titanium casing options that the aluminum-only SE 3 lacks. If you need the most accurate health tracking and a sleeker profile, the extra $150 is a justifiable investment.