Apple Watch SE 3: The Best Value Entry-Level Smartwatch Choice

For consumers looking to enter the smartwatch world without breaking the bank, the Apple Watch SE 3 emerges as a compelling option in 2025. Priced starting at $249, the SE 3 offers many features once reserved for Apple’s premium models, making it a standout in the entry-level segment. This article compares the SE 3’s features, performance, and price with popular entry-level smartwatches to analyze its competitiveness and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.

Features and Design

The Apple Watch SE 3 builds significantly upon its predecessor with major upgrades. It now includes an Always-On display—a long-awaited feature that eliminates the awkward wrist gestures previously needed to check the time or notifications. Powered by the new S10 chip, the watch delivers faster performance, smoother animations, and supports new on-device Siri capabilities such as double-tap gestures and wrist flick controls.12

The SE 3 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes with a durable aluminum build and Ion-X glass. While it lacks some advanced sensors like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring found in pricier Series 11 models, it adds new sensors such as wrist temperature sensing for better sleep and cycle tracking. The watch is also four times more crack-resistant than the SE 2, improving durability for daily wear.23

Performance and Battery Life

Thanks to the S10 chip, the SE 3 performs on par with the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 in everyday tasks, from launching apps to seamless navigation within watchOS 26. This marks a substantial leap from the SE 2, with Apple claiming up to 30% faster GPU performance and 60% more CPU transistors. Fast charging is supported, addressing previous SE battery complaints, although the watch still offers roughly 18 hours of battery life—typical for Apple watches but shorter than some competitors.23

Price and Market Competitiveness

At $249 for the 40mm GPS model and $279 for the 44mm, the SE 3 is Apple’s most affordable smartwatch yet. Adding cellular connectivity raises the price slightly but keeps it accessible. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the SE 3 well against rivals like the Fitbit Versa 4 and Amazfit Active 2, which excel in battery life and cost less but lack Apple’s ecosystem depth and app availability.4

While Fitbit Versa 4 offers a week-long battery, it lacks LTE connectivity and the app store richness Apple provides. The SE 3 also supports Apple Pay and a broad array of third-party apps, reinforcing its utility as a versatile smartwatch beyond fitness tracking.5

Comparison With Popular Entry-Level Smartwatches

The table highlights how the SE 3 balances cost and performance, topping many features in the budget segment despite compromises in battery endurance.45

Conclusion

The Apple Watch SE 3 offers an outstanding value proposition for those entering the smartwatch space, especially for iPhone users who wish to leverage Apple’s ecosystem fully. With its upgraded processor, Always-On display, durable design, and extended functionalities like on-device Siri and wrist temperature sensing, it outpaces many competitors in the entry-level price range.

Though the battery life remains a weaker point compared to some rivals, its rich features and fluid user experience make it the top recommendation for a budget-friendly smartwatch in 2025. For consumers seeking reliability, ecosystem integration, and future-proofing, the Apple Watch SE 3 is undoubtedly the best value choice.