Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch SE: Buying guide

Apple updated its entire lineup of Apple Watch models this year, introducing the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Ultra 3. If you’re shopping for someone or buying for yourself this holiday season, here’s what you need to know about Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch Series 11.

Apple Watch SE 3

The Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple’s most affordable Apple Watch model. It received a big update this year with features including an Always-On display, sleep apnea notifications, temperature sensing, new interactive wrist flick and double tap gestures, and more. It even features the same S10 chip as the Appel Watch Series 11.

The overall design of the Apple Watch SE 3 is the same as before. It’s available in 40mm and 44m sizes with aluminum casing.

Battery life is the same at up to 18 hours, but it can now last up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode. Unlike its predecessor, the Apple Watch SE 3 also supports fast charging to go from 0-80% in about 45 minutes.

Best of all, Apple added these features while keeping the Apple Watch SE 3’s starting price the same.

With the addition of the Always-On Display, the Apple Watch SE 3 is an incredibly compelling option. This is especially the case for people new to the Apple Watch ecosystem. You can now get an Apple Watch model with the most important display feature and health monitoring capabilities for under $250.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the best Apple Watch for most people this holiday season.

Amazon:

Spec Apple Watch SE 3 Apple Watch Series 11
Sizes 40mm and 44mm options 42mm and 46mm options
Display size 40mm: 1.57-inch display
44mm: 1.78-inch display
42mm: 1.79-inch display
46mm: 1.99-inch display
Chip S10 chip. S10 chip (flagship model)
Always-On Display Yes. Yes.
Display brightness Up to 1000 nits Up to 2000 nits
Hypertension notifications No. Yes.
ECG app No. Yes.
Blood oxygen app No. Yes
Water temperature sensor No. Yes.
Depth gauge No. Yes.
Battery life Up to 18 hours Up to 24 hours.
Colors Starlight and midnight Aluminum: Space gray, rose gold, polished Jet Black, silver
Titanium: Gold, natural, slate
Normal price From $249 From $399

Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11, however, offers several key upgrades over the Apple Watch SE 3. It has a brighter and larger display in 42mm and 46mm case sizes. It also offers up to 24 hours of battery life and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode.

In terms of health features, the Apple Watch Series 11 includes support for hypertension notifications as well as the ECG and Blood Oxygen apps.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is for people who want the best Apple Watch experience while not jumping all the way to big and rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3. It’s a great option for people already in the Apple Watch ecosystem but who haven’t upgraded for several years. It can monitor countless aspects of your health while offering a sleek edge-to-edge display, thinner form factor, and all-day battery life for under $400.

Amazon:

Wrap up

Are you buying an Apple Watch for someone this holiday season? Is there one on your own holiday wishlist? Let us know down in the comments.

My favorite Apple Watch links:

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