Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 Compared: Apple has refreshed its entire smartwatch lineup over the past few months with the launch of the Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3. While these updates aren’t exactly revolutionary, there’s still plenty to like here. A handful of smart upgrades, some genuinely useful health features, and of course, prices that remind you this is still Apple.
- Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, And SE 3 Compared: Design and Build That Stick to a Winning Formula
- Screens That Are Brighter and Tougher Than Before
- Health Features That Take Things Up a Notch
- Performance and Battery Life That Keep Up With You
- Pricing Across the Apple Watch Lineup
- Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
So now that the latest models are out in the wild, the big question is simple. Which Apple Watch actually deserves a spot on your wrist?
Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, And SE 3 Compared: Design and Build That Stick to a Winning Formula
Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to design, and honestly, that’s probably for the best. The Apple Watch Series 11 looks familiar but feels more refined. It’s thinner, lighter, and more comfortable to wear all day. You can choose between 42mm and 46mm sizes, and there’s a new space grey aluminium finish that looks clean and modern. The display glass is now twice as scratch-resistant thanks to a new coating Apple developed. If you opt for titanium, you still get a sapphire crystal on the front, because at that price, durability is non-negotiable.
The Ultra 3 remains the biggest and boldest of the bunch. It’s still only available in a 49mm size, but the screen itself is larger thanks to slimmer bezels. Apple says it’s easier to read from awkward angles, whether you’re hiking, climbing, or just checking the time in bright sunlight. It now comes in black titanium alongside the original natural finish, giving it a slightly stealthier look.
The SE 3 keeps things simple. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes and sticks with an aluminium body. Apple has made it tougher, though, with four times better crack resistance. This is the sensible option in the lineup. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it’s solid, reliable, and much easier on your bank account.
Screens That Are Brighter and Tougher Than Before
The Series 11 display is sharper and more durable, delivering the crisp look Apple Watches are known for. It doesn’t get quite as bright as the Ultra 3, but it still supports an Always On display and uses a new ceramic coating to better handle everyday wear and tear.
The Ultra 3 is where Apple really shows off. It uses new LTPO3 display tech, allowing for a bigger screen without increasing the size of the case. The refresh rate drops even lower when idle, which means you can now see a ticking second hand at all times. Even when you’re trying to look focused in a meeting.
The SE 3 finally joins the Always On club thanks to the new S10 chip. It still uses an LCD panel rather than OLED, so it’s not quite as punchy, but at this price point, it’s more than good enough for most people.
Health Features That Take Things Up a Notch
Health is the big story this year. All three watches introduce hypertension notifications, with Apple claiming it can spot signs of long-term high blood pressure. Rather than giving exact numbers like a traditional cuff, the watch tracks trends over at least 30 days and alerts you if something seems off. This feature is still pending FDA approval, but it could be genuinely useful if it helps people catch problems early.
There’s also a new sleep score system across the lineup. Similar to what you’d find on fitness-focused wearables, it breaks down your sleep using clear metrics so you can see how well you’re actually resting.
The Ultra 3 goes even further by adding satellite connectivity. If you’re off the grid with no signal, you can still send messages or contact emergency services. It’s designed for people who spend time outdoors and want peace of mind when they’re far from civilisation.
The SE 3 finally picks up some serious health tools from the more expensive models. It now includes wrist temperature tracking, sleep apnea alerts, and retrospective ovulation estimates. You also get the new double-tap and wrist flick gestures, which are surprisingly handy when your other hand is busy.
Performance and Battery Life That Keep Up With You
All three watches run watchOS 26 and are powered by the new S10 chip. Performance is snappier across the board, Siri now works on the device, and Apple Intelligence features are available if your iPhone can support them.
Battery life is where the Ultra 3 really shines. It can last up to 42 hours in normal use and up to 72 hours with power saving features turned on. It also manages around 20 hours of GPS workout tracking in Low Power Mode, which is impressive for long training sessions or outdoor adventures.
The Series 11 improves to around 24 hours of battery life and supports fast charging. A quick 15-minute charge can give you up to 8 hours of use, which is perfect if you forgot to top it up before bed.
The SE 3 sticks with an 18-hour battery life, but charging is now much faster. That makes it far more practical for sleep tracking, since you can quickly recharge it during the day.
Pricing Across the Apple Watch Lineup
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799 or £749. That’s in line with other rugged smartwatches, but it’s still a serious investment.
The Apple Watch Series 11 comes in at $399 or £399. For most people, this will be the sweet spot, offering the best balance of features, comfort, and size.
The SE 3 is the most affordable option, starting at $219 or £219. You miss out on some premium extras, but the overall feature set is surprisingly strong for the price. It’s easy to see why this model will appeal to a lot of buyers.
Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
This update feels very Apple. Nothing dramatic, but plenty of small improvements and a few genuinely useful additions that might tempt you to upgrade if your current watch is getting old.
The Ultra 3 is built for adventurers, endurance athletes, and anyone who wants satellite messaging just in case things go sideways outdoors. The Series 11 is the most well-rounded option, packing most of Apple’s best features into a design that works for everyday life. The SE 3 is the straightforward entry point, now smarter and tougher than ever, making it ideal for kids, casual users, or first-time Apple Watch buyers.
Since the SE 3 now includes all the new health features, it could easily end up being the most popular model this year. It doesn’t have all the extras of the Series 11, and it can’t compete with the Ultra 3’s extreme capabilities, but for most people, it offers everything they actually need without going overboard.
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