The Apple Watch SE 3 (left), Apple Watch Extremely 3 (center), Apple Watch Sequence 11 (proper).
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
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Apple launched three new smartwatches this month, and whereas they might look comparable, their variations are stark. I’ve examined all three to get a way of which watches work finest for various individuals.
I’ve even included one Apple Watch mannequin from 2024 that, because of some retroactive updates by WatchOS 26, is a worthy contender for buy this 12 months. Here is the breakdown.
1. Who can purchase the Apple Watch SE 3?
The Apple Watch SE 3 is an entry-level smartwatch constructed for novices. They might be uncertain whether or not they’ll actually use a smartwatch day in and day trip and do not need to splurge on a pricier mannequin simply but.
The system nonetheless packs many upgrades and, regardless of its inexpensive value, comes with lots of the upgrades that the opposite watches within the lineup embrace. In some ways, the SE 3 takes the specs of final 12 months’s Sequence 10 and implements them on this inexpensive smartwatch — an 18-hour battery life, Sleep Apnea Detection, and its newest chip, the S10.
Additionally: I compared every Apple Watch in 2025 – here’s why I recommend this model the most
The display is the smallest out of the lineup, and speaking by textual content will be annoying with solely a letter-drawing function or speak-to-text obtainable.
Greatest options
- 18-hour battery life
- Sleep Apnea Detection
- Sleep Scores
- Apple’s newest S10 chip
What Apple Watch SE 3 would not have
- Hypertension Detection, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG
- The Sequence 11’s 24-hour battery life
- The brightest show (only one,000 nits)
Who’s the Apple Watch SE 3 finest for?
First-time smartwatch customers, youngsters and youths, budget-conscious customers, individuals who need to monitor sleep and exercise (however not monitor extra superior metrics like hypertension, blood oxygen, or by-the-minute coronary heart price information).
2. Who can purchase the Apple Watch Sequence 11?
Apple’s flagship smartwatch has the second-longest battery life out of the lineup (and it is $400 lower than the Extremely 3 with the longest battery life). I see the Sequence 11 because the Apple Watch that energy customers with older fashions would improve to.
As somebody with a smaller wrist, the Sequence 11 and SE 3 are good sizes for my wrist, whereas the Extremely 3 took up an excessive amount of floor space and weighed my arm down. Because of this, I might suggest the Sequence 11 over the Extremely 3 to girls.
Additionally: I tested the Apple Watch Series 11 for a week – here’s my buying advice now
In comparison with its Sequence 10 predecessor, there is not a lot of a distinction, moreover the 24-hour battery life and sturdy show. However software-wise, every part is virtually the identical.
Greatest options
- 24-hour battery life
- Hypertension Detection
- Extra sturdy show
- Sleep Scores
What Apple Watch Sequence 11 would not have
- The Extremely 3’s Emergency SOS through Satellite tv for pc
- The Extremely 3’s 3,000 nits show
Who’s the Apple Watch Sequence 11 finest for?
House owners of Apple Watch Sequence 8 or earlier in search of an improve, individuals who need to usually observe all features of their well being, individuals who will put on the watch nonstop — each in the course of the day and to trace their sleep at night time.
3. Who can purchase the Apple Watch Extremely 3
Apple’s most costly and feature-rich smartwatch has the most important display, the longest battery life, each well being function, nice sturdiness, and off-grid functionalities, like Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc for outside fans.
Greatest options
- 42-hour battery life
- Satellite tv for pc connectivity
- Hypertension Detection
- Largest display
- Sleep Scores
What the Apple Watch Extremely 3 would not have
- A skinny construct (sleeping with the system is a ache)
- An inexpensive value (it prices $799)
Who’s the Apple Watch Extremely 3 finest for?
Outside fans and off-grid hikers, individuals who need a big watch show, individuals who can afford a $799 watch, and individuals who need all of Apple Watch’s finest, latest, and superior options.
4. Who can purchase the Apple Watch Sequence 10?
You may be scratching your head studying this. Wasn’t the Sequence 10 unveiled final 12 months? Sure. However I might argue it is a worthy purchase this 12 months for deal-grabbing Apple Watch clients. Because of a few of the retroactive upgrades coming to earlier smartwatch fashions, together with the Sequence 9, Sequence 10, and Extremely 2, you may get a lot of the identical software program on a less expensive Apple Watch.
Additionally: Should you upgrade to Apple Watch Series 11? Here’s how it compares to older models
You will not get the Sequence 11’s 24-hour battery life, however for those who do not thoughts charging your watch forward of bedtime sleep-tracking, this most likely will not be a difficulty.
Greatest options
- Hypertension Detection
- Sleep Scores
- WatchOS 26 (obtainable on the brand new watches)
- Similar construct and thinness as Sequence 11
What Apple Watch Sequence 10 would not have
- Watch Sequence 11’s 24-hour battery life
- A extra sturdy show
Who’s the Apple Watch Sequence 10 finest for?
Smartwatch customers on a price range, individuals who do not care concerning the newest lineup, individuals who will put on their watch in the course of the day and infrequently sleep observe, people who find themselves on high of charging their system if they need continuous use (as a result of the watch solely lasts 18 hours).
