In terms of real-world performance, Apple says the Apple Watch SE is up to two times faster than the Series 3. The Apple Watch Series 3 is powered by Apple’s dual-core S3 processor, while the Apple Watch SE features Apple’s S5 processor. Performance and battery lifeĪnother major difference between the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Apple Watch SE is performance. The Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch SE both feature Retina OLED displays with 1000 nits max brightness, though the Apple Watch SE also includes the power-preserving LTPO display technology that could help battery life. If you’re looking for the always-on display, you’re out of luck with both the Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch SE instead, this feature is only available on the Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 6.

44mm Apple Watch SE display area: 977 sq mm.

42mm Apple Watch Series 3 display area: 740 sq mm.

40mm Apple Watch SE display area: 759 sq mm.

38mm Apple Watch Series 3 display area: 563 sq mm.

In practice, this difference makes for a notable increase in display area with the Apple Watch SE compared to the last-generation design of the Apple Watch Series 3: This means you get slimmer bezels with rounded display corners. On the flip side, the Apple Watch SE features the same physical design as the Series 4, Series 5, and Series 6. It’s the same design that the very first Apple Watch model used and it’s available in 38mm and 42mm sizing.

The Apple Watch Series 3 features a boxier design with a smaller display and larger bezels. One of the most striking differences between the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Apple Watch SE is the design.

Here’s how the differences between the Apple Watch Series 3 vs. The Apple Watch SE sits between the Apple Watch Series 3 and Series 6 in Apple’s lineup, and it provides an interesting hybrid of features. For the first time ever, Apple has a new mid-range Apple Watch for potential buyers to consider this holiday season.

Apple watch series 3 gps