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Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm) vs Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE

The SE 3 is the better watch for most people. It adds an always-on display, a much faster S10 chip, cellular, double the storage and newer health sensors, including sleep apnea notifications and temperature sensing. The SE 2 is still a solid, lighter-featured watch for a first smartwatch, a kid on Family Setup, or someone who only wants the basics. Owners of the SE 2 praise its battery and simplicity; the SE 3 is the one to step up to if you want the screen to stay readable and the watch to last longer.

  • Choose the Apple Watch SE 2 if you want a simple iPhone companion for workouts, notifications and Family Setup, and you do not need cellular or an always-on screen.
  • Choose the Apple Watch SE 3 if you want cellular, an always-on display, faster performance and the newer health features, and you plan to keep the watch for several years.

Prices

  • Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm): $109.00 at Walmart (last seen Nov 8)
  • Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE: $189.95 at Simple Cell Shop (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm) is $80.95 cheaper than the Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE at the latest prices (Nov 8)
Apple
Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm) Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band

Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm)

Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm) Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band

4.4(13,187 ratings)
$109.00at WalmartChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Familiar Apple Watch experience at the entry level
  • Light and comfortable for all-day and sleep wear
  • Covers workouts, heart alerts, fall and crash detection
  • Works with Family Setup for kids and older adults
Cons
  • Screen stays dark until you raise your wrist
  • No cellular option, so it depends on your iPhone
  • Older chip and half the storage of the SE 3
  • No temperature sensor or sleep apnea notifications
Apple
Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE

Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE

$189.95at Simple Cell ShopChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Simple Cell Shop
Pros
  • Always-on display stays readable at a glance
  • S10 chip keeps apps and Siri responsive
  • Cellular lets you leave your phone behind
  • Newer health suite, including sleep apnea and temperature
  • 64GB storage and fast charging
Cons
  • Cellular adds a carrier plan to manage
  • Heavier than the SE 2
  • Requires iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later

What separates them

Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm)Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE
DisplayRetina OLED that wakes when you raise your wristAlways-On Retina OLED with LTPO, up to 1000 nits
ChipOlder S8-class chipS10 chip with 4-core Neural Engine
ConnectivityGPS only; needs your iPhone nearby for calls and dataGPS + LTE and 5G; works without your phone
Storage32GB64GB
Health sensorsHeart rate, irregular rhythm alerts, fall and crash detectionAdds temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, sleep score and advanced compass
BatteryUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours, 32 in Low Power Mode, with fast charging
Water resistance50m, swimproof50m, swimproof
Weight and size40mm aluminum case, light on the wrist40mm aluminum case, 26.4g

Price history

  • Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm): lowest $109.00 on Nov 8 at Walmart.
  • Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE: lowest $229.00 on Nov 10 at University of Alabama Supply Store.

Prices at every store

Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm)

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $109.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Walmart
  • LollyNew

    In stockShips from United Arab Emirates · duties may apply

    $255.68+ $34.04 shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Lolly
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $135.97Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $248.04Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 4 stores and price history →

Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE

  • Simple Cell ShopNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $189.95Checked Nov 8
    Visit Simple Cell Shop
  • Swiftronics USANew

    In stock

    $249.99+ $19.99 shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Swiftronics USA
  • University of Alabama Supply StoreNew

    Availability unknown

    $229.00Checked 9 h ago
    Visit University of Alabama Supply Store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $239.99Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Amazon
All 7 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm)Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE
Case Size40mm40 mm
Case MaterialAluminumAluminum
colorSilver—
wireless_technologyGPS—
actual_colorStarlight—
editionGPS—
screen_size40 mm.—
watch_band_style40mm Case + Medium/Large band—
size40 mm—
Operating System CompatibilityApple iOS—
Operating SystemwatchOS—
Built-In Storage32 gigabytes—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm)Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE
Global PositioningGPS—
Protective QualitiesWater resistant—
Maximum Depth Of Water Resistance164.04 feet—
Form FactorWristwatch—
Year Of Release2024—
Case ShapeRectangular—
Band TypeSport Loop—
Band ColorLake Green—
Screen Resolution324 x 394—
Display Type

What reviewers say

Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm)

  • 4.4 / 513,187 ratings

With 4.4 out of 5 from over 13,000 ratings, owners mostly call the SE 2 a great value and an easy first Apple Watch. Complaints center on battery life and the missing always-on display.

What people mention
  • ValuePraisedOwners say it delivers most of the Apple Watch experience for far less than a Series model.
  • BatteryCriticisedMany report charging daily and wanting more than about a day of use.
  • DisplayMixedThe screen is bright and sharp, but the lack of always-on display is a common gripe.
  • Fitness trackingPraisedWorkout metrics and heart rate readings are described as reliable.

Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE

Reviewers treat the SE 3 as the sensible entry point to the Apple Watch, praising the always-on display and cellular option at the line's price. Most criticism centers on the missing ECG and blood oxygen sensors and the one-day battery.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners like having an always-on screen on the SE for the first time, though some find it dim in bright sun.
  • BatteryCriticisedReviewers say the 18-hour rating holds but means charging every night.
  • Health sensorsMixedSleep apnea alerts and heart-rate warnings are welcomed, but the missing ECG and blood oxygen sensor are noted.
  • CellularPraisedBuyers value leaving the iPhone behind for calls, messages and music.

Questions and answers

Which is better for running without a phone?
The SE 3. Its cellular model streams music, takes calls and sends messages without your iPhone nearby. The SE 2 is GPS only and needs the phone for anything beyond tracking.
Is the always-on display worth stepping up for?
For most people, yes. The SE 3 screen stays readable during workouts and meetings without a wrist raise. The SE 2 screen is dark until you lift your wrist.
Which lasts longer?
Both are rated for up to 18 hours. The SE 3 adds Low Power Mode for up to 32 hours and fast charging, and its newer chip should stay smooth for more years of software updates.
Does the SE 3 track more health data?
Yes. It adds temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications and a sleep score on top of the heart rate and irregular rhythm features both watches share.
Can I use either watch with Family Setup?
Yes, both support it. Family Setup works best with a cellular model, so the SE 3 is the smoother choice for a kid or an older relative without an iPhone.
Is the SE 2 still a good first smartwatch?
Yes. It covers notifications, workouts, heart alerts and safety features. Step up to the SE 3 only if you want cellular, the always-on screen or the newer sensors.

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  • Apple Watch Series 11 42mm Aluminum Case (GPS) vs Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE
  • Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M vs Apple Watch SE 2 (GPS, 40mm) Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band
  • Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS, 41mm) Red Aluminum Case with Red Sport Band vs Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Apple Watches under $200
OLED, Retina Display
—
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth—
Alert TypeAudible, Vibration, Visual—
Product Width1.34 inches—
Product Length0.4 inches—
Band SizeNo Size Adjustments/One Size—
StyleWrist—
DisplayDigital—
DepartmentUnisex—
Water ResistantYes—
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular—
TrackerActivity, Sleep, Calorie—
With GPSYes—
Color (Strap)Beige, White, Gray—
ProcessorApple S8—
Watch Strap MaterialSilicone—
NFCYes—
Thickness (")0.4—
Smartphone CompatibilityiPhone—