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Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) vs Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS

Buy the Series 9 if health sensors matter: it adds ECG and blood oxygen readings the SE 3 does not have, plus a brighter display and the double tap gesture. The SE 3 is the newer model and covers the essentials well, including always-on display, sleep apnea alerts, temperature sensing and faster charging. Reviewers rate the Series 9 higher, but on far fewer ratings, and owners of both describe similar aluminum build and all-day battery life.

  • Choose the Apple Watch SE 3 if you want the current model with the core health and safety features and do not need ECG or blood oxygen.
  • Choose the Apple Watch Series 9 if ECG, blood oxygen tracking and a brighter screen are worth stepping up for.

Prices

  • Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm): $58.99 at Ma boutique (last seen Nov 13)
  • Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS: $189.99 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) is $131.00 cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS at the latest prices (Nov 13 and Nov 15)
Apple
Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M

Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)

Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M

4.4(4,798 ratings)
$58.99at Ma boutiqueChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Ma boutique
Pros
  • Current 2025 model with the S10 chip
  • Always-on display at the SE level
  • Temperature sensing and sleep apnea notifications
  • Charges about twice as fast as the SE 2
  • Fall and crash detection with Emergency SOS
Cons
  • No ECG or blood oxygen sensor
  • Dim display next to the Series 9
  • No double tap gesture
  • GPS-only model, no cellular option here
Apple
Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS

Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS

4.8(268 ratings)
$189.99at WalmartChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • ECG and blood oxygen readings
  • Brighter display that is easier to read outdoors
  • Double tap gesture and faster on-device Siri
  • Precision Finding for iPhone
  • Higher owner rating in the listings
Cons
  • Older model than the SE 3
  • Slower charging than the SE 3
  • Fewer ratings behind its score
  • No always-on upgrade over the SE 3 beyond brightness

What separates them

Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS
Health sensorsHeart rate, temperature sensing, sleep apnea notifications, no ECG or blood oxygenAdds ECG and blood oxygen (SpO2) on top of heart rate and temperature
DisplayAlways-on AMOLED, standard brightnessAlways-on display, brighter panel rated up to 2000 nits
ChipS10 processorS9 processor with double tap gesture and on-device Siri
ChargingFast charging, about 8 hours of use from a 15-minute chargeStandard Apple Watch charging speed
Battery life18 hours18 hours
Case and water resistanceAluminum, 50 m water resistanceAluminum, 50 m water resistance
NavigationGPSGPS with Galileo and GLONASS, plus Precision Finding for iPhone
Size and weight40mm case41mm case, about 1.1 oz

Price history

$349.99$8.33
Oct 28Nov 15
  • Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm): lowest $8.33 on Nov 9 at T-Mobile; $100.08 on Nov 15.
  • Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS: lowest $158.99 on Nov 11 at Best Buy; $189.99 on Nov 15.

Prices at every store

Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)

  • VerizonNew

    In stockPrice may need a phone plan

    $8.33Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Verizon
  • Ma boutiqueNew

    In stock

    $58.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit Ma boutique
  • AT&TNew

    In stockPrice may need a phone plan

    $100.08Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit AT&T
  • Bargain Outlet & MoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $149.99Checked Nov 8
    Visit Bargain Outlet & More

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • ExpercomCheck price at Expercom
  • Simple Cell ShopCheck price at Simple Cell Shop
All 32 stores and price history →

Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $189.99Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $379.99Free shippingChecked 59 min ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Overseas ElectronicsNew

    In stockMade for another market

    $999.99+ $12.00 shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Overseas Electronics
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

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

    $189.00Free shippingChecked 3 h ago
    Visit Amazon

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

All 9 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS
DisplayAMOLEDDigital
Case materialAluminumAluminum
SeriesSE 3Apple Watch Series 9
Color (Strap)Multicolor, Beige, White, SilverRed, Black, Beige, White, Pink, Blue
ProcessorApple S10Apple S9
Watch Strap MaterialRubber, SiliconeRubber
NFCYesYes
Thickness (")0.40.4
Smartphone CompatibilityiPhoneiPhone
Water ResistantYesYes
Processor Cores24
Weight (oz)0.91.1
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS
Water Resistant (classification)5 ATM (50m)5 ATM (50m)
Wireless CommunicationWi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4GWi-Fi, Bluetooth
Height (")1.61.6
FeaturesAccelerometer, Skin Temperature, Gyroscope, Bar…Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Blood Oxygen Level (S…
Color (Watch)Silver, White, GoldBlue, Silver, White, Red, Pink, Black, Gold
Operating SystemwatchOSiOS, watchOS
SportsSwimming, Triathlon, Cycling, Golf, Multisport,…Cycling, Multisport, Fitness
Heart Rate MonitorBuilt-InBuilt-In
Battery Technology

What reviewers say

Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)

  • 4.4 / 54,798 ratings

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 4,798 ratings. Owners treat it as the sensible entry Apple Watch, praising the always-on display, fast charging and health basics while noting the missing sensors and one-day battery.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners like the always-on AMOLED screen that earlier SE models lacked.
  • ChargingPraisedFast charging is called a real convenience for a watch worn overnight.
  • Health sensorsCriticisedBuyers miss ECG and blood-oxygen features found on pricier Apple Watch models.
  • BatteryMixedThe 18-hour rating means charging most days, which some find limiting.

Apple Watch Series 9 41mm GPS

  • 4.8 / 5268 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 across 268 ratings, owners praise the bright screen, accurate tracking and smooth performance. Complaints center on battery life and the small screen of the 41mm size.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners say the 2000-nit screen stays clear in bright outdoor light.
  • BatteryCriticisedReviewers report roughly a day of use and charge it nightly.
  • Health trackingPraisedHeart rate, ECG and sleep readings are described as reliable.
  • SizeMixedThe 41mm case suits small wrists but some find the screen small for reading.
Reviews
  • The best Apple Watch of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • Best Apple Watch for 2026 - CNET
  • We Tested Every Top Smartwatch: Here Are the Only Ones Worth Buying in 2026 - PCMag editors select and review products independently
  • We Tested Every Top Smartwatch: Here Are the Only Ones Worth Buying in 2026

Questions and answers

Which is better for heart health tracking?
The Series 9. It runs an ECG and reads blood oxygen, which the SE 3 cannot do. Both give high and low heart rate and irregular rhythm alerts.
Does the SE 3 have an always-on display?
Yes. The SE 3 added an always-on display, so you can read the time without raising your wrist. The Series 9 screen is brighter outdoors.
Which lasts longer?
Both are rated at 18 hours of battery life. The SE 3 charges faster, reaching about 8 hours of use in 15 minutes, so it is easier to top up during the day.
Is the Series 9 worth stepping up to?
If you want ECG, blood oxygen and a brighter screen, yes. If you mainly want workouts, sleep tracking and safety alerts, the SE 3 covers those.
Do both work with the same iPhone?
Yes. Both run watchOS and pair with an iPhone. Neither works with Android.
Which is better for swimming?
Both are rated to 50 m and are fine for pool and open-water swims. The Series 9 adds water temperature and depth data in the Workout app.

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Li-Ion
Li-Ion
Screen Resolution324x394352x430
Navigation SystemGalileo, GPS, GLONASSGalileo, GPS, GLONASS
USBNoNo, Yes
Battery TypeBuilt-in BatteryBuilt-in Battery
Color ScreenYesYes
For KidsNoNo
Width (")1.31.4
Storage64GB64GB
Bluetooth Version5.35.3
Glass TypeIon-XIon-X
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 3 (802.11g), Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b), Wi-Fi 4 (…Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Battery Life (h)18.036.0
Screen TypeOLEDAMOLED
DepartmentKids', UnisexUnisex
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, CellularBluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular
TrackerActivity, Sleep, CalorieActivity, Sleep, Calorie
With GPSYesYes
Case Size40mm case, 44mm case41mm case
Case ShapeRectangularRectangular