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Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm) vs Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE

The SE 3 is the newer watch and the better buy for most people. It has a faster S10 chip, 64GB of storage, an always-on display, sleep apnea notifications, a temperature sensor and built-in cellular, so it works without your phone. The Series 7 has the ECG app and blood oxygen readings, which the SE 3 lacks, and its 41mm case sits slightly larger on the wrist. Owners praise both for comfort and reliability; the Series 7 is now a 2021 design on older silicon, while the SE 3 carries current internals and longer software support.

  • Choose the Apple Watch Series 7 if you want ECG and blood oxygen readings and a slightly bigger 41mm screen.
  • Choose the Apple Watch SE 3 if you want the newest chip, cellular built in, sleep apnea alerts and the longest software support.

Prices

  • Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm): $79.99 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE: $189.95 at Simple Cell Shop (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm) is $109.96 cheaper than the Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
Apple
Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS, 41mm) Red Aluminum Case with Red Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm)

Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS, 41mm) Red Aluminum Case with Red Sport Band

4.3(11,982 ratings)
$79.99at Best BuyChecked 9 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

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

Pros
  • ECG and blood oxygen readings
  • Bigger 41mm always-on screen
  • Tougher front crystal and IP6X dust rating
  • Faster charging than earlier models
Cons
  • Older chip and 32GB storage
  • No cellular on this version
  • No sleep apnea or temperature features
  • 2021 design with a shorter update runway
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
  • Newest S10 chip and 64GB storage
  • Cellular and 5G built in
  • Sleep apnea notifications and temperature sensor
  • Longer software support
Cons
  • No ECG app
  • No blood oxygen sensor
  • Smaller 40mm case
  • Wi-Fi 4 only

What separates them

Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm)Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE
ChipS7-era processor from 2021S10 chip with 4-core Neural Engine
DisplayAlways-on Retina, about 20% more area than Series 6Always-on LTPO OLED, up to 1000 nits
Health sensorsECG app, blood oxygen, high/low heart rate alertsHeart rate, temperature, sleep apnea notifications; no ECG or blood oxygen
ConnectivityGPS only in this versionGPS + LTE and 5G, works without iPhone
Storage32GB64GB
DurabilityCrack-resistant front crystal, IP6X dust resistance, swimproofIon-X glass, 50m water resistance, swimproof
BatteryUp to 18 hours, faster chargingUp to 18 hours, 32 in Low Power Mode, fast charge
Software supportwatchOS updates likely ending soonerCurrent generation, longer update runway

Price history

$229.00$79.99
Nov 8Nov 10
  • Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm): lowest $79.99 on Nov 8 at Best Buy; $79.99 on Nov 10.
  • 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 Series 7 (41mm)

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $79.99Free shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • Reebelo USANew

    In stock

    $150.98Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit Reebelo USA
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Digi-Master

    $141.77+ $18.00 shippingChecked 9 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by bargainsofmaine (100% positive, 56,700 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $229.99Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit eBay

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

All 9 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 11 h ago
    Visit Swiftronics USA
  • University of Alabama Supply StoreNew

    Availability unknown

    $229.00Checked 11 h ago
    Visit University of Alabama Supply Store
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $239.99Free shippingChecked 11 h ago
    Visit Amazon
All 7 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple Watch Series 7 (41mm)Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE
Case Size41mm case, 45mm case40 mm
size41 mm—
colorRed—
wireless_technologyGPS—
actual_colorRed—
screen_size41 mm.—
Release year2021—
DisplayDigital—
DepartmentUnisex—
Water ResistantYes—
ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular—
TrackerActivity, Sleep, Calorie—
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple Watch Series 7 (41mm)Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm) GPS + LTE
With GPSYes—
Operating SystemwatchOS—
Chip—S10 chip with 64-bit dual-core processor and 4-…
Internal storage—64GB
Battery life—up to 18 hours (32 hours in Low Power Mode)
Water resistance—50m (swimproof)
GPS—L1 GPS
Wi-Fi—Wi-Fi 4
Bluetooth—Bluetooth 5.3
Case material

What reviewers say

Apple Watch Series 7 (41mm)

  • 4.3 / 511,982 ratings

With 4.3 out of 5 from nearly 12,000 ratings, owners largely like the bigger screen, comfort and health features. Complaints center on battery life and the bold red finish.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners say the larger always-on screen makes notifications and workouts easier to read.
  • BatteryCriticisedMany report charging daily, especially with always-on display and workouts.
  • FitPraisedThe 41mm case and soft sport band are called comfortable for small wrists and sleep tracking.
  • ColorMixedThe red aluminum finish is loved by some and seen as too loud by others.

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 and workouts?
Both track the same core workouts, including running, cycling, swimming and yoga. The SE 3 has the newer chip and more storage for apps and music, and its cellular lets you leave the phone at home. The Series 7 adds tai chi and pilates workout types.
Does the SE 3 have ECG like the Series 7?
No. The Series 7 has the ECG app and a blood oxygen sensor. The SE 3 has a second-generation heart sensor with high and low heart rate alerts and irregular rhythm notifications, but no ECG.
Which one lasts longer?
Battery life is rated the same at up to 18 hours, and the SE 3 reaches 32 hours in Low Power Mode. The SE 3 should also get watchOS updates for more years because it is a current-generation model.
Is the SE 3 worth stepping up to over the Series 7?
Yes for most shoppers. You gain a newer chip, double the storage, cellular, sleep apnea alerts and a temperature sensor. You give up ECG and blood oxygen, which matter mainly if a doctor has asked you to track them.
Can I use either watch without my iPhone nearby?
The SE 3 here has LTE, so it can call, text and stream music without your phone. This Series 7 is GPS only and needs your iPhone or a known Wi-Fi network for connected features.
Which fits smaller wrists better?
The SE 3 is 40mm and weighs 26.4 grams, so it sits lighter. The Series 7 here is 41mm. Both come in aluminum with sport bands, and either is comfortable for all-day wear.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Apple Watches under $200
—
Aluminum
Network—4G LTE, 5G
Weight—26.4 grams (40mm)