Apple Watch Series 11 vs. SE 3: 11 Reasons to Consider an Upgrade

I test the new Apple Watch models every single year, and I come to the same conclusion: the SE is the best value for most people. Whether it was the original, the SE 2, or now the SE 3, it's the rational choice.

Even last year, I recommended the SE 2 despite the three year old dated technology. And this year the SE 3 got massive upgrades, while the Series 11 is just a minor tweak to the Series 10.

The Apple Watch SE 3 now has an Always-On screen, body temperature monitoring, fast charging, and 64GB of storage. It's even using the S10 chip, which makes it as fast as the flagship Series 11. These additions mean the SE 3 nearly matches the Series 11 in every way that actually matters.

So why would anyone pay the extra $150 for the Series 11? It comes down to the edge-to-edge display and a few minor exterior design improvements. For 95% of people, that's not worth $150. But in case you're in that other 5%, let's break down the nine reasons to consider the jump.

1. Screen Size

Both the SE 3 and Series 11 are almost identical internally. Even when powered off, they look pretty similar externally. However, once powered on, the displays are noticeably different.

Over the years, Apple has increased the display size three times by reducing the black bezel area around the screen, pushing pixels closer to the edge while keeping the case size nearly unchanged. Essentially, they've been gradually trimming the bezels every few years.

The SE 3 has remained at 40mm and 44mm, while the Series 11 offers 42mm and 46mm models. Despite the 2mm increase, the watch doesn't feel any bulkier. The 42mm Series 11 has about 30% more pixels than the 40mm SE, and the 46mm Series 11 has 25% more pixels than the 44mm SE 3. Interestingly, the smaller 42mm Series 11 packs roughly the same pixel count as the larger 44mm SE.

When comparing them side by side, the SE's thicker black bezel is immediately obvious, especially next to the edge-to-edge display on the Series 11. In day-to-day use, the additional pixels on the Series 11 make text clearer, easier to read, and improve overall usability, which can be helpful during exercise when you can't give your full attention to your watch.

The smaller display on the SE is always the most jarring difference when switching back to it from the Series models. For the first day or two, I'm usually disappointed by how dated it feels. But after a couple of days, I stop noticing the difference, and the SE fits my needs perfectly.

First-time Apple Watch owners likely won't care much about the display size because they have nothing to compare it to. However, for those upgrading from an older model, the Series 11's larger display feels like a meaningful improvement.

2. Battery

Both the Series and SE models got a battery boost over their previous generation.

Both models are advertised as having "all-day battery" life, but the Series 11 is listed for 24 hours, while the SE 3 is listed for 18 hours. On paper, the Series 11 lasts 33% longer than the SE 3. But interestingly, in my testing, the Series 11 only lasted about 22% longer, which is still a huge difference.

However, with Always-On enabled, neither watch will last two full days, so you're charging daily no matter what.

In previous years, fast charging was a key reason to choose the Series model over the SE. The Series 10 charged an hour faster to 80% than the SE 2, which actually mattered more than total battery life. If you track sleep and can't charge overnight, you need to top up quickly during the day, and the Series 10's faster charging made it the better choice.

This completely changed this year. Apple says the SE 3's quick recharging is 0–80% in about 45 minutes, while the Series 11's is 0–80% in about 30 minutes. But in my real-world testing, they were almost identical

3. Build Quality

The SE 3’s glass is marketed as "4x more crack-resistant," while the Series 11 is "2x more scratch-resistant." Since I've seen two family members crack their SE screens, that focus on extra protection for the budget model makes sense. Both watches still use Ion-X glass, but if you're worried about those annoying micro-scratches, the Series 11's new ceramic coating is the better bet. Fortunately, after two months of daily wear, both models are still in great condition.

The aluminum Series 11 is about 15% heavier than the SE 3, which comes down to the extra sensors, a bigger battery, and that more advanced screen tech. You won't really notice the extra weight on your wrist, but it does make the Series 11 feel more sturdy and premium.

If you put them side-by-side, the Series 11 feels like a nicer device. Since it's about 10% thinner than the SE 3, Apple was able to fuse the screen directly to the glass. This gives it a "laminated" look where the pixels feel like they're painted right on top. The SE 3 still has that older, chunky feel where the glass sticks out more. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a clear "you get what you pay for" moment. Because most of that thinness comes from a reduction in the bottom of the case, the Series 11 sits closer to your wrist for a more comfortable fit.

The SE comes in two aluminum case colors (Midnight and Starlight) with an Ion-X glass display, while the Series 11 comes in Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver, and Space Gray. If you're eyeing the base model SE at $249 or the Series 11 at $399, the material differences aren't significant, aside from the slightly improved glass.

But on the higher end, the new titanium models with sapphire glass are an awesome investment if you're not constrained by budget because they're more durable and scratch-resistant than Ion-X glass. The premium build quality of the higher-end Apple Watch models (stainless steel from previous years or titanium) is my primary reason for avoiding the SE each year. However, if you haven't experienced the high-end materials for yourself, you'll probably be content with the SE. You don't know what you don't know.

4. Nine Minor Upgrades

Screen size, battery, and build quality are the three largest differentiators, but there are several other minor features that may influence your decision if enough of them appeal to you.

1. Precision Finding: iPhone finding has been a feature since day one, but the Series 11 gets an upgrade called Precision Finding thanks to the second-gen Ultra Wideband chip (the U2). When you tap the phone icon to find your device, it doesn't just ring anymore. Now, your watch screen gives you an arrow and tells you exactly how many feet away you are, just like tracking an AirTag. This is great when your phone is buried in a couch cushion. This same chip also lets you unlock certain high-end cars and smart locks just by walking up to them without touching your watch.
2. Keyboard: The Series 11 lets you type with a keyboard on both the 42mm and 46mm models. It's not ideal and I'm not a huge fan, especially on the 42mm model, but it can be useful in a pinch.
3. ECG Reader: The Series 11 has an ECG reader, which is accessible by holding a finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds.
4. Blood Oxygen: The blood oxygen reader is back (in a slightly different form) for the Series 11 after disappearing from flagship models for 18 months.
5. Display Tech: The Series 11 has an LTPO3 OLED display with a wider viewing angle and can get twice as bright as the SE. Both are noticeable improvements if you're looking for them, but I've never had an issue seeing my watch outside in ten years, even at 50% brightness.
6. Heart Sensors: The Series 11 has a 3rd-generation optical heart sensor and an electrical heart sensor compared to a single second-generation sensor on the SE 3. In side-by-side testing over the last five years, I haven't noticed a difference in real life.
7. Water Features: The Series 11 has a depth gauge for water up to 6m and a water temperature sensor.
8. WiFi: Dual-band WiFi support (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is another feature that exists but probably won't be super helpful to most.

Which is best for you?

Apple Watch Series 11

Get the Apple Watch Series 11 if you want more pixels than the SE, slightly longer battery life, and a better-fitting design due to extra thinness. For me, the main draw of the Series 11 is the premium titanium models with their high-end materials. However, at $699, they're not in everyone's budget. If you're reading this, you're probably comparing the base models, where the decision comes down to value versus extra features.

Apple Watch SE 3

Get the Apple Watch SE 3 if it's your first Apple Watch or you just want to save money. You’ll get all the key features found in the Series 11. This year's SE added an Always-On display, precise phone finding, quick charging, temperature sensing, music speaker, and a faster chip, which make the battle between the SE and Series 11 is as close as it's ever been, but the SE clearly wins on a value basis.