For the primary time since its launch in 2016, there are three Apple Watch fashions to select from that every one look very related at first look. But upon nearer inspection, you’ll discover that there are very distinct variations between them that go a lot deeper than their worth variations. Here’s how they stack up.
Apple Watch Series 3 vs SE vs Series 6: Design and show
Apple hasn’t strayed very removed from its unique sq. design over the seven generations of Apple Watch, so there’s not an enormous distinction between the three watches. Apple hasn’t shared actual dimensions for the Series 6 and SE simply but, however they may presumably be a bit bigger and thinner than the Series 3, identical to the Series 5:
- Series 3: 38.6 x 33.3mm x 11.4mm
- Series 5: 40 x 34 x 10.74mm
But your wrist gained’t discover the distinction. Apple has the perfect and most recognizable watch design within the smartwatch business, so any of the three will feel and appear nice in your wrist.
Where they differ, nonetheless, is with the show. The Series 3 has Apple’s older show, so it’s smaller (38mm mannequin: 563 sq mm; 42mm mannequin: 740 sq mm) and has sq. corners. The SE and Series 6 have bigger shows (40mm mannequin: 759 sq mm; 44mm mannequin: 977 sq mm) with rounded corners to match the show physique.
The Apple Watch SE has the identical show because the Apple Watch Series 6.
While the SE and Series 6 have equivalent show specs, solely the Series 6 has an always-on choice, which helps you to see the time even when your wrist is lowered. Apple additionally says the always-on show is 2.5-times brighter than final yr’s mannequin, which will definitely assist in vibrant mild.
Our choose: While the sizes and designs are very related, the shows make all of the distinction with the Series 6 and SE. And we actually favored the Series 5’s always-on show.
Apple Watch Series 3 vs SE vs Series 6: Colors and materials
While all three watches can be found in silver and house grey aluminum like all the time, you’ve got significantly extra choices as you go up the road. The Apple Watch SE provides a gold shade, whereas the Series 6 has new blue and Product(Red) hues.
If you improve to one of many mobile fashions, you may get silver, graphite (DLC), or gold (PVD) stainless-steel, or pure titanium or house black titanium. Additionally, the Series 6 and SE can be found in Nike (silver and house grey aluminum) and the Series 6 gives a Hermes version in silver and house black stainless-steel.
Around the again, you’re getting a composite cowl with the Series 3 and an upgraded ceramic and sapphire crystal again on the SE and Series 6.
Our choose: While the silver and house grey are very good basic Apple Watch hues, we’re very intrigued by the blue and purple colours on the Series 6 and, in case you can afford one, the graphite stainless-steel.
Apple Watch Series 3 vs SE vs Series 6: Performance and chips
Performance isn’t almost as essential on the Apple Watch as it’s on the iPhone or iPad, however with a lot occurring inside your Apple Watch, velocity does matter. And with every of those watches you’re getting completely different chips:
- Series 3: S3
- SE: S5
- Series 6: S6
As you may anticipate, the S6 is about 20 p.c sooner than the S5, which is about twice as quick because the S3. That’s as a result of the S5 and S6 processors have a 64-bit dual-core structure whereas the S3 is 32-bit. Additionally, you additionally get the newer W3 wi-fi chip, which brings help for Bluetooth 5.
AppleThe Series 6 Apple Watch is the quickest however the SE isn’t any slouch.
The Series 6 watch additionally brings Apple’s U1 Ultra Wideband chip to the Apple Watch for the primary time. First launched within the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, the chip permits for larger spatial consciousness, which in response to Apple permits the system to grasp its exact location relative to different close by U1‑outfitted Apple units. Right now that doesn’t imply a complete lot—particularly since Apple Watch doesn’t do AirDrop but—however as soon as the long-rumored AppleTags make an look that can change.
Our choose: If you need all of it, the Series 6 is clearly the one alternative, however we expect the SE might be a lot quick for most individuals. The Series 3 gained’t be horrible, nevertheless it most likely really feel slightly pokey at instances.
Apple Watch Series 3 vs SE vs Series 6: Connectivity
Apple may need launched the mobile LTE choice with the Series 3 Apple Watch, however now it’s gone. If you wish to use your watch open air and depart your telephone behind, you’ll have to get both the Apple Watch SE or Series 6, each of which can be found in both GPS or GPS+Cellular varieties. That’s significantly essential in case you plan on utilizing Family Setup, which requires a mobile connection.
Our choose: We’ve by no means been big followers of the month-to-month price for the Apple Watch’s mobile connection, however the brand new Family Setup characteristic is intriguing. After all it’s cheaper to purchase our tweens an Apple Watch than an iPhone. But in case you’re shopping for a watch only for you, mobile most likely isn’t all that crucial.
Apple Watch Series 3 vs SE vs Series 6: Sensors and options
Here’s the place the watches actually set themselves aside. First, let’s begin with what all three watches have:
- GPS/GNSS
- NFC
- Altimeter
- Gyroscope
- Accelerometer
- Optical coronary heart sensor
- Ambient mild sensor
- Microphone
- GymKit
- 50M water resistance
- Emergency SOS
Notably, the SE and Series 6 have a second-gen coronary heart sensor for larger accuracy in addition to an always-in altimeter for all-day monitoring. Additionally, the microphone will monitor decibels within the Noise app and the accelerometer is used to detect falls, each of which aren’t accessible on the Series 3 watch. You additionally get 32GB of storage on the SE and Series 6, versus simply 8GB on the Series 3.
AppleThe Apple Watch Series 6 has next-gen sensors that you just gained’t discover in another mannequin.
If you improve to the SE, you’ll get a compass and worldwide emergency calling, however to get the most recent sensors you’ll have to spring for the Series 6. Most notably, it has a SpO2 blood oxygen sensor that works with a customized algorithm to make use of mild to measure the oxygen saturation of blood each on-demand and all through the day. Oxygen saturation may also help handle coronary heart failure and bronchial asthma, in addition to early respiratory points stemming from the flu or coronavirus. It’s additionally the one watch Apple sells that has {the electrical} coronary heart sensor that was launched with the Series 5 final yr.
Our choose: Health and health buffs will certainly wish to spring for the Series 6 and the blood-oxygen sensor, however the SE has a wholesome array of sensors and options for its worth.
Apple Watch Series 3 vs SE vs Series 6: Price
There’s a large hole between the most affordable Apple Watch and the most costly (that may be the $1,400 Hermes Silver Stainless Steel Case with Single Tour Deployment Buckle, however the beginning costs aren’t almost as outlandish:
- Series 3: $199/$229
- SE: $279/$309
- Series 6: $399/$429
Granted, the Series 6 prices twice as a lot because the Series 3 and $120 greater than the SE, and it solely goes up from there. Here are the costs for the mobile fashions:
- SE: $329/$359
- Series 6: $499/$529
Somehow, the mobile Apple Watch SE is a fair larger worth than the GPS-only mannequin. With a $50 premium versus $100 on the Series 6, the mobile Apple Watch SE is just $30 greater than final yr’s Series 3, which has far fewer options.
Apple Watch Series 3 vs SE vs Series 6: Conclusion
Unless you solely have $200 to spend or just can’t dwell with out the perfect options and sensors, we’d suggest the 40mm Apple Watch SE for $329 in gold. Yes, it’s $130 greater than the Series 3, however you’re getting a lot extra to your cash: an even bigger show, higher sensors, sooner chip, and extra storage. Plus you’re clearly getting mobile connectivity.
Even patrons contemplating the Series 6 may wish to take into account this mannequin. It’s $160 cheaper than the comparable Series 6 watch and whilst you’re getting next-gen sensors, the SE matches up extraordinarily nicely at a fraction of the worth.