Been using my 44mm SE3 Cellular for a few days. Haven’t used cellular yet as my MVNO doesn’t have it yet. I use my S3 at night so haven’t completely tested the battery but when I’m done with it before bed it has a solid 45% left. I’ve been on the yearly upgrade train since S0, the best thing about SE3 is haven’t noticed any worse function than previous non-SE watches. Overall I’m happy so far, my plan going forward is being on the SE upgrade train. Answer from aj03020 on reddit.com
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The Guardian
theguardian.com › technology › 2025 › nov › 04 › apple-watch-se-3-review-bargain-smartwatch-iphone-screen-watchos-26
Apple Watch SE 3 review: the bargain smartwatch for iPhone | Apple Watch | The Guardian
November 4, 2025 - The Watch SE line is updated only every few years and has been good value but was missing some crucial things that make Apple’s other watches great. The Watch SE 3’s biggest upgrade is an always-on display, which brings it up to par with the Series line, allowing you to see the time and notifications at a glance without having to twist your wrist to turn the screen on.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/applewatch › how’s everyone’s experience with the apple watch se 3 so far?
r/AppleWatch on Reddit: How’s everyone’s experience with the Apple Watch SE 3 so far?
September 25, 2025 -

Hey everyone!

I’m curious to hear from people using the Apple Watch SE 3—both GPS and GPS + Cellular versions. How has your experience been so far?

  • Any standout pros or cons?

  • Battery life, reliability, and performance?

  • Any surprises, good or bad, since you started using it?

Just trying to get a sense of real-world use before diving in. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Top answer
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Been using my 44mm SE3 Cellular for a few days. Haven’t used cellular yet as my MVNO doesn’t have it yet. I use my S3 at night so haven’t completely tested the battery but when I’m done with it before bed it has a solid 45% left. I’ve been on the yearly upgrade train since S0, the best thing about SE3 is haven’t noticed any worse function than previous non-SE watches. Overall I’m happy so far, my plan going forward is being on the SE upgrade train.
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I came into the Apple Watch world through the ultra 1 three years ago. I previously used Garmins as that was the only reason I needed a smartwatch, for runs. I’ve read from Redditors that the battery was unbelievable on an ultra but, because I’ve used Garmins, I had no other Apple Watch to compare. This weekend I bought an SE 3 as a daily wear. Here it is, 11:01 AM and my SE 3’s battery is at 51% my ultra would have been at somewhere around 80ish. I’ve meditated, walked three miles, checked some notifications and the SE 3 is half done for the day. I’m not complaining about the SE 3, I really like it! I’m just appreciating why everyone was so excited about the ultra’s battery life. I had no idea that battery life was this harsh on standard (non ultra) watches. I’ve switched my new SE 3 to low power mode and turned off the “always on” feature. Again, I really like it, just realizing that I can’t see how the see how the SE 3 is a useful fitness tracker for longer runs and hikes.
Discussions

Apple Watch SE 3 review: Good enough for most people
I don’t use any of the “premium” features on my series 5 when this thing finally dies I’m getting an SE, idk wtf I was thinking sending $400 on this shit More on reddit.com
🌐 r/gadgets
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21
November 11, 2025
The Apple Watch SE 3 is the one to buy | Apple gave the people what they wanted, resulting in the most compelling update to the Apple Watch lineup this year.
after having a series 5 for over 5 years now, this is the next watch I’d buy if I were to buy one but I gotta be honest i don’t know if I will ever buy another Apple Watch. The only thing I use it for anymore is to track workouts 🤷🏻‍♂️ More on reddit.com
🌐 r/apple
289
660
September 16, 2025
How’s everyone’s experience with the Apple Watch SE 3 so far?
Been using my 44mm SE3 Cellular for a few days. Haven’t used cellular yet as my MVNO doesn’t have it yet. I use my S3 at night so haven’t completely tested the battery but when I’m done with it before bed it has a solid 45% left. I’ve been on the yearly upgrade train since S0, the best thing about SE3 is haven’t noticed any worse function than previous non-SE watches. Overall I’m happy so far, my plan going forward is being on the SE upgrade train. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/AppleWatch
24
25
September 25, 2025
Going from Apple Watch SE 1 to SE 3 makes a huge difference!
I am still using my original watch SE. I would love to upgrade as my battery is pretty low. I am just waiting for any Black Friday deals. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/AppleWatch
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September 30, 2025
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AppleInsider
appleinsider.com › articles › 25 › 09 › 29 › apple-watch-se-3-review-boring-but-the-one-to-buy
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Cost, performance, specifications
Apple Watch SE 3
In a mostly unremarkable update year for the flagship Apple Watches, the Apple Watch SE 3 stands out as the most improved since the last generation, and is the model to buy for most. In a mostly unremarkable update year for the flagship Apple Watches, the Apple Watch SE 3 stands out as the most improved since the last generation, and is the model to buy for most. Apple Watch SE 3 review: The go-to among Apple's wearables for 2025 In 2025, users have a lot of choices when it comes to Apple Watch. There is the Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Some of t
Rating: 4.5 ​
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Pickr
pickr.com.au › home › news and articles › apple watch se 3 reviewed: fantastic
Apple Watch SE 3 review (2025) – Pickr
September 22, 2025 - Frankly, they still probably would whether they ended up on the more expensive Series 11 or this one. But if what you’re looking for is a smartwatch for iPhone owners that doesn’t mess around, this is it. It’s one of the best value wearables around, and the Apple Watch for most people. Fantastic value, fantastic experience. Recommended. ... Leigh :) Stark is an award winning technology journalist with over 16 years of experience, having appeared at the Financial Review, Popular Science, GadgetGuy, and on TV, radio, print, and web.
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Consumer Reports
consumerreports.org › electronics & computers › phones & mobile devices › smartwatches & fitness trackers › the $250 apple watch se 3 is the most capable se ever
Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3 Reviews - Consumer Reports
November 4, 2025 - Apple upgraded its least pricey smartwatch, so the Watch SE 3 no longer feels like a budget buy. Also see reviews of the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3.
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Wareable
wareable.com › home › apple watch se 3 review: still the best choice for most
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Still the best choice for most - Wareable
Apple Watch SE 3 review: Still the best choice for most
Following real-world testing, this is our thorough review of the Apple Watch SE 3—including analysis of battery life, design, and features. It's been three long years since we last saw the Apple Watch SE, a smartwatch that has quietly become one of Apple's most important products across its entire spectrum. The SE line has always had to perform a tricky balancing act: it needs to be compelling enough to be the default Apple Watch for the masses, yet not so good that it cannibalizes its more expensive sibling—in this case, the Series 11. With the Apple Watch SE 3, the company has just abo
Rating: 4.5 ​
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Apple
apple.com › apple-watch-se-3
Apple Watch SE 3 - Apple
Apple Watch SE 3 is packed with powerful health, fitness, connectivity, and safety features. Available in two great finishes. All for a great value.
Find elsewhere
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Amazon
amazon.com › Apple-Smartwatch-Midnight-Aluminum-Always › dp › B0FQFW7M9H
Amazon.com: Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant : Electronics
A GREAT FITNESS PARTNER — SE 3 gives you a healthy number of ways to track your workouts. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
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PCMag
me.pcmag.com › review › wearables › smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 - Review 2025 - PCMag Middle East
Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch SE 3 delivers two-day battery life, a top-of-the-line processor, an always-on display, and upgraded sensors and software for the same price as its predecessor. It's a strong, budget-friendly alternative to the Series 11. <p>Starting at $249, the Apple Watch SE 3 brings a number of upgrades to the budget-minded smartwatch line for the first time, including an always-on display, gesture controls, on-device Siri processing, ovulation estimates, sleep apnea detection, and wrist temperature sensing, without a bump in price from the previous generation. Thanks to watchOS 26, it offer
Rating: 4 ​
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/gadgets › apple watch se 3 review: good enough for most people
r/gadgets on Reddit: Apple Watch SE 3 review: Good enough for most people
November 11, 2025 - I hate both to be honest, but I love the ecosystem. It’s pretty bullshit how a garmin can get 21+ days and apple will sell you a $250 watch that barely gets 24 hours.
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Engadget
engadget.com › engadget us › general
The Morning After: Is the Apple Watch SE 3 the best smartwatch for (almost) everyone?
November 11, 2025 - Apple’s entry-level smartwatch has improved so much it delivers an experience comparable to pricier Apple Watches. The most important upgrades in the SE 3 are the always-on display, faster charging speeds and on-device Siri.
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PCMAG
pcmag.com › home › best products › wearables › smartwatches
The Best Apple Watch We've Tested for 2026 | PCMag
2 weeks ago - Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. The Apple Watch SE 3 delivers two-day battery life, a top-of-the-line processor, an always-on display, and upgraded sensors and software for the same price as its predecessor.
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CNN
cnn.com › reviews
Apple Watch SE 3: Tested review, price and features | CNN Underscored
November 6, 2025 - The Apple Watch SE 3 does nearly everything the Series 11 does, yet it costs $150 less. It’s also the best entry-level watch I’ve tested. Here’s why.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/apple › the apple watch se 3 is the one to buy | apple gave the people what they wanted, resulting in the most compelling update to the apple watch lineup this year.
r/apple on Reddit: The Apple Watch SE 3 is the one to buy | Apple gave the people what they wanted, resulting in the most compelling update to the Apple Watch lineup this year.
September 16, 2025 - It’s stuck on watchOS 10.6.1, it’s 2nd battery depleting, and I don’t really care to upgrade it. It’s lowest on my list of Apple devices to replace. The SE 3 is a compelling upgrade but since I work from home it just doesn’t seem worth it.
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CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › smartwatches › i tested the apple watch se 3 and didn't feel any fomo
I Tested the Apple Watch SE 3 and Didn't Feel Any FOMO - CNET
Apple Watch SE 3
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. ... Editors' Note: The Apple Watch SE 3 proves you don't need to spend top dollar to get a great Apple Watch. At $250, it's the best-value smartwatch ...
Rating: 9/10 ​
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YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Apple Doesn’t Give A Damn // Apple Watch SE 3 - YouTube
The Apple Watch SE 3 has Apple's best System in Package Processor, the S10, 4-core Neural Engine and 64GB of storage space. Some of the exact same internal...
Published   October 7, 2025
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Engadget
engadget.com › engadget us
Engadget review recap: Apple Watch SE 3, DJI Neo 2, PlayStation Portal and more
November 15, 2025 - Managing editor Cherlynn Low makes the case for the Apple Watch SE 3, laying out the specific items she missed from the Apple Watch Series 11. “In the end, it wasn’t the features like blood oxygen readings or hypertension notifications that I wanted back,” she explained.
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CNET
cnet.com › tech › mobile › smartwatches › apple watch series 11 vs. ultra 3 and se 3: how to choose the best smartwatch for you
Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Ultra 3 and SE 3
November 10, 2025 - Hand Orellana writes in her Series 11 review, "The six-hour battery bump on the Series 11 may not sound like much on paper, but it's given me some welcome breathing room to figure out a better charging strategy." The SE 3 still delivers up to 18 hours of use, or 32 hours in Low Power mode. It also supports fast charging -- up to 80% in 45 minutes, or about eight hours of use from a quick 15-minute top-up. The Apple Watch SE 3 charges to 80% in 45 minutes, or can pick up enough power for eight hours of sleep tracking in just eight minutes on its charger.
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Gadget Hacks
apple.gadgethacks.com › news › apple-watch-se-3-steals-spotlight-from-series-11
Apple Watch SE 3 Steals Spotlight From Series 11 << Apple :: Gadget Hacks
September 16, 2025 - With reviews calling the SE 3 "the star of this year's lineup" and PCMag noting it delivers "two-day battery life, a top-of-the-line processor, an always-on display, and upgraded sensors," we are seeing something rare in Apple land, a budget ...