Written by Emme-Lotte
Edited on
6 August 2026
·
12:17
Compare the Apple Watch SE 3 to the Apple Watch SE 2
In September 2025, Apple announced the new successor of the Apple Watch Series: the Apple Watch Series SE 3. This Watch has a faster chip than its predecessor and an Always On display. You can also measure your health more accurately thanks to the new sensors. We'll list all differences and similarities for you.
Differences between the Apple Watch SE (2025) and the Apple Watch SE (2024)
- Apple Watch SE (2025)
Keep an eye on your sleep and health more accurately.
Control the Watch with a double tap of your index finger and thumb.
Always see the time thanks to the Always On display.
You can work faster thanks to the S10 chip.
From
266,-
- Apple Watch SE (2024)
Receive less accurate readings of your sleep and health.
You can't control it with 1 hand.
Always turn your wrist to see the time.
You work more slowly due to the S9 chip.
From
220,-
Comparison Apple Watch SE 3 and SE 2
| Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch SE 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 40mm or 44mm | 40mm or 44mm |
| Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Processor | S10 chip | S9 chip |
| Battery life | 18 hours | 18 hours |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight | Midnight, Starlight, Silver |
| Types of watch straps | Sport Band | Sport Band, sport loop |
Design
Watch SE 3: Always On display and more scratch-resistant screen
The Apple Watch SE 3 has a renewed Always On display on which you can always see the time and notifications. The glass is also more scratch-resistant. Thanks to this, you don't have to worry if your Watch accidentally bumps into something. Thanks to the new temperature sensor, you'll receive a sleep score and you can predict your menstrual cycle. The aluminum watch case is light, so you barely notice that it's on your wrist. You can choose from a 40 or 44mm watch case in the colors Midnight or Starlight.
Watch SE 2: no Always On display and more vulnerable screen
The Apple Watch 2 doesn't have an Always On display. This means you have to keep turning your wrist if you want to see the time or notifications. The screen is less scratch-resistant, so you get scratches on the screen more easily. The Watch SE (2024) has fewer sensors. Due to this, you can measure your health less accurately. You can keep track of basic information of your steps, heart rate, and sleep. The Watch SE 2 is available in a small 40mm or medium-sized 44mm watch case. You can choose from the colors Midnight, Starlight, or Silver.
Processor and battery
Watch SE 3: faster S10 chip
The Apple Watch SE 3 has a new and more powerful s10 chip. Thanks to this, you can open apps faster and navigate smoothly through the menu. The battery lasts 18 hours. You can use the watch the entire day, but after that you have to charge it. Do you use it in energy-saving mode? The Watch SE (2025) lasts up to 32 hours. Within 15 minutes of fast charging, you can use your Watch 8 hours longer. After 45 minutes, the Watch SE 3 is charged for 80%.
Watch SE 2: slower S9 chip
The Apple Watch SE 2 has an older and less powerful S9 chip than its successor. Because of this, you can scroll slower through the menus and open apps more slowly. The battery also lasts 18 hours. So charge it in the morning during breakfast and you can use your Watch SE (2024) the entire day. You can't fast charge it. Do you want to fast charge your Watch? Choose the Watch SE 3.
WatchOS 26
In September 2025, Apple launched the watchOS 26 update for all Apple Watch models from the Apple Watch Series 7. With watchOS 26, many apps get a new look. You see more transparent elements and rounded borders. The Apple Watch SE 3 will be launched with watchOS 26. For all other models, the update will be available later this year.
Conclusion
With the Apple Watch SE 3, the screen is always visible thanks to the Always On display. you also don't have to worry about accidentally bumping something, because the screen is more scratch-resistant than that of the Watch SE 2. You can measure your sleep and health more accurately with the Watch 3.
Article by Emme-Lotte
Apple Watch Expert.
