Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 44mm) Review: Would Owners Buy It Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this watch ourselves. The verdict rests on two expert reviews (TechRadar and Wareable) we read in full. Two sources is limited, and they disagree on a few details, which we leave out. Our method.
The Apple Watch most iPhone owners need
Both reviews we read call the SE 3 the best choice for most people or first-time smartwatch buyers on iPhone. It uses the same S10 chip as pricier Apple models, adds an always-on display and faster charging, and tracks runs closely to a Garmin in one test. The trade-offs are an older thick-bezel design, about a day of battery and missing ECG, Blood Oxygen and hypertension alerts. Those are fine for most, but not for data-focused athletes.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- use an iPhone and want a first smartwatch
- want notifications, payments and fitness tracking without the top-tier cost
- buy for a child or teen
Skip it if you…
- want multi-day battery life
- need ECG or blood oxygen features
- use Android, since it requires an iPhone
The Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple's entry-level smartwatch. This GPS version in 44mm size has the S10 chip, an always-on display, Ion-X glass, temperature sensing, fall and crash detection and a new Sleep Score, according to the reviews we read.
This is a general consumer device, not a medical one. Its health features are not a substitute for professional advice.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Chip | S10 |
|---|---|
| Display | Always-on, up to 1,000 nits, Ion-X glass |
| Battery | 18 hours rated, longer in Low Power Mode |
| Health | Heart rate alerts, temperature sensor, Sleep Score |
| Not included | ECG, Blood Oxygen, hypertension notifications |
What reviewers love
What reviewers complain about
How it holds up over time
The watch is new, so we found no long-term durability reports. TechRadar says the Ion-X glass is much tougher than on the previous SE.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Fast S10 chip
- Always-on display
- Good value for an Apple Watch
- Fast-ish charging
- Solid GPS and heart rate tracking
What owners complain about
- About one day of battery
- Older design
- No ECG or Blood Oxygen
- Works only with iPhone
- Only two colours
Other options buyers compare
Watches and trackers often cross-shopped.
| Model | Style | Consider it if... | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE 3 (this review) | iPhone smartwatch | You want the value Apple Watch | See on Amazon |
| Garmin Forerunner 165 Read our review | Running watch | You want more training data and longer battery | See on Amazon |
| Fitbit Charge 6 Read our review | Fitness band | You prefer a slim tracker that works with Android | See on Amazon |
Looking for a first Apple Watch?
Check current sizes, colours and bundles on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work with Android?
No, Apple Watch needs an iPhone.
How long does the battery last?
Apple rates it at 18 hours; reviewers found about a day.
Does it have ECG?
No, per TechRadar and Wareable.
Is it good for running?
Wareable found GPS accuracy close to a Garmin in one test, but it lacks dual-frequency GPS.
Save this review for later
Pin it, share it, or send it to someone who's shopping for one.
Sources we analyzed
- TechRadar: Apple Watch SE 3 review — pros, cons, battery, verdict
- Wareable: Apple Watch SE 3 review — GPS test, missing features, verdict
Figures reflect each source as of October 21, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.