Apple has updated its entire smartwatch lineup: the Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3 are now on sale. The main intrigue is that the junior SE 3 received almost all the important features: an always-on display and the same processor as the Series 11. So let’s figure out what you’re actually paying extra for and which watch is right for whom.
Figuring out which watch is better
Differences Between Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Series 11
The main news about the SE 3 is that the gap between the “budget” and “regular” watches has significantly narrowed. The most affordable model in the lineup received a major upgrade this year. The Apple Watch SE 3 now features an always-on display (Always-On, where the watch face is visible even when you haven’t raised your wrist), warns about possible sleep apnea, measures temperature, and understands new gestures: double tap with fingers and wrist flick for one-handed control.
It will be harder to tell the watches apart visually
The most important thing here is the chip. Inside the SE 3 is the same S10 processor as in the Series 11, so there’s virtually no difference in performance speed or interface feature support.
At the same time, the SE 3 design hasn’t changed. The watches come in 40 and 44 mm sizes with an aluminum case, in two colors — “Starlight” and “Midnight.” The Series 11 has larger cases (42 and 46 mm), the screen goes nearly edge to edge, and there are more color and material options, including titanium.
ECG, Blood Pressure, and Blood Oxygen: Apple Watch Series 11 Capabilities
Due to different sensors, Series 11 is thinner than SE 3
This is what you’re paying extra for with the Series 11. Several medical features are simply absent from the SE 3:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) notifications — only in Series 11
- ECG — taking an electrocardiogram right from your wrist
- Blood oxygen measurement
- Water temperature sensor and depth gauge for swimming and diving
If maximum health monitoring matters to you — ECG, blood pressure, blood oxygen — that’s a serious argument in favor of the Series 11. But if the watch is primarily a convenient companion for workouts, notifications, and basic monitoring, you can easily get by without these sensors.
Screen Brightness and Battery Life: Apple Watch SE 3 vs. Series 11
Both models feature an always-on display, but the Series 11’s screen brightness is twice as high — up to 2,000 nits versus 1,000 for the SE 3. On a sunny day outdoors, this is genuinely noticeable: the older watch’s face is easier to read.
The screens differ significantly. Just look at the bezels
As for battery life, here’s the breakdown. The SE 3 lasts up to 18 hours in normal mode and up to 32 hours in low power mode. The Series 11 lasts up to 24 hours and up to 38 hours in low power mode. The difference favors the older model, but you’ll need to charge both every day.
On the other hand, the SE 3 finally got fast charging — from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes, which wasn’t available in the previous version. This partially solves the daily charging problem.
Apple Watch SE 3 and Series 11 Prices in Russia
The most affordable SE 3 starts at approximately 22,000 ₽ in Russia, while the Series 11 starts at approximately 30,000 ₽. This week, both models are discounted for the Prime Day sale, so actual prices may be lower than usual.
All the main features are in the SE 3
If you look at versions with different sizes, the price picture is as follows:
- SE 3, 40 mm — approximately from 23,000 ₽
- SE 3, 44 mm — approximately from 25,000 ₽
- Series 11, 42 mm — approximately from 28,000 ₽
- Series 11, 46 mm — approximately from 34,000 ₽
The difference in starting price is about 8,000 ₽. Essentially, that’s what you pay for a brighter and larger screen, an expanded set of health sensors, and extra battery life.
How to Choose an Apple Watch in 2026
Another point for those thinking about upgrading. At WWDC this month, Apple showed watchOS 27: Siri with AI and a dedicated app, a new dynamic app grid, and an improved Workout Buddy training mode. But the system won’t come to five models — Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and the first Apple Watch Ultra. If you have one of these watches, the update won’t arrive.
Short answer: for most people, the best choice is the Apple Watch SE 3. For approximately 22,000 ₽, you get an always-on display, the same chip as the older model, basic health monitoring, and fast charging.
