Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, or Ultra 3? 45+ Differences Compared

The new Apple Watch lineup is now available to pre-order. With more feature parity than ever before across the models, understanding the differences is more important ever before.

All three of the new Apple Watches feature the S10 chip, always-on displays, sleep score, and media playback, but there are still some significant differences between the two devices.

The Apple Watch SE is designed to be a low-cost option that still offers many of the Apple Watch features that have made the device so popular over the years, while the Apple Watch Series 11 offers a more feature-rich experience with additional health monitoring capabilities. The Apple Watch Ultra focuses on withstanding extreme environments, a high level of durability, extended battery life, and additional features to aid activities like diving and exploration.

With as little as $50 between the 46mm titanium Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, some prospective customers will be weighing up whether it is worth spending a little extra to get the 49mm Ultra model. While there is a $400 difference between the GPS-only 42mm aluminum Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra, the high-end model offers a set of features to address specific challenges, so it may even be worth it for some of these buyers.

This guide outlines all of the differences between the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 to help you decide which is best for you.

Sizes and Weights





‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Ultra 3





Height

44mm (44mm case)

40mm (40mm case)



46mm (46mm case)

42mm (42mm case)



49mm







Width

38mm (44mm case)

34mm (40mm case)



39mm (46mm case)

36mm (42mm case)



44mm







Depth

10.7mm



9.7mm



12mm







Weight

32.9g (GPS, 44mm)

33.0g (GPS + Cellular, 44mm)

26.3g (GPS, 40mm)

26.4g (GPS + Cellular, 40mm)



37.8g (aluminum, GPS, 46mm)

36.9g (aluminum, GPS + Cellular, 46mm)

43.1g (titanium, 46mm)

30.3g (aluminum, GPS, 42mm)

29.7g (aluminum, GPS + Cellular, 42mm)

34.6g (titanium, 42mm)



61.6g (natural titanium)

61.8g (black titanium)





Designs



‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Ultra 3





40mm or 44mm case size

42mm or 46mm case size

49mm case size





Anodized aluminum case

Anodized or polished aluminum and polished titanium casing options

Blasted titanium case





Curved display

Curved display with refractive edge

Flat display









80% recycled steel in the speaker and Taptic Engine







Apple Watch Hermès edition available

Apple Watch Hermès edition available





Available in Starlight and Midnight

Aluminum: Available in Rose Gold, Space Gray, and polished Jet Black

Titanium: Available in Natural, Gold, and Slate



Durability



‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Ultra 3





Design based on Apple Watch Series 4

Design based on Apple Watch Series 10, including a thinner casing, more rounded edges, and a wider aspect ratio

Same design as previous Apple Watch Ultra models





Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped casing

Front crystal curves at edges onto shaped casing

Corrosion resistant case with raised edges to protect the flat sapphire front crystal





Nylon composite and sapphire crystal back

Metal and sapphire crystal back

Ceramic and sapphire crystal back





Water resistant up to 50m

Water resistant up to 50m

Water resistant up to 100m









EN13319 certification







Certified IP6X dust resistance

Certified IP6X dust resistance









Tested to MIL-STD 810H



Displays



‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Ultra 3





Up to 1,000 nits brightness

Up to 2,000 nits brightness

Up to 3,000 nits brightness





2 nits minimum brightness

1 nit minimum brightness

1 nit minimum brightness





OLED

Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)

Wide-angle OLED (up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle)





LTPO

LTPO3 for faster refresh rate in always-on mode

LTPO3 for faster refresh rate in always-on mode



Health Features



‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Ultra 3





Second-generation optical heart sensor

Third-generation optical heart sensor

Third-generation optical heart sensor







Hypertension notifications

Hypertension notifications







Electrical heart sensor

Electrical heart sensor







ECG app

ECG app







Blood Oxygen app

Blood Oxygen app



Battery Life and Charging



‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Ultra 3





Up to 18-hour battery life

Up to 24-hour battery life

Up to 42-hour battery life





Up to 32 hours in Low Power Mode

Up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode

Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode





Charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 8 hours

Charge 0–80% in about 30 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 8 hours

Charge 0–80% in about 45 minutes; 15 minutes for up to 12 hours



Other Differences



‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3

Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch Ultra 3









Customizable Action button









Night Mode for low-visibility conditions









Exclusive Wayfinder and Modular Ultra faces





Swim

Swim, snorkel

Swim, snorkel, scuba, high-speed water sports







Depth gauge to 6m

Depth gauge to 40m







Water temperature sensor

Water temperature sensor







Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip

Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip





Find iPhone

Precision Finding for ‌iPhone‌

Precision Finding for ‌iPhone‌





GPS (L1)

GPS (L1)

Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5)





Always-on altimeter

Always-on altimeter

Always-on altimeter with expanded operating range from –500m to 9000m









Satellite connectivity









Emergency SOS via satellite





Single microphone with voice isolation

Single microphone with voice isolation

Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation





Single speaker

Single speaker

Dual speakers









86-decibel Siren to attract attention



Prices





‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3

Apple Watch Series 11 (Aluminum)

Apple Watch Series 11 (Titanium)

Apple Watch Ultra 3





GPS

$249 (40mm)

$279 (44mm)



$399 (42mm)

$429 (46mm)















GPS + Cellular

$299 (40mm)

$329 (44mm)



$499 (42mm)

$529 (46mm)



$699 (42mm)

$749 (46mm)



$799





Which One Should You Choose?

SE 3 vs. Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a minor improvement over the previous Series 10 model, offering a 5G connectivity and longer battery life. Yet compared to the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 is a noticeably more feature-rich device with advanced capabilities.

With its larger display, additional health monitoring features, and range of colors and finishes, the Apple Watch Series 11 will be the model of choice for those who want more out of their smartwatch. If you feel that the added health monitoring features or longer battery life would be particularly beneficial to you, or simply like a specific casing and color combination not available with the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 will be the best model for you.

If you are on a budget and are not particularly attracted to the additional features of the Series 11, the ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3 is still a compelling option. As it shares many key features with the Apple Watch Series 11, many customers will be happy choosing the more inexpensive model, unless you particularly value features such as the larger display or advanced health monitoring and can justify the added cost.

The ‌Apple Watch SE‌ 3 is an ideal device for kids and senior citizens who do not have an ‌iPhone‌ thanks to Family Setup, but it is also the go-to model for most customers who are new to the Apple Watch and those who are upgrading from an older device due to its competitive pricing and generous feature set, allowing users to get a balanced Apple Watch experience at a low price.

Series 11 vs. Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra offers specific capabilities to address the requirements of those who need their Apple Watch to provide assistance in challenging environments. If you need a more durable Apple Watch with features like a brighter display, louder speakers, a more reliable GPS, better water resistance, and more, the Apple Watch Ultra is undoubtedly the best choice. The Apple Watch Ultra is clearly better equipped to handle tasks like hiking, diving, and navigation.

The Apple Watch Ultra is also biggest and most feature-rich Apple Watch option available, not to mention that it offers the first true redesign of the device since its introduction in 2015. For technology enthusiasts, Apple Watch Ultra represents a way to get a new Apple Watch experience with top specifications in several key areas. Features like longer battery life, a brighter display, and the Action button are also highly accessible, and will be beneficial to all users. As such, some customers may still be inclined to choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 over the Apple Watch Series 11, even if they do not need it for use in challenging environments.

As the largest Apple Watch model to date, the size of the Apple Watch Ultra will not be for everyone. If you already prefer the 41mm or 42mm Apple Watch casing size, the Apple Watch Ultra may be far too large for you. If in doubt, it may be worth heading to an Apple Store and trying on the Apple Watch Ultra in person to get to grips with the size and determine if it is too big and bulky for you.

Similarly, the Apple Watch Ultra's look may not appeal to some buyers. If you prefer the idea of a polished finish and are looking for a more fashion-focused smartwatch that pairs well with premium bands, the more aggressive, rugged design of the Apple Watch Ultra may not be for you.

If the Apple Watch Ultra is out of your price range but you still want to use your Apple Watch in challenging environments, it is worth bearing in mind that the Series 11 still offers a durable design with a strong front crystal, water resistance, and many of the Apple Watch Ultra's software features like waypoint marking.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has a lot to offer, especially for the subset of users who can take advantage of all of its capabilities, so it is certainly worth considering when purchasing a new model, but the Apple Watch Series 11 is still a compelling all-around option that comes in at a lower price point with a subtler design.Related Roundups: Apple Watch 10, Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Ultra 2Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Don't Buy), Apple Watch SE (Buy Now), Apple Watch Ultra (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple WatchThis article, "Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, or Ultra 3? 45+ Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums