PC
It powered 46 hours with typical use in the real world before it ran out of juice and needed to be plugged in.
Lasted 46 hours in real-world use with the always-on display on, well past the 18-hour rating.
The Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) ($249.00) is recommended with a 8.5/10 consensus score across 4 expert reviews. Experts highlight pcmag ran it 46 hours on a charge with the always-on display on and two gps workouts, against an 18-hour rating and sleep score, 50-metre water resistance, apple pay and the calendar app for $249.00, which tom's guide calls a near-series-11 experience. PCMag — Lasted 46 hours in real-world use with the always-on display on, well past the 1... Best for: most smart home setups.
Recommended4 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$249.00
Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)
smartwatches
Expert Consensus: 8.5/10 across 4 sources
Last verified:What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ PCMag ran it 46 hours on a charge with the always-on display on and two GPS workouts, against an 18-hour rating
- ✓ Sleep score, 50-metre water resistance, Apple Pay and the Calendar app for $249.00, which Tom's Guide calls a near-Series-11 experience
- ✓ Macworld reached 80 percent in 48 minutes, so a top-up fits between dinner and bed
- ✓ Engadget found the always-on display shows heart rate mid-set and matched the Series 11 in resistance and HIIT sessions
- ✓ Macworld reported zero scratches after two weeks of not especially careful use
Common Criticisms
- ✗ iPhone only: Apple lists iPhone 11 or later, and it will not pair with an Android phone
- ✗ Needs a charger roughly every day or two, which is the opposite of a battery that lasts the week
- ✗ PCMag notes no blood oxygen, ECG or hypertension notifications, and no dust rating
What The Experts Say
MA
Apple claims you can charge from zero to 80 percent in around 45 minutes (it took me a perfectly reasonable 48)
Reached 80 percent charge in 48 minutes in Macworld's testing.
TO
For $249, it delivers an experience that's remarkably close to the Series 11 at a far lower price.
Judges the $249 SE 3 a near-Series-11 experience.
MA
I can certainly confirm that my SE 3 picked up precisely zero scratches in two weeks of constant and not especially careful use
No scratches after two weeks of ordinary wear.
Ready to buy the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)?
Check Price on Amazon$249.00 · 4 expert sources · 8.5/10 consensus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) worth it?
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) earns a 8.5/10 consensus score across our 4 cited expert sources. It is rated "Recommended" — a strong performer in its category. At $249.00, Lasted 46 hours in real-world use with the always-on display on, well past the 18-hour rating.
Who is the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) best for?
The Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) is best for smart home users looking for a reliable Tech & Charging option with strong expert consensus.
How does the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) compare to other Tech & Charging options?
Among the Tech & Charging products we have reviewed, Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) ranks above average with a 8.5/10 score. Reached 80 percent charge in 48 minutes in Macworld's testing.
What smart home systems does the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) work with?
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) works with major smart home platforms. Check our compatibility notes on the product page for any setup requirements or hub dependencies.
What are the pros and cons of the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm)?
The main pros of the Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) are pcmag ran it 46 hours on a charge with the always-on display on and two gps workouts, against an 18-hour rating and sleep score, 50-metre water resistance, apple pay and the calendar app for $249.00, which tom's guide calls a near-series-11 experience. The main downside is iphone only: apple lists iphone 11 or later, and it will not pair with an android phone. Overall, experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.5/10 consensus score.
Affiliate disclosure: DormGearHQ.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 4 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.