- Jan 08, 2026
Staff Report: PNN
Apple is once again at the center of attention in the tech world. This year, the company has unveiled three new smartwatches: Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Designed for different users and budgets, the main decision for most consumers will lie between Series 11 and SE 3.
The most premium model, Apple Watch Ultra 3, starts at $799, targeting professional athletes and adventure enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249, and Series 11 at $399, making them more practical options for the general user.
Despite being more affordable, the SE 3 has received significant upgrades. The previous SE 2’s S8 chip has been replaced with the powerful S10 chip, bringing its performance closer to that of Series 11.
New features include:
Always-on display
Fast charging support
Improved scratch and crack resistance
Wrist temperature sensor (helpful for sleep analysis and health monitoring)
New health and sleep tracking features
For first-time smartwatch users or younger audiences, the SE 3 is a great value-for-money device.
For those seeking deeper health insights, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the better choice. It includes:
High blood pressure alert notifications
ECG app
Blood oxygen monitoring
Larger, brighter display (up to 2000 nits)
Relatively improved battery backup
Thinner design, with aluminum and titanium case options
Both models include:
S10 chip
Heart rate and rhythm notifications
Fall detection and crash detection
Emergency SOS
Water resistance up to 50 meters
Sleep tracking and sleep score
Cycling tracking and ovulation estimation
Fast charging support
If your focus is daily fitness tracking, sleep analysis, and a reliable smartwatch, Apple Watch SE 3 is sufficient. For advanced health features, a bright large display, and premium experience, Series 11 is recommended. Overall, the gap between standard and budget Apple Watches is now smaller than ever. Choosing the right model ultimately depends on your needs and budget.