Apple Watch Series 7 vs SE vs 3 – Which One to Buy?

There are currently 3 Apple Watch options that you can buy new from Apple. You have the new Series 7, the SE, and the Series 3. If you’re having a hard time deciding which one of these options is best for you, check out the article below where we’ll compare all 3 models and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each watch. You can check out the 3 different models with the links below:

https://jerad.link/applewatchseries7

https://jerad.link/applewatchse

https://jerad.link/applewatch3

Initial Thoughts on the Series 7

The series 7 is the newest model of the Apple Watch. The main difference is its larger screen size and its charging capabilities. Compared with the series 3, the series 7’s screen looks massive and very impressive. The series 7 is also going to be the most expensive option at $399. I use the series 7 while my kids each have the SE model. I find that the larger display on the Series 7 is good enough to justify the upgrade for me, personally. 

Now let’s dive into some specific comparisons to see how each model holds up against the others. 

Sizes and Watch Strap Compatibility

All 3 models come in two different sizes, a small and a large. The 7 Comes in 41mm or 45mm, the SE comes in 40mm or 44mm, and the Series 3 is the smallest at 38mm or 42mm. Throughout these screen changes, Apple has done a great job at keeping the watch straps compatible across the different series. Basically, whatever watch strap you currently have will work on any of these models.

Screen Size/Quality

As we mentioned before, the series 7 has the largest screen. It has 20% more screen real estate than the SE and 50% more than the 3. The SE has a 30% larger screen than the series 3. I would argue that the series 3 is now too small to be a great option, especially in comparison to the larger sizes of the SE and the 7. If you have a smaller wrist or are looking for a smaller screen, I would recommend the SE over the 3. The 3 now looks outdated and has massive bezels around the screen. The actual case size of the watch is the same across the 3 models, so you’re not getting a smaller watch with the series 3, just a much smaller screen. 

Water Resistance

Fortunately, all 3 watches are swim proof down to 50 meters so you don’t need to worry about this. 

Sensors

Apple has significantly upgraded its watch sensors over the years so if sensors are important to you, you will probably want to opt for the newest model. If you want the blood oxygen sensor or the ECG sensor, the series 7 is the only watch that has those features. If you don’t want anything more than a heart rate sensor, rest assured that all 3 models have that feature. The series 7 has the latest generation of the heart rate sensor however, so it will perform faster than the previous watches. 

SOS Emergency Feature

One thing I made sure to teach my kids was how to use the SOS emergency option that the watches come with. All 3 watches are capable of making an emergency SOS call to 911 if something happens. This is a really great feature, especially if you have kids. Keep in mind, this feature only works if you purchase the cellular models. 

Fall Detection and the Compass

Fall detection is a pretty cool feature that’s only available on the 7 and the SE. If you’re susceptible to falls, or are worried about getting hurt doing activities like biking or skiing, fall detection can sense when you’ve taken a hard fall and help you make emergency calls if you need to. The series 7 and the SE also have an always on altimeter. The Series 3 has an altimeter as well, but it will only run if you open the app.

Battery Life

The battery life on all 3 watches is actually pretty impressive. The 7 boasts a battery life of up to 18 hours. I have found that my watch will last all day long and still have around 40 or 50% battery left. The series 7 also comes with fast charging that touts 33% faster charging than the SE and the 3. When I first picked up the 7 I noticed how fast it charged almost immediately. 

Case Finishes

All 3 watches offer different finishes for the case. All 3 have the aluminum finish, which is the cheapest option. The aluminum holds up pretty well against dents and scratches. Unfortunately, the aluminum also comes with the Ion X glass for the screen. I have found that this glass scratches very easily and is just not very durable in general. The stainless steal and titanium finishes come with sapphire glass, which is significantly more scratch proof than the Ion x glass in cheaper models. The sapphire glass is only available with the series 7. Getting the sapphire glass will cost quite a bit more, but if you work with your hands a lot and are in an environment where scratches come easily, the sapphire will be worth the upgrade. 

Case Finish Colors

The latest version of the watch also comes with many more case color options. The 7 comes with 5 aluminum color options: gray, white, green, blue, and red. The SE and the 3 are much more limited in color choices. The SE comes in gray, silver and gold, while the 3 only comes in gray and silver. 

Watch OS

Every year, Apple releases a new version of its watch software. Unfortunately, the older a device is, the slower that new software runs. Because of this, the series 3 is becoming slower and slower each year. Eventually, the newest watchOS will likely no longer even be compatible with it.

Speed

Apple also puts a new version of its chip in its watches every year. Because of the chip upgrades, the 7 is significantly faster than the SE, and the SE is significantly faster than the 3. This is another reason why the 3 will be so much slower than the 7.

Final Thoughts

I hope that these differences and distinctions help you decide which Apple Watch is best for you. I would recommend either the 7 or the SE. The 3 is really only a good option if you are on a pretty tight budget, but still feel like you need a watch. If you’re interested in learning more about Apple gear, check out these videos below on the State of Tech YouTube channel: