Why I Chose the Apple Watch SE3: The 'Just Right' Choice Revealed Through Comparison with Series 11

I pre-ordered the Apple Watch SE3.
Why did I choose the 'SE' model this time, when it had never been an option for me before?
Let's break down the reasons by comparing it with the SE2 and Series 11.

Comparison between SE2 and SE3

First, let's check what has changed compared to the SE2.

Always-On Display

The primary reason the SE2 was never an option for me was that it lacked an 'Always-On Display'.
It's quite a hassle not being able to check the time without raising my wrist to face the display, and it also looks a bit lackluster when the screen is pitch black.
The SE3 now supports Always-On, which addresses this point.

Fast Charging

Since I leave my Apple Watch on the charger after getting home, fast charging isn't strictly necessary for me right now.
However, the SE3 offers '8 hours of use from a 15-minute charge,' which is appealing because it means I'll be able to charge it sufficiently during my morning routine if I start using it for sleep tracking.

Gesture Controls

While not essential at the moment, it's a feature I'd like to try if available. I can see myself realizing its convenience depending on how I use it in the future.

Comparison between SE3 and Series 11

Next, let's look at the differences with the Series 11.

Health Features

The Series 11 offers health features like ECG, blood oxygen, and hypertension notifications, but they are unnecessary for me since I don't use them regularly. Even if I did, I'd only use the sleep score, so the SE3 is sufficient.

Thickness and Weight

The only point that attracted me to the Series 11 was its 'thinness'.
When I tried on the Series 10, I was surprised at how thin it felt, even with just a 1mm difference.
However, the SE3 is lighter, and considering the price difference, I couldn't justify paying 27,000 yen for that 1mm.

Price Difference

The SE3 (44mm) is 42,800 yen, while the Series 11 (46mm) is 69,800 yen. That's a difference of 27,000 yen. Even considering the difference in features, the high cost-performance of the SE3 stands out.

Other

The Series 11 has minor feature enhancements, but the only ones worth noting are the health features. I've decided that the SE3 is enough for my usage.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch SE3 comes with features that are just right for daily use, such as an always-on display, fast charging, and gesture controls, and the balance with its price is excellent. For someone like me who doesn't need advanced health features, the SE3 was a 'just right choice' compared to the Series 11.
I think it would be the 'just right choice' for most people.

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