Apple Watch SE 3: What It Can and Cannot Do
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When you get curious about the Apple Watch SE 3 and start looking into it, the first things that come up are what it "can" and "cannot" do.
However, what you really want to know before buying isn't just a list of features, but probably something a bit closer to your daily life.
Can I see notifications?
Can I track sleep and exercise?
Will I be in trouble if I don't have ECG or blood oxygen monitoring?
Should I upgrade to the Series 11 instead?
The Apple Watch SE 3 is not a model packed with every feature from the high-end models. However, it covers a wide range of daily essentials like notifications, calls, payments, exercise tracking, sleep tracking, and safety features.
In conclusion, the Apple Watch SE 3 is a model that is easy to consider for those using an Apple Watch for the first time or those who prioritize daily convenience.
On the other hand, if you want to monitor health metrics in detail, use it for serious outdoor activities, or need a battery that lasts for several days, you should compare it with the Series 11 or Ultra 3 for peace of mind.
First conclusion: The Apple Watch SE 3 is for those who are satisfied with basic features
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a model close to the entry point of the Apple Watch lineup.
The price starts at 37,800 yen on the official Apple website, positioning it as more accessible than the higher-end Series 11 or Ultra 3. It comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes. The case is aluminum, and the colors available as far as I can confirm are Starlight and Midnight.
A major feature is that, despite being in the SE series, it now supports an Always-On Retina display.
With previous SE models, you had to lift your wrist every time you wanted to check the time or notifications. Since the SE 3 now has an Always-On display, it is easier to use in situations like glancing at the time, checking if there is a notification, or looking at the screen during a workout.
It also includes the S10 chip, fast charging, sleep scores, sleep apnea notifications, a skin temperature sensor, and a Cellular model with 5G support.
However, the important thing here is not just to look at the "available features."
The SE 3 lacks some features found in higher-end models, such as the ECG app, Blood Oxygen app, Emergency SOS via satellite, siren, depth gauge, and water temperature sensor.
In other words, the Apple Watch SE 3 is not an "all-in-one" device, and it is easier to make a decision if you think of it as a model for enjoying daily convenience and basic health and safety features at an affordable price.
What you can do with the Apple Watch SE 3
Check notifications on your wrist
The reason to use an Apple Watch that has the most impact on daily life is notifications.
Even with your iPhone in your bag or pocket, you can notice notifications on your wrist. Since you can check messages, calls, schedules, reminders, and app notifications on your wrist, it is easy to reduce the number of times you have to take out your smartphone.
It is especially convenient in situations where you cannot easily check your smartphone, such as while working, commuting, cooking, or picking up your children.
However, too many notifications can be tiring. After purchasing, it is easier to use if you configure the settings to only allow notifications from necessary apps.
Can handle calls and messages
With the Apple Watch SE 3, you can answer calls and check messages right from your wrist.
For short replies, you can sometimes get by with voice input or preset responses. It is convenient when you need to respond quickly but don't want to open your smartphone.
However, you need to understand the difference between the GPS model and the GPS + Cellular model here.
The GPS model is basically designed for use when your iPhone is nearby or you are in a Wi-Fi environment. The GPS + Cellular model allows for more situations where you can communicate without your iPhone nearby, provided you have a compatible plan with your carrier.
If you want to go for a run without your iPhone,
if you are considering it for a child or family member,
or if there are times you leave your smartphone behind when going out,
you should look into the Cellular model for these types of use cases.
Can use Apple Pay and Wallet
The convenience of the Apple Watch is not limited to notifications.
If you set up compatible cards and services, you can make payments from your wrist or use information stored in your Wallet.
You will likely appreciate the Apple Watch more as you find yourself needing to take out your smartphone or wallet less often for daily shopping, passing through ticket gates, or quick outings.
However, the cards, transit IC cards, and compatible services you can use vary by person. This is something you should check for your own environment before you start using it, rather than just before purchasing.
Can view sleep records and sleep scores
On the Apple Watch SE 3, you can check your sleep records and sleep scores.
Since you can see not only how long you slept but also your sleep trends, it can lead to realizations like 'maybe I haven't been sleeping well lately' or 'maybe my sleep rhythm is off only on weekends.'
The SE 3 also supports sleep apnea notifications.
However, this is a point that should not be misunderstood. The Apple Watch is not a medical device for self-diagnosis. If you are concerned about your health, it is safer to consult a medical institution rather than relying solely on Apple Watch notifications.
The sleep features of the Apple Watch SE 3 are best viewed as a way to become aware of your daily condition rather than as a tool for diagnosing illnesses.
Monitor heart rate and changes in physical condition
The Apple Watch SE 3 supports notifications for high and low heart rates, irregular heart rhythms, and low cardio fitness levels.
Additionally, the Vitals app allows you to check your heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration.
The important point here is that the SE 3 still has robust health features.
While it cannot use the ECG app or the Blood Oxygen app, it does have features to monitor daily changes such as heart rate, sleep, and wrist temperature.
Do you want to perform professional-grade measurements?
Or do you want to notice daily changes?
This distinction determines whether the SE 3 will be sufficient for you.
Record exercise and workouts
The Apple Watch SE 3 can be used to record daily workouts such as running, walking, cycling, and swimming.
Since you can exercise while viewing metrics like distance, time, calories burned, and heart rate, it is well-suited for habits like walking a little every day, running on weekends, or working out at the gym.
It also has a water resistance rating of 50 meters, so it supports swimming in shallow water.
However, it is not suitable for scuba diving or activities involving high-velocity water. Being water-resistant is different from being able to measure water depth or being used for serious marine activities.
Always-on display is available
A major evolution of the SE 3 that is hard to overlook is the Always-On Retina display.
You no longer need to move your wrist significantly every time you want to check the time. It becomes much easier to use in situations where you want to glance at the screen, such as during meetings, on the train, while cooking, or while exercising.
The maximum brightness is 1,000 nits.
Since the Series 11 has a maximum of 2,000 nits and the Ultra 3 has a maximum of 3,000 nits, those who prioritize outdoor visibility or screen performance should also compare it with higher-end models.
However, for daily indoor use or regular outings, the SE 3's support for an always-on display is quite attractive.
Double tap, wrist flick, and on-device Siri are available
The Apple Watch SE 3 is equipped with the S10 chip.
This also supports gestures like double tap, wrist flick, and on-device Siri.
You want to operate it when one hand is occupied.
You want to take care of small tasks with your voice.
You want to handle notifications quickly.
In these situations, you are more likely to feel the convenience beyond what the spec sheet suggests.
However, the experience with Siri and some features will vary depending on the region, language, settings, and apps used. Rather than being equally convenient for everyone, these are features that become effective when they match your personal usage style.
Fall detection, crash detection, and Emergency SOS are available
The Apple Watch SE 3 includes safety features such as fall detection, crash detection, and Emergency SOS.
These are features that are usually unobtrusive, but they provide peace of mind in the event of an emergency.
This is an important point for those who want to give one to an elderly family member, those who often go out alone, or those who want to reduce anxiety while exercising.
However, Emergency SOS via satellite is not available on the SE 3. If you prioritize safety features for mountains or the ocean where you are likely to be out of communication range, or for serious outdoor activities, the Ultra 3 should also be considered.
What the Apple Watch SE 3 cannot do
The ECG app cannot be used
The ECG app cannot be used on the Apple Watch SE 3.
This is a major difference from the Series 11.
If you want to take ECG readings, prioritize heart-related health features, or are considering it for the purpose of managing a family member's health, it is probably best not to decide on the SE 3 alone.
However, just because there is no ECG app does not mean there are almost no health features.
Even with the SE 3, you can use high and low heart rate notifications and irregular heart rhythm notifications.
This distinction is important.
Those who want to record ECGs should compare it with the Series 11 or higher.
Those who want to be aware of daily heart rate changes can still consider the SE 3.
By categorizing it this way, it is easier to choose without feeling unnecessary anxiety.
The Blood Oxygen app cannot be used
The Apple Watch SE 3 also does not support the Blood Oxygen app.
For those who want to see their blood oxygen levels, this is a point that cannot be overlooked.
On the other hand, if your main purpose is notifications, payments, sleep tracking, and exercise tracking, you may not necessarily be inconvenienced every day by the lack of blood oxygen monitoring.
If you are choosing it because it 'seems good for your health,' the SE 3 may be enough for some people. However, if your goal is clearly to 'check blood oxygen,' the SE 3 is likely not a good fit.
Emergency SOS via satellite is not available
The Apple Watch SE 3 supports standard Emergency SOS, but it does not support Emergency SOS via satellite.
This is quite important for outdoor use.
You might not notice it much in the city or in daily life. However, if you often use it for mountain climbing, camping, at the beach, or in places where signals are hard to reach, it is safer not to rely solely on the safety features of the SE 3.
If you prioritize Emergency SOS via satellite, the Ultra 3 should be your point of comparison.
The siren, depth gauge, and water temperature sensor are not available
The Apple Watch SE 3 does not support the siren, depth gauge, or water temperature sensor.
Many people will not be bothered by this in daily use.
If your focus is on commuting, shopping, walking, sleep tracking, and light exercise, there are not many situations where you would use a siren or depth gauge.
However, it is a different story for those who do a lot of mountain climbing or ocean activities, or those who want to use it seriously underwater.
The SE 3 is water-resistant to 50 meters and supports swimming, but it is not intended for diving or activities involving high-speed water flow.
If you plan to use it around water, it is less likely you will make a mistake if you think of 'can swim,' 'can measure depth,' and 'can be used for diving' as separate things.
It cannot do everything without an iPhone
The Apple Watch SE 3 is a product designed to be used in combination with an iPhone.
According to official specifications, an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later, or an iPhone SE (2nd generation or later) is required.
In other words, it is not suitable for someone using an Android smartphone to buy just the Apple Watch SE 3 and use it as they normally would.
Also, even if you have an iPhone, the usability differs between the GPS model and the GPS + Cellular model.
The GPS model is basically intended to be used with an iPhone.
The GPS + Cellular model allows for more situations where it can be used without an iPhone nearby, provided you have a subscription to a compatible carrier's cellular plan.
If you buy it thinking that the Apple Watch can do everything on its own, your expectations are likely to be off.
It is not the type of device that lasts for days on a single charge.
The battery life of the Apple Watch SE 3 is rated for up to 18 hours of normal use, and up to 32 hours in low power mode.
It supports fast charging, which is said to charge from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes, and provides up to 8 hours of normal use with a 15-minute charge.
It is better to look at this quite realistically.
If you wear it during the day and also want to track your sleep at night, you need to find time to charge it somewhere.
For example, you might charge it while taking a bath or getting ready in the morning.
Those who expect the feeling of being able to use it for several days to nearly a week without charging, like with a Garmin or some smart bands, might find the SE 3's battery life underwhelming.
What people searching for information are most confused about is whether the things it cannot do are relevant to them.
There are things the Apple Watch SE 3 cannot do.
However, you cannot simply say it is bad just because there are things it cannot do.
The important thing is whether you will actually use those features.
You don't plan to use the ECG feature.
You don't need to check blood oxygen levels.
You don't plan to use it for mountain climbing or diving.
You rarely go out for long periods without your smartphone.
For people like this, the things the SE 3 cannot do are unlikely to be major drawbacks.
Conversely, those buying it for health features need to be careful.
You want to take ECG readings.
You want to check blood oxygen levels.
You prioritize safety features for emergencies while outdoors.
You want the battery to last as long as possible.
If you have these requirements, you should look at the Series 11 or Ultra 3 rather than deciding on the SE 3 alone.
Looking at all the information together, the Apple Watch SE 3 is for people who want to use notifications, payments, exercise tracking, sleep tracking, and safety features every day, rather than for advanced health measurements.
For those using an Apple Watch for the first time.
For those who want to keep costs down.
For those who want to make their daily life a little easier by connecting with their iPhone.
If these conditions apply to you, the SE 3 is a very strong candidate.
First, check the difference between the GPS model and the GPS + Cellular model
When choosing an Apple Watch SE 3, it is less likely you will regret your decision if you consider whether the GPS model is sufficient or if you need the GPS + Cellular model before looking at size or color.
Those for whom the GPS model is sufficient
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The GPS model is sufficient for those who often go out with their iPhone.
Checking notifications.
Using Apple Pay.
Tracking exercise and sleep.
Using it with an iPhone.
For this type of usage, the GPS model is likely to feel perfectly adequate.
It is also suitable for those who do not want to increase their monthly communication costs and those who want to try an Apple Watch for the first time.
Those who might want to consider the GPS + Cellular model
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You might want to consider the GPS + Cellular model if there are times when you use it without your iPhone.
You don't want to carry your smartphone while running.
You want to go out light for a walk or shopping in the neighborhood.
You want to use it for children or family members.
You want to use calls and notifications even when your iPhone is not nearby.
For these types of usage, the value of the Cellular model is more apparent.
However, for the Cellular model, you need to check supported carriers and communication plans. Since monthly fees are also involved, it is better not to judge based solely on the device price.
How to decide if you are torn between the Series 11 or Ultra 3
When looking at the Apple Watch SE 3, you might inevitably become curious about the Series 11 or Ultra 3 as well.
It is easier to make a decision here based on the "features you want to use" rather than the price difference.
Those for whom the SE 3 is sufficient
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The following people are likely to find the SE 3 sufficient.
Buying an Apple Watch for the first time
Focuses on notifications, calls, Apple Pay, sleep tracking, and fitness tracking
No plans to use ECG or blood oxygen features
Not intended for serious outdoor use
Want to keep the price down
Want to use it lightly for daily activities
For these types of use cases, the "things the SE 3 cannot do" are unlikely to be major issues.
In fact, with the addition of an always-on display and fast charging, it is easier to choose as a first Apple Watch.
Who should compare the Series 11
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Those who should compare the Series 11 are people who prioritize health features and screen readability.
You want to use the ECG app.
You want to use the Blood Oxygen app.
You also prioritize screen brightness and display performance.
You feel more secure with more features, even if it costs a bit more.
In this case, it is easier to make an informed decision by looking at the price difference with the Series 11 rather than deciding based on the SE 3 alone.
Especially if you are buying an Apple Watch for health management, you should carefully consider whether the SE 3 will be sufficient.
Who should compare the Ultra 3
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Those who should compare the Ultra 3 are people who prioritize outdoor use and long-duration usage.
You do a lot of hiking, ocean activities, or long-distance workouts.
You need Emergency SOS via satellite.
You want to use the siren, depth gauge, and water temperature sensor.
You prioritize battery life.
You prefer toughness even if the device size is large.
For such people, the SE 3 might be a bit too light of a choice.
The SE 3 is for daily use.
The Ultra 3 is for tough environments.
Looking at this difference will make it easier to decide.
Things to check before purchasing
If you are considering the Apple Watch SE 3, it is a good idea to check the following points before purchasing.
📊 Prices and stock availability vary by shop.
✨Apple Watch SE 3
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Check if your iPhone is compatible
Check if it can be updated to iOS 26 or later
Decide if the GPS model is enough or if you need the GPS + Cellular model
If choosing the Cellular model, have you checked the supported carriers and monthly fees?
Decide whether 40mm or 44mm fits you better
Have you checked the band size that fits your wrist?
Will you be okay without the ECG app?
Will you be okay without the Blood Oxygen app?
Do you not need Emergency SOS via satellite?
Does the 18-hour maximum battery life fit your lifestyle?
If you use sleep tracking, when will you charge it?
Have you checked the latest prices and stock on the sales page?
The Apple Watch is a product where your satisfaction depends on how you set it up and use it after purchase.
In particular, adjusting notifications and charging to suit your lifestyle will make it easier to use.
Final decision: Look at the SE 3 based on whether the things you want to use it for match your needs, rather than what it 'cannot do'.
There are many things you can do with the Apple Watch SE 3.
You can view notifications.
You can handle calls and messages.
You can use Apple Pay and Wallet.
You can track sleep and exercise.
You can notice changes in your heart rate.
You can use the Always-On display.
It supports fast charging.
You can also use Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS.
On the other hand, there are also things it cannot do.
The ECG app is not available.
The Blood Oxygen app is also not available.
Emergency SOS via satellite is not supported.
It also lacks a siren, depth gauge, and water temperature sensor.
It is not the type of device with a multi-day battery life.
Therefore, rather than looking at the Apple Watch SE 3 simply in terms of whether it has many or few features, it is less likely to lead to disappointment if you look at it in terms of whether it includes the things you want to use.
If you want to use daily notifications, payments, sleep tracking, exercise tracking, and safety features at an affordable price, the SE 3 is a very practical candidate.
Conversely, if you prioritize detailed health measurements, peace of mind for outdoor activities, or long battery life, you will be more satisfied if you compare it with the Series 11 or Ultra 3.
The Apple Watch SE 3 is not a model for those who want everything included, but rather for those who find value in being able to 'take their phone out a little less often' in their daily life, 'notice slight changes in their body,' and 'have a trigger to rethink their exercise and sleep habits.'