At a Glance
- Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 share the same S10 chip but differ in size, price, battery, and health sensors.
- Ultra 3 adds satellite SOS and a 49mm titanium case, while SE 3 is the most affordable at $249.
- Series 11 balances performance and cost, offering 42mm/46mm aluminum or titanium models with up to 24-hour battery life.
- Why it matters: Choose the right Apple Watch for your budget, fitness goals, and outdoor adventures.
Apple has just launched its 2025 Apple Watch lineup, giving consumers a clearer picture of which model fits their lifestyle and budget. The new Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3 share many core features but diverge in size, price, battery life, and health sensors.
Pricing & Physical Specs
All three watches cover a price range from $249 to $1,299, with three distinct case sizes and materials.
- Apple Watch Series 11 GPS
- 42mm aluminum $399
- 46mm aluminum $429
- 42mm titanium $699
- 46mm titanium $749
- Hermès 42mm titanium $1,249
- Hermès 46mm titanium $1,299
- Apple Watch SE 3
- 42mm aluminum $249
- 46mm aluminum $279
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
- 49mm titanium $799
- Hermès 49mm titanium $1,399
Displays, Durability, and Battery Life
All three models use LTPO OLED displays that stay always on, but the Ultra 3 boasts the brightest screen at 3,000 nits.
- Always-on LTPO OLED
- 2,000 nits peak on Series 11, 3,000 nits on Ultra 3
- Sapphire crystal on titanium models, Ion-X glass on aluminum
| Model | Normal | Low Power | Fast Charge (80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 11 | 24 hrs | 38 hrs | 30 min |
| Ultra 3 | 42 hrs | 72 hrs | 45 min |
| SE 3 | 18 hrs | 32 hrs | 45 min |
Vanessa Hand Orellana said:
> “The six-hour battery bump on the Series 11 may not sound like much on paper, but it’s given me some welcome breathing room to figure out a better charging strategy.”
Vanessa Hand Orellana described the Ultra 3 as:
> “Like the luxury Land Rover you see in safari brochures: It’s adventure-ready on the outside, with all the modern conveniences on the inside.”
Health Sensors & Connectivity
The Series 11 and Ultra 3 bring advanced health sensors and satellite SOS, while the SE 3 keeps things simple.
- Sensors
- ECG (Series 11 & Ultra 3) vs none (SE 3)
- 3rd-gen optical heart sensor (Series 11 & Ultra 3) vs 2nd-gen (SE 3)
- Water temperature sensor & depth gauge (Series 11 & Ultra 3) vs none (SE 3)
- Hypertension notifications (Series 11 & Ultra 3) vs none (SE 3)
- Connectivity
- Cellular: optional on Series 11 & SE 3, default on Ultra 3
- 5G & LTE support on all
- Dual GPS radios on Ultra 3
- Satellite SOS only on Ultra 3
Key Takeaways
- Ultra 3 offers the most rugged build, satellite SOS, and the brightest display.
- Series 11 balances price and performance with a 24-hour battery and advanced health sensors.
- SE 3 remains the budget choice, missing ECG and satellite features but still providing an always-on display and 18-hour battery.
The new lineup gives buyers clear distinctions in price, battery, and features, letting them match an Apple Watch to their needs, whether they want a rugged outdoor companion or a budget-friendly everyday watch.
