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Head-to-head · smartwatch

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Apple Watch Series 11

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (2023, listed at $249) and Apple Watch Series 11 (2025, listed at $429) are both smartwatches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
smartwatch

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

Best-value Apple Watch — core fitness, calls and Apple Pay without the ECG/SpO2 premium.

$249list price
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Full specs
Apple Watch Series 11
smartwatch

Apple Watch Series 11

The 2025 iPhone all-rounder — brighter always-on AMOLED, hypertension alerts, faster on-device Siri.

$429list price
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Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) wins on weight (33 g vs 36 g) and price ($249 vs $429); Apple Watch Series 11 wins on battery life (1.5 days vs 1.2 days) and tracked features (7 vs 4).

Bottom line: there is no clear winner on specs (2 to 2). Decide on phone support, how often you are willing to charge, your main sport and your budget, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Apple Watch Series 11 specifications
SpecApple Watch SE (2nd gen)Apple Watch Series 11
Battery (rated)1.2 days1.5 days
Weight33 g36 g
List price$249$429
Water rating5ATM5ATM
Tracked features47
Case size44 mm46 mm
DisplayOLEDAMOLED
Works withiPhone onlyiPhone only
Listed best foreveryday wellness, gym and strength work and runningeveryday wellness, health tracking, gym and strength work and running
Released20232025

Trophy marks the better value on the five measurable specs. Battery is the manufacturer's rating, not our test. How we score is on the methodology page.

Feature overlap

Both have (4)

  • built-in GPS
  • on-device music
  • contactless payments
  • swim tracking

Only Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (0)

Nothing unique.

Only Apple Watch Series 11 (3)

  • ECG
  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • AMOLED display

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $180 less.
  • You want a lighter watch: 33 g vs 36 g.

Skip it if…

  • • You use an Android phone — it only pairs with iPhone.
  • • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.2 days per charge.

Pick the Apple Watch Series 11 if…

  • You want fewer charges: about 1.5 days per charge vs 1.2 days.
  • You need ECG, blood-oxygen (SpO₂) and AMOLED display, which the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) does not list.
  • Your main use is health tracking: it is listed for that and the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) is not.
  • You want the newer model (2025 vs 2023).
  • You want a bright AMOLED screen.

Skip it if…

  • • You use an Android phone — it only pairs with iPhone.
  • • You do not want to charge often — it is rated for about 1.5 days per charge.
  • • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 46 mm case we list is large (check whether a smaller size is sold).

Frequently asked questions

Which has better battery life, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Apple Watch Series 11?

The Apple Watch Series 11 has the longer rated battery life: about 1.5 days per charge against 1.2 days. These are manufacturer ratings; heavy GPS, always-on display and cellular use will cut both.

Which is cheaper, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Apple Watch Series 11?

The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) has the lower list price: $249 against $429 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Apple Watch Series 11 work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, they have the same phone support: iPhone only.

Which is better for swimming, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) or the Apple Watch Series 11?

Neither has an edge on water rating: both are rated 5ATM. 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving.

Not sure either is right for you?

Nine questions about your phone, sport, wrist and budget, scored against all of our watches with the reasoning shown.

Take the free quiz

Where each one ranks #1 in our quiz

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)

It is not the top pick for any standard quiz profile.

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