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Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) vs Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) (2023, listed at $249) and Apple Watch Ultra 3 (2025, listed at $799) are both smartwatches, so the choice comes down to specifics.

Specs last updated · prices are list prices

Leads on raw specs: Apple Watch Ultra 3(2–3)
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 Ultra 3
smartwatch

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Apple's 2025 adventure flagship — satellite messaging, 5G, and the longest-ever Apple Watch battery.

$799list price
Check price on AmazonOr buy direct from Apple
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Full specs

The verdict

On the numbers we track, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) wins on weight (33 g vs 61 g) and price ($249 vs $799); Apple Watch Ultra 3 wins on battery life (1.7 days vs 1.2 days), tracked features (9 vs 4) and water rating (10ATM vs 5ATM).

Bottom line: on raw specs the Apple Watch Ultra 3 leads 3 to 2, but five spec categories are only a starting point. Match it to your phone, your main sport and your budget before you decide, or run the free quiz to see how each ranks for your answers.

Spec by spec

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Apple Watch Ultra 3 specifications
SpecApple Watch SE (2nd gen)Apple Watch Ultra 3
Battery (rated)1.2 days1.7 days
Weight33 g61 g
List price$249$799
Water rating5ATM10ATM
Tracked features49
Case size44 mm49 mm
DisplayOLEDAMOLED
Works withiPhone onlyiPhone only
Listed best foreveryday wellness, gym and strength work and runningmultisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure, running and health tracking
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 Ultra 3 (5)

  • ECG
  • blood-oxygen (SpO₂)
  • LTE / cellular
  • AMOLED display
  • offline maps

Which one should you pick?

Pick the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) if…

  • You want to spend less: it lists for $550 less.
  • You want a lighter watch: 33 g vs 61 g.
  • Your main use is everyday wellness and gym and strength work: it is listed for that and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is not.

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 Ultra 3 if…

  • You want fewer charges: about 1.7 days per charge vs 1.2 days.
  • You need ECG, blood-oxygen (SpO₂), LTE / cellular, AMOLED display and offline maps, which the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) does not list.
  • Your main use is multisport and triathlon, outdoor adventure and 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 swim or paddle: 10ATM vs 5ATM.

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 1.7 days per charge.
  • • You have a small wrist (under about 160 mm) — the 49 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 Ultra 3?

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has the longer rated battery life: about 1.7 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 Ultra 3?

The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) has the lower list price: $249 against $799 in our database. List prices change often, so check Amazon for today's price.

Do the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and Apple Watch Ultra 3 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 Ultra 3?

Apple Watch SE (2nd gen): 5ATM is suitable for showering and pool swimming, but not for high-speed water sports or diving. Apple Watch Ultra 3: 10ATM is suitable for swimming and surface water sports. It is not a dive rating unless the maker says so.

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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