The Apple Watch Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3 are Apple’s latest smartwatch models launched on 9th September 2025, each designed for different users. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly entry, an everyday smartwatch with advanced health features, or an adventure-ready device, Apple is ready to serve you with its most updated watch series.
In this guide, we’ll compare the Apple Watch Series 11 vs SE 3 vs Ultra 3 in terms of design, features, battery life, price and performance so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
Apple Watch Series 11 vs SE 3 vs Ultra 3 – At a Glance
Get a quick side-by-side comparison table of the three models:
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $399 / ₹46,900 | From $249 / ₹25,900 | From $799 / ₹89,900 |
| Case Sizes & Materials | 46mm or 42mm Aluminum / Titanium | 44mm or 40mm Aluminum | 49mm Titanium |
| Display | Always-On Retina | Retina (no Always-On) | Always-On Retina |
| Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 1000 nits | Up to 3000 nits |
| Display Tech | Wide-angle OLED, LTPO3 | OLED, LTPO | Wide-angle OLED, LTPO3 |
| Health Features | Hypertension notifications, ECG app, Blood Oxygen, Sleep tracking, Sleep apnea, Sleep score, Vitals app, Temp sensing, Cycle tracking | Heart rate alerts, Irregular rhythm, Sleep tracking, Sleep apnea, Sleep score, Vitals app, Temp sensing, Cycle tracking | Hypertension notifications, ECG app, Blood Oxygen, Sleep tracking, Sleep apnea, Sleep score, Vitals app, Temp sensing, Cycle tracking |
| Safety Features | Emergency SOS, International calling, Fall & Crash detection, Depth gauge (6m), Water temp sensor | Emergency SOS, International calling, Fall & Crash detection | Emergency SOS (incl. via satellite), International calling, Fall & Crash detection, Siren |
| Water Resistance | 50m – Swim, Snorkel | 50m – Swim | 100m – Swim, Snorkel, Scuba, High-speed sports |
| GPS & Connectivity | GPS, Cellular options, 5G capable | GPS, Cellular options, 5G capable | Precision dual-frequency GPS, Cellular + Satellite, 5G capable |
| Chip | S10 chip | S10 chip | S10 chip |
| Gestures & Siri | Wrist flick, Double tap, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone | Wrist flick, Double tap, On-device Siri, Find iPhone | Wrist flick, Double tap, On-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs (38 hrs Low Power) | Up to 18 hrs (32 hrs Low Power) | Up to 42 hrs (72 hrs Low Power) |
| Charging | Fast charge: 0–80% in 30 min | Fast charge: 0–80% in 45 min | Fast charge: 0–80% in 45 min |
| Unique Features | Balanced features for everyday users | Budget-friendly essential model | Rugged build, Siren, Satellite SOS, Scuba up to 40m |
Design and Display
- Series 11 offers a sleek design with Always-On Retina display reaching up to 2000 nits, making it perfect for everyday use in bright sunlight.
- SE 3 is Apple’s affordable option, with a standard Retina display reaching up to 1000 nits. It skips the Always-On feature but still covers the basics.
- Ultra 3 is the boldest, with a rugged titanium body, Always-On Retina display, and the brightest screen yet at 3000 nits, ideal for outdoor adventurers.
Health and Safety Features
- Series 11 and Ultra 3 are packed with advanced tools like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, hypertension notifications, sleep apnea alerts, and temperature sensing.
- SE 3 focuses on essentials such as heart rate alerts, irregular rhythm notifications, and sleep tracking.
- For safety, all three models feature Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection, but the Ultra 3 takes it further with a loud Siren and satellite SOS for emergencies in remote areas.
- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved a new Apple Watch feature that can detect signs of hypertension which was announced at Apple’s September 9 event. Now it is proven that an user can monitor the BP with full accuracy.
Battery and Performance
- SE 3 delivers 18 hours of battery life (up to 32 in low-power mode).
- Series 11 improves that to 24 hours (up to 38 in low-power mode).
- Ultra 3 dominates with 42 hours and up to 72 hours in low-power mode, perfect for long trips or expeditions.
All three watches comes with Apple’s S10 chip, ensuring smooth performance, gesture controls, and on-device Siri.
Price and Availability
- Apple Watch SE 3: Starting at $249 / ₹25,900, it’s the most affordable option.
- Apple Watch Series 11: Mid-range at $399 / ₹46,900, offering a strong balance of features and performance.
- Apple Watch Ultra 3: Premium at $799 / ₹89,900, designed for athletes, explorers, and outdoor professionals.
Which One Should You Buy?
- Choose the Apple Watch SE 3 if you’re on a budget but want the Apple Watch experience.
- Go for the Apple Watch Series 11 if you want advanced health tracking and a modern display without breaking the bank.
- Pick the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if you’re an adventurer, athlete, or need the longest battery life with extreme durability.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 11 vs SE 3 vs Ultra 3 comparison shows that each model is targeted for a specific audience. SE 3 is for casual users, Series 11 balances power and price, and Ultra 3 is for those who demand the most rugged, feature-rich smartwatch Apple has ever built. Now depending on your priority you can go with your model with proper comparison.
Read more: Apple Watch Series 11: Features, Price, & Detail Review – Everything You Need to Know
Everything About Apple Watch SE 3 – Features, Price, & Detail Review
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Features, Price, Release Date & Everything You Need to Know
FAQ: Apple Watch Series 11 vs SE 3 vs Ultra 3
Q1: Does Apple Watch SE 3 have an Always-On display?
No, SE 3 does not feature an Always-On display- this helps keep its price lower.
Q2: Which Apple Watch has the best battery life?
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 leads with up to 42 hours (72 hours in Low Power Mode).
Q3: Can Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 track blood oxygen?
Yes, both support the Blood Oxygen app, while SE 3 does not.
Q4: Is the Apple Watch Ultra 3 good for scuba diving?
Yes, Ultra 3 is water resistant up to 100m and supports scuba diving up to 40m.