Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm GPS, Midnight Aluminum, Midnight Sport Band)
🔥 #7 in Smartwatches · New Best smartwatch for iPhone users under $250
Apple Watch SE 3 40mm GPS
Apple 4.4
#7
in Smartwatches
$239 →
As of Jul 13, 2026
AI-estimated. See how we score. How we score Affiliate link — we may earn a commission
01 / Spec
Top features
Platform OswatchOS 10+
Phone CompatibilityiPhone 12 or later
Display40mm Retina LTPO OLED, always-on
The Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen) is a 40mm GPS smartwatch with watchOS compatibility (iPhone-only pairing). It features a Retina display, heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking, sleep tracking, and GPS for accurate workout routes. Water-resistant to 50m, it offers all-day battery life (~18 hours) with essential Apple Health integration, Siri, Apple Pay, and access to the expansive watchOS app ecosystem. Aluminum construction in Starlight finish with included Sport Band. Best suited for iPhone users seeking Apple's health ecosystem and smart features at an accessible entry price—a step above basic fitness trackers but below the premium Watch Series/Ultra.
02 / Signals
Why it's hot
Apple's best-selling entry smartwatch—full health tracking at half-flagship cost.
- Value for money 91
- Review rating & velocity 98
- Community sentiment 94
- Brand reputation 100
- Search heat 87
- Est. return & defect rate 91
03 / Verdict
Pros & cons
Pros
- Excellent health & fitness sensors for the price
- Seamless iPhone integration & notifications
- Bright Retina display
- Strong battery life for Apple Watch
- Huge watchOS app ecosystem
- Water-resistant 50m
- Apple Pay support
Cons
- iPhone-only—no Android compatibility
- No ECG or temperature sensor
- Modest processing power vs. Series/Ultra
- Limited always-on display granularity
- 1-day typical battery life vs. 3–7 days on competitors
Platform OswatchOS 10+
Phone CompatibilityiPhone 12 or later
Display40mm Retina LTPO OLED, always-on
Case Size40mm aluminum (also 44mm)
Battery~18 hours typical (1 day)
GpsBuilt-in GPS
Health SensorsHeart rate, SpO2, sleep tracking
Water Resistance50m (5ATM)
ConnectivityGPS only (cellular variant available)
Weight~32g (40mm)
05 / Your take
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05 / Compare
Compare the best alternative
One useful head-to-head in Smartwatches, with the rows most likely to separate the contenders.
Open full comparison → 
Apple Watch Series 11 46mm GPS – Jet Black Aluminum
Battery (days)
18 hours (daily charging required) Longest battery ~18 hours / daily charge
App Ecosystem
watchOS App Store, Apple Health, strong integration Extensive App Store, payments, Siri, smart home
Display
Retina LTPS with always-on (SE 3 refresh) 1.9" always-on AMOLED, 486×594px, bright
06 / Rivals
Compare with
07 / Variations
Other colors & sizes
Top pick
Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm GPS, Midnight Aluminum, Midnight Sport Band)
Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band · 40mm case + Small/Medium band · GPS · Without AppleCare+
#1 in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 (44mm GPS + Cellular)
Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band · 44mm case + Medium/Large band · GPS + Cellular · Without AppleCare+
#2 in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 40mm GPS + Cellular
Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band · 40mm case + Small/Medium band · GPS + Cellular · Without AppleCare+
#3 in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 44mm GPS with Midnight Band + AppleCare+
Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band · 44mm case + Medium/Large band · GPS · With AppleCare+ (2 Years)
#6 in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 44mm GPS
Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band · 44mm case + Medium/Large band · GPS · Without AppleCare+
#8 in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 44mm GPS – Starlight Aluminum
Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band · 44mm case + Medium/Large band · GPS · Without AppleCare+
#9 in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 40mm GPS + Cellular Starlight
Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band · 40mm case + Small/Medium band · GPS + Cellular · Without AppleCare+
#10 in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 44mm GPS + Cellular
Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band · 44mm case + Medium/Large band · GPS + Cellular · Without AppleCare+
#11 in Smartwatches
Apple Watch SE 3 40mm GPS
Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band · 40mm case + Small/Medium band · GPS · With AppleCare+ (2 Years)
#12 in Smartwatches
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor with AppleCare+ (2 Years)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31H1iKtgPdL._SL500_.jpg)
Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor with AppleCare+ (2 Years)
Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band · 40mm case + Small/Medium band · GPS · With AppleCare+ (2 Years)
View on retailer
![Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor with AppleCare+ (2 Years)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31rJBF9ytOL._SL500_.jpg)
Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 44mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band - M/L. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor with AppleCare+ (2 Years)
Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band · 44mm case + Medium/Large band · GPS · With AppleCare+ (2 Years)
View on retailer
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