Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE delivers excellent value at $279, pairing watchOS 7 upgradeable to watchOS 10 with solid basics like GPS, NFC, and 18-hour battery life. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 justifies its $399 premium with superior health features,ECG and SpO2 monitoring versus SE's heart rate only,plus a brighter always-on Super AMOLED display and approximately 2-day battery endurance. Build quality favors Samsung with stainless steel/titanium construction and MIL-STD certification. However, SE's lighter weight (30.49g vs 48.2g) appeals to comfort-conscious users, and its integration with iPhone/iPad ecosystem remains unmatched. Galaxy Watch 3's Tizen OS feels less intuitive than watchOS. For iPhone owners prioritizing value and daily-use essentials, SE excels. Android users or those demanding advanced health metrics should invest in Galaxy Watch 3's comprehensive feature set.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) if…
- →Affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with core features
- →Same large display as Series 6 — no visible compromise
- →Fall detection and emergency SOS for safety
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 if…
- →Physical rotating bezel provides tactile, satisfying navigation
- →Premium stainless steel build with classic watch aesthetics
- →ECG and SpO2 monitoring were cutting-edge at launch
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE (1st Gen)
Pros
- Affordable entry into the Apple Watch ecosystem with core features
- Same large display as Series 6 — no visible compromise
- Fall detection and emergency SOS for safety
- Compass and always-on altimeter for outdoor activities
- Family Setup enables use for kids without an iPhone
Cons
- No Always-On display — must raise wrist to see the time
- Older S5 chip — slower than the 2022 SE's S8
- No ECG, SpO2, or blood oxygen monitoring
- No fast charging — takes about 2.5 hours for full charge
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Pros
- Physical rotating bezel provides tactile, satisfying navigation
- Premium stainless steel build with classic watch aesthetics
- ECG and SpO2 monitoring were cutting-edge at launch
- Fall detection with automatic SOS alerts
- Thinner and lighter than Galaxy Watch (2018)
Cons
- Tizen OS is now discontinued — no new app development
- Battery life of 1.5 days typical requires frequent charging
- Older Exynos 9110 is noticeably slower than W920
- Heavy at 48-54 g — uncomfortable for sleep tracking
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 7 (upgradable to watchOS 10) | Tizen OS 5.5 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 30.49 g (40mm) / 36.2 g (44mm) | 48.2 g (41mm) / 53.8 g (45mm) |
| Case material | Aluminum | Stainless Steel / Titanium |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5ATM + IP68, MIL-STD-810G |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 2 days (typical ~1.5 days) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 41mm / 45mm |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | Super AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 360 x 360 |
| Processor | ||
| Chipset | Apple S5 SiP | Exynos 9110 |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in smartwatches, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.