Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) vs Fitbit Inspire 3
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE 2 delivers a comprehensive smartwatch experience with watchOS 10, cellular connectivity, NFC payments, and GPS integration at $249, making it ideal for iPhone users seeking full smartwatch functionality. Fitbit Inspire 3 prioritizes health tracking fundamentals and exceptional battery life (10 days versus 18 hours), offering SpO2 and skin temperature monitoring absent on the SE 2, though it lacks cellular, GPS, and NFC capabilities. SE 2's larger 44mm Retina OLED display significantly outpaces Inspire 3's tiny 0.73-inch AMOLED screen for readability and usability. Battery longevity represents Inspire 3's strongest advantage,its 10-day runtime eliminates frequent charging burdens. SE 2 excels for users demanding an all-in-one device with independent connectivity and payments; Inspire 3 suits fitness-focused buyers prioritizing battery endurance and basic health metrics over smartwatch capabilities. At 2.5x the price, SE 2 justifies costs through superior display, ecosystem integration, and connectivity features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) if…
- →Best value Apple Watch — all core features at a significantly lower price
- →Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
- →Lightweight recycled aluminum case is comfortable all day
Buy the Fitbit Inspire 3 if…
- →10-day battery life — charge once and forget for well over a week
- →Color AMOLED display is a huge upgrade over Inspire 2's grayscale
- →Ultra-lightweight at 20 g — perfect for sleep tracking
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple Watch SE 2 (2023)
Pros
- Best value Apple Watch — all core features at a significantly lower price
- Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
- Lightweight recycled aluminum case is comfortable all day
- Compatible with all Apple Watch bands
- Gets latest watchOS features including Siri and Maps
Cons
- No always-on display
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensor
- Same battery life as pricier models — still needs daily charging
- S8 chip is not the latest — misses Double Tap gesture
Fitbit Inspire 3
Pros
- 10-day battery life — charge once and forget for well over a week
- Color AMOLED display is a huge upgrade over Inspire 2's grayscale
- Ultra-lightweight at 20 g — perfect for sleep tracking
- SpO2 and skin temperature sensors at just $99
- 5ATM water resistance for swimming
Cons
- No built-in GPS — relies on phone GPS for outdoor tracking
- No NFC — cannot use Fitbit Pay
- Tiny screen limits notification readability
- Best health insights locked behind Fitbit Premium subscription
- No always-on display option
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) | Fitbit Inspire 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 10 | Fitbit OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.4 g | 20 g |
| Case material | Recycled aluminum | Plastic resin |
| Water resistance | WR50 | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hrs, up to 36 hrs Low Power Mode | Up to 10 days |
| Display | ||
| Size | 44 mm | 0.73 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 368 x 448 | 256 x 124 |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 1 GB | — |
| Chipset | Apple S8 SiP | Fitbit custom processor |
| Connectivity | ||
| GPS | ||
| NFC | ||
| Wi-Fi | ||
| Cellular | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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 Fitbit products. View full details for the Apple Watch SE 2 (2023) or the Fitbit Inspire 3.