Apple Watch SE (2022) vs Fitbit Inspire 3
The Verdict
Apple Watch SE (2022) dominates as a comprehensive smartwatch with watchOS 9, Apple S8 SiP processor, and always-on LTPO OLED display (324x394 or 368x448 resolution). Its 18-hour battery, GPS, NFC, and optional LTE cellular connectivity make it a full-featured wearable for iPhone users. Fitbit Inspire 3 excels at fitness tracking basics with 10-day battery life, SpO2 monitoring, and skin temperature sensing,impressive longevity for a $99 device. However, it lacks GPS, NFC, and cellular, limiting its standalone capability. Display quality heavily favors Apple's OLED technology over Fitbit's smaller 0.73-inch AMOLED screen. For users invested in Apple's ecosystem seeking comprehensive health monitoring and app support, the Watch SE is essential. Budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts prioritizing battery life and basic tracking should choose the Inspire 3.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple Watch SE (2022) if…
- →Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- →Crash Detection included at this price point
- →Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
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 (2022)
Pros
- Same S8 chip as Series 8 at $150 less — best value Apple Watch
- Crash Detection included at this price point
- Lightweight nylon-reinforced composite back is comfortable on the wrist
- Family Setup lets kids use it without an iPhone
- Full access to the Apple Watch app ecosystem
Cons
- No Always-On display — screen goes dark when wrist is lowered
- No ECG, SpO2, or skin temperature sensors
- Thicker bezels than Series 8 make the screen feel smaller
- 18-hour battery still requires nightly charging
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 (2022) | Fitbit Inspire 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | watchOS 9 (upgradable to watchOS 11+) | Fitbit OS |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 26.8 g (40mm) / 33 g (44mm) | 20 g |
| Case material | Aluminum | Plastic resin |
| Water resistance | WR50 (50m) | 5ATM |
| Health & Sensors | ||
| ECG | ||
| SpO₂ | ||
| Skin temperature | ||
| Heart rate | ||
| Sleep tracking | ||
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 10 days |
| Display | ||
| Size | 40mm / 44mm | 0.73 inches |
| Type | LTPO OLED Retina | AMOLED |
| Always-on display | ||
| Resolution | 324 x 394 / 368 x 448 | 256 x 124 |
| Processor | ||
| 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 (2022) or the Fitbit Inspire 3.