Now being spotted under $200, the latest entry-level Apple smartwatch is a must-consider over the coming days
When the Apple Watch SE 3 launched, we knew it would be the default choice for millions of iPhone users. Ultimately, the value is relatively unrivalled in the smartwatch market.
That was already true when the all-new device was at its MSRP.
Yet, as we’ve seen with so many Black Friday deals, it’s still available with a 20% discount. That keeps the price under the crucial $200 threshold.
That’s not the biggest overall discount we’ve seen so far, but it tips the scales even further into the SE 3’s favor. Reduced from $249, it’s now a must-consider purchase for Apple Watch upgraders and new users alike.
Why we love the Apple Watch SE 3
The brilliance of the SE 3 lies in its S10 chip—the same flagship silicon found in the high-end Ultra 3. This means that, unlike most budget models, there are absolutely no performance compromises.
As we noted in our SE 3 review, menus are snappy, apps are fast, and modern features like the Double Tap gesture are enabled. You’re getting flagship performance in an old body.
Yes, the thick bezels are a little ugly. If aesthetics are your priority, keep an eye out for a discounted Series 11. You’re also tied to a single-day battery life, which requires a daily charging routine, making it a poor choice for high-power users or multi-day adventures.
However, for the target user—the first-time buyer, the beginner runner, or the casual user—these compromises are negligible. The SE 3 still delivers Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and excellent tracking accuracy.
And, crucially, the addition of the always-on display for this generation finally makes the SE feel like a ‘proper’ smartwatch, eliminating the need for that performative wrist flick to check the time.
Most people are better off avoiding the Series 11
Though we’re yet to see how low the latest Series models will drop at retailers for Black Friday, we think, at least at the time of writing, the SE 3 offers far better value than they do.
Why? Because the core experience is identical, and the only software features you lose are the advanced health sensors (ECG and SpO2).
For the vast majority of users—and especially those who don’t care much about display size and look—the safety features and reliable fitness tracking are more than enough with the SE 3.
You get 90% of the flagship experience—including seamless notifications and the unmatched App Store—for less than half the cost. This is why the SE 3 is the best entry point for the Apple Watch ecosystem, and this discount makes it pretty hard to ignore.
