Smartwatches have evolved from basic notification centers to powerful fitness trackers and everyday assistants. Two popular options in the market today are the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and the Apple Watch SE. Both offer a wide range of features designed to keep you connected, active, and informed. But which one is better suited for your needs? Let's dive into this smartwatch showdown to compare the Galaxy Watch 3 and Apple Watch SE across different categories, from design to performance.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, both watches offer sleek, modern aesthetics, but their style caters to different preferences.
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Galaxy Watch 3: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 features a classic, round-face design that resembles a traditional watch, making it appealing for those who prefer a more conventional look. It's crafted with premium materials like stainless steel or titanium and comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The rotating bezel for navigating the interface adds a touch of sophistication and ease of use.
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Apple Watch SE: The Apple Watch SE, on the other hand, sticks to Apple’s iconic square design with curved edges. It's available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, with aluminum casing for a lightweight feel. While it doesn’t have the high-end materials of the Apple Watch Series 6 or 7, its minimalist and sleek design is perfect for those who appreciate Apple's modern aesthetic.
Verdict: For a classic, watch-like feel, the Galaxy Watch 3 wins. If you prefer a futuristic, clean design, the Apple Watch SE is the better choice.
Display Quality
Display quality is a key feature of any smartwatch, and both of these devices shine in this area.
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Galaxy Watch 3: Samsung equipped the Galaxy Watch 3 with a Super AMOLED display that offers rich colors and deep blacks. The always-on display feature allows you to view information at a glance without needing to tap the screen. The rotating bezel also helps keep the screen smudge-free, enhancing the user experience.
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Apple Watch SE: The Apple Watch SE sports a Retina LTPO OLED display, known for its sharpness and clarity. While it doesn’t have an always-on display like the higher-end Apple models, its vibrant screen is still easy to read in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to indoor settings.
Verdict: If you want an always-on display and a more interactive interface, the Galaxy Watch 3 edges ahead. But the Apple Watch SE still offers a premium display experience, especially in typical Apple fashion.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Health and fitness tracking are essential features in today’s smartwatches, and both the Galaxy Watch 3 and Apple Watch SE provide robust options in this area.
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Galaxy Watch 3: Samsung has loaded its Galaxy Watch 3 with an extensive range of health-tracking features, including ECG monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring. It also offers 120 different workout modes and automatic exercise recognition, ensuring you capture every activity. The running coach and VO2 Max feature help take your fitness to the next level.
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Apple Watch SE: The Apple Watch SE might lack some of the advanced sensors found in the Apple Watch Series 6 or 7, but it still includes essential health features like heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and emergency SOS. It also offers comprehensive activity tracking and supports various workouts, although it lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring.
Verdict: The Galaxy Watch 3 excels with its advanced health sensors, while the Apple Watch SE provides solid fitness tracking, albeit with fewer features. If health monitoring is your priority, the Galaxy Watch 3 is the better option.
Battery Life
Battery life is another critical consideration when choosing a smartwatch, especially if you’re active or travel often.
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Galaxy Watch 3: The Galaxy Watch 3 typically lasts around 2 to 3 days on a single charge, depending on usage. The battery life can be extended if you disable some features like the always-on display. Samsung also offers wireless charging, making it convenient to top up the battery throughout the day.
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Apple Watch SE: The Apple Watch SE has a battery life of about 18 hours, meaning you’ll likely need to charge it every night. While it’s fine for a day of use, it’s not as long-lasting as the Galaxy Watch 3, which may be a drawback for those looking for more extended battery performance.
Verdict: The Galaxy Watch 3 wins hands down in battery life, offering more usage between charges compared to the Apple Watch SE.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
Compatibility with your smartphone and integration into a broader ecosystem can significantly impact your smartwatch experience.
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Galaxy Watch 3: The Galaxy Watch 3 is optimized for Android users, specifically Samsung devices. While it does work with iPhones, some features are limited when used outside the Android ecosystem. It integrates well with Samsung's ecosystem, including Samsung Health, SmartThings, and Bixby.
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Apple Watch SE: The Apple Watch SE, like all Apple products, is tailored exclusively for iPhone users. It’s deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, working seamlessly with iOS apps, Apple Health, Apple Pay, and Siri. The synergy between the iPhone and Apple Watch makes it a top choice for iOS users.
Verdict: Galaxy Watch 3 is best suited for Android users, while the Apple Watch SE is a no-brainer for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Pricing
Price is always a factor in choosing between two products.
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Galaxy Watch 3: Initially launched at a higher price point, the Galaxy Watch 3 has seen some price reductions, making it more affordable now. Its pricing can range from $299 to $399, depending on the size and model (stainless steel vs. titanium).
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Apple Watch SE: The Apple Watch SE is more budget-friendly, starting at around $279 for the GPS-only version and going up to around $329 for the GPS + Cellular option.
Verdict: For those seeking a more affordable smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE offers excellent value. However, the Galaxy Watch 3 provides more premium features at a slightly higher cost.
Final Thoughts
Both the Galaxy Watch 3 and Apple Watch SE are excellent smartwatches, but your choice depends on your priorities. The Galaxy Watch 3 shines with its advanced health tracking, longer battery life, and more traditional watch design. On the other hand, the Apple Watch SE offers a seamless experience for iPhone users, a sleek modern design, and a more affordable price tag.
If you’re an Android user, particularly a Samsung phone owner, the Galaxy Watch 3 is the better fit. But if you’re already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem and want a smartwatch that works perfectly with your iPhone, the Apple Watch SE will serve you well.
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