For those who haven’t refreshed their Apple Watch in several years—or perhaps have never experienced owning one—the new Apple Watch SE 3 (40mm GPS) currently stands out as the most cost-effective entry point into Apple’s wearable ecosystem. Combining a sleek design with robust performance, it delivers an exceptional balance of features and affordability. At the moment, the elegant Starlight version has reached an unprecedented low price of $199.99 on Amazon, marking a remarkable $50 discount that makes this model even more appealing to both first-time buyers and longtime users considering an upgrade.
Victoria Song, a senior reviewer at *The Verge*, expressed genuine admiration for how strategically Apple compressed an impressive array of functions into this so-called “entry-level” smartwatch. Her comprehensive testing revealed that the company managed to retain much of the premium Apple Watch experience in a device designed to be more accessible, highlighting Apple’s careful engineering and attention to user needs.
One of the Apple Watch SE 3’s most convenient enhancements is its always-on Retina display—a feature that allows time, notifications, and other essential information to remain visible at a glance, without requiring the wearer to raise their wrist or tap the screen. This seemingly simple improvement significantly enhances daily convenience, especially during workouts, meetings, or when multitasking. Powering the device is Apple’s S10 chip, the same processor found in the flagship Apple Watch Series 11 and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3. Although the SE 3 lacks the Ultra Wideband chip responsible for enabling Precision Finding for iPhone, the inclusion of the S10 ensures fluid performance. It provides enough computational capability to process Siri requests on-device, meaning that many voice commands can be executed rapidly and securely without relying on an internet connection.
The intuitive gesture controls further enrich the user experience. Apple has integrated sophisticated motion recognition that allows wearers to flick their wrists or use the double-tap gesture to interact with the interface. These gestures simplify routine tasks such as dismissing notifications, setting or adjusting timers, snoozing alarms, and answering or ending phone calls—all without the need to physically tap the display. This hands-free control contributes to a smoother, more natural workflow, especially in situations where quick responses are crucial.
While Apple has not extended the overall battery life compared with the previous generation—the device still offers approximately 18 hours on a single charge—it has improved the convenience of recharging through fast-charging technology. This update allows users to replenish the battery in a fraction of the usual time, ensuring minimal downtime even for those with demanding schedules.
The Apple Watch SE 3 also marks a meaningful advancement in health and wellness tracking. Apple introduced additional sensors and software updates that expand its monitoring capabilities, including sleep apnea detection alerts, wrist temperature measurement, and predictive ovulation tracking—each contributing to a more comprehensive picture of personal well-being. Although the SE 3 omits high-end medical features such as the electrocardiogram (EKG) and blood-oxygen measurements found on the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3, it remains a capable and reliable smartwatch for fitness and lifestyle tracking. It meticulously records daily activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns, offering users data-driven insights to help them maintain balanced routines and improve their overall health.
In essence, the Apple Watch SE 3 successfully delivers the core Apple Watch experience at a fraction of the cost of the company’s premium models. It merges dependable performance, thoughtful design, and practical health tools into one streamlined device—making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to embrace wearable technology without overspending.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/812446/apple-watch-se-3-amazon-fire-tablet-hd-10-deal-sale
