The Case for the Apple Watch Series 11 Over the SE 3
When Apple unveiled its lineup of smartwatches late last year, many tech enthusiasts were quick to point out the remarkable value offered by the Apple Watch SE 3. While I initially believed that the SE 3 was the superior choice for most customers, the current discounts on the Apple Watch Series 11 have led me to reconsider my stance. If you’re looking for a smartwatch right now, the Series 11—especially when it is heavily discounted—might present a better overall value.
Current Pricing and Discounts
As of now, the Apple Watch SE 3 is priced at AU$347 for the smaller 40mm version on platforms like Amazon, marking a 13% discount. In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 11 has a starting price of AU$497, which reflects a significant 27% drop. While the SE 3 is indeed cheaper, the advanced features of the Series 11 make it an appealing option, especially for iPhone users.
Enhanced Health Features
One of the standout limitations of the Apple Watch 11 at its launch was the absence of hypertension notifications. However, this feature was approved by the TGA in December 2025, and a follow-up watchOS update in January 2026 made it accessible for Australian users.
The Series 11 offers several critical health features that the SE 3 lacks, including:
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Sleep apnoea detection
- Irregular heart rhythm notifications (commonly known as the ECG feature)
Another minor, yet noteworthy addition to the Series 11 is 5G connectivity for users opting for the LTE version. While this feature is yet to be fully supported by Australian telcos, it shows Apple’s commitment to keeping up with technological advancements.
My Apple Watch 11 taking a blood oxygen reading
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Battery Life and Usability
Beyond health features, the Apple Watch Series 11 boasts a battery life that exceeds the SE 3’s by 25%. Users can even extend this duration by activating Low Power mode, making it a more reliable companion during extended activities. While both models offer a wide range of exercise tracking options, the Series 11 edges out in terms of longer-lasting performance.
In our evaluation of the Apple Watch Series 11, it received a commendable four stars out of five, praised for its enhanced battery and durable, vibrant display. The larger screen not only enhances usability but also makes tasks like messaging much more manageable. Personally, as a user of the 46mm version, I find that composing messages via handwriting is significantly simplified.
With the introduction of watchOS 26, the Series 11 delivers a refreshing experience, especially with the new Sleep Score feature that’s been gaining attention. Collectively, these enhancements make the Apple Watch Series 11 a top-tier smartwatch for iPhone users, especially considering its current price point.
Conclusion
If you have no specific heart health concerns, the Apple Watch SE 3 may suffice. However, those seeking a dependable health monitor with advanced features should strongly consider the Apple Watch Series 11 as the superior option.
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Image Credit: www.techradar.com
