Apple
Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm
S10 SiP · Stainless 45mm · 2025
83
/ 100
From $449
VS
Apple
Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm
S10 SiP · Aluminum 45mm · 2025
83
/ 100
From $249
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm lands at 83 and Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm at 83. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm if…
- ✓Satellite connectivity (Ultra 3)
- ✓Blood pressure trends (Series 11)
- ✓watchOS 12
Pick Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm if…
- ✓Satellite connectivity (Ultra 3)
- ✓Blood pressure trends (Series 11)
- ✓watchOS 12
Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm 83
vs 83 Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm
Score breakdown
Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm
83 battery 72
display 95
fitness 94
health 96
durability 88
Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm
83 battery 72
display 95
fitness 94
health 96
durability 88
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm | Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | S10 SiP | S10 SiP |
| Case | Stainless 45mm | Aluminum 45mm |
| Release year | 2025 | 2025 |
Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm
Pros
- +Satellite connectivity (Ultra 3)
- +Blood pressure trends (Series 11)
- +watchOS 12
Cons
- −iPhone-required
- −Battery ~18 h on Series, ~48 h on Ultra
- −Premium pricing
Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm
Pros
- +Satellite connectivity (Ultra 3)
- +Blood pressure trends (Series 11)
- +watchOS 12
Cons
- −iPhone-required
- −Battery ~18 h on Series, ~48 h on Ultra
- −Premium pricing
FAQ: Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm vs Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm
Which is better, Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm or Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm? +
Both score 83 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm worth the price? +
At $449, Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm delivers a Specdex score of 83 — strongest in health.
Is Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm worth the price? +
At $249, Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm delivers a Specdex score of 83 — strongest in health.
Does Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Stainless 45mm or Apple Watch SE (3rd gen) Aluminum 45mm last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.