Video summary

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Series 11 vs SE 3 - Everyone's WRONG!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product(s) Compared

Apple Watch SE3, Series 11 (aluminum model), and Apple Watch Ultra 3—which one to buy and why.

Key Differences / Unique Points Mentioned

1) Pricing & Cellular Cost Impact

  • SE3 starts at $249.
  • Adding cellular:
    • Increases SE3 vs Series 11 by $50.
    • Series 11 with cellular is $200 more expensive (described as a “big deal”).
  • Ultra 3 is positioned as the most expensive option (no exact price stated).
  • Main claim: discounts on older models aren’t worth it this year due to “substantial” upgrades.

2) Comfort & Wearability (Especially Sleep Tracking)

  • Ultra 3 downside: even with lightweight bands, it still weighs quite a bit.
  • For sleep tracking, the reviewer says the Ultra is the only one they can’t get used to sleeping with “even after multiple years.”
  • Series 11 and SE3 are dramatically more comfortable for sleep.

3) Weight/Thickness & Size Differences

  • Ultra is very thick; Series 11 is slightly thinner than SE3.
  • Footprint: Ultra has a noticeably larger footprint, even if screen comparisons vary.
  • Screen sizes / geometry:
    • SE3 has a smaller screen than the Ultra.
    • Ultra display is flat; Series 11’s display curves around the edge.
    • Sizes mentioned:
      • Ultra 3 = 49mm
      • Series 11 = 46mm
      • SE3 = 44mm
  • Ultra “dwarfs” the others on-wrist.

4) Build Quality & Durability

  • SE3: plastic bottom.
  • Series 11: all-aluminum bottom; plus more scratch-resistant glass is mentioned for the titanium option (not reviewed in detail).
  • Ultra 3: ceramic.
  • Durability claim: reviewer has Ultra 3 for two years, has smitten it against walls/concrete, and it still looks like new.
  • Ultra screen is flat, stated to be more protected.
  • Reviewer frames Ultra as best for construction/harsh environments.

5) Sensors / Health Tracking Limitations on SE3

  • “More expensive ones have the same array compared to the SE3.”
  • SE3 is missing:
    • ECG
    • Blood oxygen
    • Hypertension
  • Also missing diving-related options:
    • water depth and temperature
  • Some features are disabled by Apple for kid setups (noted for blood oxygen).
  • Double tap might be disabled/irrelevant depending on setup.

6) Water Resistance & Diving/Sports Focus

  • Ultra 3 has double the water resistance vs the other two.
  • Ultra 3 water depth: up to 40 meters.
  • Supports scuba diving plus high-speed water sports.
  • Water-sports capability is framed as a core “Ultra” purpose.

7) Color / Fingerprint Issue

  • Black Ultra 3 is described as a fingerprint magnet compared to natural titanium.

8) Display Specifics (Always-On + Brightness + Viewing Angles)

  • All three now have always-on display (SE3 gets it too).
  • Brightness differences (nits):
    • SE3: 1,000 nits
    • Series 11: 2,000 nits
    • Ultra 3: 3,000 nits
  • Viewing angles / display tech:
    • More expensive ones use updated LTPO3 displays with better side viewing.
    • They’re described as “get dimmer” in darkness (mentions one nit).

9) Similarities / Shared Performance

  • All can play back media via the built-in speaker.
  • All have the new S10 chip:
    • Video emphasizes SE is no longer behind generations.
  • All have 64 GB storage.
  • All include the updated 5G modem:
    • Reviewer says 5G isn’t strictly needed for fast downloads, but improves reception and battery efficiency.
    • Better reception matters if you use without an iPhone (or for kids).

10) Battery Life (Explicit Ratings)

  • Battery life:
    • SE3: 18 hours
    • Series 11: 24 hours
    • Ultra 3: 72 hours
  • Reviewer’s interpretation:
    • Ultra was chosen previously primarily for battery life, especially for high-end sports/hiking.
    • Example of degradation: their Series 2 at 90% battery after degradation still lasts all day.

11) Charging Speed

  • Series 11: up to 80% in 30 minutes.
  • SE3 and Ultra 3: 45 minutes to reach similar charge behavior (described as slower).

12) Connectivity / Missing Hardware on SE3

  • SE3 lacks an ultra-wideband chip:
    • Can still make a sound on the phone, but can’t guide you to it like full UWB.
  • SE3 does not support 5 GHz Wi‑Fi (reviewed as not a big deal).

13) Ultra-Specific Controls & Sports Positioning

  • Ultra 3 has an Action button (customizable).
  • Ultra has a bigger crown with guard.
  • Dual GPS and a “rugged look” for professional athletes are mentioned.

Pros / Cons (As Stated or Strongly Implied)

SE3

Pros

  • Lowest price ($249 starting).
  • Now has always-on display.
  • New S10 chip, 64GB storage, updated 5G modem.
  • “Best value” if you’re unsure between options.

Cons

  • Lower battery: 18 hours.
  • Missing key health sensors: ECG, blood oxygen, hypertension.
  • Missing diving depth/temperature features.
  • Lacks ultra-wideband chip (weaker Find My functionality).
  • No 5 GHz Wi‑Fi (minor in reviewer’s view).

Series 11 (Aluminum)

Pros

  • Best balance for most users:
    • 24-hour battery (better than SE3).
    • Always-on display.
    • Better display brightness (2,000 nits) and improved display tech (LTPO3).
  • Comfort emphasized, especially compared to Ultra for sleep tracking.
  • Fast charging: 80% in 30 minutes.
  • Adds features SE3 lacks (implied by sensor comparison): ECG/blood oxygen/hypertension and diving-related capabilities.
  • Good upgrade path for prior owners.

Cons

  • More expensive than SE3; cellular pricing difference is highlighted ($200 more expensive vs baseline framing).

Ultra 3

Pros

  • 72-hour battery—major strength for long days/hikes/sports.
  • Most durable: ceramic + flat protected screen; survives impacts (walls/concrete).
  • Strong water resilience: 40m depth, scuba and high-speed water sports.
  • Top-tier display: 3,000 nits, better viewing angles.

Cons

  • Heavy/thick, uncomfortable for sleep tracking.
  • Fingerprint magnet on Black Ultra 3.
  • Bigger/larger on wrist; “overkill” unless you truly need rugged + extreme sports features.

Comparisons / Recommendations Made

  • The video contrasts “value/comfort” vs “rugged/battery/water.”
  • Ultra vs others: Ultra is suited to heavy use, long battery needs, and diving—but it’s uncomfortable for sleep tracking.
  • Series 11 vs SE3: Series 11 is framed as the “best for most people,” especially for health sensors, sleep tracking comfort, and display quality.
  • Ultra is skipped for most users unless they need the most rugged features.

Ratings / Numerical Scores Included

  • Battery life: SE3 18h, Series 11 24h, Ultra 3 72h
  • Display brightness: SE3 1,000 nits, Series 11 2,000 nits, Ultra 3 3,000 nits
  • Charging: Series 11 80% in 30 min; SE3/Ultra 45 min
  • Water depth: Ultra up to 40 meters
  • Watch sizes: Ultra 49mm, Series 11 46mm, SE3 44mm
  • Pricing (stated):
    • SE3 starts at $249
    • Cellular difference described as $50 vs SE3 for comparison point
    • Series 11 cellular $200 more expensive (as stated in-video)

Overall Verdict / Recommendation (Concise)

  • First-time buyers / value pick: Apple Watch SE3 is recommended for best value, especially since SE3 now includes always-on display and the new S10 chip.
  • Most people / comfort + sleep tracking: Series 11 is the best “default” choice—more comfortable than Ultra for sleep tracking, with a better display and longer battery than SE3.
  • Athletes / rugged users / diving + longest battery: Ultra 3 is worth it only if you truly need extreme durability, 40m water resistance/scuba support, and multi-day battery life.

Speakers / Viewpoints

  • Subtitles appear to come from one main presenter/reviewer, with no clearly distinct multi-speaker perspectives beyond model comparisons and personal experience.

Original video