Smartwatches Head to head
Apple Watch Series 12 vs Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch Series 12 leads on battery life (rated) and ECG app. The Apple Watch SE 3 leads on case weight (no band). They are level on water resistance, built-in GPS and cellular version available. At list price the Apple Watch SE 3 is $170 cheaper.
Apple Watch Series 12 GPS 46mm Aluminum
$449
Maker's list price, checked Sep 29, 2026
Model Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS) 46mm Aluminum Case
Leads on 2 of 6 specs
Apple Watch SE 3 GPS 44mm
$279
Maker's list price, checked Sep 29, 2026
Model Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS) 44mm Aluminum Case
Leads on 1 of 6 specs
Who leads on specs?
Counted on the 6 specs both makers publish.
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Choose the Apple Watch Series 12 if
Battery life (rated) and ECG app matter more to you than the price difference.
Choose the Apple Watch SE 3 if
Case weight (no band) matters most, and you want to spend less.
Spec by spec
Every spec side by side. A tick and a green cell mark the better figure.
| Spec | Apple Watch Series 12 | Apple Watch SE 3 | Who leads |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $449 | $279 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Battery life (rated) | 24 hr | 18 hr | Apple Watch Series 12 |
| Case weight (no band) | 39.5 g | 32.9 g | Apple Watch SE 3 |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m | Level |
| ECG app | Yes | No | Apple Watch Series 12 |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes | Level |
| Cellular version available | Yes | Yes | Level |
| Case size | 46 mm | 44 mm | For information |
As a Apple Watch Series 12 alternative
It costs $170 less and the case is 6.6 g lighter, but battery drops to 18 hours and there is no ECG app.
See it ranked against every Apple Watch Series 12 alternative
