I'm about to share a surprising revelation about the Apple Watch 11 and Apple Watch SE 3, two of the most popular smartwatches on the market today. But first, a quick disclaimer: I'm not here to tell you which one to buy; I'm here to shed light on some intriguing differences between these two powerhouses. So, buckle up and let's dive into this head-to-head comparison!
The Apple Watch 11, often referred to as the flagship model, starts at $399 and packs a punch with its advanced fitness and health tracking tools, a vibrant screen, and impressive battery life. On the other hand, the Apple Watch SE 3, an entry-level model, offers a more affordable option at $249, providing most of the same features as its pricier sibling, albeit with a few notable exceptions like hypertension alerts, ECG readings, and SpO2 measurements.
When it comes to fitness tracking, both models offer an array of tracking modes and post-workout data through Apple's Workout app. While the Apple Watch 11 boasts a more advanced heart sensor, they both utilize similar single-band GPS antennas.
To put these watches to the test, I embarked on a 5,500-step walk, wearing the SE 3 on my left wrist and the Series 11 on my right. I manually counted my steps, using a tally counter for accuracy, and also tracked the walk as an outdoor activity on Strava with my phone's Bluetooth turned off to avoid any interference.
The results were eye-opening. The Apple Watch SE 3 aced the step count challenge, registering a perfect 5,500 steps. The Series 11, although slightly off by 33 steps, still performed admirably. However, the distance and elevation data told a different story. Strava noted a longer distance covered and a lower elevation gain compared to both Apple Watches, despite the hilly terrain in Seattle, WA.
The Series 11 seemed to overestimate the elevation gain by a significant 87 feet, while the SE 3 overcounted by an even more substantial 114 feet. Strava also recorded a quicker average pace, approximately a minute faster than the Apple Watch 11 and a minute and a half faster than the SE 3.
But here's where it gets interesting: despite the discrepancies in distance and elevation data, both Apple Watches provided remarkably similar heart rate and calorie burn measurements. And get this—they even used the same amount of battery power, a mere 2%, to track my 52-minute walk!
So, who takes the crown in this walk test challenge? The Apple Watch SE 3, with its precise step count, officially wins. However, the Series 11 takes the lead in providing more accurate distance, climb, and pace data. It's a close call, and both devices excel in measuring heart rate and calories burned.
And this is the part most people miss: the Apple Watch SE 3 offers a more affordable option without compromising on essential features. It's a great choice for those who want a reliable fitness tracker without breaking the bank.
So, which smartwatches should I put to the test next? Let's spark a conversation in the comments! Until then, keep those steps coming and stay tuned for more head-to-head comparisons.
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More from Tom's Guide:
- 5 reasons why the Apple Watch SE 3 is my top pick
- Apple Watch 11 vs Garmin Instinct 3: Which $400 smartwatch reigns supreme?
- My favorite Apple Watch strap: A reviewer's perspective
Dan Bracaglia, your friendly neighborhood tech editor, is here to guide you through the world of smartwatches, fitness trackers, and outdoor gear. With over 15 years of experience testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is dedicated to helping you make informed purchasing decisions and save money. He's assessed products from top brands like Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, and Polar, so you can trust his expertise.
An avid outdoor enthusiast based in the Pacific Northwest, Dan embraces the region's beauty through kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding, and exploring. He seamlessly blends his passion for the outdoors with his day job, capturing the vibrant music community of Seattle through his photography.
Stay tuned for more insights and comparisons from Dan!
