Apple Watch SE 3 vs Apple Watch Series 12
Critics score the Apple Watch SE 3 and the Apple Watch Series 12 the same: 87 out of 100, from 11 and 13 reviews. 6 outlets reviewed both: 1 scored the Apple Watch SE 3 higher, 3 scored the Apple Watch Series 12 higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple Watch Series 12 2 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple Watch SE 3
Praised for: display (10 of 11), performance (3 of 11), health tracking (3 of 11)
Criticised for: battery life (5 of 11)
The catch: Missing the newest health sensors.
All 11 reviews of the Apple Watch SE 3 →
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Image: AppleApple Watch Series 12
Praised for: health tracking (13 of 13), performance (6 of 13)
Criticised for: battery life (7 of 13), software (2 of 13)
The catch: Battery life is still only about a day.
All 13 reviews of the Apple Watch Series 12 →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple Watch SE 3 | Apple Watch Series 12 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Verge | 90 | 80 | +10 |
| CNN Underscored | 89est. | 89est. | same |
| Expert Reviews | 95 | 95 | same |
| Engadget | 89est. | 91 | -2 |
| TechRadar | 90 | 95 | -5 |
| Tom's Guide | 80 | 95 | -15 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple Watch SE 3 minus the Apple Watch Series 12. Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
Compare either one with another smartwatche → · All smartwatches ranked →
Common questions
Which is better, the Apple Watch SE 3 or the Apple Watch Series 12?
Critics rate them the same, at 87. 6 outlets reviewed both: 1 scored the Apple Watch SE 3 higher, 3 scored the Apple Watch Series 12 higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple Watch Series 12 2 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple Watch SE 3 and the Apple Watch Series 12?
The Apple Watch SE 3: broad agreement, scores from 80 to 95. The Apple Watch Series 12: broad agreement, scores from 74 to 95.