Apple has announced the Apple Watch SE 3, featuring significant upgrades.

With an always-on display and advanced health tracking, Apple's budget watch is no longer a compromise.

The latest Apple Watch SE 3 boasts enhanced capabilities, such as wrist temperature tracking for improved cycle and vital sign monitoring, a new sleep score system, and sleep apnea notifications. It also features fast charging and 5G connectivity.

The budget smartwatch market has seen competition from devices like the Google Pixel Watch 4, known for Fitbit integration, health tracking, and design. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 offers Samsung Health integration. Both provide alternatives to the Apple ecosystem, with sleep and stress tracking that surpassed the older Watch SE.

However, the Apple Watch SE 3 includes wrist temperature sensing and detailed sleep analysis. The SE 3 is a health and connectivity device that is also affordable. For iPhone users, its value is compelling, making alternatives less attractive.

The Apple Watch SE 3 is available for pre-order today, with the 40mm model priced at $249 and the 44mm at $279. It will be released on September 19th.

The absence of an always-on display was a drawback in previous SE models. With this now included, the Apple Watch SE 3 becomes a recommendation for iPhone users.

Unless users need the Apple Watch Ultra's ruggedness and specialized metrics or the Series 11's ECG sensor, the SE 3 offers a similar experience at a lower cost. It is suitable for children, new smartwatch users, or anyone seeking a companion for their iPhone. It addresses its predecessor's weakness and adds useful health features.