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The short answer · Balanced overview
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45 mm) leads the Balanced Bettr Score 68.1–50.0. The existing category models use the available evidence automatically; open the score details for sources and coverage.
Apple
Start with the smaller 1.57 in GPS configuration. Match its listed phone compatibility and features to what you want from a watch, rather than the longest sensor list. The catalog specifies a listed weight of 0.93 oz and a manufacturer battery claim of up to 18 hours.
Bettr Score · Balanced
50/100
Garmin
Keep the 1.77 in AMOLED version exact. The listed display, compatibility, and battery claims help you compare the ownership routine as well as the feature list. The catalog specifies a listed weight of 1.87 oz and a manufacturer battery claim of up to 18 days.
Bettr Score · Balanced
68.1/100
12 shared verified specifications. The Bettr Score uses the available evidence automatically; independent tracking accuracy is not inferred from sensor presence.
| Apple Watch SE 3 (40 mm GPS) | Specification | Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45 mm) |
|---|---|---|
$249 ✓ WinnerManufacturer source · 2026-10-18Manufacturer USD reference price retrieved 2026-10-18; taxes/shipping and conditional discounts excluded. | Reference price | $349.99 Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18Manufacturer USD reference price retrieved 2026-10-18; taxes/shipping and conditional discounts excluded. |
smartwatch Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | Device typeTie | smartwatch Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
0.75 days Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | Advertised battery life | 18 days ✓ WinnerManufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
0.93 oz ✓ WinnerManufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | Device weight | 1.87 oz Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
164 ft Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | Water resistance | 328.1 ft ✓ WinnerManufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | Built-in GPSTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | Continuous heart rateTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
No Manufacturer source · 2026-10-25Apple's ECG app listing explicitly excludes Apple Watch SE. | ECG capabilityNot enough data | Not stated / not applicable |
No Manufacturer source · 2026-10-25Apple's Blood Oxygen support documentation explicitly excludes Apple Watch SE. | Blood oxygen sensing | Yes ✓ WinnerManufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | Temperature sensingNot enough data | Not stated / not applicable |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | Sleep trackingTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 | On-device displayTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-25Manufacturer compatibility requires a supported iPhone; Android pairing is unsupported. GPS model retained; no cellular plan fee inferred. | iPhone supportTie | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
No Manufacturer source · 2026-10-25Manufacturer compatibility requires a supported iPhone; Android pairing is unsupported. GPS model retained; no cellular plan fee inferred. | Android supportPersonal preference | Yes Manufacturer source · 2026-10-18 |
Not stated / not applicable | Required subscriptionNot enough data | None Manufacturer source · 2026-10-25Required fee for core device and Garmin Connect use is $0. Optional Garmin Connect+ premium features remain paid; this does not imply all services or features are free. |
Bettr Score
Apple Watch SE 3 (40 mm GPS)
50 / 100
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45 mm)
68.1 / 100
Evidence-based guidance · Balanced model
One Bettr Score, using the existing category and priority models. Complete comparable independent tests take precedence; otherwise verified published specifications supply the score. Evidence and coverage are shown in the score details. Scores stay fixed across opponents; compare them within the same product group.
Review Apple Watch SE 3 (40 mm GPS)’s score details, sourced features and compatibility for your needs.
Review Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED (45 mm)’s score details, sourced features and compatibility for your needs.
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