And here’s where it gets intriguing—how accurately do our smartwatches track our steps, and which one truly comes out on top? Recently, I challenged the Apple Watch Series 11 against the Apple Watch SE 3 by walking exactly 5,550 steps, and the results genuinely surprised me, revealing insights that might reshape how you view these popular devices.
It’s hardly a secret that both the latest Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch SE 3 stand among the top choices available today. They’re not only premium models but also some of the most versatile smartwatches on the market, offering a broad spectrum of features suited for fitness, health, and everyday connectivity.
While I’ve previously delved into a detailed comparison between the Series 11 and the SE 3, here’s a quick summary for those on the go: The flagship Apple Watch Series 11, starting at $399, packs advanced fitness and health monitoring capabilities, features a brighter display, and offers improved battery longevity. It’s designed for users who need the most comprehensive data about their well-being.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch SE 3, with a starting price of $249, provides most of the core functionalities found in the Series 11, minus some specialized health alerts such as hypertension and SpO2 measurements, and ECG capabilities. Nevertheless, it seamlessly integrates within the Apple ecosystem, enabling access to a wide range of apps and features just like its pricier counterpart.
When it comes to fitness tracking, both devices support similar modes, and post-workout summaries are accessible through Apple’s Workout app. The Series 11 offers a more sensitive heart rate sensor—though both models are equipped with comparable GPS antennas that employ a single-band connection.
In an experiment to assess their stepping accuracy, I strapped the SE 3 on my left wrist and the Series 11 on my right, then initiated an outdoor walking workout on both devices. To establish a control, I manually counted each step with a clicker, noting every hundred steps before resetting and repeating until I reached 55 counts. For distance, elevation, and pace metrics, I also tracked my walk using Strava on my phone with Bluetooth disabled to prevent data cross-sharing.
Here are the results from my walk:
| Metric | Apple Watch Series 11 | Apple Watch SE 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Step Count | 5,467 steps | 5,500 steps | 5,500 steps (manual count) |
| Distance | 2.97 miles | 2.95 miles | 3.15 miles (Strava) |
| Elevation Gain | 513 feet | 540 feet | 426 feet (Strava) |
| Average Pace | 17:32 per mile | 18:06 per mile | 16:32 per mile (Strava) |
| Average Heart Rate | 135 bpm | 137 bpm | N/A |
| Max Heart Rate | 168 bpm | 168 bpm | N/A |
| Calories Burned | 425 | 429 | N/A |
| Battery Usage | 2% | 2% | N/A |
I wrapped up my 5,500-step walk just as heavy rain and wind picked up. To my amazement, the Apple Watch SE 3 precisely matched the goal, tallying exactly 5,500 steps. Meanwhile, the Series 11 was off by just 33 steps when cross-checked with my manual count, which was 5,502 steps. Strava’s figures for distance were slightly higher, recording roughly an additional fifth of a mile and a somewhat lower elevation gain despite the hilly terrain around Seattle, WA.
The Series 11 overcounted elevation by about 87 feet, whereas the SE 3 overcounted by approximately 114 feet. Interestingly, Strava’s pace estimation was about a minute per mile faster than the Apple Watch 11, and an even quicker pace compared to the SE 3. Yet, both devices showed similar accuracy in measuring heart rate and calories burned, with no significant differences.
Another noteworthy point is that both watches consumed only 2% of their batteries finishing this outdoor walk, indicating efficient GPS use.
So, who came out on top? In this small but revealing test, the Apple Watch SE 3 completely nailed the step count, precisely reaching 5,500 steps and outperforming the Series 11 in this aspect. However, the Series 11 still delivered more accurate data for distance, climb, and pace, highlighting a trade-off between certain metrics.
Ultimately, both models prove exceptional for fitness tracking, but your choice might depend on whether you prioritize absolute step accuracy or more detailed health insights. Which do you believe offers the better value or performance? Do you see a gap in the way these devices handle metrics, or do you think they’re more alike than different? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Interested in more smartwatch comparisons? Let me know which devices you’d like to see tested next. And don’t forget to follow Tom’s Guide for the latest news, reviews, and tips on all things tech.
