Apple Watch Series 3 Review: A Reliable Smartwatch for Fitness

The Apple Watch Series 3, released in 2017, represented a significant leap forward for Apple’s wearable device lineup. The Apple Watch Series 3 includes built-in cellular connectivity, allowing users to make calls and send messages independently.

It features a faster dual-core processor and improved fitness tracking, making it versatile for everyday health monitoring. With GPS-only and GPS + Cellular options, prices range from $199 to $399, suiting diverse user budgets. This review explores its features, performance, and value to help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Release Date and Price

The Apple Watch Series 3 was released on September 22, 2017, and quickly became a core model in Apple’s smartwatch lineup. At launch, Series 3 was available in two primary configurations: a GPS-only model and a GPS+cellular model.

The GPS-only 38mm model was priced at $329, while the 42mm version cost $359. For those seeking cellular connectivity, the GPS + Cellular models started at $399 for the 38mm variant and $429 for the 42mm variant. The stainless steel models, which included cellular connectivity by default, were priced starting at $599.

Technical Specs: Apple Watch Series 3

See Full Specifications for:

• Apple Watch Series 3 full specifications

Design and Build Quality

The Apple Watch Series 3 maintained the familiar design of its predecessors, featuring a square-shaped case available in two sizes: 38mm and 42mm.

The watch was offered in two case materials:

1. Aluminum
2. Stainless Steel

The aluminum version is available in silver, space grey, and gold finishes. The stainless-steel model was available in Silver and Space Black.

Despite the introduction of cellular connectivity, the Series 3 managed to maintain a slim profile, with the only noticeable difference being the red digital crown on the cellular models, identifying them from the non-cellular variants.

Display

The Series 3 featured an OLED Retina display with Force Touch technology, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. The 38mm model had a resolution of 272 x 340 pixels, while the 42mm model offered 312 x 390 pixels.

The display was protected by Ion-X glass on the aluminum models and cobalt crystal on the stainless-steel models, ensuring durability. With a brightness of 1,000 nits, the screen was easily readable even in bright sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Performance: Faster and More Capable with Dual-Core Processor

The Apple Watch Series 3 introduced the S3 dual-core processor, which provided a significant boost in speed and performance compared to previous models. This processor allows for faster app launches, smoother operation, and improved overall responsiveness.

• Processor: S3 dual-core
• RAM: 768MB
• Storage: 8GB (GPS) | 16GB (GPS + Cellular)

The S3 chip, paired with the watch OS, ensures that the Series 3 can handle a variety of tasks, from fitness tracking to running apps, with ease. The watch also includes the W2 wireless chip, which improves Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it more efficient and reliable for daily use. 

Cellular Connectivity

The most significant feature of the Apple Watch Series 3 was its optional built-in cellular connectivity. This allowed users to make calls, send texts, stream music, and use apps independently of their iPhones. The cellular models featured an embedded eSIM, which shared the same phone number as the user’s iPhone.

While the introduction of cellular connectivity added convenience, it also required a compatible carrier plan, which typically came with an additional monthly fee. Still, the ability to stay connected without a phone was a game-changer for many users, particularly those who wanted to remain active without carrying their devices.

Fitness and Health Tracking

As with previous models, the Apple Watch Series 3 was designed with fitness and health tracking at its core. It featured an optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter, enabling it to track a wide range of activities, from steps and calories burned to elevation gain and outdoor workouts.

Series 3 also introduced more advanced health features, such as high and low heart rate notifications and irregular heart pattern detection, which could alert users to potential health issues. Additionally, the watch was swim-proof with water resistance up to 50 meters, making it suitable for tracking swimming workouts.

Battery Life: Reliable Power for a Full Day

The Apple Watch Series 3 offered up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, which was sufficient for a full day of use, including workouts, notifications, and app usage.

However, the addition of cellular connectivity did impact battery life, particularly when using data-intensive tasks like streaming music or making calls. Charging was done via a magnetic charging cable, which remained consistent with previous models.

Software and Features

The Series 3 shipped with watch OS 4, bringing a host of new features and improvements. Watch OS 4 introduced a more intuitive interface, new watch faces, and enhanced fitness tracking capabilities, including automatic workout detection and personalized coaching.

The operating system also supported Apple Pay, allowing users to make contactless payments directly from their wrist. Over time, Apple has continued to release software updates for the Series 3, ensuring it remains relevant even as newer models are released.

Connectivity: A Seamless Experience with iPhone and Beyond

The Apple Watch S3 offers seamless integration with the iPhone, providing users with a cohesive experience across devices.

• Bluetooth:2
• Wi-Fi:11b/g/n 2.4GHz
• Cellular: Optional (LTE and UMTS)

The addition of cellular connectivity in select models is a game-changer, allowing users to stay connected even when their iPhone is out of reach.

This feature is particularly useful for activities where carrying a phone may be inconvenient, such as running or cycling. The Series 3 also supports Apple Music streaming directly from the watch, providing access to millions of songs on the go.

Comparison: Apple Watch Series 2 vs Apple Watch Series 3 vs Apple Watch Series 4

Here’s a comprehensive and SEO-optimized comparison table for the Apple Watch Series 2, Apple Watch Series 3, and Apple Watch Series 4, detailing key specifications and features:

This comparison of Apple Watch Series 2, Series 3, and Series 4 should help you make a more informed decision based on your needs and budget. The newer Series 4 offers substantial upgrades in health monitoring features, performance, and design, making it ideal for those seeking the latest functionalities like ECG and fall detection. The Series 2 and Series 3 offer solid performance, especially for users who don’t need the latest health features.

Pros:

• Affordable: Great value compared to newer Apple Watch models.
• Cellular Connectivity: Make calls and send messages without your phone.
• Fitness Tracking: Heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and barometer for effective activity tracking.
• Water Resistance: Suitable for swimming with 50 m water resistance.
• Solid Performance: Powered by the Apple S3 chipset for smooth operation.
• Reliable Battery: Up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge.

Cons:

• Lacks Advanced Health Features: No ECG or blood oxygen monitoring.
• No fast charging: charging takes longer compared to newer models.
• Limited Storage: 16 GB of storage might be restrictive for some users.
• No Camera or 3.5mm Jack: Missing features like a camera or headphone jack.
• No Always-On Display: Must tap or raise the wrist to view notifications.

Conclusion: Is the Apple Watch Series 3 Still Worth It?

The Apple Watch Series 3 remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank. It introduces cellular connectivity, enhanced performance, and fitness-tracking features, making it versatile for tech enthusiasts and fitness-focused individuals.

While lacking advanced health features like ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, it still offers great value. The Series 3 continues to prioritize staying connected and tracking activity while on the go, making it a practical option for many users.

Whether new to the Apple Watch ecosystem or upgrading, the Series 3 balances performance, features, and affordability effectively.

FAQs: Apple Watch Series 3 Review: A Reliable Smartwatch for Fitness