The Apple Watch Series 3 has been a popular choice among smartwatch buyers since its release in 2017. With its sleek design, advanced features, and seamless integration with other Apple devices, it has become a staple in the wearable technology market. But is it worth the investment? In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the Apple Watch Series 3 and evaluate its design, performance, and value compared to other smartwatches on the market.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Series 3 maintains the same rectangular shape as its predecessors, but with a few notable improvements. It comes in two sizes – 38mm and 42mm – to accommodate different wrist sizes. The body is made of aluminum, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. The Retina display is protected by Ion-X strengthened glass, which offers scratch resistance and durability.
Water Resistance
One of the most significant upgrades to the Series 3 is its water resistance. It can withstand depths of up to 50 meters, making it perfect for swimming and water sports. However, it is essential to note that while the watch can handle being submerged in water, it is not designed for scuba diving or high-velocity water activities.
Bands and Customization Options
The Apple Watch Series 3 comes with a variety of band options, including silicone, leather, stainless steel, and woven nylon. These bands can be easily swapped out to match your style or activity level. Additionally, there are countless third-party band options available for purchase, giving users even more customization options.
Sleek Design
The design of the Apple Watch Series 3 is sleek and modern, making it suitable for both casual and formal wear. The digital crown, which is used for navigation, now has a red accent to indicate cellular connectivity, a feature exclusive to the cellular version of the watch. The overall design is minimalistic yet functional, with a square display and rounded edges.
Display and User Interface
The display of the Apple Watch Series 3 is one of its most impressive features. The OLED Retina display offers vibrant colors, sharp images, and excellent outdoor visibility. The screen size has been increased from previous versions, making it easier to read notifications and use apps.
Customizable Watch Faces
The Apple Watch Series 3 allows users to customize their watch face to display the information they find most relevant. With over a dozen options to choose from, including traditional analog displays, digital displays, and even animated faces, there is something for everyone. Users can also add complications to the watch face, such as weather, calendar events, and fitness data, making it easy to access important information at a glance.
Intuitive User Interface
The user interface of the Apple Watch Series 3 is straightforward and intuitive. The digital crown and side button are used for navigation, while swiping left or right on the screen allows you to access different apps and features. The touchscreen is highly responsive, making it easy to interact with the watch.
Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities
The health and fitness tracking capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 3 are some of its most impressive features. It comes equipped with an optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope, allowing for accurate tracking of various activities and metrics.
Activity Rings and Workout Tracking
The Activity Rings feature tracks three types of movement – stand, move, and exercise – and encourages users to reach daily goals. The watch also has a dedicated workout app that offers tracking for various activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more. It provides real-time data on distance, pace, and heart rate, making it a valuable tool for fitness enthusiasts.
Heart Rate Monitoring and ECG
The heart rate sensor on the Apple Watch Series 3 is accurate and constantly checks your heart rate throughout the day. It can also detect irregular heart rhythms and notify the user, making it a potentially life-saving feature. The latest update to the watch also introduced an ECG (electrocardiogram) feature, allowing users to take a reading of their heart’s electrical activity.
Performance and Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 3 runs on the WatchOS operating system, which provides a smooth and seamless experience. The watch is powered by a dual-core processor, allowing for fast app launch times and smooth navigation. However, the most significant upgrade to the Series 3 is its cellular connectivity, which allows users to make calls, send messages, and use data without being connected to their iPhone.
Battery Life
One of the most significant concerns with smartwatches is battery life, and the Apple Watch Series 3 does not disappoint. With moderate usage, the watch can last up to two days before needing a recharge. However, using more advanced features such as GPS or streaming music can significantly decrease battery life. The cellular version of the watch may also drain the battery faster if used frequently.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Apple Watch Series 3 offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it an excellent companion for iPhone users. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to stay connected to your iPhone, but the cellular version also has LTE capabilities. This allows you to make calls, send messages, and access the internet without being near your phone.
Apple Pay
Another convenient feature of the Apple Watch Series 3 is its compatibility with Apple Pay. Users can add their credit or debit card information to the watch and make contactless payments quickly and securely.
Compatibility with Third-Party Apps
While the Apple Watch Series 3 has a robust selection of built-in apps, it also has a vast library of third-party apps available for download. These apps range from fitness and health trackers to productivity and entertainment tools, allowing users to customize their watch to fit their needs.
Apps and Software Features
The Apple Watch Series 3 comes equipped with several built-in apps, including messages, phone, mail, music, and more. Additionally, there are various software features that make using the watch even more convenient.
Siri and Voice Assistants
The Apple Watch Series 3 has Siri integration, allowing users to use voice commands to perform tasks such as sending messages, setting reminders, and controlling other Apple devices. It also has compatibility with other voice assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, making it a versatile device for smart home control.
Apple Music and Podcasts
Users can easily access their music and podcasts on the go with the Apple Watch Series 3. With a cellular connection, you can stream your favorite songs and podcasts without needing your iPhone. The watch also has storage capabilities, allowing users to sync playlists for offline listening.
User Experience and Ease of Use
Overall, the user experience of the Apple Watch Series 3 is smooth and intuitive. The watch is easy to set up and navigate, making it accessible for users of all ages. The touch screen is responsive, and the digital crown provides a convenient way to navigate through menus and notifications.
Family Setup
For families with children or elderly relatives who do not have an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 3 offers a Family Setup feature. This allows the watch to be paired with a family member’s iPhone, providing access to a limited number of features such as location tracking, messaging, and emergency SOS.
Price and Value Comparison
The price of the Apple Watch Series 3 varies depending on the model and features chosen. The GPS only version starts at $199, while the cellular version starts at $299. While it may seem expensive compared to other smartwatches on the market, the Apple Watch Series 3 offers a wide range of features and capabilities that justify its price.
Comparison to Other Smartwatches
When comparing the Apple Watch Series 3 to other popular smartwatches such as the Fitbit Versa 3 or Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, it stands out in terms of design, performance, and features. While these other devices offer similar fitness tracking capabilities, they lack some of the more advanced features, such as cellular connectivity and ECG monitoring, that the Apple Watch Series 3 provides.
Conclusion
After an in-depth analysis of the Apple Watch Series 3, it is clear that this device offers a wide range of features, excellent performance, and value for its price. Its sleek design, advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with other Apple devices make it a stand-out choice in the smartwatch market. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, busy professional, or simply looking for a convenient way to stay connected, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a top contender worth considering.
