Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) Review: Still Worth It?
Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into a classic: the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm). Released back in 2017, this smartwatch might seem a bit long in the tooth now, but does it still hold up? Is it worth considering in a world overflowing with newer, shinier gadgets? We're going to break it down, looking at everything from the design and features to its performance and value, to see if this older Apple Watch still has something to offer.
Design and Build Quality: A Familiar Face
Alright, let's kick things off with the look and feel. The Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) boasts a design that's instantly recognizable. It's got that classic square-ish face with rounded corners, which, honestly, still looks pretty good. It's a design that Apple has refined over the years, and while it's not radically different from the latest models, it's undeniably stylish and functional. The 38mm size, in particular, is great for those with smaller wrists, offering a comfortable fit without being too bulky. The build quality feels solid; it's made from aluminum, which gives it a premium feel without weighing your wrist down. It's also worth noting that the Series 3 is swim-proof, so you can take it for a dip in the pool without a worry. The screen is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. You get the usual Digital Crown and side button for navigation, which are intuitive and easy to use. The Digital Crown, in particular, is a standout feature, allowing you to scroll through menus and adjust settings with ease. Overall, the design is a testament to Apple's design philosophy – simple, elegant, and functional. It's a watch that blends seamlessly into everyday life, and even after several years, it doesn't look out of place on the wrist.
Now, let's be real, the bezels around the screen are a bit chunkier compared to the newer Apple Watches. This means the screen real estate feels a tad smaller. However, the display itself is vibrant and gets bright enough to see clearly outdoors. Also, the older design means the charging system is the original magnetic charger. It gets the job done but isn't as seamless as the newer inductive charging systems. But hey, for the price you can get it at now, it's a solid trade-off, guys! The build quality is pretty amazing for the price you pay. It still feels like a premium device.
The Feel of the Watch
When it comes to the feel, the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) is comfortable on the wrist. It’s light and doesn’t feel cumbersome, which is a significant advantage, particularly if you wear a watch all day. The aluminum build feels smooth and cool against the skin. Apple has always paid attention to the details of how their products interact with the user, and this watch is no exception. The straps are easily interchangeable, which is a great bonus. You can quickly swap out the band to match your style or activity. This is one of those things that keeps the watch feeling fresh and new over time. You can choose from various bands: sport bands for workouts, leather bands for a more formal look, or even metal bands for a dressier vibe. The ease with which you can change the straps is a major plus, as it allows you to customize your watch to match any outfit or activity. This flexibility makes the Apple Watch a versatile accessory, suitable for almost any occasion. Also, the haptic feedback is something that the Apple Watch is known for. The gentle taps for notifications are subtle enough not to be annoying but strong enough to grab your attention. This feature adds to the overall premium feel of the watch.
Performance and Features: What Can It Do?
So, what can the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) actually do? Well, despite its age, it still packs a punch. It runs watchOS, Apple's operating system for wearables, which offers a decent range of features. You get the usual suspects like activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notifications from your iPhone. You can track your workouts, set goals, and see how you're progressing. The heart rate sensor is pretty accurate, giving you valuable insights into your health. Notifications are a breeze; you can see your texts, emails, and app alerts right on your wrist.
However, it's worth noting that the Series 3 lacks some of the more advanced features found in newer models, such as an always-on display, ECG (electrocardiogram), and blood oxygen monitoring. It also has a slower processor compared to the latest Apple Watches, so the interface might feel a little less snappy at times. App loading can be slower, and you might experience occasional stutters. But let’s be honest, it is still pretty decent. The GPS is built-in, so you can track your runs and walks without your phone. This is a handy feature if you like to exercise outdoors and want to leave your phone at home. You can also make and receive calls on your watch if you have a cellular version, which is super convenient when you're on the go. The Series 3 supports Apple Pay, which is a convenient way to make payments. You can use your watch to pay for things at stores that accept contactless payments. This is a great feature, and it works seamlessly, so you can leave your wallet at home.
Health and Fitness Capabilities
For fitness fanatics, the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) has a lot to offer. The activity tracking is comprehensive, monitoring your steps, calories burned, and active minutes. The heart rate sensor is accurate, and it monitors your heart rate throughout the day, providing insights into your overall health. The watch also supports various workout modes, including running, swimming, cycling, and more. This is great for tracking your workouts and seeing your progress. The GPS is also a great addition, allowing you to track your outdoor activities without needing your phone.
It can track your swimming metrics like laps, distance, and stroke type. The watch is swim-proof, so you don’t need to worry about water damage. The watch will automatically lock the screen when you start swimming to prevent accidental touches. When you are done swimming, you can use the Digital Crown to unlock the screen. You can access guided breathing exercises, which can help you relax and manage stress. The watch will guide you through a series of breaths, and it will vibrate gently to help you stay focused. You can set up reminders to stand up and move around throughout the day. This is a great way to stay active, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk.
Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?
Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) has a decent battery life for its time, but don't expect miracles. You can typically get a full day of use out of it, meaning a day of activity tracking, notifications, and occasional app use. However, if you're a heavy user and use the GPS for workouts, the battery will drain faster. You might need to charge it before the end of the day. Compared to the latest Apple Watches, the battery life is a bit shorter. The newer models have improved battery efficiency, allowing them to last longer. But if you’re coming from older smartwatches, you might be pleasantly surprised. It's always a good idea to charge it overnight to ensure it’s ready for the next day. The charging process is relatively quick, so you don't need to leave it on the charger for hours. The battery life is generally consistent. It does depend on how you use the watch. If you're constantly using apps, making calls, or using GPS, it will drain faster. On the other hand, if you only use it for basic notifications and activity tracking, it will last longer.
Battery Tips
To maximize the battery life of your Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm), there are a few things you can do. First, turn off features that you don’t need, like the always-on display or background app refresh. These features consume extra battery power. Second, dim the screen brightness. A brighter screen drains the battery faster. Third, limit your use of GPS. GPS is a power-hungry feature. When using GPS, the battery will drain faster. To maximize the battery life, you can also consider turning on Power Reserve mode. In Power Reserve mode, the watch will only show the time, and it will disable most other features. This can significantly extend the battery life in an emergency. Keep in mind that the battery health degrades over time. After a few years of use, the battery life will likely be shorter than when you first bought the watch. You can check the battery health in the watch settings. If the battery life is significantly shorter than when you first bought it, you might consider getting the battery replaced.
WatchOS and App Ecosystem: A Wide Range of Apps
The Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) runs on watchOS, and it still provides access to a pretty good app ecosystem. There are tons of apps available on the App Store that are optimized for the Apple Watch. You can find apps for fitness, news, music, productivity, and more. While the selection might not be as vast as on your iPhone, there's still a decent variety. Apple keeps updating the watchOS, so you will still be able to install and update apps from the App Store. Some apps might be slow to load because of the older processor, but in most cases, they work just fine. Overall, you'll find plenty of apps to enhance your experience. You can even control your smart home devices, listen to podcasts, and more, right from your wrist.
watchOS has a clean and easy-to-navigate interface. You can access apps quickly from the home screen, and the Digital Crown makes it easy to scroll through menus and adjust settings. Apple has done a great job of refining the user experience over the years, and even on an older watch, it’s still enjoyable. You can customize the watch faces to display the information that’s most important to you. You can choose from various complications to show your activity rings, the weather, your calendar events, and more.
Value for Money: Is It Worth Buying Now?
So, the million-dollar question: is the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) worth buying today? Well, that depends. If you're on a tight budget and want to experience the Apple Watch ecosystem without breaking the bank, then it could be a viable option. You can often find it at a significantly lower price than the latest models, making it an accessible entry point into the world of smartwatches. However, you'll need to consider the trade-offs. You're missing out on some of the newer features, and the performance might not be as snappy as on newer models.
If you're a first-time smartwatch buyer and don't need all the bells and whistles, the Series 3 can be a great starting point. It's a capable device that covers the basics, offering fitness tracking, notifications, and more. However, if you're looking for the best performance and the latest features, it's worth considering the newer Apple Watch models or even other smartwatch brands. The Series 3 is still a good value for the price. You get a lot of features for the money, especially if you can find it on sale.
Comparing to Newer Models
When comparing the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) to newer models, you have to look at the features and performance. Newer models offer better processors, faster performance, and a smoother user experience. They also have additional features like an always-on display, ECG, and blood oxygen monitoring. However, you'll pay a premium for those features. The Series 3 might be a better value if you're not concerned about having the latest and greatest features. Keep in mind that the Series 3 is still a capable smartwatch that covers the basics. It can track your fitness, monitor your heart rate, and show you notifications.
Also, consider your budget. The newer models are more expensive, and the Series 3 is a great budget option. If you're willing to sacrifice some of the features and performance, then the Series 3 can be a good choice.
Final Verdict: Is It for You?
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) is a bit like a reliable old friend. It's not the flashiest or most feature-packed smartwatch out there, but it still gets the job done. It's a great option if you're on a budget and want to experience the Apple Watch ecosystem. However, if you're after the latest features and top-of-the-line performance, then you might want to consider newer models. Overall, the Series 3 is still a decent smartwatch, and it can be a good value for the price. If you can snag one at a good price, it's definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Affordable
- Stylish design
- Solid build quality
- Swim-proof
- Good battery life (for its age)
- Access to the Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Slower performance compared to newer models
- No always-on display
- Lacks some advanced health features
- Smaller screen real estate
Thanks for tuning in! Hope you enjoyed the review. Let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to like and subscribe for more tech reviews! Peace out!