Apple Watch Series 3: Still a Relevant Gadget in the Modern Era?

The Apple Watch Series 3, despite being several generations old, remains a surprisingly capable smartwatch. It can still perform many of the core functions that make the Apple Watch ecosystem so appealing: track your fitness, receive notifications, make calls, play music, and run basic apps. While it lacks some of the advanced health features and raw processing power of newer models, its affordability and functionality make it a viable option for budget-conscious consumers or those new to the smartwatch world.

Diving Deeper: What Makes the Series 3 Tick?

The Apple Watch Series 3, launched in 2017, introduced several key improvements over its predecessors. Most notably, it brought cellular connectivity to the Apple Watch line, allowing users to leave their iPhone at home while still staying connected. Let’s break down the core functionalities in more detail:

• Fitness Tracking: This is where the Series 3 shines. It meticulously tracks your steps, calories burned, distance traveled, and active minutes. The built-in heart rate sensor provides continuous monitoring, enabling features like high and low heart rate notifications. You can also use it to track a wide range of workouts, from running and cycling to swimming and yoga. The activity rings – Move, Exercise, and Stand – encourage you to stay active throughout the day, and the watch provides personalized coaching to help you reach your goals.

• Notifications and Communication: Staying connected is effortless with the Series 3. You’ll receive notifications for calls, texts, emails, and app alerts directly on your wrist. You can answer calls, reply to messages (using dictation or pre-written responses), and even make phone calls directly from your watch (if you have the cellular model).

• Music and Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite tunes on the go. You can sync music from your Apple Music library to the watch and listen via Bluetooth headphones. While storage is limited compared to newer models, it’s still sufficient for a decent playlist or two. The Series 3 also supports podcasts and audiobooks.

• Apps and Watch Faces: The Apple Watch Series 3 supports a vast library of apps available through the App Store. While some apps may not run as smoothly as on newer models, you can still access essential apps for weather, news, productivity, and more. Furthermore, you can customize your watch face with a variety of complications (small widgets) to display information that matters most to you.

• Apple Pay: Make contactless payments with Apple Pay directly from your wrist. Simply double-click the side button and hold your watch near the contactless payment terminal. It’s a convenient and secure way to pay for goods and services.

Limitations to Consider

While the Series 3 offers a respectable set of features, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations:

• Older Processor: The S3 chip, while capable, is significantly slower than the processors in newer Apple Watch models. This can result in lag and slower app loading times.

• Limited Storage: The internal storage is relatively small, which can restrict the number of apps and music you can store on the watch.

• No Advanced Health Features: The Series 3 lacks features like ECG (electrocardiogram) monitoring, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement, and fall detection (although limited fall detection is available). These features are present in newer Apple Watch models.

• Battery Life: While still decent, the battery life of the Series 3 isn’t as impressive as newer models. Expect to charge it daily, especially if you use cellular connectivity frequently.

Is the Apple Watch Series 3 Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy an Apple Watch Series 3 depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for an affordable entry point into the Apple Watch ecosystem and primarily need basic fitness tracking, notifications, and communication features, the Series 3 could be a good option. However, if you prioritize speed, advanced health features, and longer battery life, you’re better off investing in a newer model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the Apple Watch Series 3 still get software updates?

Yes, the Apple Watch Series 3 still receives software updates, although the update process can be slower than on newer models due to its older processor. Support for the Series 3 is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

2. Can the Apple Watch Series 3 make phone calls without an iPhone nearby?

Yes, the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 3 can make phone calls without being connected to an iPhone, as long as it has a cellular connection. The GPS version requires the iPhone to be nearby for calls.

3. Is the Apple Watch Series 3 waterproof?

The Apple Watch Series 3 is water resistant to 50 meters, meaning it’s suitable for swimming in a pool or ocean. However, it’s not recommended for high-speed water sports or diving activities.

4. How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch Series 3?

The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 3 typically lasts around 18 hours with moderate use. However, battery life can vary depending on usage patterns and settings. Heavy use of cellular connectivity and GPS will significantly drain the battery.

5. Can I use the Apple Watch Series 3 with an Android phone?

No, the Apple Watch Series 3 is designed to work exclusively with iPhones. It cannot be paired or used with Android devices.

6. Does the Apple Watch Series 3 have GPS?

Yes, all models of the Apple Watch Series 3 have built-in GPS, allowing you to track your location and distance during workouts even without your iPhone.

7. What are the main differences between the GPS and Cellular versions of the Apple Watch Series 3?

The primary difference is the ability to connect to a cellular network. The Cellular version can make calls, send messages, and stream music without being connected to an iPhone. The GPS version requires an iPhone nearby for these functionalities.

8. Can I use Apple Pay on the Apple Watch Series 3?

Yes, the Apple Watch Series 3 supports Apple Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments securely and conveniently.

9. How much storage does the Apple Watch Series 3 have?

The Apple Watch Series 3 typically comes with 8GB or 16GB of internal storage, depending on the model.

10. What kind of workout tracking does the Apple Watch Series 3 offer?

The Apple Watch Series 3 tracks a wide range of workouts, including running, walking, cycling, swimming, elliptical, rowing, and more. It provides detailed metrics such as distance, pace, heart rate, and calories burned.

11. Can I change the watch band on the Apple Watch Series 3?

Yes, the Apple Watch Series 3 uses a standard band attachment mechanism, allowing you to easily swap out bands for different styles and occasions.

12. Is it worth buying an Apple Watch Series 3 in [Current Year]?

If you’re on a very tight budget and primarily need basic fitness tracking and notifications, the Series 3 can still be a viable option. However, consider that newer models offer significantly improved performance, features, and long-term support. Weigh your priorities and budget carefully before making a decision.