Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) Review: Still Worth It?
Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm). Yep, the one that's been around for a while, but is it still holding its own in today's smartwatch game? We're going to break down everything from its design and features to its performance and value proposition. So, if you're considering snagging one or just curious, stick around – this Apple Watch Series 3 38mm review is for you.
Design and Build Quality
Alright, let's talk about the look and feel, shall we? The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm sports a sleek, minimalist design that has become a hallmark of Apple's wearables. Its square watch face with rounded corners is instantly recognizable, and it has a certain timeless appeal. The 38mm size, as the name suggests, is the smaller of the two sizes offered by Apple, making it a great fit for those with smaller wrists or anyone who prefers a more discreet look. It's super lightweight, too, so you won't even notice it's there during your daily activities.
The build quality is pretty solid, with an aluminum case that feels sturdy and durable. It can definitely withstand the bumps and scrapes of everyday life. The display is covered with Ion-X glass, which provides decent scratch resistance, although, it's always a good idea to be mindful of potential damage. You can choose from various band options, including sport bands, nylon bands, and leather straps, allowing you to personalize the watch to match your style. Apple's band system is easy to use, letting you switch up your look in seconds. The Digital Crown and side button are well-placed and responsive, providing intuitive navigation throughout the watch's interface. Overall, the design is clean, functional, and very Apple – simple and elegant. If you're after a smartwatch that doesn't scream for attention, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm fits the bill perfectly. It's a classic design that has aged gracefully, still looking modern and stylish even years after its initial release. The comfort is also a huge plus, making it easy to wear all day and night. Plus, the variety of available bands gives you the flexibility to adapt its appearance for any occasion, from workouts to formal events. This watch proves that good design is timeless.
Durability and Water Resistance
When it comes to durability, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is pretty robust. The aluminum case is built to withstand the rigors of daily wear, and the Ion-X glass offers a good level of scratch resistance. It can handle the occasional bump or accidental scrape without a problem. While it's not indestructible, it's definitely designed to last. The Apple Watch Series 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, meaning you can wear it while swimming in the pool or even in the ocean. Just avoid using it while diving or participating in high-velocity water sports. The water resistance is a major plus, as it allows you to wear your watch during workouts, in the shower, or while simply washing your hands without worrying about damaging it. This adds a lot of convenience to everyday use. Apple's attention to detail ensures that the watch is sealed properly to prevent water from entering. Overall, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a durable and reliable companion, capable of handling the demands of an active lifestyle. Its robust build and water resistance features make it a practical choice for those who want a smartwatch that can keep up with their daily activities.
Features and Functionality
Okay, let's talk about what this watch can actually do. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm packs a surprising amount of features into its compact frame. It's got all the basics covered – notifications, calls, and texts. You'll get notifications from your iPhone, and you can answer calls directly from your wrist (if you opt for the cellular model) or respond to texts using pre-set replies, dictation, or the Scribble feature. This is super handy when you're on the go and can't always reach for your phone. Fitness tracking is where the Apple Watch Series 3 shines. It monitors your activity throughout the day, tracks your workouts, and motivates you to move more. It monitors your heart rate, tracks steps, and counts calories burned. The built-in GPS is a huge plus, allowing you to track your runs and outdoor activities without needing your phone. There are dedicated workout modes for various activities, including running, swimming, cycling, and more.
What sets the Apple Watch Series 3 apart is its integration with the Apple ecosystem. It syncs seamlessly with your iPhone, Apple Music, and other Apple services. You can control your music, make payments with Apple Pay (if supported in your region), and access Siri for voice commands. It's like having a mini-iPhone on your wrist. The watch runs on watchOS, Apple's operating system designed specifically for the Apple Watch. The interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making navigation a breeze. You can customize the watch face with various complications, such as your calendar, activity rings, and heart rate. There are thousands of apps available in the App Store, allowing you to expand the functionality of your watch. From productivity apps to games and travel tools, there's something for everyone. The seamless integration with other Apple devices is a huge plus, making it easy to stay connected and productive. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm might not have all the bells and whistles of the latest models, but it does a fantastic job of providing a well-rounded smartwatch experience. It covers all the essential functions and offers a user-friendly interface that makes it a joy to use. The fitness tracking features are solid, and the integration with Apple services adds extra convenience. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone who simply wants to stay connected, the Apple Watch Series 3 has a lot to offer. For those on a budget or looking for a reliable and functional smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm remains a solid choice.
Health and Fitness Tracking
If you're into fitness, listen up! The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm has got you covered. It's got a heart rate sensor that continuously monitors your heart rate throughout the day, providing valuable insights into your cardiovascular health. It can also detect irregular heart rhythms and alert you to potential issues. The watch tracks your activity levels, including steps taken, calories burned, and active minutes. The activity rings – move, exercise, and stand – are a great way to motivate you to stay active and achieve your fitness goals. The built-in GPS allows you to track your outdoor workouts, such as running, walking, and cycling, without needing to carry your phone. This is a game-changer for those who like to exercise outdoors.
There are a variety of workout modes to choose from, catering to different activities, including swimming, yoga, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It provides detailed metrics for each workout, such as distance, pace, heart rate zones, and calories burned. You can set goals and track your progress over time. The watch also offers personalized coaching and recommendations to help you improve your fitness. The Apple Watch Series 3 also boasts water resistance up to 50 meters, meaning you can wear it while swimming and track your swim workouts. The health features of the Apple Watch Series 3 aren't just about tracking; they're about helping you understand your body and stay healthy. It is a fantastic tool to have on your wrist. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is a great choice for those who are serious about their health and fitness. Its accurate tracking, variety of workout modes, and personalized insights will help you stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals.
Performance and Battery Life
Alright, let's talk about how the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm actually performs. Powered by the S3 chip, the Series 3 offers decent performance for everyday tasks. Navigating the interface is smooth, apps load quickly, and notifications appear instantly. However, it's worth noting that it's not as snappy as the newer Apple Watch models.
The battery life is another important aspect. With typical use, including notifications, workout tracking, and occasional calls, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm can easily last a full day. You can expect around 18 hours of battery life. However, if you're using GPS for extended workout sessions, the battery life will drain faster. Charging is done through a magnetic charging cable that attaches to the back of the watch. Charging from 0% to 100% takes approximately 2 hours.
Speed and Responsiveness
When it comes to speed and responsiveness, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is pretty good, but it's not the fastest watch on the market. The S3 chip handles most tasks with ease, but you might notice some occasional lag when switching between apps or running more demanding applications. This is especially true compared to the newer Apple Watch models, which have more powerful processors. However, for everyday use, such as checking notifications, tracking workouts, and making calls, the watch performs adequately. The interface is generally smooth, and the responsiveness is good enough for most users. If you are a power user and demand super-fast performance, you might want to consider a newer model. Overall, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm offers a decent performance for its price point. It's fast enough for most users and can handle the essential tasks without any major issues.
Battery Efficiency
Battery life is one of the most important aspects of any smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm offers a decent battery life for its age. With typical use, you can expect the battery to last a full day. This means you can wear the watch all day and still have some battery life left at the end of the day. The battery life can vary depending on how you use the watch. If you're using GPS for extended workout sessions or making a lot of calls, the battery will drain faster. However, for most users, the battery life is sufficient. The watch comes with a magnetic charging cable that easily attaches to the back of the watch. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge the watch from 0%. The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is an advantage, making it a reliable companion for daily activities. Overall, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm offers good battery efficiency. It is important to remember that battery performance can degrade over time. If you find that the battery life is not what it used to be, you might consider replacing the battery or upgrading to a newer model.
Software and User Experience
Let's get into the software side of things, shall we? The Apple Watch Series 3 runs on watchOS, which provides a user-friendly and intuitive experience. The interface is easy to navigate, with a simple swipe and tap system. The Digital Crown allows for smooth scrolling, and the side button provides quick access to frequently used features. The watchOS offers a wide range of features, including fitness tracking, health monitoring, and communication tools. You can receive notifications, make calls, send texts, and control your music. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm seamlessly integrates with your iPhone and other Apple devices, making it easy to stay connected. The Apple App Store offers a variety of apps, allowing you to expand the watch's functionality. You can download apps for fitness, productivity, travel, and more. Apple regularly releases software updates, adding new features and improving performance. This is what keeps the watch feeling fresh and modern. The user interface is clean, organized, and easy to understand. Apple's design philosophy is evident in every aspect of the software, making the watch a pleasure to use. If you appreciate a well-designed, user-friendly interface, you will enjoy the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm experience. The intuitive software and seamless integration with your Apple devices make it a great option for Apple users.
WatchOS and its Features
WatchOS is the operating system that powers the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm, and it's packed with features. The main focus is on providing a user-friendly and intuitive experience. The interface is clean, organized, and easy to navigate. You can swipe, tap, and use the Digital Crown to scroll through menus and interact with apps. One of the primary features of watchOS is its health and fitness tracking capabilities. It monitors your activity throughout the day, tracks your workouts, and provides detailed insights into your health. The activity rings—Move, Exercise, and Stand—motivate you to stay active and reach your fitness goals. You can also track your heart rate, set goals, and view your progress in the Activity app. WatchOS also offers a comprehensive suite of communication tools. You can receive notifications from your iPhone, make and receive calls, and send and receive text messages. You can use pre-set replies, dictation, or the Scribble feature to respond to messages. The Apple Watch Series 3 also integrates with other Apple services, such as Apple Music and Apple Pay. You can control your music directly from your wrist, make payments with Apple Pay, and access Siri for voice commands. It is easy to customize the watch face with various complications, allowing you to access the information you need at a glance. You can add complications for your calendar, weather, activity rings, and heart rate. WatchOS is constantly evolving, with Apple regularly releasing software updates to add new features and improve performance. Overall, watchOS is a well-designed operating system that provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. It's packed with features, making the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm a versatile and functional smartwatch.
Ecosystem Integration
One of the biggest strengths of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. If you're already an iPhone user, the watch will feel like a natural extension of your device. The watch syncs effortlessly with your iPhone, allowing you to receive notifications, make calls, send texts, and control your music. The watch is fully compatible with Apple services. The seamless integration means you can easily access your data, settings, and apps across all your devices. The integration is super easy to set up. Pairing the watch with your iPhone is a quick and straightforward process. Once paired, you can manage your watch settings, customize your watch face, and install apps directly from your iPhone. The integration allows for data syncing between your watch and your other Apple devices, ensuring your information is always up to date. The Apple Watch Series 3 also works with other Apple products, such as AirPods, allowing you to easily switch between devices and enjoy a seamless audio experience. Overall, the integration with the Apple ecosystem is a major advantage of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm. It's a key reason why it's a great option for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem. It makes using the watch a breeze and enhances the overall user experience. This easy integration makes the Apple Watch Series 3 an excellent choice for users of iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products.
Value for Money and Competition
Alright, let's talk about the price tag and the competition. Considering it's a few years old, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is now available at a more affordable price point. This makes it an attractive option for those on a budget or for people who are new to smartwatches. While the Series 3 doesn't have all the latest features of newer models, it still offers a solid smartwatch experience at a reasonable cost. In terms of competition, the smartwatch market is filled with options. Samsung's Galaxy Watch series is a strong contender, offering similar features and a more streamlined design. There are also many other brands that offer great alternatives. The Apple Watch Series 3 has one of the best integrated ecosystems out there. Other smartwatches may have some of the same features, but don't integrate the same way with your devices. Choosing the right smartwatch depends on your needs and preferences. However, if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm still offers great value for the price. The ease of use, seamless integration, and reliable performance make it a worthy investment. Consider your needs, budget, and desired features to make the best choice. Overall, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is worth considering for the price. If you want a good smartwatch, don't miss this opportunity.
Pricing and Alternatives
When it comes to value for money, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is still a solid contender, especially at its current price point. You can often find it at a discounted price, making it an excellent option for those looking for a smartwatch without breaking the bank. The Series 3 offers a lot of features for the price, including fitness tracking, health monitoring, and communication tools. You can now get one for a price that won't make your wallet cry. When it comes to alternatives, the smartwatch market is full of choices. Samsung's Galaxy Watch series offers a similar range of features and a sleek design, and it’s a direct competitor to Apple's Watch. Other brands, such as Fitbit, offer fitness-focused smartwatches with different features and price points. The Apple Watch Series 3 has the advantage of seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. The choice of smartwatch often comes down to personal preference. If you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is a great choice. The Apple ecosystem is amazing. Consider what features are most important to you and compare the options to make the best choice. This makes the Apple Watch Series 3 a compelling option.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
So, is the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm still worth it in 2024? The answer depends on your needs and expectations. If you are looking for an affordable smartwatch with a simple design, reliable performance, and great integration with the Apple ecosystem, then yes, it's still a good buy. You'll get all the essential smartwatch features, plus solid fitness tracking, at a reasonable price.
However, if you're looking for the latest and greatest features, a faster processor, a larger display, and more advanced health tracking capabilities, you might want to consider newer models like the Series 7 or SE. But if you are on a tight budget or you don't need all the latest bells and whistles, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm still has a lot to offer. For many users, it's a great choice. It's a reliable, user-friendly, and functional smartwatch that provides excellent value for the money. If you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use smartwatch that does what it's supposed to do, then the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is worth considering. The choice is yours!