The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm, first introduced in 2017, has remained one of the most accessible and reliable smartwatches in the Apple ecosystem. Despite the release of newer and more advanced models, the Series 3 still offers essential features for users looking for an affordable, compact wearable that integrates seamlessly with their iPhone. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at what the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm offers and why it continues to be a popular choice.
Design and Build Quality
The
Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is designed to be compact and sleek, making it an ideal choice for those with smaller wrists or users who prefer a more discreet wearable. It features a lightweight aluminum case available in silver or space gray, both of which give the watch a stylish and minimalist aesthetic. The smaller 38mm screen size is perfect for users who prefer a more compact display without compromising functionality.
The build quality of the Series 3 is robust, thanks to the Ion-X glass that protects the display from scratches and damage. While it doesn’t offer the sapphire crystal found in higher-end models like the stainless steel versions of the Apple Watch, the Ion-X glass is durable enough for everyday use.
Display
The 38mm version of the Apple Watch Series 3 comes with a 1.5-inch OLED Retina display that is bright, sharp, and easily viewable in various lighting conditions. Although it lacks the always-on display feature found in newer models, the raise-to-wake function works efficiently. The resolution of 272×340 pixels provides clear and crisp visuals, making it easy to read text, view notifications, and navigate through apps.
For users who prefer a smartwatch that’s small yet functional, the 38mm display size provides a great balance between screen real estate and comfort on the wrist. While the text may appear slightly smaller than on larger models, the display remains responsive and clear.
Performance and Processing Power
Under the hood, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is powered by the S3 dual-core processor, which was a significant upgrade at the time of its release. This processor allows for smooth navigation through watchOS, Apple’s dedicated operating system for their smartwatches. Although it may not be as fast as the latest chips found in Series 7 or Series 8 models, the S3 chip still delivers reliable performance for most everyday tasks.
The Series 3 can handle app switching, fitness tracking, notifications, and even streaming music without major hiccups. While it’s not designed for power users who want the absolute latest technology, it still holds up well for users seeking an affordable and reliable smartwatch.
watchOS and Features
One of the key strengths of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is that it runs on watchOS, the same operating system that powers the latest Apple Watches. This means it has access to a wide range of apps and software updates, ensuring that users can continue to enjoy new features and improvements over time.
Although some of the more advanced features introduced in later versions of watchOS—like blood oxygen monitoring and ECG—aren’t available on the Series 3, it still offers plenty of functionality. Users can take advantage of notifications, messaging, phone calls (when connected to an iPhone), and Siri voice commands. Siri integration allows users to set reminders, check the weather, send texts, and more, all with voice commands.
Fitness and Health Tracking
For users looking for a wearable that helps with fitness goals, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is an excellent choice. It comes equipped with a heart rate monitor that tracks your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. The watch also supports a variety of workout types, including running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and strength training. Whether you’re an athlete or simply trying to stay active, the Series 3 can help you track your progress and reach your fitness goals.
One standout feature is the watch’s water resistance, which allows users to swim or shower with the device without worry. The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it ideal for swimmers and those who engage in water-based activities.
The Series 3 also supports Apple’s signature Activity Rings, which motivate users to stay active by encouraging them to meet their daily movement, exercise, and standing goals. It’s a great way to stay mindful of your daily physical activity and make healthy choices.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is rated at up to 18 hours on a single charge. This is sufficient for a full day of normal use, which includes activity tracking, notifications, and a few short workouts. However, heavy use of GPS or cellular functions (if you have the LTE version) may reduce the battery life slightly.
For users who don’t need to wear the watch 24/7, the battery life of the Series 3 should be more than enough to get through a typical day without needing a recharge. If you plan on using it for tracking sleep, you may need to charge it briefly during the day to ensure it lasts through the night.
Cellular Connectivity
One of the most compelling features introduced with the Series 3 was optional cellular connectivity. While not all versions of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm have cellular capabilities, those that do allow users to make phone calls, send texts, and use apps independently of their iPhone. This is particularly useful for people who want the freedom to leave their phone behind while staying connected.
However, it’s important to note that using cellular connectivity can drain the battery faster, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re relying on the feature regularly.
Price and Affordability
One of the main reasons the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm continues to be a popular choice is its affordability. With the release of newer Apple Watch models, the price of the Series 3 has dropped significantly, making it one of the most budget-friendly smartwatches in Apple’s lineup. This makes it an excellent entry point for people who are new to smartwatches or want to experience the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank.
Despite its lower price, the Series 3 offers a robust set of features, making it a great value for users who don’t need the latest technology but still want a functional and stylish smartwatch.
Comparison to Newer Models
When compared to newer models like the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, and 8, the Series 3 lacks some advanced features such as the always-on display, ECG monitoring, and blood oxygen sensors. Additionally, the newer models feature faster processors and larger displays.
However, for users who don’t require those cutting-edge features, the Series 3 remains a solid option. It offers all the essential smartwatch functions at a fraction of the cost, making it a great choice for users focused on fitness tracking, notifications, and staying connected.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm continues to be a reliable and affordable smartwatch for users who want to experience the benefits of wearable technology without investing in the latest models. With a compact design, solid performance, and essential fitness tracking features, the Series 3 is perfect for casual users or those entering the Apple Watch ecosystem for the first time.
