Apple Watch Series 3 Review

Editors' Note: Following the launch of the Apple Watch Series 5, the Apple Watch Series 3 now costs $199 for the GPS model and $299 for the cellular model. Apple is no longer selling the Series 1, Series 2, and Series 4 watches.

The Series 3 is compatible with the latest watchOS 6, which brings a dedicated App Store to the watch itself, although some software updates, like the new Noise app, are only available on the Series 4 or higher. While the Series 3 also lacks features from newer models like an always-on display, an ECG 

sensor, and fall detection, its $199 price makes it an excellent starter smartwatch for iPhone users, and it remains worthy of its initial 4-star rating. Our original review is below.

The Apple Watch is far and away the most popular smartwatch out there, so the company isn't trying to reinvent the wheel with the new Series 3. The two biggest changes are an increased focus on fitness, and a version with built-in cellular connectivity so you can stay connected even when your phone isn't 

around. It's quite expensive at $399 for the cellular model, and battery life takes a big hit when using LTE. But it's one of the best attempts at a truly standalone smartwatch we've seen if you're willing to deal with those trade-offs.

Apple has managed to cram LTE capability and a faster dual-core processor into the Series 3 without adding much bulk. The watch's case is the same size as the Series 2, while the back has been extended by a negligible 0.25mm—the thickness of two sheets of paper. The display itself is a multi-frequency

 

 antenna, and Apple has opted for an integrated eSIM card instead of a slot for a removable card to keep things slim. It also adds a new W2 wireless chip, which it says makes for faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speeds and better power efficiency.

When you compare the Series 3 with the LG Watch Sport, the difference is astounding. The Watch Sport is far too bulky for everyday wear or exercise. The Apple Watch doesn't particularly disappear on your wrist like a Timex, but next to LG's model, it looks positively petite.

The only noticeable design change from previous models is a red dot on the digital crown. There's no real reason for it—it just indicates that you have the LTE version (the GPS-only model has the same plain crown as the Series 1 and Series 2). As in previous models, there's a separate button below the 

crown. And like the Series 2, the Series 3 is water resistant, so you can use it in the pool (though Apple doesn't recommend submersion below shallow depths).