Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) Review: Still Worth It?
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm). This is a classic, guys, and even though it's been around for a while, a lot of people are still curious about it. Is it still worth your hard-earned cash? We're going to break down everything from the design and features to the performance and battery life to help you decide. Buckle up, because we're about to get into it!
Design and Build Quality
Let's start with the look and feel. The Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) boasts a sleek and familiar design. Itâs got that signature Apple aesthetic, with rounded corners and a minimalist approach. The 38mm size is the smaller of the two original sizes, making it a great choice for those with smaller wrists or anyone who prefers a more discreet smartwatch. It's really comfortable to wear all day long, and it's light enough that you'll barely notice it's there. The build quality is excellent, as you'd expect from Apple. It's made from durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. You get an aluminum case, which feels premium and is surprisingly resistant to scratches and bumps.
One thing that really stands out is how simple and clean the design is. The Digital Crown and side button are perfectly placed for easy navigation. The Digital Crown is super intuitive for scrolling and zooming, and the side button is your go-to for opening apps and accessing the dock. The display itself is bright and vibrant, even in direct sunlight. While it's not the biggest screen in the world, it's perfectly adequate for checking notifications, reading messages, and tracking your workouts. The overall impression is one of quality and sophistication. It doesn't feel dated, despite its age. It looks and feels like a well-crafted piece of tech, and it's designed to blend seamlessly into your lifestyle. The variety of band options available is also a huge plus. You can easily swap out bands to match your style or activity. Whether you're into a sporty look with a silicone band or something more elegant with a leather strap, there's a band for everyone. The Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) is a solid piece of hardware that continues to impress with its design and build quality, and it can survive almost any situation. It is proof that a timeless design will always be relevant.
Features and Functionality
Alright, let's talk about what this watch can do. The Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) packs a surprising punch when it comes to features. Sure, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the latest models, but it still delivers a comprehensive smartwatch experience. One of the core features is fitness tracking. It accurately tracks your workouts, whether you're running, swimming, cycling, or doing something else entirely. It monitors your heart rate, steps, and activity levels throughout the day, providing valuable insights into your health and fitness.
You also get notifications from your iPhone, so you can stay connected without constantly pulling out your phone. You can read texts, answer calls (if you have the cellular version), and even respond to messages directly from your wrist. It's incredibly convenient, especially when you're on the go. The watchOS experience is smooth and intuitive. The interface is easy to navigate, and the apps are well-designed. Apple Pay is another awesome feature. You can make payments with a simple tap of your wrist, making it super convenient when you're out and about. It's secure and easy to use, and it's a great way to ditch your wallet. It's like having your phone on your wrist. The watch integrates perfectly with the Apple ecosystem, syncing seamlessly with your iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices. The ability to control your music, take calls, and use Siri adds a lot of value. Siri is surprisingly responsive on the Series 3, allowing you to quickly get information, set reminders, or control smart home devices. Another important feature is the water resistance. The Series 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, meaning you can wear it while swimming or showering without any worries. And finally, the app ecosystem is excellent. There are tons of apps available in the Apple Watch App Store, covering everything from fitness and productivity to games and entertainment. The Series 3 offers a powerful set of features. It does a lot of the things you'd expect from a modern smartwatch, and it does them well. You can stay connected, track your fitness, and get things done, all from your wrist. For those that are Apple users, it's even more crucial.
Performance and Battery Life
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does this thing perform? The Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) is powered by an S3 SiP (System in Package) with a dual-core processor. Now, this isn't the fastest chip on the market, but it gets the job done. The watch handles everyday tasks, like checking notifications, opening apps, and navigating the interface, smoothly and without any major lag.
Of course, there might be a slight delay when you're opening more demanding apps or switching between tasks, but it's generally not a deal-breaker. The performance is more than adequate for most users. As for battery life, the Series 3 can typically last for a full day of use. Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life, and in my experience, that's pretty accurate. If you're a heavy user, who tracks workouts frequently or uses the watch's cellular capabilities, you might need to charge it before the end of the day. But for most users, a full day of use is easily achievable. Charging the watch is also straightforward. It comes with a magnetic charging cable that snaps easily onto the back of the watch. It takes a couple of hours to fully charge the battery. This is an improvement for most of the newer models, but still holds the value of its own. It's not the longest battery life on the market, but it's sufficient for most users. The performance is solid, and the battery life is decent. The Series 3 strikes a good balance between features, performance, and battery life. It is still a good performer for its age. The core features are not affected and work as expected. The performance is something to consider, but it's not a major factor for most users.
Value for Money and Final Verdict
Okay, so the big question: is the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) still worth the money? Well, it depends. If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch and you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem, then the answer is a resounding yes. The Series 3 offers a lot of value for its price. You get a great design, a solid set of features, and a reliable performance. However, if you are looking for the absolute latest features, the fastest performance, and the longest battery life, then you might want to consider a newer model. The Apple Watch SE or the Apple Watch Series 8 offer a much greater overall experience.
But for those on a budget, or those who are new to smartwatches, the Series 3 is still a great option. It's a reliable and capable smartwatch that will get the job done. The older models are less expensive. But it does come with some compromises, of course. You won't get the always-on display, the newer sensors, or the faster processing speeds of the newer models. The screen size is also smaller than the newer models, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Apple Watch Series 3 (38mm) comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you're looking for a basic smartwatch that gets the job done and you don't want to spend a fortune, then the Series 3 is a great choice. But if you're looking for the best of the best, with all the latest features, then you should consider a newer model. If you already have an iPhone, this watch will fit perfectly in your life and become a new necessity. It is the best choice for you if you are looking to enter the world of smartwatches.