Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Review: Still Worth It?

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Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Review: Still Worth It?

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into a classic: the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm. Released back in 2017, this smartwatch might seem a bit old in the rapidly evolving tech world. But, here's the kicker: it's still available, and many folks are wondering if it's still a viable option. In this in-depth review, we'll explore every nook and cranny of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm, discussing its features, performance, and whether it holds up in today's market. We'll be looking at its design, the user experience, fitness tracking capabilities, and of course, its overall value proposition. So, if you're considering snagging one of these or are just curious, buckle up. We're about to find out if the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is still worth your hard-earned cash. This smartwatch has made a name for itself, and while newer models like the Series 7 and Series 8 boast advanced features, the Series 3 has its own unique charm, primarily due to its affordability and simplicity. So, is it a smart buy in 2024? Let's find out, shall we?

Design and Build Quality

First impressions matter, right? The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm sports a design that, while now familiar, was quite sleek and stylish back in its day. The 38mm model, in particular, is perfect for those with smaller wrists, offering a comfortable and unobtrusive fit. The casing is crafted from either aluminum or stainless steel, giving it a premium feel, though the aluminum version is the more common and budget-friendly option. Its dimensions are compact, making it ideal for everyday wear, whether you're hitting the gym, heading to work, or just chilling at home. The design is clean and minimalist, with a rounded square display and a rotating Digital Crown on the side. This crown is not just for show; it's a key element of the user interface, allowing for easy navigation through menus and apps. You'll also find a side button for accessing the dock and other functions.

The build quality is pretty solid, as you'd expect from Apple. The materials feel durable, and the watch has a good weight to it. The display is protected by Ion-X glass, which provides decent scratch resistance, though you might still want to consider a screen protector for added peace of mind. The straps are interchangeable, meaning you can swap them out to match your style. Apple offers a wide variety of bands, from sport bands to leather loops, so you can easily customize your watch. While it might not boast the edge-to-edge display of newer models, the Series 3 still has a respectable screen that is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. One thing to keep in mind is that the bezels around the screen are a bit more pronounced compared to the latest generations, but honestly, it's not a deal-breaker. Overall, the design of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is timeless and functional, proving that good design endures. It’s a watch that seamlessly blends into your daily life without screaming for attention, a definite plus for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic. Considering its age, the fact that it still looks and feels good speaks volumes about Apple’s design philosophy.

Performance and User Experience

Let's talk about what makes the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm tick – its performance and user experience. Under the hood, the Series 3 is powered by the S3 SiP (System in Package) with a dual-core processor. While this chip is older, it still handles most tasks with reasonable speed. Navigating the watchOS interface is generally smooth, with quick app launches and transitions. However, there can be occasional slowdowns, especially when dealing with more demanding apps or running multiple processes simultaneously. The user experience is one of the Apple Watch's biggest strengths. The watchOS operating system is intuitive and easy to use. The Digital Crown and touchscreen work seamlessly together, making navigation a breeze. Notifications are handled efficiently, allowing you to quickly glance at messages, calls, and other alerts. You can also respond to texts using pre-set replies, voice dictation, or the Scribble feature, where you can draw letters on the screen with your finger.

The watch's haptic feedback is a standout feature, providing subtle yet effective notifications and interactions. The Taptic Engine delivers precise and satisfying taps, ensuring you don't miss important alerts. The Series 3 also supports Apple Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments with ease. This is a convenient feature that adds to the overall user experience. One area where the Series 3 might show its age is in app availability and responsiveness. While most popular apps are available, some might take longer to load or might not be as optimized as their counterparts on newer models. The 8GB of storage (in the GPS version) or 16GB (in the GPS + Cellular version) can also feel limited if you plan to store a lot of music or podcasts directly on the watch. Battery life is a crucial factor. Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life with typical use, but in real-world scenarios, it often falls short, especially if you're using GPS or cellular data. You can usually get a full day's use, but you'll likely need to charge it overnight. Overall, the performance and user experience of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm are still decent, but it's important to be aware of its limitations. It's a capable device for basic tasks, but power users might find it a bit sluggish compared to newer models.

Fitness Tracking and Health Features

For fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, let's explore the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm fitness tracking and health capabilities. The watch comes equipped with a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope, allowing it to track a variety of activities. It can monitor your workouts, measure your heart rate, and track your daily activity levels. The Activity app is a core part of the experience, providing three rings – Move, Exercise, and Stand – to help you stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals. The watch tracks your steps, calories burned, and active minutes, providing a comprehensive overview of your activity.

It supports a wide range of workout types, including running, swimming (it's water-resistant up to 50 meters), cycling, and more. The GPS version allows you to track your outdoor workouts without needing your iPhone nearby, while the cellular version provides even greater freedom. The heart rate sensor is fairly accurate, providing real-time heart rate data during workouts and monitoring your resting heart rate throughout the day. The watch can also detect high or low heart rates and alert you if something seems amiss. One notable health feature is the ability to track your sleep (though this is not natively supported by the watch, you'll need a third-party app). The Series 3 also includes fall detection, which can automatically call for help if it detects a hard fall and you're unresponsive. While the fitness tracking capabilities of the Series 3 are robust, there are a few limitations. It doesn't have advanced sensors like the ECG or blood oxygen monitoring found in newer models. The GPS can sometimes take a while to lock on, and the overall accuracy of the activity tracking might not be as precise as the latest models. Battery life can also take a hit if you're frequently using GPS during workouts. Despite these limitations, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm still offers a solid fitness tracking experience. It's a great tool for beginners and casual fitness enthusiasts who want to monitor their activity levels and stay motivated. It provides all the essential features needed to track your workouts and monitor your overall health.

Battery Life

Let’s get real about battery life – a crucial aspect of any smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is known for its decent, but not outstanding, battery performance. Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life with typical usage, but in practice, you might find it varies quite a bit depending on how you use the watch. During a typical day, which might include receiving notifications, checking the time, tracking some workouts with GPS (if you have the GPS model), and using a few apps, you can generally expect to get a full day's use out of it. However, if you're heavily using features like GPS, making calls (on the cellular model), or streaming music, the battery will drain much faster. It's not uncommon to find yourself needing to charge the watch before the end of the day if you are a heavy user.

One thing to note is that the battery life tends to degrade over time. As the watch ages, the battery capacity diminishes, leading to shorter runtimes. This is a common issue with all rechargeable devices, so it's something to keep in mind. Charging the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is done using a magnetic charging cable that attaches to the back of the watch. The charging speed is relatively slow compared to some of the newer smartwatches on the market. It takes about two hours to charge from 0% to 100%. The slow charging can be a bit of a nuisance, especially if you need to quickly top up your battery. If you are a heavy user or someone who likes to track your sleep, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm battery life might not be ideal. You'll likely need to charge it overnight, which means you won't be able to track your sleep. Compared to more modern smartwatches, the Series 3's battery life is a notable drawback. Newer models like the Series 7 and Series 8 offer significantly better battery performance, often lasting up to 36 hours or even longer in low-power modes. If battery life is a top priority for you, the Series 3 might not be the best choice. However, if you are a light to moderate user and don't mind charging it daily, it can still serve your needs.

Is the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Worth Buying in 2024?

So, the million-dollar question: is the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm worth buying in 2024? This is a tricky one, and the answer really depends on your needs, budget, and expectations. Let's break it down to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

  • Affordability: The biggest advantage of the Series 3 is its price. It is significantly cheaper than newer Apple Watch models, making it an accessible option for those on a budget.
  • Good Basic Features: It offers all the essential smartwatch features, like notifications, fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and Apple Pay.
  • Compact Design: The 38mm size is ideal for those with smaller wrists, providing a comfortable and unobtrusive fit.
  • User-Friendly Interface: watchOS is intuitive and easy to use, providing a smooth user experience.

Cons:

  • Older Processor: The S3 SiP can sometimes feel a bit sluggish compared to newer models, with occasional lag.
  • Limited Storage: The 8GB or 16GB of storage might not be enough if you plan to store a lot of music or apps.
  • Shorter Battery Life: The battery life is decent for daily use, but it's not as good as newer models and can drain quickly with heavy use.
  • No Advanced Features: It lacks some of the advanced features found in newer models, such as the ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and larger displays.

Who Should Buy It?

The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is a great choice for:

  • First-time smartwatch buyers: If you're new to smartwatches and want to try one without spending a fortune, the Series 3 is a good entry point.
  • Budget-conscious users: If you're looking for a smartwatch on a tight budget, the Series 3 offers excellent value for money.
  • Users with basic needs: If you only need essential features like notifications, fitness tracking, and Apple Pay, the Series 3 will suffice.
  • Those with smaller wrists: The 38mm size is perfect for people who prefer a smaller, more comfortable watch.

Who Should Avoid It?

You might want to avoid the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm if:

  • You want the latest features: If you want advanced features like the ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and larger display, you should consider a newer model.
  • You're a power user: If you plan to use a lot of apps, stream music, and frequently use GPS, the Series 3 might not offer enough power or battery life.
  • Battery life is a priority: If you need a smartwatch with long battery life, you'll be disappointed with the Series 3.

Final Verdict

Despite its age, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm remains a decent option in 2024, particularly for those on a budget. It still offers a good user experience, essential features, and a comfortable design. However, it's essential to be aware of its limitations. If you can stretch your budget, the newer models like the Series 7 or Series 8 offer a more modern experience with better performance and features. However, if you are looking for an affordable, reliable smartwatch to cover basic tasks, the Series 3 can be a smart purchase. Just go in knowing that it's an older device, so manage your expectations accordingly. Overall, it's a solid choice that offers good value for its price, making it still a viable option for certain users.