Apple Watch Series 3 38mm: Still Worth It?

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm, a device that's been around for a while, but still pops up in conversations. Is it still worth considering, or has it been completely outclassed by newer models? I'm here to break it down for you, covering everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value proposition. So, should you still consider this smartwatch, let's find out! This review is specifically for the 38mm version, so the focus will be on the smaller of the two sizes that were available. The Series 3 was a significant step forward, offering improved performance, GPS, and cellular options, depending on the model you chose. It also introduced some crucial health and fitness tracking capabilities. This model has a lot of history and will be the focus of the review. The goal is to provide a comprehensive look at what the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm still offers in today's market. With the rapid evolution of technology, it's essential to assess whether this older model can still hold its own against the latest smartwatches. Let’s get started and see if the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is still a viable option.

Design and Build Quality of Apple Watch Series 3 38mm

Alright, let's talk about the look and feel of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm. The design is classic Apple – sleek, minimalist, and undeniably stylish. Even though it's an older model, the design holds up remarkably well. The 38mm size is perfect for those who prefer a more compact watch that doesn't overwhelm the wrist. It's especially great for people with smaller wrists or those who simply like a less bulky feel. The square display, with its rounded corners, is instantly recognizable as an Apple Watch. The build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy aluminum case (in various colors like silver, space gray, gold, and rose gold) that feels premium in hand. The display is protected by Ion-X glass, which is pretty durable, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of scratches, especially if you're active. The Digital Crown and side button are easy to access and responsive. The Digital Crown, in particular, is a joy to use for scrolling and navigating through the watch's interface. The watch bands are easily interchangeable, and this is a massive plus. You can swap them out to match your style or activity, with a vast ecosystem of third-party bands available. You can easily switch between a sport band for workouts, a leather band for a more formal look, or a Milanese loop for a touch of elegance. The heart rate sensor on the back is subtly integrated and doesn't protrude excessively. Overall, the design of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is a testament to Apple's commitment to both aesthetics and functionality. It's a watch that looks good, feels good, and is built to last. The fact that the design still feels relevant speaks volumes about Apple's design philosophy. You'll find yourself wearing it without any issues for a long time. The watch’s ability to blend seamlessly into different environments, from the gym to a business meeting, is one of its greatest strengths. It's a versatile piece of tech that complements your lifestyle. From a design perspective, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is a winner. The balance of form and function makes it a practical and fashionable accessory. It’s hard to believe it’s an older model when you consider its stylish design.

Display Quality of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm

Let’s zoom in on the display of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm. The screen is a key part of the experience, and while it might not be the most cutting-edge display out there today, it still performs well. The 38mm model features a Retina display, which means it packs a decent amount of pixels into a relatively small space. The screen is sharp and clear, making it easy to read text, see notifications, and interact with apps. The colors are vibrant, and the brightness is adequate for most situations. Even in direct sunlight, you can typically see what's on the screen without too much trouble. Of course, the newer Apple Watch models have brighter and more refined displays. But the Series 3's display still holds its own. The touch responsiveness is excellent. Swiping, tapping, and scrolling feel smooth and intuitive. The display's ability to react quickly to your touch is crucial for a positive user experience. The black levels are pretty good, which means blacks look genuinely black, enhancing the overall contrast and making the display look more appealing. One thing to keep in mind is that the display is not always-on. You need to raise your wrist or tap the screen to activate it, which can sometimes be a minor inconvenience. This is a trade-off to conserve battery life. However, this is one of the features missing from this watch. The overall display quality of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is more than adequate for most users. It provides a crisp, clear, and responsive interface that makes interacting with the watch a pleasure. The fact that this model still provides a good display showcases how good Apple is at designing displays. It is a win for this model. The display helps the overall feel of the watch and makes it feel modern even today.

Performance and Software of Apple Watch Series 3 38mm

Now, let's talk about the heart and soul of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm: its performance and the software. Under the hood, the Series 3 has an S3 SiP (System in Package) with a dual-core processor. While this isn't the latest and greatest, it's still capable of handling most tasks efficiently. Navigating the watch's interface, opening apps, and receiving notifications feels relatively snappy. You might notice some occasional lag when running more complex apps or when switching between multiple tasks, but for everyday use, the performance is generally smooth. The Series 3 runs on watchOS, Apple's operating system for the Apple Watch. WatchOS is known for its intuitive interface, user-friendly design, and a wide array of features. It has a great app selection. You can choose apps that cover fitness tracking, communication, health monitoring, and productivity. watchOS has evolved over the years, and even though the Series 3 might not have all the latest features, it still supports most of the core functionalities. This includes receiving notifications, sending messages, making calls, tracking workouts, and monitoring your heart rate. One area where the Series 3 might show its age is in app loading times. More demanding apps might take a bit longer to load compared to the newer models. The storage capacity is another factor to consider. The Series 3 comes with either 8GB or 16GB of storage, depending on the model. This is enough for apps, music, and photos, but you might need to manage your storage if you plan on storing a lot of content. The software experience is quite good. The interface is clean, easy to navigate, and offers a good level of customization. You can choose from various watch faces, each with its own set of complications (widgets that display information at a glance). The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm can handle most tasks, and it offers a user-friendly and feature-rich experience. The performance is good enough for most everyday tasks. The integration with the iOS ecosystem is seamless, making it a great companion for iPhone users. It is an excellent experience.

Health and Fitness Features

Let’s explore the health and fitness capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm. The Series 3 offers a good set of features for tracking your activities and monitoring your health. It has built-in GPS, which is a major plus for tracking outdoor workouts like running, cycling, and walking. GPS allows the watch to accurately map your routes and measure your distance and pace without needing your iPhone nearby. This is a convenient feature for those who like to exercise outdoors. The watch has an optical heart rate sensor on the back, which continuously monitors your heart rate throughout the day. It can also detect elevated or irregular heart rates, alerting you if something seems amiss. This is a valuable feature for overall health monitoring. The Activity app on the watch tracks your daily activity. It is represented by three rings: Move (calories burned), Exercise (minutes of activity), and Stand (hours you stood up). This is a simple and effective way to motivate you to stay active and reach your fitness goals. The Series 3 also supports a variety of workout modes, including running, swimming, cycling, and more. During workouts, the watch tracks relevant metrics like heart rate, distance, pace, and calories burned. It also provides real-time feedback to help you stay on track. The watch is swim-proof, so you can wear it while swimming in a pool or the ocean. It tracks your swim workouts, including laps, distance, and stroke type. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm offers a solid suite of health and fitness features. It provides accurate activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a range of workout modes. It is a great companion for anyone looking to stay active and monitor their health. The GPS is a real winner and offers great capabilities.

Battery Life and Charging of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm

Alright, let's talk about the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm, a crucial factor for any smartwatch. Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life with typical use. In practice, the battery life will vary depending on your usage. If you're using GPS for workouts, making calls, or frequently interacting with apps, the battery will drain faster. For general use, including receiving notifications, tracking your activity, and using a few apps, you can typically expect to get a full day of use out of the watch. If you're a heavy user, you might need to charge it before the end of the day. One thing to keep in mind is that the battery life might degrade over time. After a year or two of use, the battery might not last as long as it did when the watch was new. This is normal for any rechargeable device. Charging the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is relatively simple. The watch uses a magnetic charging cable that attaches to the back of the watch. You can plug the USB end of the cable into a power adapter or your computer. The charging speed is decent, with the watch typically charging from empty to full in a couple of hours. It’s always good to have a charging routine, like charging the watch overnight. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm offers decent battery life for its time. It is important to know your usage patterns to estimate how long the battery will last. Charging it overnight is the best option to keep the watch running all day long. The watch uses a magnetic charging cable that attaches to the back of the watch, which is easy to set up. Remember that battery life can vary based on your usage, so it is important to monitor the battery life to maintain a good performance of the watch.

Should You Buy the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm in 2024?

So, the big question: Is the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm still worth buying in 2024? The answer depends on your needs, budget, and expectations. Let's break it down. For a low-budget smartwatch option, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is still a viable option. If you are new to smartwatches and want to try an Apple Watch without spending a lot, this could be a good entry point. It offers a solid set of features, including activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notifications. If you already have an iPhone, the integration with the iOS ecosystem is seamless, making it a great companion for your phone. However, if you're looking for the latest and greatest features, the Series 3 might not be the best choice. Newer models offer improved performance, larger displays, and more advanced health features. The Series 3 might feel a bit slow when compared to the latest models, and the battery life might not be as good as the newer models. The lack of some advanced health features, like the ECG and blood oxygen sensor, might be a dealbreaker for some. If you prioritize those features, you should consider a newer model. If you are okay with a smaller screen and limited storage, then the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm could work. It is still a capable device that offers a good user experience. The key is to manage your expectations and be aware of its limitations. Compare the pros and cons to see if it fits your specific requirements. The Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is a good option for those seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch or a first-time Apple Watch experience. If you are looking for advanced features and top-of-the-line performance, then you should consider a newer model. Overall, the Apple Watch Series 3 38mm is still a decent smartwatch. It is important to know your needs and budget to decide if this watch is the best for you. It remains a good choice for those who are on a budget and new to smartwatches.