Apple Watch Series 3 38mm Review | 126 Data compared

The review highlights the Apple Watch Series 3 as a transformative device featuring a fast processor, vibrant display, and 50-metre water resistance. Key pros include the convenience of cellular connectivity for a 'freeing' experience, along with motivating activity tracking features, such as digital medals and social competitions. However, the review notes significant cons, including skin irritation from the official sports band and drastically reduced battery life in LTE mode. While general battery life is described as 'amazing', the watch can run out of power in half a day during heavy cellular use. Concluding that the device is an essential, albeit flawed, health companion, the review recommends the cellular model for reducing screen time, despite limitations in native strength training tracking. The author suggests third-party bands to address comfort issues.

The Apple Watch Series 3 introduces built-in cellular LTE, offering the freedom to make calls and stream music without an iPhone, paired with a bright 1,000-nit OLED display and 50-meter water resistance. Performance is boosted by the new S3 processor, enabling faster app launches and a more responsive Siri, while GPS and a barometric altimeter enhance fitness tracking capabilities. However, the review notes significant cons, including severe battery drain when using cellular/GPS and the added expense of monthly service fees. Due to these limitations, the review recommends the non-LTE model for most users, despite the "magical" experience of phone-free connectivity.

The Apple Watch Series 3 (LTE) enables significant device independence by handling calls, texts, and Apple Music streaming without a tethered phone, making it ideal for safety and convenience during workouts. Ray Maker highlights improved hardware speed and the addition of a barometric altimeter for accurate elevation tracking, alongside seamless cellular integration for athletes. Despite these advancements, the review notes that active LTE usage significantly drains the battery, rendering it unsuitable for long-distance endurance events. While the heart rate sensor is top-tier, GPS accuracy is only average, and the watch lacks the deep, customizable data metrics for recovery and performance found in dedicated sports watches. Overall, the Series 3 is recognized as an excellent, waterproof smartwatch with features like GymKit and Apple Pay, though it is not a replacement for high-end fitness devices. The primary cons involve limited, locked-in software, the lack of an 'always-on' display, and ongoing cellular carrier fees.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is highlighted by TechRadar as a robust fitness companion, featuring built-in GPS and a water-resistant design suitable for swimming. A major pro is its impressive battery life, which can exceed 50 hours on the non-LTE model, though a con is the lack of an always-on display. Performance is bolstered by an upgraded, snappier chipset, though minor delays in app loading can occur. A notable con is the 'locked down' nature of Apple's health data, which limits native sharing with third-party platforms like Strava. TechRadar recommends the more affordable GPS-only model over the LTE variant, citing better value for most users. Despite newer models being available, the Series 3 remains a high-value entry point for basic fitness tracking and notifications.

The GQ review of the Apple Watch Series 3 highlights the, device's shift toward independence from the iPhone, enabled primarily by new LTE cellular connectivity. This feature allows users to make calls, send texts, and stream music while leaving their phone behind, offering a "fully present" experience during daily activities. Key improvements include a faster S3 processor for a snappier interface, a barometric altimeter for tracking elevation, and updated, more accurate heart-rate monitoring. However, the review details significant drawbacks, most notably rapid battery drain when actively using LTE, with short workouts and calls quickly depleting the charge. Additionally, users face extra, ongoing costs, including monthly carrier fees and necessary music streaming subscriptions. The review also notes the aesthetic downside of the red dot on the digital crown, which limits design versatility.

Macworld's review of the Apple Watch Series 3 (LTE) highlights the addition of cellular connectivity as a "game-changing" feature for independence, while retaining the familiar design of previous models. Key performance improvements include the fast S3 processor and a barometric altimeter, although the device is best used for quick tasks rather than full iPhone replacement. While praised for its speed, the review notes significant battery drain during heavy LTE use, alongside potential connectivity bugs and extra monthly costs.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is hailed by the Express as the firm's best wearable, driven by built-in cellular connectivity that allows users to receive texts, calls, and emails without an iPhone. This newfound independence from the smartphone offers significant freedom for daily use, effectively cutting the cord for essential, on-the-go communications. Technical advancements include a faster dual-core processor for improved performance and the ability for Siri to speak through the watch. It maintains water resistance for swimming, features a brighter display, and includes robust fitness tracking and Apple Pay functionality. However, the review notes drawbacks, including a high price point exceeding £450 for the 42mm model and the initial limitation of cellular support to the EE network. The lack of an always-on display is also highlighted as a notable downside for a premium device.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is identified by T3 as a high-quality, budget-friendly lifestyle device featuring a bright 1.65-inch OLED display, a comfortable, premium design, and smooth performance powered by the S3 chip. Key advantages include comprehensive, accurate fitness tracking, full waterproofing, and seamless integration with iPhone features like Apple Pay, music, and notifications. Despite its strengths, the review notes several drawbacks, most notably the absence of an always-on display, which requires manual activation to check the time. Furthermore, the battery life is limited to a single day of use, with significantly reduced longevity when utilizing GPS for tracking workouts. Additional cons mentioned in the T3 review include the device's slightly heavier, bulkier form factor compared to newer models, and the lack of advanced features like haptic feedback on the Digital Crown. The review ultimately frames the Series 3 as a solid entry-level choice that provides great value, notwithstanding its age and limitations.

The Apple Watch Series 3 introduced LTE cellular connectivity, allowing for phone calls, texts, and music streaming without an iPhone, powered by a faster S3 processor and W2 chip. While maintaining a similar design to its predecessor, it added a barometric altimeter for better elevation tracking. Pros include a compact design, clear call quality, and advanced health metrics like resting heart rate monitoring. Conversely, the primary, significant drawback is rapid battery drain when using LTE, with a short call or tracked run significantly impacting power. Positioned as a capable, yet not fully independent, accessory, the Series 3 was considered an excellent starter device in the Apple ecosystem. However, it lacks modern, essential features such as an always-on display or ECG, making it outdated for current standards.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is highlighted as a 'bridge product' with impressive technical execution, successfully integrating LTE connectivity and an eSIM into a compact frame with only a 0.2mm thickness increase. Key advantages include improved, clear phone calls, faster independent Siri responses, and a fluid, responsive user experience driven by the 70% faster S3 processor. Additional benefits include reliable GPS, comprehensive heart rate monitoring, and the addition of an altimeter for tracking elevation, along with 50m water resistance. The device maintains top-tier haptics and seamless Apple Pay functionality, making it a robust, fast fitness-tracking tool. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, specifically rapid battery drain when using cellular or GPS features, reducing battery life to a few hours. Furthermore, the high cost of cellular models, the necessity of a separate monthly data plan, and the limited practical need for constant, phone-free connectivity for most users make the non-LTE version a better value, according to the review.

The Ars Technica review characterizes the Apple Watch Series 3 as a powerful but flawed step toward cellular independence, recommending the non-LTE version due to significant connectivity issues. While the S3 processor offers faster performance, and features like a barometric altimeter and improved Siri improve the experience, the cellular model suffers from severe "teething pains". Pros of the device include a much smoother, faster interface and improved workout tracking with better heart rate monitoring and swim-proofing. Additionally, the new ability for Siri to speak through the speaker and better overall responsiveness make it a top-tier wearable. Cons are centered on the LTE model, which requires a $70 premium and a monthly service fee. Major drawbacks include drastically reduced battery life when using cellular, with only one hour of talk time, alongside unreliable connectivity when transitioning from Wi-Fi. For more details, visit Ars Technica.

The iMore hands-on review of the Apple Watch Series 3 highlights the introduction of standalone LTE connectivity and a faster S3 processor as major, game-changing upgrades. Key pros include the instantaneous, revamped Siri experience, the new comfortable Nylon Sport Loop, and a barometric altimeter for precise fitness tracking. However, the review notes significant cons regarding battery life, as heavy LTE usage causes rapid drain, along with initial software limitations regarding third-party apps and international roaming. Despite these drawbacks, the device is praised for its "Roadrunner-fast" performance and improved build quality, making it a worthy upgrade over previous models.

The Mirror's hands-on review characterizes the Apple Watch Series 3 as a significant leap forward, finally fulfilling the promise of a "liberating" smartwatch through built-in cellular connectivity. Key advantages include the 4G/LTE eSIM, allowing users to leave their iPhone behind for calls and messages, paired with a faster processor and improved, proactive heart rate monitoring. Despite these advancements, the review notes that the device is not entirely standalone, still requiring an iPhone for initial setup and relying on it for media-intensive tasks. Overall, it is praised as a highly functional, albeit expensive, secondary device that keeps users connected, as reported by The Mirror.