Apple Watch Series 3: Still a Smart Choice?
Originally released in September 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 was a game-changer that brought cellular connectivity and enhanced fitness tracking to the mainstream. Even years after its debut, it remains a topic of conversation for those seeking an entry point into Apple’s wearable ecosystem. In this article, we’ll explore the enduring features, market price, and compatibility of the Apple Watch Series 3 to help you decide if it’s still a worthy companion for your wrist.
Table of Contents
Key Features
The Series 3 built its reputation on a solid foundation of health, fitness, and connectivity features that are still relevant today.
- Health and Fitness Tracking: At its core, the watch is an excellent fitness partner. It includes a built-in optical heart rate sensor to monitor your pulse throughout the day and during exercise. It can track a wide variety of activities like running, cycling, and swimming, and offers numerous workout modes, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to yoga.
- Untethered Connectivity: The cellular model was a standout feature, allowing users to make calls and send messages directly from their wrist, even without their iPhone nearby.
- App Ecosystem: With access to the App Store, the watch’s functionality expands significantly. Users can install a range of third-party apps for social media, news, productivity, and more, right on their watch.
Price and Availability
While Apple no longer sells the Series 3 directly, it has become a highly popular option on the secondary and refurbished markets. Its price can vary significantly based on condition, model (GPS vs. GPS + Cellular), and the retailer. For budget-conscious buyers, it often represents the most affordable way to get an Apple Watch, with prices typically falling well below the entry point of newer models.
iPhone Compatibility
To use the Apple Watch Series 3, you need a compatible iPhone. The watch requires an iPhone running iOS 11 or later, which covers a wide range of models from the iPhone 5s onwards. The connection and management of the watch are handled through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone. This app is essential for the initial setup, customizing watch faces and settings, and installing new applications.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 3 remains a compelling choice for individuals who want core smartwatch features—reliable fitness tracking, notifications, and basic app support—at a very accessible price point. It’s a great first smartwatch for many users.
However, it’s important to manage expectations. Newer models like the Apple Watch Series 7 and beyond offer larger, edge-to-edge displays, more advanced health sensors (like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring), faster processors, and longer-term software support. If having the latest technology and the smoothest performance is your priority, investing in a more recent model would be the better choice.