Now the Apple Watch Series 5 is with us, is it really worth still considering the Series 3? The answer is short and sweet - yes, very much so. Prices are falling, while the Series 3 boasts most of the functionality of the Apple Watch Series 5

It may not be available in the larger sizes or have the always-on display of the Series 5, but the Series 3 has pretty much everything else. 

The Apple Watch Series 4 has now bitten the dust - the Series 5 is extremely similar to it anyway, only really adding the always-on display. It's also worth noting that the Series 2, Series 1 and the original Apple Watch have all been discontinued, leaving the Series 3 as the entry-level option alongside the more expensive Series 5. 

The Series 3 also runs the same software as the Series 5 - watchOS 6 - so the difference in use is fairly negligible. And, like the Series 5, it's also available in two variants; GPS only and GPS and cellular. 

For a full rundown of the differences between them check out Apple Watch Series 5 vs Series 4 vs Series 3

Our quick take

The big stand out feature of the Series 3 is the 4G connectivity but the competitive price is also a consideration now that Series 5 has emerged. 

The Apple Watch is still the best smartwatch on the market. And, since the Series 3 features most of the same stuff that's in the Series 5, it's a legitimate question to ask why you need the more expensive, newer model when most of the same stuff is here, for less money.

Of course, the key sell with Watch 5 is the bigger screen as well as the thinner build overall. But if you don't need that then there's nothing stopping you from plumping for the Series 3. 

Alternatives to consider

Apple Watch Series 4 review image 1
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Apple Watch Series 5

Apple Watch Series 5 - Aluminum, 40mm (GPS)

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It's hard not to be mesmerised by Apple's newer display but there's little here that the Series 3 doesn't have. Also, we're sure there will be some for whom the 40 and 44mm sizes are just too big. 

Read the full article: Apple Watch Series 5

Samsung Galaxy Watch Review image 1
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Samsung Galaxy Watch

Samsung Galaxy Watch

You can pair Samsung's latest smartwatch with an iPhone, although naturally, it's more at home with Android. It's a well-made device that will give you an excellent battery life of up to four days. 

Read the full article: Samsung Galaxy Watch

Apple Watch Series 3 - 4.0 / 5

FORAGAINST
  • Still a great smartwatch
  • Ability to leave your iPhone at home
  • Ease of making calls
  • Improved fitness features
  • No international roaming
  • Series 5's bigger screen sizes make it more compelling

Apple Watch Series 3 - Space Grey (GPS)

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Design

  • 38mm and 42mm sizes
  • 4G cellular option available
  • Colour options: Silver/Space grey aluminium 
  • Red dot on digital crown symbolises cellular 

The Apple Watch Series 3 is available in both 38mm and 42mm watch sizes, both 2mm smaller than their Series 4/5 equivalents.

The glaring red dot on the digital crown symbolises the cellular 4G/Cellular functionality added to the Series 3. (It has been toned down for Series 4/5 and is now more of an outline). For the most part, the spot of colour is a bit of fun, but it does clash with some band colours, of course.

Since the Series 4 emerged, the Series 3 has been only available in silver and space grey aluminium finishes. There's also a Nike+ version (as there is with the Series 4 and 5).Apple Watch Series 3 Review image 4

As there's zero design change to the Series 3 case from earliera and later versions, if you have existing bands from any other Apple Watch these will fit. 

4G connectivity 

  • Available on EE, O2 and Vodafone in the UK
  • You need your iPhone to be on the same network

The stand-out feature of the Watch Series 3 at launch was its 4G connectivity in the GPS+Cellular version, enabling you to ditch your iPhone completely should you wish to go for a run without it. 

There's a full 4G LTE and UMTS cellular radio antenna hidden in the display, which kicks into action the moment you step away from your iPhone. 

Available on EE, O2 and Vodafone currently in the UK and all four major carriers in the US, the system works with eSIM technology and shares the same number as your iPhone. So the Watch Series 3 doesn't have an interchangeable SIM that you can swap out at a whim.

Apple Watch Series 3 Review image 6

In the UK, you'll pay an additional £5 a month to enable connectivity, but that's the only cost you'll have to incur aside from your regular phone bill. 

Such connectivity can be used to make calls, receive messages, stream Apple Music (no, not Spotify yet), listen to podcasts or access Maps.

The call interface is basic but easy-to-use thanks to a number pad. You can, of course, call contacts or favourites, even more so if you've got a Bluetooth headset connected to the Apple Watch - such as the Apple AirPods.

Apple Watch Series 3 Review image 11

A swipe up from the bottom of the screen shows you the Watch Control Center, and it's here the Watch 3 tells you what the connectivity is like - whether that's Wi-Fi, phone, or 4G.

Call quality is clear, surprisingly so given the size of the device, and if you don't have headphones then you'll find yourself holding your watch arm up to your shoulder across your chest - we certainly did.

For the most part, the technology works as you would expect. The antenna in the Watch Series 3 works well, but depends entirely on available coverage. 

Apple Watch Series 3 Review image 5

While the initial problems of connecting to captive Wi-Fi networks, like those found in Starbucks, have now been fixed, there are still some problems that exist with the Apple Watch.

Many of the Watch apps available still require you to have the phone connected. Streaming music via Apple Music is great, especially if you want to listen to something that you've not previously had the foresight to download onto the Watch. But being limited to Apple Music is a bit of a pain. The Spotify app works OK, but only over Wi-Fi. 

The Apple Watch can't roam either, because it doesn't support global bands outside of its country. While we admit this is a first world problem and one that isn't likely to affect the majority of users, it's worth mentioning that if you travel out of the UK or US you won't be able to go solo with your watch.

Apple Watch Series 3 Review image 3

What is cool, though, is that you don't have to have your iPhone anywhere near you for the Watch to work after the initial setup. 

That opens up lots of possibilities and is super for exercise. You're still able to call a taxi when your phone has died and able to not have your phone on you all the time in fear of missing that important message or call. 

Specs and battery life

  • Better wireless performance than before
  • Excellent Bluetooth pairing
  • Happily lasts well into a second day of use

While the design didn't change over the previous generation of the Apple Watch (the now-defunct Series 2), Apple made plenty of changes inside.

Powering Apple Watch Series 3 is the S3, Apple's third-generation dual-core watch processor. The upgrade helped app launch times, enables smoother graphics and brings talking Siri to the watch using the built-in speaker. She is as clear as she is on the iPhone.

Apple also improved the wireless chip too. The W2 chip delivers 85 per cent faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0. Connecting to a pair of Bluetooth headphones takes a fraction of a second while connecting to the AirPods is totally seamless.

Apple Watch Series 3 Review image 15

In daily use, the Series 3 happily lasts for at least a day and usually quite a bit into the next - even with a GPS-recorded walk or run (auto-workout tracking is now enabled from watchOS 5 onwards). Just remember to take your charger for those long weekends away from home.  

The Apple Watch Series 3 also features a barometric altimeter that assists with tracking activity, flights of stairs climbed and outdoor workouts, including elevation gain.

This is most interesting to cyclists, skiers and boarders. It's a popular feature on high-end sports watches, like the Garmin Forerunner 935 or TomTom Adventurer, too. 

Music and podcasts on Apple Watch

  • Apple Music works on the watch on and offline
  • Spotify app now being released
  • Podcasts app also works

If you have the 4G/Cellular version of the watch you can stream Apple Music's 40 million songs on the go providing you have a subscription - without having to use an iPhone. In practice it's a great feature but not an essential one, especially if you are good at planning.

What it does mean is that mid-run or workout you can change the music without having to worry whether or not you've synced that song to the watch already. It's pure decadence, but it works really well.

WatchOS 5 also introduced support for Podcasts. Sadly, these features are only limited to these Apple apps for now, though we're still expecting Spotify's Apple Watch app to support listening via cellular at some point. 

Apple Watch Series 3 - Space Grey (GPS)

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To recap

If you aren't compelled by the Series 5's bigger display, there's nothing that should stop you plumping for the Series 3. Thanks to the upgraded watchOS it has most of the same features and is now available for a great price.