The Apple Watch revolutionized the smartwatch market, but technology moves fast. The original Apple Watch 42mm and the Series 3 Aluminum represent significant points in that evolution. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum is the clear winner. While the 1st gen offers a nostalgic experience, the Series 3’s dual-core processor, built-in GPS, and improved battery life provide a vastly superior user experience and modern functionality. It's a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia (A1891) |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia (A1891) |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China (A1892) |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, September. Released 2015, April | 2017, September. Released 2017, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame | Glass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 42 x 35.9 x 10.5 mm (1.65 x 1.41 x 0.41 in) | 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm (1.67 x 1.43 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 50 g body (2.82 oz) | 34.9 g (1.23 oz) |
| | IPX7 water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes | 50m water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.65 inches | 1.65 inches |
| Type | Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak) | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | 3D Touch display | 3D Touch display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 520 MHz Cortex-A7 | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S1 (28 nm) | Apple S3 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 1.0, upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2 | watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 512MB RAM | 8GB 768MB RAM, 16GB 768MB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | Natural language commands and dictation | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh (0.94 Wh), non-removable | Li-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stainless Steel/Red, White, Brown/Black/Blue/Marine Blue Buckle, Blue/Stone/White/Storm Gray Leather Loop, Silver/Space Black Milanese Loop, Link Bracelet, Space Black Stainless Steel/Black, Black Link Bracelet, Pearl Woven Nylon | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | A1554 | A1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892, A1858, A1859 |
| Price | About 700 EUR | About 480 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.34 W/kg (body) |
Apple Watch 42mm (1st gen)
- Classic Design
- Affordable Price
- Wireless Charging
- Slow Performance
- Limited Features
- Short Battery Life
- Outdated Software
Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum
- Improved Performance
- Built-in GPS
- Better Battery Life
- More Modern Features
- Siri Improvements
- Higher Price (compared to 1st gen)
- Still Requires Daily Charging
Display Comparison
The Series 3 features a slightly brighter display with improved visibility, especially outdoors. Both watches use Apple's Retina display technology, offering sharp visuals, but the Series 3's advancements are noticeable. The 1st gen's display is adequate but can appear a bit dim in sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This feature was never included in either model.
Performance
The Series 3's dual-core S3 chip provides a significant performance boost over the 1st gen's single-core S1. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is noticeably better on the Series 3. The 1st gen can feel sluggish at times, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
The Series 3 offers improved battery life compared to the 1st gen, though both still require daily charging. The Series 3 typically provides around 18 hours of use, while the 1st gen often needs charging before the end of the day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch 42mm (1st gen)? Primarily collectors or those seeking a very basic smartwatch experience at a low price. Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum? Anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch with GPS for fitness tracking and improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Apple Watch 1st Gen still usable?
Yes, but its limited features and slow performance make it less appealing than newer models. Software updates are no longer supported.
❓ Does the Apple Watch Series 3 have GPS?
Yes, the Series 3 Aluminum model includes built-in GPS, allowing for accurate workout tracking without needing your iPhone nearby.
❓ What is the battery life like on each watch?
The 1st gen typically lasts around 18 hours, while the Series 3 offers around 18 hours with moderate use. Both require daily charging.
❓ Can I still find a 1st generation Apple Watch for sale?
You're more likely to find them on the used market or from resellers. New stock is extremely rare.
