The Apple Watch has become a staple for many, but choosing the right model can be tricky. The Series 3 and Series 4 offer distinct features and price points. This comparison dives deep into their differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 4 is the clear winner, boasting a larger, brighter display, faster performance, and improved health features. However, the Series 3 remains a solid, more affordable option for those prioritizing core smartwatch functionality and budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia (A1891) | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia (A1891) | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China (A1892) | 1, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, September. Released 2017, September | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm (1.67 x 1.43 x 0.45 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 34.9 g (1.23 oz) | 48 g (1.69 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant | 50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.65 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | 3D Touch display | 3D Touch display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S3 | Apple S4 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 | watchOS 5.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 768MB RAM, 16GB 768MB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| 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, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable | Li-Ion 292 mAh (1.12 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver, Gold, Space Gray | Space Black, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892, A1858, A1859 | A1975, A1976, A2007, A2008 |
| Price | About 480 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.34 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Core smartwatch features
- Wireless charging
- Smaller display
- Older processor
- Limited health features compared to Series 4
Apple Watch Series 4
- Larger, brighter display
- Faster performance (S4 chip)
- Improved health tracking (ECG)
- Modern design
- Higher price
- Battery life not significantly improved
Display Comparison
The Series 4 features a significantly larger (1.78-inch vs 1.57-inch) and brighter display with thinner bezels, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The edge-to-edge design of the Series 4 is a noticeable upgrade, making it easier to read notifications and interact with apps.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Series 3 nor the Series 4 have a built-in camera. This is a consistent design choice for Apple Watches.
Performance
The S4 chip in the Series 4 provides a noticeable performance boost over the S3. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is improved. While both watches handle basic tasks well, the Series 4 feels more fluid and modern.
Battery Life
While both offer roughly the same advertised battery life (around 18 hours), the Series 4's more efficient S4 chip and slightly larger battery can sometimes provide marginally better real-world performance. However, usage patterns heavily influence battery life.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum is ideal for budget-conscious users who want basic smartwatch features like notifications, activity tracking, and Apple Pay. The Series 4 is perfect for those seeking a premium experience with a larger display, enhanced health tracking (ECG), and faster performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 4 worth the extra cost?
If you value a larger display, faster performance, and advanced health features like ECG, then the Series 4 is worth the investment. However, if you're on a budget and primarily need basic smartwatch functionality, the Series 3 remains a viable option.
❓ Can the Series 3 receive software updates indefinitely?
Apple typically supports older devices with software updates for a few years. While the Series 3 will eventually stop receiving updates, it will likely remain functional for a reasonable amount of time.
