Apple Watch Series 3 vs. Series 8: A Generational Leap?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 is the clear winner, offering significant improvements in performance, health tracking, and display technology. While the Series 3 remains functional, its outdated hardware makes it a less compelling choice for most users seeking a modern smartwatch experience. The Series 8's faster charging is a bonus.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum | Apple Watch Series 8 |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia (A1891) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China (A1892) | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017, September. Released 2017, September | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic back, aluminum frame | Sapphire crystal front, 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) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 34.9 g (1.23 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| 50m water resistant | IP6X certified 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) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.65 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| 3D Touch display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S3 | Apple S8 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 8GB 768MB RAM, 16GB 768MB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| - | eMMC 5.1 | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Silver, Gold, Space Gray | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | A1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892, A1858, A1859 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 480 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.34 W/kg (body) | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum
- Affordable
- Functional notifications
- Wireless charging
- Outdated processor
- Dim display
- Limited features
- Shorter software support lifespan
Apple Watch Series 8
- Faster performance
- Brighter Always-On display
- Advanced health sensors (ECG, Blood Oxygen)
- Faster charging
- Crash Detection
- Fall Detection
- Longer software support lifespan
- Higher price
- Battery life still requires daily charging
Display Comparison
The Series 8 boasts a significantly brighter and more vibrant display with Always-On functionality, a feature absent on the Series 3. The Series 8's larger screen size also provides more space for information and interactions. The Series 3's display is functional but noticeably less impressive.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This section is omitted as it's not a differentiating factor.
Performance
The S8 chip in the Series 8 delivers a substantial performance boost over the S3. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is significantly improved. The Series 3 can feel sluggish at times, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life, the Series 8 charges considerably faster (0-80% in 45 minutes) and generally provides slightly better battery optimization. The Series 3's battery life is adequate but not exceptional.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 3 Aluminum is a budget-friendly option for users primarily needing basic timekeeping and notifications. It's suitable for those upgrading from an even older Apple Watch or seeking a simple smartwatch. The Series 8 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and anyone wanting the latest Apple Watch features like advanced health sensors and a brighter display.