Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 3: A Detailed Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the clear winner, offering a significantly improved display, faster performance, and faster charging. However, the Series 3 remains a viable option for budget-conscious users who prioritize core smartwatch functionality over cutting-edge features.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 7 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 / 800 - Europe, Australia (A1891) |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26 - Europe, Australia (A1891) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | 1, 3, 39, 40, 41 - China (A1892) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 14 | 2017, September. Released 2017, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 15 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm (1.67 x 1.43 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) | 52.8 g (1.87 oz) |
| IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | 50m water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.65 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Always-on display | 3D Touch display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S7 | Apple S3 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 4.0, upgradable to watchOS 8.7 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 768MB RAM |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) | Li-Ion 341 mAh (1.34 Wh), non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Graphite, Gold, Silver | Space Black, Silver |
| Models | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 | A1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892 |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 700 EUR |
| SAR | 1.10 W/kg (head) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) | - |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 7
- Larger, brighter display
- Faster performance (S7 chip)
- Faster charging
- Always-on display
- ECG and blood oxygen monitoring
- Improved water resistance
- Higher price point
- May be overkill for basic users
Apple Watch Series 3
- More affordable
- Still supports basic smartwatch features
- Compact design
- Smaller, less vibrant display
- Slower performance (S3 chip)
- Slower charging
- Lacks advanced health features
- Older software support
Display Comparison
The Series 7 boasts a significantly larger and brighter display with thinner bezels, making it easier to read notifications and interact with apps. The Series 3's display is smaller and less vibrant, feeling dated by comparison. The Series 7 also features an always-on display, a major convenience.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This is a consistent feature across Apple Watch models.
Performance
The Apple S7 chip in the Series 7 provides a noticeable performance boost over the S3. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and overall responsiveness is improved. The Series 3 can feel sluggish at times, especially when multitasking.
Battery Life
While both offer all-day battery life, the Series 7 charges considerably faster (0-80% in 45 minutes). The Series 3's charging time is longer and less efficient. The Series 7 also generally offers slightly better battery optimization.
Buying Guide
The Apple Watch Series 7 is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, those wanting a larger, brighter display, and users who appreciate the latest features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. The Series 3 is a good choice for first-time smartwatch buyers or those seeking a basic, affordable Apple Watch experience.