Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Series 3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple Watch Series 9 rather than the Apple Watch Series 3.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 9?
- The Apple Watch Series 9 has the S9 SiP chip for significantly faster app loading, smoother animations, and long-term software support, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 chip.
- Apple Watch Series 9 features an always-on LTPO Retina display for easier outdoor visibility and continuous glanceable information, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses a non-AOD Retina display.
- It includes a 2000-nit brightness level for clearer readability in bright sunlight and high-contrast environments, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 features a 1000-nit display.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 supports on-device Siri processing for faster responses and reliable offline commands, while the Apple Watch Series 3 relies on cloud-based Siri processing.
- Apple Watch Series 9 has advanced health sensors such as ECG, Blood Oxygen, and wrist temperature tracking for broader health insights and improved wellness monitoring, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 includes only basic heart-rate sensing.
- It features fast charging for quicker turnaround during busy days and more convenient top-ups, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses standard slow charging.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 comes with 64GB internal storage for larger app libraries, offline playlists, and more workouts stored on the device, while the Apple Watch Series 3 comes with 8GB storage.
- Apple Watch Series 9 supports Precision Finding with its UWB chip for accurate device locating and enhanced ecosystem navigation, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 has no UWB support.
Maybe the Apple Watch Series 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 9. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Chipset | S9 SiP | S3 SiP |
| Neural Engine | 4-core | None |
| Display Type | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED | Retina OLED |
| Display Brightness | 2000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Screen Size Options | 41mm / 45mm | 38mm / 42mm |
| Display Borders | Slim | Thick |
| Storage | 64GB | 8GB |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz + 5GHz | 2.4GHz only |
| UWB | Yes | No |
| Siri | On-device | Cloud-based |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes | No |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | No |
| ECG | Yes | No |
| Compass | Yes | No |
| Fall Detection | Yes | No |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No |
| Double Tap Gesture | Yes | No |
| Back Material | Sapphire/Aluminum | Composite |
| Charging | Fast charging | Standard charging |
| Charging Cable | USB-C | USB-A |
| Speaker | High-output speaker | Standard speaker |
| Microphones | Enhanced | Older mic system |
| Glass Strength | Improved front glass | Ion-X glass |
| GPS Precision | Updated GNSS | Older GNSS |
| Cellular Modem | Newer generation | Older modem |
| Find Device | Precision Finding | Basic finding |
| OS Support | Latest watchOS | Limited watchOS |
| Processing Speed | Faster GPU/CPU | Older GPU/CPU |
| Haptics | Advanced haptic engine | Older haptic engine |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 9 Price | Check Apple Watch 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both models include built-in heart rate monitoring, allowing users to track resting, walking, and workout heart rates throughout the day. This shared feature helps users stay aware of cardiovascular patterns over time.
- Optical Heart Sensor: Both watches use Apple’s optical heart sensor technology to measure pulse through the wrist. This makes it easy to monitor heart data without additional accessories.
- Water Resistance 50m: Both devices are rated for 50-meter water resistance, making them suitable for swimming and general water exposure. Users can confidently wear either model during pool workouts or daily activities involving water.
- Swimproof: Each watch supports swim tracking and can be safely used in pools or open water. This allows consistent aquatic workout monitoring across generations.
- GPS: Both watches include GPS for outdoor route mapping without needing a phone. This helps runners and cyclists track distance and pace accurately.
- Accelerometer: Both include an accelerometer for motion detection and activity tracking. This enables features such as movement detection, step counts, and workout tracking.
- Gyroscope: Each model uses a gyroscope to detect orientation and wrist movements. This improves accuracy in fitness tracking and gesture recognition.
- Altimeter: Both watches include an altimeter for tracking elevation changes. This benefits users who engage in hiking, stair climbing, or other elevation-based workouts.
- Bluetooth: Both models support Bluetooth connectivity to pair with an iPhone and accessories. This enables wireless data syncing and audio playback.
- Wi-Fi: Each watch supports Wi-Fi to enhance app syncing and communication when away from the paired phone. This ensures smoother updates and notification handling.
- Emergency SOS: Both models support Emergency SOS, allowing users to quickly contact emergency services. This adds a layer of safety during unexpected situations.
- Apple Pay: Both watches enable Apple Pay for contactless payments directly from the wrist. This provides convenient, secure transactions without needing a phone or wallet.
- Digital Crown: Each watch includes the Digital Crown for navigation and input. This physical control enhances usability in apps and menus.
- Touchscreen: Both models offer a responsive touchscreen for navigation and interaction. This allows intuitive tapping, swiping, and app control.
- Music Storage & Playback: Both watches support storing and playing music locally. Users can listen to songs during workouts without carrying their phones.
- Notifications: Each device delivers notifications for calls, messages, and apps. This keeps users connected and informed at all times.
- Workout Tracking: Both models support tracking for a wide variety of workouts. This provides detailed fitness metrics for exercise sessions.
- Activity Rings: Each watch displays the signature Activity Rings to visualize daily movement, exercise, and standing goals. This encourages consistent daily activity.
- Sleep Tracking: Both watches support sleep tracking features for monitoring nighttime patterns. This helps users understand their sleep duration and consistency.
- Do Not Disturb: Both include Do Not Disturb mode to mute alerts and notifications. This enhances focus and reduces interruptions when needed.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Heart Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance 50m | Yes | Yes |
| Swimproof | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Crown | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Music Storage & Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Activity Rings | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Do Not Disturb | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 9 Price | Check Apple Watch 3 Price |
FAQ
Does the Apple Watch Series 3 still receive software updates? Is the Apple Watch Series 9 display better than the Series 3 display? Do both watches support the same fitness and workout tracking features? Which watch has better battery efficiency? Do both models support Apple Pay? Can both watches track swimming workouts? Are safety features different between the two watches? Do both watches work with the latest iPhones? Is the storage capacity the same on both models? Do both watches support voice commands through Siri? Can both watches measure heart rate throughout the day? Do both watches support wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth? Is there a difference in how apps run on the two watches? Do both watches allow you to store and play music? |