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Apple Watch Series 3 vs Series 9 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureApple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Series 3
ChipsetS9 SiPS3 SiP
Neural Engine4-coreNone
Display TypeAlways-On Retina LTPO OLEDRetina OLED
Display Brightness2000 nits1000 nits
Screen Size Options41mm / 45mm38mm / 42mm
Display BordersSlimThick
Storage64GB8GB
Bluetooth5.34.2
Wi-Fi2.4GHz + 5GHz2.4GHz only
UWBYesNo
SiriOn-deviceCloud-based
Temperature SensorYesNo
Blood Oxygen SensorYesNo
ECGYesNo
CompassYesNo
Fall DetectionYesNo
Crash DetectionYesNo
Double Tap GestureYesNo
Back MaterialSapphire/AluminumComposite
ChargingFast chargingStandard charging
Charging CableUSB-CUSB-A
SpeakerHigh-output speakerStandard speaker
MicrophonesEnhancedOlder mic system
Glass StrengthImproved front glassIon-X glass
GPS PrecisionUpdated GNSSOlder GNSS
Cellular ModemNewer generationOlder modem
Find DevicePrecision FindingBasic finding
OS SupportLatest watchOSLimited watchOS
Processing SpeedFaster GPU/CPUOlder GPU/CPU
HapticsAdvanced haptic engineOlder haptic engine
PriceCheck Apple Watch 9 PriceCheck 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

FeatureApple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Series 3
Heart Rate MonitoringYesYes
Optical Heart SensorYesYes
Water Resistance 50mYesYes
SwimproofYesYes
GPSYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
AltimeterYesYes
BluetoothYesYes
Wi-FiYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
Apple PayYesYes
Digital CrownYesYes
TouchscreenYesYes
Music Storage & PlaybackYesYes
NotificationsYesYes
Workout TrackingYesYes
Activity RingsYesYes
Sleep TrackingYesYes
Do Not DisturbYesYes
Price Check Apple Watch 9 Price Check Apple Watch 3 Price

FAQ

Does the Apple Watch Series 3 still receive software updates?
The Series 3 no longer supports the latest versions of watchOS, which limits access to new features, security improvements, and app compatibility. The Series 9 supports the newest watchOS versions and will continue receiving updates for several years.

Is the Apple Watch Series 9 display better than the Series 3 display?
The Series 9 features a high-brightness, always-on LTPO Retina display that is clearer, more vibrant, and easier to view outdoors. The Series 3 uses an older, dimmer non-AOD Retina display with thicker bezels.

Do both watches support the same fitness and workout tracking features?
Both offer core fitness tracking like heart rate monitoring and standard workout modes, but the Series 9 includes advanced metrics, additional sensors, and better accuracy. The Series 3 provides a more basic workout experience with fewer insights.

Which watch has better battery efficiency?
The Apple Watch Series 9 delivers more efficient battery usage thanks to optimized hardware, faster charging, and modern power management. The Series 3 has older battery technology and slower charging speeds.

Do both models support Apple Pay?
Yes, both watches support Apple Pay for quick, secure wrist-based payments. The Series 9 processes transactions more smoothly due to its faster internal hardware.

Can both watches track swimming workouts?
Yes, both are swimproof and can record pool and open-water workouts. The Series 9 provides more accurate measurements and improved tracking reliability.

Are safety features different between the two watches?
The Apple Watch Series 9 includes fall detection and crash detection, while the Series 3 lacks these advanced safety capabilities. The Series 3 only supports the basic Emergency SOS function.

Do both watches work with the latest iPhones?
Yes, both can pair with modern iPhones, but the Series 3 may experience slower syncing and reduced app compatibility due to its outdated hardware and software limitations.

Is the storage capacity the same on both models?
No, the Series 9 includes much larger storage for apps and music, while the Series 3 has limited storage that restricts downloads and offline content.

Do both watches support voice commands through Siri?
Yes, both support Siri, but the Series 9 processes many Siri requests on the device itself, making responses faster and more reliable. The Series 3 relies heavily on cloud processing.

Can both watches measure heart rate throughout the day?
Yes, both continuously track heart rate, but the Series 9 uses more advanced sensors that deliver greater accuracy and provide expanded health metrics.

Do both watches support wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Yes, both support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, though the Series 9 uses newer, more stable versions that improve range, reliability, and connection speed.

Is there a difference in how apps run on the two watches?
The Series 9 runs apps much faster with smoother animations, better multitasking, and improved responsiveness. The Series 3 can lag, freeze, or struggle with newer apps.

Do both watches allow you to store and play music?
Yes, both support music storage and playback, but the Series 9 can store far more content due to its much larger internal storage capacity.