Apple Watch Series 6 & 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 6 rather than the Apple Watch Series 3.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 6?
- The Apple Watch Series 6 features the S6 SiP 64-bit chip for faster app launches and smoother system performance during daily use, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses the older S3 SiP chip.
- Apple Watch Series 6 has an Always-On Retina display for easier time and information visibility without raising the wrist, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 features a standard Retina display that turns off when idle.
- It includes a Blood Oxygen sensor to provide real-time SpO2 readings for monitoring respiratory and wellness trends, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 comes with no SpO2 capability.
- The Apple Watch Series 6 supports ECG functionality to detect irregular heart rhythm and provide detailed heart health insights, while the Apple Watch Series 3 supports only standard heart rate readings.
- Apple Watch Series 6 has 32GB storage for installing more apps and saving offline playlists, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 has only 8GB storage.
- It includes fall detection to automatically alert emergency contacts in dangerous situations, while the Apple Watch Series 3 does not support fall detection.
- The Apple Watch Series 6 supports Bluetooth 5.0 for more reliable wireless performance and reduced power usage with accessories, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses Bluetooth 4.2.
- Apple Watch Series 6 features a louder and improved speaker for clearer phone calls and voice feedback in noisy environments, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 uses a less powerful speaker system.
Maybe the Apple Watch Series 3 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 6. 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 6 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Display Type | Always-On Retina OLED | Retina OLED |
| Chipset | S6 SiP 64-bit | S3 SiP 64-bit |
| Wireless Chip | W3 | W2 |
| Blood Oxygen Sensor | Yes | No |
| ECG (Electrical Heart Sensor) | Yes | No |
| Optical Heart Sensor | 2nd Gen | 1st Gen |
| Always-On Altimeter | Yes | No |
| Compass | Yes | No |
| Fall Detection | Yes | No |
| International Emergency Calling | Yes | No |
| Noise Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Storage | 32GB | 8GB |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4GHz & 5GHz | 2.4GHz Only |
| Case Material Options | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium | Aluminum Only |
| Back Material | Ceramic & Sapphire Crystal | Composite |
| Speaker | Louder | Standard |
| Siri Processing | On-device & Cloud | Cloud-only |
| Charging Speed | Faster | Standard |
| VO2 Max | Full Metrics | Limited |
| U1 Ultra-Wideband | Yes | No |
| Cellular Option | GPS + Cellular or GPS | GPS |
| App Support | Full watchOS support | Limited with reduced app availability |
| Noise App | Yes | No |
| LTE/Radio Efficiency | Newer Antenna Tech | Older |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 6 Price | Check Apple Watch 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Retina Display: Both models feature a Retina display, ensuring clear text and graphics that are easy to view. This contributes to a consistent visual experience when navigating apps or checking notifications.
- GPS Tracking: Each watch includes GPS tracking, allowing precise distance and route measurement during outdoor activities. This is valuable for runners, cyclists, and walkers who want accurate workout data.
- Water Resistance (50m): Both watches are rated for swimming up to 50 meters. Users can track pool workouts and wear them confidently in wet environments.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Both devices continuously track heart rate using optical sensors. This supports activity tracking, heart health metrics, and alerts when heart rate exceeds normal thresholds.
- Accelerometer: Each model uses an accelerometer to detect motion and activity levels. This helps accurately count steps and measure fitness progress.
- Gyroscope: Both watches include a gyroscope for orientation and motion awareness. This improves workout detection and gesture interactions.
- GPS + Wi-Fi Support: Each supports GPS for navigation and Wi-Fi for syncing data when Bluetooth is unavailable. Connectivity remains reliable whether indoors or outdoors.
- Notifications: Both display smartphone notifications such as calls, messages, and app alerts. Users stay connected without needing to reach for their iPhone.
- Music Control: Each watch enables playback control of music on the wrist. This is convenient during workouts or when the phone is out of reach.
- Siri Virtual Assistant: Both watches include Siri functionality for hands-free commands. Users can ask questions, send messages, or set reminders quickly.
- Emergency SOS: Each model supports Emergency SOS, allowing users to call for help in a critical situation. This enhances personal safety when needed.
- Apple Pay: Both watches support Apple Pay for secure tap-to-pay transactions. This offers a fast payment method without carrying a wallet.
- watchOS Support: Each model runs watchOS and supports its apps and features. This maintains a familiar interface and functionality across models.
- Workout Tracking: Both include comprehensive workout modes such as running, cycling, and swimming. Users can monitor calories burned, distance, and intensity throughout the day.
- Sleep Tracking Capability: Both support sleep tracking features to evaluate rest quality. Users can monitor sleep duration and patterns for health improvement.
- Digital Crown Input: Each watch uses the Digital Crown for precise navigation and scrolling. This enhances control without blocking the display with touch input.
- Swimproof: Both are built for swimming workouts and underwater use. This adds flexibility for exercise and daily wear around water.
- Microphone + Speaker: Each model includes built-in microphone and speaker hardware. This enables taking calls, using Siri, and hearing alerts directly from the watch.
- App Store Access: Both can download apps directly from the watchOS App Store. This allows for personalized functionality and entertainment options on the wrist.
- Aluminum Case Option: Each model is available in an aluminum case, offering a lightweight and durable build. This is the most common and affordable material choice.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Retina Display | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance (50m) | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| GPS + Wi-Fi Support | Yes | Yes |
| Notifications | Yes | Yes |
| Music Control | Yes | Yes |
| Siri Virtual Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes |
| watchOS Support | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Crown Input | Yes | Yes |
| Swimproof | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone + Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| App Store Access | Yes | Yes |
| Aluminum Case Option | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 6 Price | Check Apple Watch 3 Price |
FAQ
Is the Apple Watch Series 6 much faster than the Apple Watch Series 3? Do both models support the latest watchOS updates? Can the Apple Watch Series 3 perform ECG and blood oxygen measurements? Are both watches suitable for swimming and water activities? Do both watches support cellular connectivity? Can both watches use Apple Pay? Is the display quality different between the two? Do both Apple Watch models track sleep? Can both watches track workouts accurately? Are there differences in storage capacity? Is the microphone and speaker quality the same on both watches? Do both watches support fall detection? Can you use Siri on both watches? Are both watches compatible with all iPhones? Is the Apple Watch Series 6 better for long-term use? |