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Apple Watch Series 3 vs Series 4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Apple Watch Series 4 & 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 4 rather than the Apple Watch Series 3.

Why Do I Recommend The Apple Watch Series 4?

  • The Apple Watch Series 4 features a larger LTPO OLED display for better readability and a more immersive viewing experience on the wrist, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses a smaller OLED display.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 has the S4 64-bit dual-core processor for significantly smoother performance and faster app loading, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 uses the slower S3 dual-core processor.
  • It includes an ECG-capable electrical heart sensor to monitor heart rhythm and detect irregularities, while the Apple Watch Series 3 only has a basic optical heart rate sensor.
  • The Apple Watch Series 4 supports fall detection to automatically alert emergency services during critical incidents, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 lacks any fall-impact safety monitoring.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 features a louder speaker for clearer call audio and Siri responses in noisy environments, while the Apple Watch Series 3 has a quieter speaker.
  • It includes Bluetooth 5.0 for stronger wireless stability and longer range with connected devices, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses Bluetooth 4.2 with weaker signal efficiency.
  • The Apple Watch Series 4 comes with a next-generation haptic feedback Digital Crown for more precise control and tactile response when scrolling through menus, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 uses a standard crown without haptic accuracy.
  • Apple Watch Series 4 features a ceramic and sapphire crystal back for increased durability and improved wireless signal quality, while the Apple Watch Series 3 uses a composite back.

Maybe the Apple Watch Series 3 can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 4. 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 4Apple Watch Series 3
Display Size Options44mm42mm
Display AreaLargerSmaller
Display TypeLTPO OLEDOLED
ProcessorS4 64-bit dual-coreS3 dual-core
Digital CrownHaptic feedbackStandard
Electrical Heart SensorYesNo
Optical Heart Sensor2nd-gen1st-gen
Fall DetectionYesNo
Back MaterialCeramic + SapphireComposite
Bluetooth Version5.04.2
Speaker Output50% louderStandard
Microphone DesignNoise-reduced relocationStandard placement
Storage (GPS Model)16GB8GB
Wi-Fi Bands2.4GHz + 5GHz2.4GHz
Bezel SizeThinnerThicker
Frame Material OptionsAluminum, Stainless SteelAluminum
Haptic EngineNext-genStandard
Emergency SOS (International)SupportedNot supported
GPUImprovedPrevious-gen
Electrical SensorsDigital Crown + BackNone
PriceCheck Apple Watch 4 PriceCheck Apple Watch 3 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Retina Display: Both models include a high-resolution Retina display for clear text and graphics. This ensures that notifications, apps, and workouts are easy to read at a glance in daily use.
  • OLED Panel: Each watch uses an OLED panel, enabling deep blacks and high contrast. This improves visibility while also helping conserve battery when displaying darker watch faces.
  • Swimproof (50m): Both are water-resistant up to 50 meters, allowing safe use in pools, showers, and open water. Users can track swimming workouts without worrying about liquid damage.
  • GPS: Both watches include built-in GPS to track distance, route, and pace without requiring an iPhone. This is beneficial for runners and outdoor exercisers wanting phone-free tracking.
  • GPS + Cellular Options: Both Series 4 and Series 3 offer cellular variants. This enables phone-free calling, messaging, and streaming when paired with an active plan.
  • Accelerometer: Each model features an accelerometer for motion tracking. This helps monitor steps, detect wrist movements, and improve workout accuracy.
  • Gyroscope: Both watches use a gyroscope for detecting motion rotation. This enhances activity tracking and improves gesture recognition.
  • Optical Heart Rate Sensor: Each model includes a heart rate monitor for continuous tracking. This supports workout analytics, heart health notifications, and calorie estimates.
  • NFC (Apple Pay): Both support Apple Pay using NFC technology. Users can pay securely with a wrist tap without needing their phone.
  • Siri Support: Siri voice assistance is available on both models. Users can set reminders, control features, and get information using voice commands.
  • Music Streaming: Both watches allow music streaming and playback storage when paired with services. This helps users enjoy music during workouts without a phone.
  • Emergency SOS: Both support emergency calling functions to request help when needed. This adds a safety feature for unexpected situations.
  • Barometric Altimeter: Both include altitude detection for elevation tracking. This is useful for hiking, stair workouts, and precise fitness metrics.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Both models support Wi-Fi for data syncing and app functionality. This improves independence from the iPhone when on known networks.
  • Water Lock: Both watches use Water Lock mode to prevent accidental screen touches during swimming. After a workout, the watch can expel water from the speaker.
  • watchOS Compatibility: Each model supports recent versions of watchOS. This provides a similar software experience with many overlapping features.
  • App Store Access: Both can install apps directly from the App Store on watchOS. This enhances personalization and functionality with third-party tools.
  • Glances / Complications: Both models support customizable complications on watch faces. Users can view quick metrics such as weather, heart rate, or activity.
  • Activity Rings: Both support Apple’s fitness rings system for daily movement goals. This encourages consistent exercise and healthier habits.
  • Workout Tracking Modes: Each watch supports multiple fitness modes like running, cycling, and swimming. This makes both suitable for active lifestyles.

Common Features

FeatureApple Watch Series 4Apple Watch Series 3
Retina DisplayYesYes
OLED PanelYesYes
Swimproof (50m)YesYes
GPSYesYes
GPS + Cellular OptionsYesYes
AccelerometerYesYes
GyroscopeYesYes
Optical Heart Rate SensorYesYes
NFC (Apple Pay)YesYes
Siri SupportYesYes
Music StreamingYesYes
Emergency SOSYesYes
Barometric AltimeterYesYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesYes
Water LockYesYes
watchOS CompatibilityYesYes
App Store AccessYesYes
Glances / ComplicationsYesYes
Activity RingsYesYes
Workout Tracking ModesYesYes
Price Check Apple Watch 4 Price
Check Apple Watch 3 Price

FAQ

What sizes are available for both Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 3?
Apple Watch Series 4 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, while Apple Watch Series 3 is available in 38mm and 42mm. The size difference mainly impacts screen area and how the watch fits on the wrist.

Do both models support GPS and Cellular connectivity?
Yes, both Series 4 and Series 3 have models with GPS only and models with GPS + Cellular. Cellular versions allow calls, messaging, and streaming without an iPhone nearby.

Can both watches track swimming and other workouts?
Yes, both are swimproof up to 50 meters and track swimming automatically. Both offer a wide range of workout-tracking modes like running, cycling, and HIIT.

Do both models support Apple Pay?
Yes, both include NFC for Apple Pay payments, allowing secure purchases with just a wrist tap.

Are both watches compatible with the latest watchOS updates?
Both support modern watchOS features, though Series 4 will generally support updates longer due to newer hardware.

Do both models have heart rate monitoring?
Yes, both include continuous optical heart rate monitoring for health tracking. However, Series 4 uses a more advanced sensor for improved accuracy.

Can you stream music on both watches?
Yes, both allow music streaming and offline listening when connected to compatible services.

Do Series 4 and Series 3 include emergency features?
Both include Emergency SOS for calling emergency services when needed. Series 4 adds more advanced safety features like fall detection, but the basic emergency functionality is shared.

Can I install apps directly on both models?
Yes, both have App Store access from the watch itself, enabling direct app downloads and updates.

Do both watches have a Retina OLED display?
Yes, both use high-contrast OLED Retina displays that deliver sharp graphics and deep blacks, although Series 4 has a larger screen area.

Are activity rings available on both models?
Yes, both track Move, Exercise, and Stand rings to promote daily physical activity.

Do both include an accelerometer and gyroscope?
Yes, both have advanced motion sensors for accurate fitness tracking and improved gesture detection.

Can Siri be used on both watches?
Yes, Siri is fully supported on both devices for voice commands and hands-free control.

Are they both compatible with iPhone?
Yes, both require an iPhone for setup and syncing. They integrate closely with iOS features such as notifications and Health data.

Do both watches have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity?
Yes, both include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to stay connected to the iPhone and networks. Series 4 uses more modern wireless standards, but core connectivity is shared.