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
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 4 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Display Size Options | 44mm | 42mm |
| Display Area | Larger | Smaller |
| Display Type | LTPO OLED | OLED |
| Processor | S4 64-bit dual-core | S3 dual-core |
| Digital Crown | Haptic feedback | Standard |
| Electrical Heart Sensor | Yes | No |
| Optical Heart Sensor | 2nd-gen | 1st-gen |
| Fall Detection | Yes | No |
| Back Material | Ceramic + Sapphire | Composite |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Speaker Output | 50% louder | Standard |
| Microphone Design | Noise-reduced relocation | Standard placement |
| Storage (GPS Model) | 16GB | 8GB |
| Wi-Fi Bands | 2.4GHz + 5GHz | 2.4GHz |
| Bezel Size | Thinner | Thicker |
| Frame Material Options | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Aluminum |
| Haptic Engine | Next-gen | Standard |
| Emergency SOS (International) | Supported | Not supported |
| GPU | Improved | Previous-gen |
| Electrical Sensors | Digital Crown + Back | None |
| Price | Check Apple Watch 4 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 4 | Apple Watch Series 3 |
| Retina Display | Yes | Yes |
| OLED Panel | Yes | Yes |
| Swimproof (50m) | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| GPS + Cellular Options | Yes | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Heart Rate Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| NFC (Apple Pay) | Yes | Yes |
| Siri Support | Yes | Yes |
| Music Streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency SOS | Yes | Yes |
| Barometric Altimeter | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Lock | Yes | Yes |
| watchOS Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| App Store Access | Yes | Yes |
| Glances / Complications | Yes | Yes |
| Activity Rings | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Tracking Modes | Yes | Yes |
| 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? Do both models support GPS and Cellular connectivity? Can both watches track swimming and other workouts? Do both models support Apple Pay? Are both watches compatible with the latest watchOS updates? Do both models have heart rate monitoring? Can you stream music on both watches? Do Series 4 and Series 3 include emergency features? Can I install apps directly on both models? Do both watches have a Retina OLED display? Are activity rings available on both models? Do both include an accelerometer and gyroscope? Can Siri be used on both watches? Are they both compatible with iPhone? Do both watches have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity? |